November 2024 Rehoboth Reporter by The Reporter

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Rehoboth Town News

From the Clerk

Hello All ~ I hope the November issue of the Reporter finds you all healthy and safe. As we enter the month of November, this is a friendly reminder that quarterly Real Estate & Property Taxes were due Friday, November 1st.

11-05-2024 State & Presidential Election

by Earle Dias

Laura Schwall

By the time you receive the November Reporter, the election will be over, and we will know who will serve as our new President; as well as the outcome of other important races. Unofficial results for all races will be posted to the Town website after the votes are tallied on election day, and I will report on the official results in the December issue, once the election is certified (November 20, 2024) and forwarded to the Secretary of State. However, in this issue I would like to thank my wonderful Town Clerk Staff (Kerrie & Jenn) and Election Workers who have all put in long days/nights and weekends over the last few weeks in the administration of the election. Thank you all – we could not have done it without your help!

Suzanne Withers, Rehoboth Town Clerk

As many of you already know, unfortunately Suzanne Withers passed away on September 30th. A Celebration of Life service was held on October 26th; however, due to InPerson Early Voting I was personally unable to attend. I know Suzanne would understand why I wasn’t there, but I would like Suzanne’s family, friends and residents to know what Suzanne meant to me and what she has done for the Town.

Suzanne Withers, is most likely remembered for her 22+ years of service to the Town of Rehoboth as Town Clerk; however, Suzanne did so much more for the Town and she was also a Mayflower Descendant. Suzanne served as Rehoboth’s Town Clerk from 1975 to September of 1998. She served during a time when Rehoboth was much smaller and Suzanne knew almost every person by name!! When our family first moved to Rehoboth,

back in 1998, Suzanne was one of the first Rehoboth residents we met. Suzanne greeted our family with a smile and the comment . . . “you must be new here”. That was part of the charm of Suzanne and the Town of Rehoboth.

Suzanne served Rehoboth in many ways over the years beginning as an Elected School Committee member from 1969-1976, Publicity Communication Chairman of the 325th Anniversary Committee, Assistant Town Clerk from 1975-1976, Police Matron from 1983-1987, member of the Computer Committee from 19841999, served as an Elected member of the Board of Selectmen from 1986-1988, from 1988-1990 was appointed to the Charter Study Committee, 1992-1995 Grants Committee, from 1996-2000 Suzanne served as the Elected Clerk of the Water District, Suzanne also served from 1999-2001 on the Master Plan Steering Committee. When Suzanne retired in 1998, the Town was fortunate that Suzanne was appointed as an Acting Town Clerk for Election Day on 4/1/2002 and then an Election Inspector and Deputy Warden from 2000-2017 where Suzanne took a brief leave as an Election Worker to serve as a Registrar of Voters in 2007 but returned to her Election Inspector/Deputy Warden in 2008. After Ms. Withers’ retirement as Town Clerk, she also served on the 32B Insurance Advisory Board (2002-2020), Library Study Committee (2004-2007) and the Personnel Board (2011-2014).

I also had the pleasure of working with Suzanne while we both served as Trustees of the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society, which operates the Carpenter Museum, Blanding Library and Goff Memorial Hall. Suzanne is the reason I decided to become a Certified Municipal Clerk and Internationally Certified Municipal Clerk. Suzanne said when I took the position of Town Clerk – “you MUST get Certified – you get so much out of the classes, and you make forever bonds with other Clerks in Massachusetts”. Suzanne was right. Suzanne was a wealth of information and I requested many times that she think about writing a book about Rehoboth. I wish she had. Suzanne will be sincerely missed; however, her legacy and beautiful signature on many Town documents will live on for future generations to enjoy. My thoughts and prayers are with the Withers family during this difficult time.

2024 Dog License Reminders

Out of 2,350 dogs in Rehoboth, we currently have 369 license renewals outstanding. Please register your dog(s) either online, by mail, or in person to avoid any further late fees. Please Note: The State authorizes all Animal Control Officers to fine delinquent dog owners $50/day until they renew their dog’s yearly licenses; please do not let that happen to you, pay today. If you are over 70 years old, registration fees are waived; however, you still must keep your dog’s rabies vaccinations current and register your dog every year. Please renew your dog’s license now. You may pay by mail, at Town Clerk’s Office, or online @ https://permiteyes.us/rehoboth/ publichome.php . We also have the drop box outside of the Town Hall (340 Anawan Street-Route 118) for after-hours drop-offs. If you no longer have your dog, please call 508-252-6502 Ext. 3109 or Ext. 3112 or you may email TownClerk@RehobothMA. gov to update our records. Yearly dog licensing ensures all dogs in Rehoboth have updated rabies vaccinations. This process is in place to protect us all. ~ Thank you!

Town Offices Closed

Just a reminder, Town Offices will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2024 to observe Veteran’s Day and Thursday, November 28th for Thanksgiving Day. In addition to Thanksgiving Day, Town Offices will close at noon on Wednesday, November 27th and remain closed on Friday, November 29th, the day after Thanksgiving.

Please Thank A Veteran

Please take a moment on Veteran’s Day (November 11) to think about and thank the Veterans in your life, along with all the other Veterans for their dedication, service, and sacrifice for our Country. I thank you all!

Finally . . . Kerrie, Jenn and I would like to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. Have a healthy and safe November. I look forward to chatting with you again in December. Sincerely,

Laura

Rehoboth Animal Shelter News

The Rehoboth Animal Shelter has had a late-summer influx of cats and kittens, quite a few of whom are now ready for new homes. Pine is a grey tabby spayed female with a luxurious white bib and paws and a sweet temper. Artemis is a baby with black fur and big eyes. For more information or to make an appointment, or to report a lost or found pet, please call 508-252-5421 ext 126.

Artemis Pine

Rehoboth Events Committee News

We are looking for more members! Come join us!

All Month long in December:

Annual Holiday Decorating Contest

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to spread some cheer! We invite all residents to participate in the 4th Annual Light Up Rehoboth Decorating Contest. Let your creativity shine as you deck your halls and homes in festive decorations!

This year, we’ll be awarding winners in three exciting categories:

1. Most Creative – Showcase your unique decorating style and imagination.

2. Most Traditional – Embrace the classic holiday spirit with timeless decorations.

3. Over the Top Clark Griswold – Go all out with extravagant displays that would make even the most iconic holiday movie character proud!

Let’s light up our beautiful town together and bring joy to all who pass by. We can’t wait to see your festive displays!

January Rehoboths first Restaurant week: I have tried to create a little blurb that you can use and cut as necessary.

**Rehoboth Restaurant Week:

Join the Culinary Celebration!**

The Rehoboth Events Committee is thrilled to announce its first Restaurant Week, set to take place from January 5th to January 11th, 2024. This week-long celebration invites both local eateries and food enthusiasts to partake in a delicious culinary showcase.

During this week, participating restaurants will offer exclusive menus, featuring delectable dishes and unique offerings. It’s the perfect opportunity for patrons to explore new flavors and revisit old favorites while supporting our local businesses.

Calling All Restaurants!

Local restaurants are encouraged to join this exciting event. By participating, your establishment can gain exposure, attract new customers, and engage with the community. To join, simply email the Rehoboth Events Committee at rehobothtownevents@gmail.com.

To Our Food Lovers:

Mark your calendars and prepare your taste buds! Rehoboth Restaurant Week promises an unforgettable experience for everyone. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, come dine out and savor the culinary creations from our talented chefs.

For updates and a list of participating restaurants, stay tuned to our social media channels and the official Rehoboth Events website. Support local. Savor delicious food. Enjoy Rehoboth!

*Let’s make Rehoboth Restaurant Week a memorable celebration of food and community!*

Rehoboth Events Committee

Check Out Our Upcoming Events Here!

Rehoboth Employment Opportunity Assistant Collector

The Town of Rehoboth is seeking applicants for a full-time Assistant Collector to support the Town Treasurer. The individual will perform a variety of routine and confidential clerical and administrative work including collecting various types of revenue for the Town of Rehoboth. Acts on behalf of the Tax Collector in her absence. Position will be opened until filled.

Position: Assistant Collector Hours: Full-time 36 hour per week Clerical Union Position with benefits

Pay Rate: $23.85 – $26.48-depending on qualifications and experience.

Please visit the Rehoboth Town website at https://www. rehobothma.gov/town-administrator-board-selectmen/pages/ employment-opportunities to view information on recent job listings.

If you have any questions, please contact the Board of Selectmen’s office at 508-252-3758.

Thank you.

Seeking Volunteers to Join Rehoboth’s Personnel Board

If you are a Rehoboth Resident willing to invest a few hours per month to assist your town in maintaining a successful and productive workforce, please consider taking a position with our Personnel Board!

Ideally, we are seeking new members who can bring some experience in HR management and a working knowledge of employment law, but candidates with a background in related areas of business or a history of public service within a small municipality are also well suited for this volunteer role.

New members must commit to meeting one evening per month and be willing to research and evaluate employment policies and practices, edit job descriptions, review job classifications and do related administrative tasks outside of those monthly meeting times. Total time investment would be between 8 and 12 hours per month!

This is a challenging and interesting opportunity to bring value to your town while you learn more about Rehoboth and its town government! Our website shows our mission statement, agendas and meeting minutes - https://www.rehobothma.gov/personnel-board.

If you are interested, please email me at LEONARD.LEHRER@ GMAIL.COM and a Board member will follow up.

Best Regards

Leonard Lehrer Clerk, Town of Rehoboth’s Personnel Board

Rehoboth Land Trust News

What is your vision for Rehoboth? Do you imagine a place where families gather by pristine rivers, children explore thriving forests, and our community enjoys the countless benefits nature has to offer?

This dream is what motivated E. Otis Dyer, Jonathan Knowles, and William O’Keefe to establish the Rehoboth Land Trust. The commitment of these three residents to future generations sparked a movement, but your commitment has kept that dream alive for 35 years. For more than three decades, you and your neighbors have worked to safeguard Rehoboth’s natural treasures, not only for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren.

As RLT’s 35th anniversary comes to a close, we invite you to continue that tradition of long-term planning. Consider preserving your land forever through a Conservation Restriction. Include the Rehoboth Land Trust in your estate planning and create a lasting legacy rich with natural beauty.

Will you help protect our town’s wild spaces for generations to come?

Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference. And thanks to the generosity of two local businesses, your support can win you special goodies this holiday season!

From November 1 - December 18, 2024, every donation of $25 or more, or every photo taken at one of our public properties and tagged #RehobothLandTrust on social media, enters you into our raffle.*

One winner will receive a $30 gift card to Traditions Bakeshop in Rehoboth, MA.

A second winner will receive a $25 gift card to The Ice Cream Barn in Swansea, MA.

All donations help fund the Rehoboth Land Trust mission to protect the natural character and resources of Rehoboth.

Thank you for 35 incredible years of protecting our natural heritage. Together, let’s ensure Rehoboth remains a sanctuary for wildlife and people for generations to come. Best wishes and happy holidays!

*Donation may be online or check, and must be received by 12/18/2024. One entry per person. We will do our best but cannot guarantee gift card delivery within one week after 12/18/2024.

We welcome all ideas, photos, articles, news releases and notices that affect these areas. We reserve the right to refuse any submission, including classified/display advertising.

ALL NEWS ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE 25TH OF THE MONTH It MUST INCLUDE the name and phone number of the sender.

The Reporter is MAILED FREE TO THE TOWNS OF REHOBOTH AND SEEKONK twelve months a year. Subscriptions are available outside our distribution area.

Rehoboth Food Pantry News

The Rehoboth Food Pantry’s Annual Volunteer Meeting is Tuesday, November 12th from 7 - 8 pm at The Blanding Library at 124 Bay State Rd. in Rehoboth. An essential part of The Rehoboth Food Pantry is our volunteers. This meeting is to give the volunteers any updates about the pantry. We want to share information about how the pantry works, times when volunteers are needed, the types of jobs they can do, and answer any questions. We are hopeful that many of you can attend. Please RSVP by text to Paula or leave a message on the Food Pantry Phone at 508-493-1922.

It is hard to believe Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner! The Food Pantry continues to meet the needs of fellow Rehoboth residents who are facing food insecurity. It is because of all of YOU! Your generous donations (monetary, food items, and time) are critical in enabling the pantry to help our neighbors in need. We are so very thankful to the businesses and residents for all that you continue to provide! This holiday season we ask that you consider making a donation to the Food Pantry as our needs are always greatest during this time of year.

We are often asked if there are any particular items we need. This list can change seasonally, but today, those items most needed include:

Mac & Cheese, canned pasta (ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, beefaroni) Ramen Noodles Baked Beans, tuna fish in water, chunky peanut butter, canned -peas, green beans, potatoes, beets, carrots, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, Progresso Chunky soups (beef, chicken and chowder) pasta sauce ( meat or traditional), canned tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, any type of pasta, saltines, ritz type crackers- golden rounds, Cereals - Store brands are fine: Honey Nut Cheerios, Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Frosted Flakes, Regular and Decaf Coffee.

Continued on next page...

The Letters to the Editor and opinion articles do not reflect the views of the staff of The Rehoboth Reporter. It is not our intent to take sides on any issues, but to present all points of view.

Some special thank you’s to share:

• The Horton Estates Social Group - birthday celebration donations

• Rehoboth Congregational Church WKB, Mission Committee, and Endowment Fund for food and generous monetary donations

• Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and West Dighton Christian Church for the monthly food donations

• Hannaford Supermarket in Taunton weekly donations

• Gold Medal Bakery in Fall River for weekly bread donations

• Robin Feilding Rex & Birch Tree Sanctuary Food Drive

• Bob & Barbara for the delicious apple donations for the past 5 weeks

• Thank you so much to the Rehoboth Reporter Team for continuing to send out our message to the community

Some reminders:

The Rehoboth Food Pantry is at 51 Winthrop St, Unit 2, located in the rear of the building. We open our doors every Thursday, between 2:30 and 4:30 We are here to help provide food and other necessities to residents in need.

If you have trouble getting to the pantry, please call us at 508493-1922 so we can arrange a delivery of groceries for you.

For food donations, our generous town businesses have provided convenient drop- off locations to donate:

• Anawan Pharmacy - 224 Winthrop St. Rehoboth

• Blanding Library – Bay State Rd. Rehoboth

• Land-Tek – 477 Winthrop St. Rehoboth

• Loraine’s Stitch ‘n’ Crafts – 235 Winthrop St. Rehoboth

• Munroe Feed & Supply – 200 Fairview Ave. Rehoboth

• Harvest Tap and Table – 2685 Grand Army of the Republic Hwy, Swansea, MA 02777

Monetary donations can be made directly on our website https:// rehobothfoodpantryma.org/, via PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/ donate/?hosted_button_id=DR4FU8URSBZU4 or be mailed to: The Rehoboth Food Pantry, 51 Winthrop Street, Rehoboth, MA 02769

Holiday Gifts

The Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving

The Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Inc. is a local public charity whose mission is to serve Rehoboth residents by providing Christmas gifts, holiday support, and special occasion needs to our Rehoboth children and their families who are facing challenging times in their lives. For those in need of assistance with Holiday gifts, we have request forms available on our website www.rehobothblizzardofgiving.org. All request forms should be returned by November 13th. We cannot accept mailed lists that are not on the forms found on our website. If you have questions, please contact us by email: rehobothblizzard@gmail.com or phone Colleen McBride at (508) 966-8122. All personal information will always be kept confidential. We hope we can help make your Rehoboth family’s holiday season brighter!

If you would like to donate this holiday season, there are a few ways! As in past years, there will be gift request “snowflake” boards located around town, as well as gift collection boxes. Select a “snowflake” at one of our locations and shop for the requested gift or donate a new/unwrapped toy. All gifts should be returned by Dec 10th.

Our “snowflakes” (gift requests) boards and boxes will be placed November 22nd at the following locations: Anawan Cleansers, Rehoboth Post Office, Blanding Library, and Chartley Store. Additional collection boxes will be located at: Vino’s Restaurant, J&J Materials, Personal Best Physical Therapy, & RDL Equipment

Another way to provide support is by providing gift cards and tax-deductible monetary donations. Checks should be made out to “Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Inc.” and mailed to Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Attn: Cathy Edington, 61 Reservoir Ave., Rehoboth, MA 02769. If you would like to adopt a child or family, please contact us. Email: rehobothblizzard@gmail.com or phone Colleen McBride at 508 966-8122. Please check our website www.rehobothbliz-

zardofgiving.org for further information on adopting children/families, “snowflake” board locations, and gift collection box locations. We thank everyone for their support and generosity in making this project so successful!

As always, we are grateful for our wonderful Rehoboth community helpers! Your thoughtfulness allows us to continue to serve our Rehoboth families with children in need. As always, we welcome your participation and support of our mission.

God bless, Colleen McBride, Cathy Edington, & Cheryl Santos

Blizzard of Giving, Inc. (501-c3 nonprofit)

PS. We continue to provide birthday support throughout the year! Birthday forms are also available on our website.

New Roundabout Makes Debut at Route 44/118

By Joe Siegel

The Route 44/118 intersection has a new roundabout design and town officials say it’s working out well. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has been working on the project for the last 18 months. “The barrels are in place actually showing what the roundabout dimensions will be,” Rehoboth Selectman George Solas said Monday. “The traffic lights are gone and when one goes through the interchange, we’re actually going through that roundabout process and it’s pretty simple. The times I’ve gone through, there wasn’t a lot of backup of cars.”

The intersection had been the site of many crashes over the years and was considered one of the most dangerous in Massachusetts.

The $4 million project will involve utility pole upgrades, drainage improvements, roadway lighting, pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, and traffic signal removal, according to the District 5 Highway Division of MassDOT.

The project is being broken up into four stages, each with its own long-term Traffic Management Plan. Drivers who are traveling through the area have been advised to expect delays, reduce speed, and to use caution.

Town officials expect the project to be completed in July 2025.

Rehoboth Water Report

By Joe Siegel

Joseph Nunes, the Chairman of the town’s Water Commission, told voters at the September 30 town meeting that the board had offered opinions on various construction projects.

Nunes said the board had also submitted requests to the Board of Selectmen “to be more involved with other committees in town.”

“It’s an ongoing process with the Board of Selectmen with hope of a resolution in the near future,” Nunes noted. “The Commission is in communication with the Fire Chief to redo the water supply signs seen around water sources in town. These signs represent a source of water for the Fire Department and not a source of drinking water. The Commission supports an Aquifer Protection Zone that includes the entire town.”

Nunes said the Aquifer Protection Zone currently includes 40 percent of the entire community. “This must be initiated by the Planning Board,” Nunes added.

PSA: All businesses near the roundabout are open during construction!

Sounds of the Season

Location: E.P. High School Performing Arts Center, 2000 Pawtucket Ave Tickets: $20 adults, $17 seniors, Children under 12 Complimentary Music Director Beth Armstrong, Collaborative Pianist Victoria Lambrozo Accepting donations for the East Providence Townie Food Pantry

Rehoboth in Final Negotiations for Ambulance Services

By Joe Siegel

Rehoboth Town officials are finalizing details of a new contract with the Rehoboth Ambulance Committee. Rehoboth Ambulance is a private non-profit corporation which has been under contract to the town. “We will be ready to present an offer to (the Rehoboth Ambulance Committee) within a very short period of time,” Board of Selectmen Chair Skip Vadnais announced.

“We’ve just made a few more changes (to the contract),” said Selectman Rob Johnson. “The whole contract will benefit everyone.”

The town has also been awarded Bristol County ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to purchase a new ambulance. The Rehoboth Ambulance Committee will be able to use it as they see fit.

“This allows them to channel money into personnel and training and things like that,” Vadnais noted. “It gives them some breathing room.”

The other vendor which had submitted arequest for information was Stat Ambulance of New Bedford.

D-R Science Teacher Honored

By Joe Siegel

Thomas Ranley, a science teacher at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, has been recognized by the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers (MAST) for his exceptional contributions to science education. Ranley is the recipient of the Dawn Sather Exemplary New Teacher Award, a prestigious honor bestowed upon outstanding educators in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Ranley will be formally recognized at the MAST Annual Banquet in November.

Thomas Ranley

Ranley currently teaches Anatomy and Physiology Honors, Biology Honors, and Health classes. He holds a Master’s of Science in Human Performance and Health Fitness from Bridgewater State University. He completed an Accelerated Post Baccalaureate Program for Biology education, and is certified to teach biology (grades 9-12) and physical education (grades 5-12). Additionally, Ranley holds an endorsement in Sheltered English Immersion.

“Mr. Ranley is a truly exceptional teacher who deserves this recognition,” said Principal Jacqueline Ash. “His dedication, passion, and commitment to his students are inspiring. We are lucky to have him on our team.”

“This is a fitting honor for Tom and our #WeAreDR Community,” said Superintendent Bill Runey. “His success in the classroom is grounded in the most fundamental strength that a teacher can possess when trying to ignite the love of learning in students’ minds: relationship building. At DR, we empower our staff with the supports that shape the future of this District.”

“I am honored to have received this award,” Ranley said. “My time at DR has truly been phenomenal. The support from administration and my colleagues have been vital to my growth as an educator. Each day I am lucky to get the opportunity to work with students who will be future nurses, physical therapists, and doctors. I am grateful that I have the chance to help inspire all students to reach their future goals, including living the healthiest lives they can.”

Dighton

Runey Speaks at National Superintendents Forum

By Joe Siegel

Rehoboth Regional

School

District

Superintendent Bill Runey was chosen to speak at the National Superintendents Forum in Baltimore, Maryland on October 21.

“It is an honor to be asked to present on the national stage,” Runey said. “This is a reflection of the great work that is being accomplished in our #WeAreDR community. I am grateful to all stakeholders who are joining the renaissance in our district.”

Runey’s presentation, “Blueprint for Brilliance: Strategic Planning with a Crucial Progression from PK to 12”, is designed for school superintendents committed to fostering student success.

The presentation will guide attendees through the strategic planning process, emphasizing the development and integration of a Portrait/Vision of a Graduate across all grade levels.

These sessions are crafted to address timely and pertinent issues prevalent in the ever-evolving landscape of the K-12 industry, with a keen focus on the unique challenges faced by Superintendents.

Runey was invited to speak about his work in creating the new district strategic plan, DRiving Toward 2030, and the accompanying Portrait of a Graduate document. According to the K12Superintendents.com website: “The October National Superintendents Forum stands as an esteemed assembly, bringing together Superintendents from K-12 Public School Districts nationwide.”

A wide variety of districts, including both rural and urban landscapes, will converge, each dealing with its distinct set of challenges. District sizes will vary significantly, spanning from 1,500 to over 100,000 students. This years’ program theme is “K-12 Renaissance: Enhancing Student Outcomes through Superintendent Leadership and Reshaping the Perception of Public Education.”

Solas Will Help Dighton-Rehoboth’s CTE program

By Joe Siegel

Selectman George Solas plans to help Dighton-Rehoboth promote their Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.

Solas attended a recent event which featured D-R School Superintendent Bill Runey.

“We don’t compete with Bristol (Agricultural High School) and we don’t compete with Bristol-Plymouth (Regional Technical School),” Solas said Monday. “We do not want to have our CTE program go by the boards. There are eight levels they’re looking at to be able to develop.”

In March 2022, voters approved funding for a new $305 million building for BristolPlymouth. Although the project was rejected in Rehoboth, there were enough votes for passage in the member communities which at the time included Berkley, Bridgewater, Dighton, Middleborough, Raynham, and Taunton.

“I think it’s time that our vocational programs are updated,” said BOS Chairman Skip Vadnais. “Under the previous administration and school committees, (the CTE program) deteriorated into something that I thought was shameful. Not everyone needs to be a doctor or a lawyer, particularly you need to be a plumber or an electrician and a builder and repair motor vehicles. We all

have to have some specialties and vocational is so so important. Bill Runey is dedicated to developing that.”

Vadnais explained other vocational schools are getting “six or seven applications for one seat that they have.”

“That shows you the need and the want to put emphasis onto vocational development. I’m glad to see that Bill Runey is doing something about it and we should assist him.”

By Joe Siegel

Rehoboth’s Fire and Police Departments gathered on Redway Plain on October 12 for the town’s annual Public Safety Day.

The Massachusetts Army National Guard and National Grid gave demonstrations. There were also auto extrications and displays of fire engines, ambulances, and police cruisers.

The crew of Boston MedFlight was also present and allowed attendees inside the helicopter. Fire Chief Frank Barresi noted MedFlight had expanded its operations to Mansfield, a seven minute journey to Rehoboth.

Baressi was impressed by the turnout for the event. “There are three times as many people as last year,” he said.

Rehoboth Selectmen

Praise Police

By Joe Siegel

The Rehoboth Board of Selectmen complimented the work of the Police Department at Monday’s meeting.

“Chief (Louis) Dibacco is doing a very good job,” said Selectman Lenny Mills. “I attend a lot of their training. The Old Town Hall is where we do a lot of the training so that building has a usefulness. They have a program they’re working on with other communities.”

Mills noted members of the Rehoboth Police train on active shooter drills with members from other neighboring communities, including Seekonk.

“It’s an unbelievable thing to see what goes into that and the dedication and they do all that on their own time,” Mills said.

After nearly 40 years as a member of the Police Department, Chief James Trombetta announced his retirement last January. Dibacco, a Sergeant, was named Interim Chief until a permanent replacement could be announced.

Rehoboth Ramblings

by Leslie Patterson

Autumn Observations

What a year for acorns! The squirrels must be happy. Both the acorns and the leaves have been falling like rain, though the rain hasn’t been falling as of this writing. It’s easy to slip on all those acorns hiding under the fallen leaves. One hopes this doesn’t happen while walking the dog at a busy corner with traffic bearing down. Which brings me (again) to the problem of speeding drivers. When returning from a walk on the beach in Westport on Sat. Oct. 19, we were abruptly halted on I-I95 going west shortly before the Swansea Mall exit. This turned out to be due to a particularly gruesome accident involving three motorcycles that apparently collided with each other.

We were less than half a mile away from this disaster and when we finally got to the highway exit, we saw three motorcycles completely mangled and broken up lying on both sides of the highway. Their riders had already been taken away. So glad we didn’t have to see that. There were three ambulances summoned, in addition to the police and fire responders. The outcome must have been grim, and traffic was backed up almost to the Braga Bridge for quite a while.

Why do some drivers/riders feel they are immortal? Reckless drivers are seldom wreck-less. Why would you gamble your life away just for a few thrills speeding down the highway? I have seen motorcyclists weaving in and out of fast-moving traffic at high speed every time we’ve been on the highway lately. If they don’t even value their own life, I don’t know what it would take to make them stop this crazy behavior.

Other thoughts this fall: I was relieved that Hurricane Leslie avoided land entirely and went up through the North Atlantic, as did Hurricane Kirk before it. Neither of those storms made the news, except for weather news, but they must have caused havoc with transatlantic shipping.

How weird it must feel to have a vicious storm bearing your name, especially if it’s an uncommon name like Helene or Milton. What awful back-to-back tragedies for so many people with the hurricanes this fall. And there is something seriously amiss when hurricanes bring such severe rain/flooding to upland areas hundreds of miles from the coast, such as North Carolina recently and Vermont last year. This will not be the last of these weather disasters either.

Closer to home, they’re still working on installing the solar field at the former Camp Buxton off Pond Street. I think that I shall never see a solar panel lovely as a tree, to paraphrase here. The worst of it was seeing this and having to hear the wretched noise of bulldozers and chain saws turning a forest into an ugly scene of destruction all summer long. That part is mostly over and the panels are being set up. As I’ve said before, I don’t mind the solar panels per se and appreciate the need for solar energy, but it would be a lot easier to take if the installation had been in an empty field and not at the expense of many acres of woods being destroyed.

The only good thing is now we get a better view of the sky from the north, which theoretically should allow for better star-gazing. But I’m no good at seeing what’s in the night sky unless it’s a big bold harvest moon. I can never make out anything like meteor showers or comets, nor have I seen the northern lights, though I’ve enjoyed the photos of those who have seen them. They say we’ll get other chances for viewing them too. When the most recent comet apparently appeared, I just said “I’ll catch it next time”. Note that next time is 80,000 years from now. Oh well.

November brings the end of my beloved Daylight Savings Time. No need for me to rant about this since I’ve done so before. There’s nothing to be done but to try and adjust to it and look forward to March. This time of year, I always like to quote a poem by English poet Thomas Hood, which includes these lines: No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease, No comfortable feel in any member — No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds! — November!

Wreaths Across America

As we approach Veterans Day, Poppy’s Crew would like to extend heartfelt thanks to our Veterans and share our story.

With Respect, Honor, and Gratitude, we Thank You, our veterans, for your service and protection of our freedoms.

We are the August family and have come together as ‘Poppy’s Crew’ with the intent of bringing Wreaths Across America (or ‘WAA’) to the Rehoboth Village Cemetery and to be of service to our local veterans in memory of our veteran grandfathers and other family members. Inspired by the legacy our grandparents instilled in us Faith, Family, Community and Service.

The mission of WAA is to honor those who serve, remember the fallen, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. Poppy’s crew is named in memory of “Poppy”, a Proud US Navy Veteran, and “Nanny”, a proud Navy Wife, both who exemplified an immense love for their country and fellow servicemembers.

Each December, WAA lays wreaths on veterans’ graves across the nation, and this year, over 3 million wreaths will be placed at more than 4,200 locations. Our goal as Poppy’s Crew is to raise enough funds to sponsor a wreath for each of the estimated 550 veterans interred at Rehoboth Village Cemetery.

Participating in WAA at Rehoboth Village Cemetery marks the beginning of future initiatives to expand the program throughout Rehoboth. We encourage community members with veterans interred in other local cemeteries or historic burial grounds to reach out to us at waapoppyscrew@gmail.com if they’d like a wreath placed at their gravesite on December 14 to honor them.

We invite everyone to join us on December 14, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at the Veterans Gazebo on Redway Plain for a ceremony honoring our veterans, followed by a procession to Rehoboth Village Cemetery for wreath laying. Active duty members and veterans are invited to participate in this ceremony—reach out to us at waapoppyscrew@gmail.com if interested.

There are still many ways to be involved:

• Sponsor a wreath for $17 today by scanning the QR code or visiting www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NH0043P.

• Volunteer your time by assisting with fundraising events, attending the ceremony and signing up to lay wreaths at gravesites on December 14, 2024, or participate in clean-up efforts when the wreaths are removed.

• Flag a friend or community member through our “Flag a Friend” campaign. With a $17 Sponsorship, the group will place American Flags and a Yard sign showing the support of Veterans in the yard of the recipient for a period of time. The recipient can then donate to have the flags removed, or better – pass it on to another friend or family member.

• Share your Veteran’s Story with us - we are eager to learn of the sacrifice and service of our local veterans and their families.

Every day leading up to December 14th is an opportunity to raise awareness and bring our community together. Poppy’s crew is grateful for the support of the Rehoboth community and surrounding area.

Happy VETERANS

The Seekonk Scene

From the Seekonk Town Clerk’s Office

November is a time to say thank you. Veteran’s Day is a time to honor all those who served in the military. Please join Lorraine and I in thanking all the Veterans for their bravery, dedication, services, and sacrifices they made for our country.

The Veterans Committee will hold the Veterans Day Rolling Parade again this year on Monday, November 11, 2024. Parade participants will meet at Briarwood Plaza at 9:00 a.m. The parade rolls at 10:00 a.m. and will finish at Seekonk Veterans Memorial Park. Please come out to say thank you and support our veterans.

As a reminder, Town Offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Monday, November 11th.

Upcoming Events

Seekonk’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th from 4-8 pm at Seekonk Town Hall. Please join us for a fun-filled event that include ice skating, food trucks, activities, crafts, face painting, balloon art, hot coca, popcorn, cotton candy, crafters/vendors, and a very special visit from Santa arriving by the Seekonk Fire Department.

You can help decorate the tree for the tree lighting event by picking up a wooden ornament from Town Hall. After you have decorated the ornament, please return it to Town Hall between December 2nd and 6th so it can be hung on the community tree.

Seekonk Library is excited to be hosting the Owls of the World on November 16th. This event is sponsored by the Seekonk Conservation Department. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required at www.seekonkpl.org/events or https://bit.ly/3U6uqSX or by calling the Seekonk Public Library.

In Recognition

Lorraine Sorel was recognized by the Select Board for her 35 years of dedicated service to the Town at their October 16th meeting. Lorraine started with the Treasurer/Collector’s Office before becoming the Assistant Town Clerk in May, 2017.

Reminders

Quarter 2 real estate and personal property taxes were due on November 1st and trash bills were due on October 17th.

Classification - Public Hearing

The Board of Selectmen will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 6:00 PM or as close to that time as possible in the Select Board Meeting Room at the Seekonk Town Hall, 100 Peck Street, Seekonk, MA on the issue of allocation of the percentage of the tax levy to be borne by each class or property for Fiscal Year 2025.

Board and Committee Highlight Recycling Committee

The Seekonk Recycling Committee helps coordinate and implement various sustainability programs in town-including recycling education, food waste composting, reducing waste by switching to reusable products, rain barrels for saving water and reducing flooding, litter patrol for cleaning up our streets, and special recycling programs for hard to recycle products. If you have a passion to protect the Earth, or just want to reduce the amount of money we have to pay for trash-the Recycling Committee would love to hear from you. If you would like to volunteer, please complete a talent bank form and submit it to the Town Administrator’s Office.

Upcoming Fall Town Meeting -

Monday, November 18, 2024

Seekonk High School auditorium located at 261 Arcade Avenue

The Fall Town Meeting will begin at 7:00 pm Voter check-in will begin at 6:00 pm. The warrant will be available fourteen days before the meeting. It will be posted on the town’s website (www.seekonkma.gov). We hope to see everyone turn out for this important town meeting. Get involved – your opinion and vote matters! Upcoming SPECIAL Election NewsMonday, November 25, 2024

Seekonk High School LIBRARY located at 261 Arcade Avenue. Polling hours are 7:00 am–8:00 pm.

*IMPORTANT-Please note the change in rooms for this election* All four precincts will vote at Seekonk High School, 261 Arcade Avenue in the LIBRARY.

There will be NO early voting for this election. Those eligible to receive an absentee ballot will need to submit an absentee ballot application. This form can be found on the town clerk’s webpage at https://www.seekonk-ma.gov/280/Town-Clerk or by calling our office (508) 336-2920.

To qualify as an absentee voter:

• You will be away from your town on Election Day

• You have a religious belief that prevents you from voting at your polling location on Election Day

• You have a disability that prevents you from voting at your polling location

• You are on active military duty

• You are a U.S. citizen living outside the U.S.

• You are requesting an emergency absentee ballot due to hospitalization

• You are currently incarcerated for a reason other than a felony conviction

The Town Hall hours for the week of Thanksgiving is as follows:

• Monday & Tuesday 8:30AM - 4:30PM

• Wednesday 8:30AM – 12:30PM

• Thursday & Friday – Closed

We would like to wish everyone a Thanksgiving filled with health, laughter, family and friendship. We hope you have an enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday.

As always, please contact us (508) 336-2920 or by email at townclerk@seekonk-ma.gov if you have any questions. Thank you.

~Kristen and Lorraine

Sustainable Seekonk

By Christine Zadykovich, Recycling Coordinator @ Seekonk DPW

508-336-7407

The Seekonk Recycling Committee would like to remind residents of all the great recycling and sustainability programs and resources we have available in town:

America Recycles Day THU Nov 14th 630pm at Seekonk Library join the committee for a fun and informative session all about recycling and upcycling, then on MON Dec 2 2pm at Human Services join the committee for our “What’s In? What’s Out?” recycling discussion!

Seekonk Transfer Station/TARF (351 Fall River Ave) is open year round Mon-Fri 8am-3pm for drop off of yard waste (leaves, grass, twigs). Pickup will run through Dec 6th. Upcoming Bulky Waste Days: Mar 8, Apr 12, May 10. Passes are $29 and can be purchased at the DPW offices.

Seekonk DPW Offices (871 Taunton Ave) has textile collection bins & a Terracycle collection shed in the parking lot, and rechargeable batteries collection bin and eye glasses collection inside the

lobby. Drop off fluorescent light bulbs-including CFL bulbs & tubes. These should never go in your curbside bins! Single use alkaline batteries, incandescent & LED bulbs can go in your blue bag trash. String lights & extension cords are also accepted anytime. Propane tanks can be dropped off w/ purchase of blue sticker $8.50. Bulky Waste Pickup stickers available for the 2nd & 4th Weds of each month for most items, 3rd Tues for metal/electronics, & 3rd Weds for mattresses/boxsprings.

Food Waste Compost Collection at TARF: Black Earth Compost collection where residents can bring household food waste. Accepted items include: fruits & vegetables, egg shells, bread, cereal, meat & bones, wooden chopsticks & toothpicks, coffee grinds & filters and more. See BlackEarthCompost.com for a full list and tips on collection & transport. You can dump food waste directly into the bins or use certified compostable bags-no plastic bags please!

Don’t Trash It! Consider donating items that are still usable. If items are broken or no longer usable, pick up a special recycling packet at DPW or town website for FREE recycling resources.

The Library of Things- did you know the Seekonk Library has way more than books? With things like karaoke machines, metal detectors, stud finders, instruments, cameras, computers & more, it›s an amazing way to borrow what you need & save money!

Recycling Tip of The Month: It’s just about time for PIE! Apple, Pumpkin, Mince, Cherry or Blueberry-whatever you choose, please pay attention to the plate! Foil pie plates can be recycled in your bin (after rinsing!) compostable plates can go into your compost bin and glass plates are infinitely reusable! Start your own traveling pie plate-pickup cheap pie plates at the thrift store to leave behind for the hostess to pay it forward when bringing a pie along to another location. Please remember to recycle right, and…. Reduce-ReuseRecycle (in THAT order!)

Save The Date: Seekonk’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting!

Saturday, December 7th from 4-8 P.M.

Seekonk Town Hall; 100 Peck Street, Seekonk, MA 02771

This year’s events include: Ice skating by the playground from 4-8 P.M.; food trucks (last year’s favorite, Tim’s Lunch Box, is back!); NEW gift market with crafters and vendors; holiday-themed activities and crafts; face painting, balloon art, and more; hot cocoa, popcorn, cotton candy, and other refreshments; a visit from Santa, arriving by firetruck!

We sincerely hope that you can join us for this festive tradition!

Seekonk’s First Annual Community Ornament Event!

Santa wants your help decorating Seekonk’ s tree! Stop by the Town Hall to pick up a wooden ornament kit and take it home with you. Design the ornament with festive colors and drawings and return it to the Town Hall between December 2nd and 6th. The ornaments will be hung on the Town’ s tree and will be displayed at the tree lighting on December 7th. The ornaments will stay outside on the tree, so make sure they are somewhat weather resistant. When Santa returns home to the North Pole, he will take the ornaments with him as a keepsake of our town!

*Ornaments can be picked up in the Town Hall Lobby

$7,542 Raised by Seekonk L1931 Firefighters

2024 Fill the Boot Campaign to Support Muscular Dystrophy Association Celebrating 70 Years of Partnership

During the 2024 Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Fill the Boot campaign, the dedicated members of the Seekonk Firefighters Association Local 1931 took to the streets boots in hand collecting donations from Seekonk motorists; continuing a 70-year tradition of raising funds to support MDA’s mission to accelerate research, advance care, and advocate for the support of families living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases.

“The firefighters of Seekonk Local 1931 have gone above and beyond for MDA’s families during this year’s Fill the Boot campaign raising an outstanding amount of funds, their highest total in years.” said MDA Firefighter Partnership Director, Jane Testa. “We are so grateful for their dedication and for the generosity of those in

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Seekonk who have helped to raise critical funds for research and care, as we mark this historic milestone in our partnership with MDA.”

Funds raised through Seekonk Fill the Boot events go towards groundbreaking research, life-enhancing educational programs, a resource center, and support for multi-disciplinary medical teams at the MDA Care Center at Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence. They also help send more than 20 local kids to a transformative experience at MDA Summer Camp - all at no cost to families.

For more information about Fill the Boot or to donate online, please visit www.mda.org/ftb.

About the MDA and IAFF Partnership

The partnership between the IAFF and MDA began in 1954 when the organization committed by proclamation to support MDA until a cure is found, and the organization’s unwavering commitment to MDA has remained strong to this day. As MDA’s largest national and top fundraising partner, they have raised more than $700 million for MDA to date. MDA is grateful for the hundreds of thousands of IAFF members across America who have participated in Fill the Boot campaigns over the last 70 years and joined in its mission to empower people living with neuromuscular diseases to live longer, more independent lives.

Seekonk Firefighters “fill the boot” to support muscular dystrophy.

At Doorways, We Give Thanks

As we approach the annual day of Thanksgiving for all the blessings that we have been given, we at Doorways would like to take a moment to thank our supporters, in Seekonk and beyond, for their generous support of our mission to serve the less fortunate among our friends and neighbors. In the past year, 113 families visited the Doorways food pantry making over 2,500 shopping visits. Some households shopped weekly, others only once or twice, but every time one of those families made a visit, it eased the stress of soaring food prices and helped to maintain their wellbeing.

We are grateful for the innovative, anonymous donor who staged a yard sale and donated the substantial proceeds to Doorways. This donor suggests that “Doorways is open to fundraisers planning their own events and how effective they can be.” We are grateful for R&R Farms and the Curzake family who repeatedly shared the bounty of their harvest with our neighbors, week upon week. We are grateful for Boy Scout Troops 1 & 9, Cub Scout Troop 88, the Letter Carriers of the Seekonk Post Office, the students at our schools and the congregations at our churches for the many food drives that support our mission. We are grateful for the volunteers who staff our ministry. And finally, we are grateful for the hundreds of people who drop off food donations, or write a check, so that we can continue to fight food uncertainty in our community. May God bless you all.

Scouting for Food Sets New Record Collections for Doorways

Doorways Food Pantry extends its’ thanks to the scouts (and parents!) of BSA Troops 1 & 9, plus the Cub Scouts of Troop 88, who conducted their annual food drive in November and collected a record breaking 10,000 pounds of food for the pantry. The scouts and their parents not only collected the food, but they then transported it to Doorways and helped sort and stack the donations. We appreciate the time and hard work of the scouts and their parents. “The quantity of the food will help greatly” said Diane Fox of Doorways. “But the variety of brands and flavors is tremendous. It’s one thing to tell someone they can choose the food they like, but if there’s not a lot of variety, it’s not quite the same. The Scouts have made a great difference!”

Doorways also wants to thank the residents of Seekonk for their generous outpouring in support of the Scout’s food drive – your donations will fill the cupboards and grace the dinner tables of homes throughout our community this holiday season. You are a blessing to us all.

LtoR: Evan Fasteson, Alyvia Sequeira, Lauren, Kristyn Sequeira, Heather & Casey Lantagne.

Young men and women from Seekonk BSA Troops 1 & 9, and Cub Scout Troop 88, with their parents and Scour leaders, at the end of a long day of collecting and sorting donations.

Seekonk Animal Shelter News

Aggie is an adorable, short haired calico with beautiful markings! She is a young girl estimated to be around 1 yr and 9 months old. Aggie is friendly, enjoys being pet and is snuggling, but she does not seem to like other cats so she would do best as the only princess in your home. She is up to date on vaccines/tests, spayed and microchipped. If Aggie sounds like your purrfect match, please call us to schedule an appointment to fall in love with her. Seekonk Animal Shelter, 100 Peck Street, Seekonk MA, 508-336-6663

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Seekonk Firefighters Training at Old Hotel

By Joe Siegel

From October 2 through 4, Seekonk firefighters were conducting training exercises at the old Clarion Inn on Fall River Avenue. The hotel closed for good a few months ago and is slated for demolition. A new motel, retail shops, and a Whole Foods supermarket will be constructed on the site.

The building contractor, CM&B, allowed the fire department to use 47 rooms for the training, which included forcible entry and hose advancement.

Firefighters learned how to search for victims in a hotel fire, vent windows, and break through doors and walls. A smoke machine was used to simulate what it would be like in a real fire.

“It’s absolutely great training for us,” said Lt. Kevin English, who leads the department’s training division. There were 19 trainees at the hotel on October 3 and 15 on October 4, plus seven instructors.

English said Lt. Matt Bradford did “99 percent of the work” in setting up the training.

English praised CM&B for their cooperation, which included clearing a road in back of the property for the department’s vehicles to access. “They treat us unbelievably well,” English added.

Members of the Barrington and Attleboro Fire Departments also participated. The Seekonk Police Department was on the scene as well to provide assistance.

Select Board Chair Michelle Hines praised the cooperation between the Seekonk Fire Department and members of the Attleboro and Barrington fire departments. “I went over there and the Captain showed me all around and I was able to walk through the building,” Hines said at the October 16 meeting. “It was great. The three departments were all doing things together and they were breaking through walls and going up ladders. I thought it was pretty cool. I’m thankful that the owners (of the Clarion) and the general contractor allowed this to happen.”

Seekonk Fire Department Open House

By Joe Siegel

The Seekonk Fire Department hosted an Open House on October 12.

Information about fire prevention was provided to the public. There were also demonstrations, an obstacle course for children, and booths manned by other town departments.

Members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) shared information about the support they gave to emergency responders during disasters. CET Teams also help the

Aggie

Seekonk Firefighters training at the old Clarion Hotel before it’s demolished

community year-round by helping with community emergency plans, neighborhood exercises, preparedness outreach, fire safety education, and workplace safety.

The Seekonk Fire Museum had a booth. Residents can take tours of the museum and see the history of firefighting in town. The museum is at 211 Newman Avenue.

LaFleur Enjoys Deputy Chief Position

By Joe Siegel

Gerard LaFleur has settled into his position as Deputy Chief for the Seekonk Police Department. LaFleur, 51, has been with the department for 24 years. The North Attleboro native joined in 1991 as a part-time dispatcher. He later became a Special Police Officer in 2000 and worked his way up the ranks to Lieutenant. In addition, LaFleur served as a call firefighter. He obtained his EMT certification when he was 18 and worked for a private ambulance service for nine years.

LaFleur was promoted to Deputy Chief in April 2023 and serves under Chief David Enos. “We’ve worked together for over 20 years probably,” LaFleur noted. “I think he has a much better personality for that type of position than I do. I work better in this position.”

Law enforcement has been in LaFleur’s blood from a very young age. “I’ve always liked it,” he explained. “I had an uncle that was a Police Officer in town. I used to spend a fair amount of time with him. I moved in with my grandparents once I graduated high school.”

LaFleur has learned to keep an open mind when listening to citizens' complaints: “There’s always three sides to the story: one side, the other person’s side, and what actually happened. Perception is important.”

LaFleur notes how seeing different aspects of a situation has impacted his own way of seeing the world: “When you’re a young officer, you want to go out and do all the action stuff. You don’t want to deal with the regular complaints, such as speeding, noisy neighbors, drug dealers, etc. As you get older, you realize that this is the stuff that really matters to the citizens. I guess that’s a form of wisdom that you get with life.”

Continued on next page...

Having fun & learning at the Fire Dept. Open House last month

LaFleur enjoys the administrative aspect of his position but misses being able to go out on calls: “I’m there in case the (responding officers) need some help with something.”

LaFleur says staffing remains a big issue for not only Seekonk but for police departments all across the country. The process to get an officer hired and trained can be lengthy and expensive. One problem is there are far fewer applicants than 30 years ago. “The attitude has changed. When I started, I had to wait several years to get a full-time job so there was no way I was going to let anything happen once I got my opportunity. Pretty much no matter how bad things got I was going to stick through it.”

Many new officers decide the job isn’t the right fit for them and quit, or they find a higher-paying job in another community. Seekonk allows officers to transfer to police departments in other towns. “That’s tough for us when we just spent a year to train someone new, it costs in excess of $35,000,” LaFleur noted.

LaFleur said the expectations in the Police Department have evolved through the years, going from a militaristic type of environment to one allowing for more collaboration: “The difficulty in getting people and maintaining people has caused the culture to change to be more receptive and open to continuing newer ideas. We need to change the way that we’ve done (things) just to try to retain people.”

LaFleur has his own philosophy regarding police work: “I enjoy trying to do problem-solving, finding things that need to be addressed and finding ways of getting them taken care of. I like the challenge of trying to look outside the box.”

Seekonk Hires New Police Officers & Firefighters

By Joe Siegel

The Town of Seekonk has hired Taylor Carreiro and Scott Moore to serve as Police Officers. The appointments were made at the October 30 Select Board meeting. The board also accepted the resignation of Matthew Camara from the position of Police Officer.

Carreiro is a resident of Fall River and a graduate of the Plymouth Police Academy. He is employed as a Police Officer in Fall River and is working his way through

the Field Training program, Chief David Enos noted.

Moore is a town resident and a business owner. He also served in the United States Marine Corp. “I believe his maturity will be an asset to this relatively young department,” Enos said, noting Moore displayed a “strong work ethic and a genuine desire to give back to the town of Seekonk.”

The Fire Department also welcomed some new members, including Alex Bak as a Firefighter/Paramedic and Jayden Weyant, Brandon Botelho and Bryan Farry as entry level Firefighter/ Paramedics.

Cadime Proposes Route 6 Redevelopment

By Joe Siegel

Seekonk Town Administrator Shawn Cadime proposed a redevelopment of the town’s Route 6 business district, which has seen the departure of numerous restaurants during the last few years. “Part of that is going to have to be mixed use,” Cadime said at the October 9 Quad Board meeting with the Select Board, School Committee, and Finance Committee.

“I think we need to be more forward thinking in terms of what Seekonk looks like in the future. I think the best approach right now is a mixed use approach and trying to reach out to developers and property owners to redevelop some of their plazas. If we’re going to continue to go down the road where we’re just going to have these chain restaurants or these strip malls then we’re going to be in a very difficult position moving forward and I think we’re leaving a lot of revenue on the table.”

Seekonk’s Finances Stable

By Joe Siegel

Seekonk’s finances are looking healthy, according to Town Administrator Shawn Cadime. Cadime presented a first quarter

budget review for the 2025 fiscal year at the October 30 Select Board meeting.

• Real estate tax collections for the 2025 fiscal year are $12.8 million, which is a 25.6 percent rate.

• Over $1 million has been collected for personal property tax, which is a 28.1 percent rate.

• For motor vehicle excise taxes, the collection rate is slightly below the previous fiscal year. $171, 643 has been collected, which equals a 5.8 percent rate.

• Collections for the hotels and meal tax remain above target. A collection rate of 33.3 percent was reported for meals and 36.7 percent for hotels.

• The marijuana retail tax was also above target, with year to date receipts of $228,265.

• The average residential value is $521, 924, an increase from $494, 807 for the 2024 fiscal year.

• Town employee salaries are below budgeted projections by an amount of $933,000. “Vacancies and open positions are really driving those numbers,” Cadime said.

The Select Board will set the new tax factor for the year at their November 13 meeting. This will allow the Board of Assessors to set the new tax rates in December.

Seekonk DPW Building Costs Increase

By Joe Siegel

The cost of the new Department of Public Works facility continues to increase. The latest estimate from the DPW Building Committee is $41.4 million. The project’s start date is set for the first week of December. Construction is set for completion in August 2026. A vote to approve the funding will be held at the Fall Town Meeting on November 18, followed by a ballot referendum vote on November 25.

At a January 31 meeting with the Seekonk Select Board, the cost of the project was set at $31.2 million. The DPW Building Committee estimated the bond needed for construction was $29, 750,000. When the DPW Building Committee presented an overview to the Seekonk Select Board on July 24, the cost estimate of the project jumped to $40.7 million. However, the actual construction cost of the building is $36.5 million.

$1.4 million will be allocated for architectural and engineering services. OPM (Owners Project Manager) services will be $725,000. Owner contingency is $1.7 million. Project soft costs are $600,000. Furniture, fixtures, equipment, and technology allowance is $250,000.

The proposed design is for a 61,815 square-foot building. The garage will be 41,850 square feet. The remaining space will be for maintenance and administration. Brewster Thornton Architects came up with the designs for the facility. The complete building project timeline and architectural drawings can be viewed on the town web site – www.seekonk-ma.gov.

Select Board Considers Fire Station Future

By Joe Siegel

The Seekonk Select Board discussed the future of the abandoned fire station on County Street at their October 2 meeting. Department of Public Works Director David Cabral said there is no heating system in the building, which could be used for cold storage. “The inside of the building is constructed well and has been kept up pretty well through the years by the Fire Department,” Cabral noted. The DPW has been storing some of its machinery in the building.

Board Chair Michelle Hines wanted to know if the building should be demolished or if it was “saveable.” “If we do something to preserve the shell of that building, that building has got some potential,” Cabral said.

Board members expressed the desire to prevent the building from deteriorating. Cabral explained a new roof would need to be installed in order to protect the interior from rain. He said it may cost $60,000.

Board member Michael Healy disagreed, saying no money should be spent on the building because they didn’t know what it would be used for. “With no heat, you’re going to be in the same situation in five years,” Healy said.

“It would be worth the money if we can get good estimates for this,” Hines added. “I would be in favor of getting estimates to do this work from an outside contractor on the building as soon as possible so we can get the money and save the building.”

Seekonk Schools Not Restricting Access to Tri County

By Joe Siegel

Seekonk Schools Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell is disputing claims made on social media about students being denied access to information about Tri County Regional Vocational Technical High School’s programs.

“I absolutely believe in and support educating students in trades that allow for a post-secondary career path,” Kidwell said Wednesday. “Tri-County offers trades funded through the state’s office of

Career & Technical Education (CTE). By the contract that allows our students’ access to Tri-County, we (and any other town that is a member of Tri-County) cannot offer equivalent programs with CTE funding unless we have permission from Tri-County to do so.”

Voters approved $280 million in funding for a new Tri County High School last November. Kidwell has expressed concern about eighth grade Hurley Middle School students deciding to attend Tri County instead of Seekonk High School.

“(The high school) is focusing on other pathways such as Biomedical, Business, and Broadcast Journalism,” Kidwell continued. “We are also exploring community internships for seniors. The first of these have some of our high school students getting career experience in our elementary schools through the work of the Attleboro Area School to Career Partnership team.”

Kidwell noted state law requires the district to provide all students and families with information and access to the opportunities provided at Tri-County and Bristol County Agricultural.

Information about both schools’ open houses and application processes has been included in the weekly middle school newsletters. Lunchtime “meet & greets” for 8th graders who would like to learn more about Tri-County or Bristol Aggie will also be scheduled.

On November 14, an event will be held for eighth graders at the high school. The options for high school education will be discussed.

There will also be meetings with individual students “to discuss their hopes and interests to ensure that each 8th grader has the support they need to be successful in the move to grade 9.”

Kidwell added: “I hope, in the future, that social media users will spread positive information about all the opportunities HMS and SPS provide to support 8th graders as they plan for high school.”

Seekonk Schools Under Budget Microscope

By Joe Siegel

Seekonk Public Schools need a hefty increase in town funding in order to provide the same amount of programs and services for the 2025-2026 year.

Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell noted “significant cuts and significant changes” if the schools receive less than a six percent increase over the current fiscal year. Ms. Kidwell clarified that the schools do not expect to receive a six percent increase, given the challenges that all town departments face, with rising fixed and salary costs not offset by equal growth in revenue.

“I wanted to give you a realistic picture of what we’re looking at,” Kidwell explained at the October 9 meeting with the Select Board and the Finance Committee.

“We’re anticipating another year in which there may be cuts. There are costs in here that we do not have control over,” Kidwell said.

“From my perspective, to turn around and ask the town for a six percent increase year over year on top of the budget, it’s going to be very difficult,” said Select Board member Justin Sullivan. “We have a couple of departments which have already (given up) the staffing increases that they have desperately needed and desperately requested in order to help close that budget gap last year.”

Select Board chair Michelle Hines felt a six percent increase for the schools “will do significant damage to the rest of the town.” Kidwell acknowledged that the schools are part of the overall town picture and that we will all be working together to stay within budgetary constraints.

Kidwell said the school department would be placing two articles on the November Town Meeting warrant, including a “turnback” to the school stabilization fund and reimbursement for the clean-up costs following a microburst at Seekonk High School last June.

Another article regarding plans for a risk mitigation strategy for Hurley Middle School had been considered.

Kidwell said an estimate for a full replacement of the school’s boiler new header pipe for the existing three-boiler system was $700,000. The system has been failing for the last several years and has undergone costly repairs.

“We believe it’s prudent to withdraw the article to give the school committee more time to consider how they want to handle the heating (system) long-term rather than asking town meeting to allocate funding to any one solution at this time,” Kidwell said.

Town Administrator Shawn Cadime provided an overview of the town’s finances and capital projects. He stated the difficulty in providing the schools with any significant increase, noting the $1 million which will be paid on an annual basis to pay the town’s share of the new Tri-County Regional Vocational High School building project.

“We’re at that point where we’ve reached the cliff, it’s how do we stop from going over the cliff?,” Cadime said. “It’s going to be a team approach to figure out where the priorities are.”

“It appears there are going to be some tough changes,” Sullivan added. “I guess it’s going to be an interesting year in terms of understanding what the budget is.”

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Voters to Decide on $40 Million DPW Facility

Joe Siegel

Voters at the November 18 Fall Town Meeting will be asked to approve several major expenditures, including $40 million for a new facility to house the Seekonk Department of Public Works. The new DPW will be located on Town-owned land at 351 Fall River Avenue. The proposed design is for a 61, 815 square-foot building. The garage will be 41, 850 square feet. The remaining space will be for maintenance and administration. Brewster Thornton Architects came up with the designs for the facility. The complete building project timeline and architectural drawings can be viewed on the town web site – www.seekonk-ma.gov. If the article is approved, a ballot referendum vote will be held on November 25.The project’s start date is set for the first week of December. Construction is set for completion in August 2026.

There will also be a vote to amend the Town’s Zoning Bylaws to create a Multifamily Development Overlay District. The purpose is to allow for the development of multifamily housing development in accordance with G.L. c. 40A, § 3A, and protect the value of real property; to promote more sensitive siting of buildings and better overall site planning; to allow landowners a reasonable return on their investment; to facilitate the construction and maintenance of streets, utilities, and public services in a more economical and efficient manner; and to promote the development of a variety of housing sizes and types to create housing for people with a variety of needs and income levels.

School Committee Holds off on Reconfiguration

By Joe Siegel

The composition of the Seekonk School district will not be changing for the 2025-2026 year.

The school committee was unable to decide which grade reconfiguration option to choose to handle increasing class sizes at the elementary level.

Member Kyle Juckett said the Infrastructure Council, a Committee and community group led by himself and committee member Alicia MacManus, could be formed again for the purpose of studying the options and then they would make recommendations to the school committee.

Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell noted the problems the district has been facing will continue.

“We’ll make next school year work,” Kidwell said at the October 21 meeting. “We will, but Aitken is still going to be crowded and class sizes are still going to have disparate questions. We will still have challenges of what the athletic program looks like at the high school and what high school enrollment looks like.” In the last few years, Seekonk has been experiencing a rapid population growth. For the 2023-2024 school year, there were a total of 2,061 students with 1,021 students at Aitken/Martin and 1,034 students at Hurley and the high school.

One option which had been proposed would be to move the fifth grade out of Aitken and Martin elementary schools to Hurley Middle School.

In 2021, the 10 classroom addition to Aitken Elementary School was completed at a cost of $11 million. Former School Superintendent Rich Drolet said the project was needed to reduce class sizes. Modular units were used when the project was under construction.

Member Kyle Juckett suggested modulars could work at the elementary schools.

“We have two elementary schools with two different styles of educating our kids, so when we make those changes, it’s going to change a lot of that and again, it may only last for two or three years,” Juckett said. “If we move the Pre-K somewhere, it’s only going to last two or three years. Those changes aren’t going to last long term. I think we’re burdened by the amount of room that we have. I think modulars are the quickest ways (to add space).”

“It’s been a struggle in really trying to work collaboratively with everybody to make sure because we have to be fiscally responsible for the entire town,” said committee chair Meaghan Mahoney.

Kidwell believed the Infrastructure Council’s work could be beneficial if they were able to propose a long-term solution to the district’s overcrowding problem.

“We would love to show you some long-term options,” Kidwell added. “We will definitely not be spending time on short-term options when you’re asking us to research long-term possibilities.”

Club News & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Rehoboth Anawan Lions News

Great News! Gatlin Is Coming Back!!! The dynamic duo of Darrell and Andrea Gatlin from Florida will be returning to Rehoboth this summer. Watch for the date to be announced. They put on a fantastic show and are so very talented. You won’t want to miss this event! The Rehoboth Anawan Lions are ALWAYS looking for new members to come and join our group. We are part of an international group of people who provide help and assistance in any way we can to others less fortunate than us; not just locally; but all over the world. We have just participated in sending supplies to the survivors of the devastating hurricanes Helene and Milton. As you know, or may not know, Lions International is very involved with Mass Eye and Ear. They are also involved with hearing loss, diabetes, children’s health camps, our schools, and local organizations. If you like to help us help others, please contact our President Nadene at 508341-1987, our Secretary Charleene at 401-578-6083 or any other Anawan Lion. Have a safe, enjoyable Thanksgiving. We Serve.

Events at the Seekonk American Legion Post 311

351 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA 02771

508-336-9822

Donations accepted for Veteran Food Pantry

A donation bin will be located in the lobby of the Seekonk American Legion Post from Oct 15th to Nov 16th for non-perishable food and toiletries. All donations will be given to Operation Stand Down RI for their Veteran’s Food Pantry.

Fall Meat Raffles continue on Saturdays 11/2 & 11/9

Meat Raffles continue to be held on Saturday, 11/2 and 11/9 starting at 2 pm. There are 3 tables of steaks, chicken, pork, seafood, TV and other prizes. 50/50 raffles. Kitchen opens at 1 pm. For more information call 508-336-9822.

Drive By Poppy Distribution on 11/10 & 11/11

The red paper Poppy is the official memorial flower of the American Legion. The Auxiliary distributes Poppies so people can remember the sacrifice of our Military. Money received from distributing the Poppy can only be used for Veteran Rehabilitation. Poppies will be available in front of the Post located at 351 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA between 9 am and noon. All donations are appreciated.

Turkey Raffle 11/22

Annual Turkey Raffle on Friday, November 22nd. Raffle starts at 7:00 pm for 30 turkey baskets that include vegetables and all the fixings. Turkey Baskets raffled every 10 minutes. Admission is free. Raffle books are also available at the Post prior to the event. Please call Post at 508-336-9822 for information or directions.

Music at the American Legion

Friday Night Bands – starts at 8 pm

6L Camino – 11/15

Rock A Blues – 11/22

Hall Rental

200 person capacity. Contact Bob Reed for information at 508-336-9822

Rehoboth Garden Club News

The Rehoboth Garden Club began our new season of programs in September by welcoming our guest presenter, Sarah Newkirk, from Osamequin Farm in Seekonk. Osamequin Farm is a non-profit educational space and working farm that is committed to preserving the land and sharing farming space and resources in a cooperative farm setting.

In October, our club enjoyed a private tour of the Barrington Farm School. It is a non-profit inclusive farm committed to growing healthy food, offering environmental education, restoring soil health, community composting, and no-till gardening.

November’s meeting will take place on Thursday November 21, 2024 at 6:30PM, at the Rehoboth Congregational Church. It will feature a floral design workshop. Members will create a trio of centerpieces that can be used in different configurations and can be easily transformed from a Thanksgiving theme to a Christmas, Chanukkah or New Year’s theme.

New members are always welcome. For club and membership information please contact Michael Seebeck at 401-787-5206 or michaeljseebeck@ gmail.com.

Rehoboth American Legion Veterans Day 2024

A ceremony will be held on the 11th month, on the 11th day at the 11th hour at the Rehoboth Veterans Cenotaph on the corner of Route 44 and Danforth Street, followed by the placing of a wreath at the Rehoboth Veterans Memorial gazebo at Redway Plain.

A free luncheon for our Rehoboth Veterans & American Legion Post 302 members will be held in the afternoon at the American Legion Post 302 in Rehoboth starting around 11:30 Sponsored by “Rehoboth People have a Heart” organization. Call 508-252-4467 to sign up or sign up at Post 302 OR you can send an e-mail to Veterans@rehobothma.gov

The Hornbine School’s Woodstove

We have a wood-burning stove at the school that was installed when the school was restored in 1968. This enabled the association to have FUNCTIONS and class visitations, using the stove for heat, in the cold months of fall, winter and spring. In 1974 Doris Johnson, retired teaching principle at the North Rehoboth School and one of the Charter Members of the Hornbine Association, invited my (Mr. Downs) 3rd grade class to visit the school just before Thanksgiving. I remember how cozy we felt with the warmth from the stove. Mrs. Johnson gave us some history about the building before the children took part in educational activities. One activity included a short Thanksgiving presentation the students had practiced.

During the 60s and 70s the association continued to use the building for functions in the cold months. By the 1980s the association membership had dwindled. The school was mostly used for school visitations in the spring and fall.

During the mid-1980s, the Fire Chief declared the need for a fire exit if the school was to have occupants while the stove was in use. Because the expense for a “Fire Exit Door” was beyond the association’s ability to finance, activities were brought to a halt in the cold weather. For years, in the spring, the school teacher would arrive early to warm the building. Then, she would extinguish any remaining flames before each class arrived.

A few years ago, we determined that the stove was becoming too old and unsafe to use. At that time the association looked into many forms of heating for the building, including replacing the stove. We

settled on electric baseboards that were not very noticeable. We had the electric service updated at the same time to accommodate the heaters.

The old stove remains in the middle, front of the schoolroom for atmosphere but is no longer used. We can now accommodate groups like Girl Scout Troup # 338 that visited our school this October. (see our Facebook page = “Hornbine School Museum”)

A Whaling Voyage at the Blanding Library

Saturday, November 23rd 2:00-3:30PM

The Carpenter Museum and Blanding Library invite you to a jointly hosted program, A Whaling Voyage, Saturday November 23rd, 2-3:30PM.

Have you ever wondered what a day in the life aboard a 20th century whaling ship was really like? Long time docents at the New Bedford Whaling Museum Nancy Gentile and Captain Michael Taylor will take you through what it was like to be a crew member of the famous whaling ship the Lagoda. Attendees will learn about the business of whaling, products made from the catch, the geography of the trade, as well as what it was like to be a sailor’s wife waiting at port. Visitors will see artifacts from the Carpenter Museum’s collection related to whaling and will see baleen and harpoon demonstrations!

About the presenters:

Captain Michael HM Taylor spent the first half of his career in the British Merchant Navy, starting as Apprentice in 1958 and rising to Ships Master. He has sailed in all classes of vessels and to ports all over the world. In 1978 he came to the United States to manage vessels trading with project cargoes to North Africa and the Middle East. Later he was employed as Vice President at Maritime International New Bedford. On retirement, he farmed in South America before returning to Massachusetts where he now volunteers as a docent at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

Cpt. Michael Taylor & Nancy Gentile

Alicia Tavares

Above: Mr. Downs’ North Rehoboth School 3rd Grade students in 1974 giving a Thanksgiving presentation at the school, The wood-burning stove pipe is in the foreground.

Some Girl Scout Troop # 338 members writing on their slates

Nancy Gentile spent 39 years as a research librarian in private and public libraries. Her longest tenure was at the Robbins Library in Arlington, Mass. where she was Head of Adult Services. Nancy has been a docent at the New Bedford Whaling Museum for more than 7 years. She enjoys giving tours to student groups and to visiting adults weekly.

About the Carpenter Museum:

The Carpenter Museum is Rehoboth’s local history museum. Our mission is to collect, document, preserve, and share material culture related to the town’s history. We connect the Rehoboth community with these artifacts and with local history in general through our exhibits and programming. The Museum provides the wider community with research support, especially in the area of genealogy, and promotes learning about American history through direct experience with objects from the past.

Seekonk Lions Update with Paul Buckley

Hello readers of this fine publication. This is Paul Buckley, the current president of the Seekonk Lions Club. I would like to take some of this precious space given to the club to keep you informed of the happenings and history of the Seekonk Lions.

First, I would like to thank all that came to the annual Sam Adam’s Octoberfest celebration at Chris Gasbarro’s Fine Wine and Liquor in Seekonk. I have to say, out of the last four tastings that I have been a part of at the annual event, these “happy” people stayed right to the end. Ich lade euch ein Chris shouted to the crowd. In unison, the crowd with the help of Joe Zito (famed TV Maître D’) roared back Prost!

As we look forward to the coming months ahead, I wish to continue speaking to you as much as I can about the work of the Lions. We can see here in the Reporter club news, the Attleboro, Rehoboth, and East Providence clubs are making great things happen in our community. And to make those contributions happen it takes people. From those people that built these clubs, incorporating and getting successful clubs off the ground. To those today who are working as hard as they can to keep the good workings of these clubs moving along.

A few years back, there was one man who introduced me to the Lions Club. His name is Robert Caroulo. Bob was a member with me on the Seekonk Board of Assessors. Bob said to me one time, “Hey Paul, I am going to a Lion’s club meeting after our assessor meeting. “How would you like to come with me and see what the club is all about?” Well, it was a quick assessor meeting that night and I had time to venture out, so I took Bob’s invite and went along. I will not drag this story out too long, but I went to a few more Lion meetings…volunteered at the world-famous Seekonk Lions Club clam boils. And then I finally got hooked. Great bunch of folks having a good time while making a difference in the community. Bob steered the course for me in those beginning years.

Bob Caroulo recently celebrated his 90th birthday. The former teacher does not get around like he used to. He is now living in a nursing home, keeping in shape doing laps around the corridors keeping the young nurses at bay. But it is people like Bob (a Melvin Jones recipient), who stood up and put in the effort for over 20 years making sure respectable effects are fruitful and supportive to the community. I would like to end this column with an excerpt from a letter Bob wrote to the club in 2013. It is a letter that had pull back then and speaks volumes now. Until next time.

From Bob Caroulo…

“I suppose you have heard of the legend that represents opportunity as a capricious lady, who knocks at every door but once, and if the door isn’t opened quickly, she passes on, never to return. And that is as it should be. Lovely desirable ladies won’t wait. You have to go out and grab ‘em. I am your opportunity. I am knocking at your door. I want to be adopted.”

These words may sound familiar to many of you and some of you may even remember where you saw them. They comprise the opening paragraph of Helen Keller’s speech to the Lions Club at their first International Convention in 1925.

Helen Keller didn’t go to that convention with her hand out looking for a donation; she went offering opportunities for service, service for the blind that can only be provided by the sighted. Apparently, she captured their hearts, and they became her “Knights of the Blind”. And so, I guess that makes all of us “Knights of the Blind”.

Well, I know that all sounds very romantic but as modern-day Lions, we do much more than that. While it’s true that we donate the “lion’s share” (just a little play on words) of our funds to Mass. Lions Eye Research Fund, we also lend support to Diabetes foundations, food banks, local youth organizations, scholarships, etc., etc. I guess you might say we have a heart for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We also do some things that are just for fun, like a

“Chicken Barbeque” and an “Annual Fishing Tournament for Kids”. Where does the money come from to do all these things? Well, certainly not from me. While I wish I had enough money to support such noble causes, I don’t. That’s a major reason that I’m a Lion. I try to work at as many of the fundraisers that we have every year as I can. You know our motto, WE SERVE. We volunteer our time and efforts, we work together, enjoy the friendship and the camaraderie of our fellow workers and we raise funds to assist others who need help.

If you haven’t been taking part in all this and if we haven’t seen you for a while, what’s keeping you? Come on back, WE NEED YOUR HELP!

VICTORIA DORAN

President RIAR 2013, Broker Associate Liscensed in MA & RI (401) 458-2160 Cell victoriadoran.remax@gmail.com Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

AARON DORAN

Associate, Liscensed in MA & RI (401) 864-1644 Cell

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Left to Right. Conrad Catalano, Joe Delude, Bill Provazza, David Pitassi, and Bob Caroulo.

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Joe Zito Toasting

CHARLIEWOOD

American Legion Post 302 Public Events

• Try our Fish & Chips or Specials of the Week – every Thursday 4:00 till 7:00 P.M. & Fridays 4:00 – 7:30PM and Saturdays with a Band ONLY 6:00-7:30PM.Take Outs are welcome – call in your order in early for pickup at 508-252-9079

• Happy Hour! Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed 1/2 price Bar Menu 3-6:00PM

• Prize Bingo - Sunday October 27th at 4:00PM

• Trivia Tuesday and Darts Coming Soon - If you're interested in playing, email speedyjake@aol.com or call 315-415-2277

• For Events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/657024961125913/

• Check us out on Facebook - Photos since 2018 posted by our patrons… https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-LegionHall/258235277540573

• 2nd Sunday of Every Month, “All you can Eat Breakfast” 7:30am – 10:30am

Upcoming Events

• November 9th, 2024 - Saturday – 7:00 - 10:00 P.M., “Tumblin Dice “Old Time Rock “N” Roll, – No Cover Charge! – Food - Check with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, so sit back & have a GREAT TIME!

• November 10th, 2024 – Sunday -7:30 -10:30 A.M. American Legion & Anawan Lions Monthly Breakfast, Second Sunday of every month $12.00 donation - All you can Eat!

• November 15th, 2024 – Friday - 7:00 -10:00 P.M. – Rock-A-Blues Band with Classic Rock Music – No Cover Charge! – Food - Check with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, so sit back & have a GREAT TIME! https://www.rockablues.com

• November 16th, 2024 – Saturday - 7:00 -10:00 P.M.– Mike Higgins & The Dynamics - Live Music Entertainment playing Classic, Rock & Country - No Cover Charge! – Bar Food – Kitchens open – Fish & Chips - Check with the bar for the Specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, Dancing so sit back & have a GREAT TIME! Mike and The Dynamics |Facebook https://www.facebook. com/profile.php?id=100063173623981

• November 22nd, 2024 – Friday - 6:00-8:00 P.M., Sons of the American Legion’s Monthly Meat Raffle followed by Karaoke8:00-11:00 P.M. – No Cover Charge! - Food – Drinks – Singing, Dancing & having a GREAT TIME!

• November 22nd, 2024 – Friday - 8:00-11:00 P.M. + – Live Karaoke performed by our own Karaoke Entertainment, Come on in and sing a song or two – No Cover Charge! – Food - Check with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Dancing and sit back & having a GREAT TIME!

• November 23rd, 2024 - Saturday - 7:00 - 10:00 P.M.,– Live Music performed by Gutzy Right Duo Entertainment with Classic Rock Music – No Cover Charge! - Food – Drinks – Dancing & having a GREAT TIME! https://www.facebook.com/GutzyRight

• November 29th, 2024 - Friday - 7:00 - 10:00 P.M. – Greg Hodde’s Blue Reign, Classic Rock – No Cover Charge! – Food - Check with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Dancing and sit back & having a GREAT TIME! Play the Electronic Dart https:// open.spotify.com/artist/57RIFB8RMODxF0PXg6vVjT?si=%20 HGPY_GMWTAioT8epLo0GWg&nd=1

• November 30th, 2024 – Saturday - 7:00-10:00 P.M. - “Vinyl Frontier Band” from Attleboro Area with Live Music Entertainment playing Classical Rock Music – No Cover Charge! – Bar Food –Kitchens open – Fish & Chips - Check with the bar for the Specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, Dancing so sit back & have a GREAT TIME! https://www.facebook.com/Vinylfrontierband/

• December 6th, 2024 - Friday - 7:00 - 10:00 P.M.

• December 7th, 2024 – Saturday - 7:00 -10:00 P.M. – On3 Entertainment, Classic Rock – Classic Rock & County – No Cover Charge! – Food - Check with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, so sit back & have a GREAT TIME!

• December 8th, 2024 – Sunday -7:30 -10:30 A.M. American Legion & Anawan Lions Monthly Breakfast, Second Sunday of every month $12.00 donation - All you can Eat!

• December 13th, 2024 – Friday - 7:00 -10:00 P.M. – Live Music performed by Notorious Jones Entertainment with Classic Rock Music – No Cover Charge! – Food - Check with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, so sit back & have a GREAT TIME! Play the Electronic Dart Board or join our Dart League https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063368911454

• December 14th, 2024 – Saturday - 7:00-10:00 - BOMBSHELL BETTY PRODUCTIONS with Live Vocal Music – No Cover Charge! - Food – Drinks – Dancing & having a GREAT TIME - https://www.bombshellbettyproductions.com/ https://www. facebook.com/bombshellbettyproductions/

• December 20th, 2024 – Friday - 7:00 -10:00 P.M. – Rock-A-Blues Band with Classic Rock Music – No Cover Charge! – FoodCheck with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, so sit back & have a GREAT TIME! https://www. rockablues.com

• “NEW” December 21st, 2024 – Saturday – 7:00 -10-pm, BLOODLINE, Classic Rock – No Cover Charge! – Food - Check with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Dancing and sit back & having a GREAT TIME! Play the Electronic Dart https://open.spotify.com/ rtist/57RIFB8RMODxF0PXg6vVjT?si=%20 HGPY_GMWTAioT8epLo0GWg&nd=1

• January 3rd, 2025 - Friday - 6:30 - 10:00 P.M., January 4th, 2025 – Saturday –7:00 -10-pm. – Live Music performed by Nightlife Band Entertainment with Classic Rock Music – No Cover Charge! - Food – Drinks – Dancing & having a GREAT TIME! https//:www.facebook.com/groups/ nightlifebandri/

***Please note these events are subjected to change – Call First*** Last update SEPTEMBER 20th, 2024

Moon Path

The moon Lit a path Across the lake. There were No curves. There were No gates. The path Followed some boys On the Far shore. Never behind. Never before.

Don Gardner Seekonk

Audubon Society of Rhode iSlAnd

A complete listing of activities and programs are detailed in the Audubon Nature Tours and Programs, a free guide to connecting with the natural world. Register online at www.asri.org or call (401) 949-5454.

Meet Up with the Night Owls

November 2024 Highlights from the Audubon Society of

Rhode Island

Our local owls are busy setting up territories, finding mates and calling to each other in late autumn and through the winter. Join Audubon for brisk evening walks on the trails to search for resident owls during this magical time of year. Owl programs and prowls fill quickly – be sure to register early.

Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online and view a complete listing of programs through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

A Walk in the Garden: Quilts by Allison Wilbur

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI

Exhibit runs November 1 – December 31, 2024

Come immerse yourself in the delights of the garden at an exhibit of Allison Wilbur’s entrancing art quilts depicting birds, bugs and flowers. Vibrant colors and stitched textures celebrate the glories of the garden from great horned owls and blue jays to butterflies and praying mantises. An avid birder and gardener, Wilbur has been quilting for three decades and has exhibited her work nationally and internationally.

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; November 1 – December 31, 2024; 9:30 am-4:30 pm; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

Wednesday Morning Bird Walks

Locations Across Rhode Island

November 6, 13, 20, 27, 2024; 9:00 – 11:00 am

Audubon offers small-group Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Advance registration is required. Location will be sent to registered participants in advance.

Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday, September through June 2025; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.

Veteran’s Day Nature Programs

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI

November 11, 2024; 10:00 am-3:00 pm

Discover the natural world with fun-filled family activities including crafts, animal interviews, nature stories and more. No registration is required.

10:00 am - 3:00 pm: Craft Table

10:00 am: Nature Story

11:00 am and 2:30 pm: Animal Interview

1:00 pm: Fall Foliage Walk.

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

Owl Prowl at Caratunk

Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA

November 14, 2024; 6:30-8:30 pm

Search for owls at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge! An Audubon naturalist will start with a presentation on these amazing birds and will introduce one of Audubon’s feathered friends. After the presentation, head out on the trails, listening and looking for signs of these beautiful birds in their natural setting. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather.

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member $14/non-member Ages: 10 and up.

Owl Prowl at Fort Refuge

Audubon Fort Nature Refuge, North Smithfield, RI

November 15, 2024; 6:30-8:30 pm

Visit Fort Wildlife Refuge at night to search for owls! An Audubon naturalist will call for different species as you follow trails through the forest. While we never know if we’ll hear

or see an owl, participants will learn a lot and have a great night hike. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. The hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Advance registration is required. Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.

Owls and Ales at Fisherville

Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI

November 15, 2024; 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Meet one of Audubon’s amazing birds of prey in person! Come to the Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge for a presentation on these fascinating birds while enjoying locally brewed beers. Then take a guided walk through the wildlife refuge at night to look and listen for owls and other signs of animal life. Leave the kids at home —this program is just for adults. Come prepared to go outside on a chilly winter evening and bring a flashlight. Meet in the Nature Center.

Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $30/member, $35/non-member. Ages 21+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.

Owls of New England

Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI

November 21, 2024; 6:30-8:00 pm

There are a number of amazing species of owls that live in New England. You might have one in your own back yard! During this indoor program, we’ll take a pictorial look at our native owls, hear their calls, learn about their remarkable adaptations, and meet a live owl. Advance registration is required. Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.

Day After Thanksgiving – Celebrate Nature

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI

November 29, 2024; 10:00 am-3:00 pm

Give thanks for all that nature has given us. The day after Thanksgiving is for leftovers, but at Audubon it is also a day to rediscover why nature matters. Join fun bird-themed activities for the whole family. No registration is needed.

10:00 am – 3:00 pm Craft Table

10:00 am: Nature Story

11:00am and 2:00 pm: Animal Interview

1:00 pm: Turkey Trot Nature Walk! Walk off your turkey dinner (weather permitting)

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

Seekonk Public Library

Friends of the Seekonk Public Library

We would like to thank everyone who came to our big book sale in October. You made it possible for us to support the library with programs for all ages.

Because our sale was so successful, we are asking for more donations of books for future sales. We especially need adult hard and soft cover fiction.

Nature Photography Contest Reception

Wednesday, November

13 at 6 PM

Join us at the Seekonk Library on Wednesday, November 13 at 6 PM for the Nature Photography Contest Reception. We will celebrate the winners of this year’s contest and all the entries highlighting Seekonk’s beautiful natural spaces and ecology at this casual event. Come enjoy the remarkable photographs shared from all ages in our community and get to learn about the Seekonk Land Trust’s preservation efforts. Light refreshments will be served. Please register in advance in the online Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl. org/events. For more event information, visit www.seekonkpl.org or email library@seekonkpl.org.

From Hazardous to Helpful: Nail Polish Upcycle for America Recycles Day

November 14 at 6:30 PM

Did you know that nail polish is flammable and considered hazardous household waste which should not be put in the trash? Instead of holding on to old bottles of polish, bring them to the library on Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 PM for Nail Polish Upcycle: America Recycles Day Event to empty out the containers for safe recycling or disposal. We’ll use the old polish for handmade marbling and talk about other ideas for re-purposing this and other household products. You’ll also learn more from the Seekonk Recycling Committee about items in town that can be recycled. For planning purposes and to receive program updates, please register in the online Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org/events. For more information or help registering, call Adult Services at 508-336-8230 extension 56130 or email library@seekonkpl.org.

Owls of the World: Who’s Watching You

Saturday, November 16 at 11 AM

Presenters Marcia and Mark Wilson of Eyes on Owls have thrilled audiences of all ages with their live owl presentations for the past 30 years and now they will be coming to Seekonk Public Library! Join us at the library for Owls of the World: Who’s Watching You on Saturday, November 16 at 11 AM. Come enjoy New England’s favorite wildlife program! This lively couple introduces you to 6 live owls up close and personal. Each bird is safely perched on Marcia’s glove as she walks close to everyone, providing intimate views of these secretive birds of prey. And, everyone gets to practice the owls’ calls during the hooting lessons! The Wilsons highlight our local owls’ unique adaptations, habitats and behaviors in the wild, while sharing tips on how you can listen for and help protect owls yourself. Questions and answers are shared once the owls come out. Copies of Mark’s books will be available for purchase after the program. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Register in the Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org/events. This program is generously sponsored by the Seekonk Conservation Commission. For more information call Adult Services at 508-336-8230 x56130 or email library@seekonkpl.org.

New Technology Class Better Internet Searching

Tuesday, November 19 from 2-3:30 PM

Doing an online search for any topic will lead to thousands of results, but which ones are valid? Come to this session for tips on how to enter and review search results to get information you need and can trust.

You must bring your own device; make sure the device is fully charged. Space is limited; registration with a SAILS library card is required. Register in the Events Calendar at www. seekonkpl.org/events. For more information or for help with registration, call Adult Services at 508-336-8230 x56130 or email library@seekonkpl.org

Fall Craft Night Series

As the weather turns cooler, it’s time to take out our crafting supplies to prepare for holiday fun. Join us for this craft night featuring ideas from Creativebug, our online resource for professional crafting tutorials, FREE with your Seekonk Library card. Space is limited; register with a SAILS library card in the online Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org/events.

Beautify with Paper Flowers

Thursday, November 21 at 6 PM

From large centerpieces to small gifts and cards, flowers are a perfect embellishment. In this session we’ll practice making paper flowers for decorating projects big and small as featured in many Creativebug tutorials. Behold the power of the flower! For more information or help registering, call Adult Services at 508-336-8230 extension 56130 or email library@ seekonkpl.org.

Calm Your Holiday with Hygge Vibes

Wednesday, November 6 at 6 PM

If you could use a second helping of relaxation this season, this program is for you! Join us at Seekonk Library for Hygge Vibes for the Holidays on Wednesday, November 6 from 6 – 7:30 PM. Presenter Maria Holme, owner of Your Next Step, will give an introduction to this Danish concept of intentional living with a focus on simple daily pleasures. In this relaxing presentation you’ll get insight into Hygge (pronounced “who-gah”) and cozy lifestyle practices, just in time for the holidays. Come get ideas for sentimental gift giving and relaxing get togethers (oh, it’s a thing) along with well-being practices that are Hygge inspired. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Register in the Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org/ events. This program is free and open to the public through the generosity of a grant from the Seekonk Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For more information call Adult Services at 508-336-8230 x56130 or email library@seekonkpl.org.

Nonfiction Book Club: Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker

Tuesday, November 26th at 6:00 PM

Join us for a lively discussion of Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker on Tuesday, November 26th at 6:00 PM at Seekonk Public Library. The title is available digitally as an ebook and audiobook through Libby, or you may place a hold and pick up a print copy at the library. New members are always welcome!

“Don and Mimi Galvin seemed to be living the American dream. After World War II, Don’s work with the Air Force brought them to Colorado, where their twelve children perfectly spanned the baby boom: the oldest born in 1945, the youngest in 1965. In those years, there was an established script for a family like the Galvins-aspiration, hard work, upward mobility, domestic harmony-and continued on next page...

they worked hard to play their parts. But behind the scenes was a different story: psychological breakdown, sudden shocking violence, hidden abuse. By the mid-1970s, six of the ten Galvin boys, one after another, were diagnosed as schizophrenic. How could all this happen to one family

What took place inside the house on Hidden Valley Road was so extraordinary that the Galvins became one of the first families to be studied by the National Institute of Mental Health. Their story offers a shadow history of the science of schizophrenia, from the era of institutionalization, lobotomy, and the schizophrenogenic mother to the search for genetic markers for the disease, always amid profound disagreements about the nature of the illness itself. And unbeknownst to the Galvins, samples of their DNA informed decades of genetic research that continues today, offering paths to treatment, prediction, and even eradication of the disease for future generations.

For more event information, visit www.seekonkpl.org or email library@seekonkpl.org.

Sashiko Workshop: Patchwork Mittens

Tuesday, December 3 at 6:00 PM

Winter is coming, and you’re invited to get cozy at the library with a mitten-themed hand sewing workshop on Tuesday, December 3 at 6:00 PM. We’ll learn to do Sashiko, a Japanese method of functional embroidery that is meant to repair or reinforce fabric by applying beautiful but strong stitches to a cloth patch. Then we’ll use that method to upcycle fabric scraps into decorative patchwork mittens. In addition to its appeal as a current fashion trend, Sashiko promotes the tradition of appreciating the inherent value of available materials and making the most of resources in a beautiful and lasting way.

Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Register in the Events Calendar at www. seekonkpl.org/events.For more information, call Adult Services at the library at (508) 3368230 or email library@seekonkpl.org.

Festive Klezmer Music Concert with Cathy Clasper-Torch and Shelley Katsh

Wednesday, December 4 at 6 PM

Seekonk Public Library is delighted to announce a special Klezmer music concert taking place this December. Join us for the event Klezmer Celebration Concert on Wednesday, December 4 at 6 PM at the library. This festive concert will feature renowned musicians Cathy Clasper-Torch and Shelley Katsh and promises to be an unforgettable evening of vibrant, soulful music for all ages. These two talented musicians play multiple instruments including the erhu, piano, violin, accordion & cello. Register in the calendar for this free program at seekonkpl.org/events for planning purposes and to receive any program updates.

Klezmer music, with its roots in the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe, is known for its expressive melodies and lively rhythms. This concert offers a unique opportunity for the community to experience the rich cultural heritage and joyful spirit of Klezmer music. Bring your family and friends to enjoy an evening filled with music, culture, and community spirit. Celebrate the holiday season with the heartwarming sounds of Klezmer music! For more information, call Adult Services at the library at (508) 3368230 or email library@seekonkpl.org.

Teen/Tween Services

Teen Advisory Board

Thursday, November 7 at 3:30 PM

**Please note: Meetings are for TAB members only. To join, visit seekonkpl.org/teens and download the TAB application. Email the finished application to teens@seekonkpl.org or turn it in at the Research Help Desk in the library.

Your opinion matters! If you’re in grade 6 through 12, then you have a chance to make a difference at your library by joining the Teen Advisory Board (TAB). During the school year, we will meet once a month at 3:30 PM to share ideas about upcoming programs and discuss how we can make the most out of the library’s services for tweens and teens. This is an opportunity to practice leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement and to take an active role in shaping the library’s impact on your community. Becoming a member of the board requires a commitment to attend meetings regularly.

For more information, call Adult Services at the library at (508) 336-8230 or email teens@seekonkpl.org.

Writing Workshop

Thursday, November 14 at 3:00 PM

Did you know that November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)? If you’ve ever considered trying your hand at creative writing, then now is the time to give it a shot! Join us for a one-hour workshop on the basics of novel writing, including brainstorming, character development, worldbuilding, and more. We’ll do some writing and brainstorming games as well as a group writing exercise. Writing materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own laptop, Chromebook, or a favorite notebook or journal if you prefer. No writing experience is necessary.

This 1-hour event is free and open to tweens and teens in grades 6 through 12. Registration is required. Sign up using our new Events Calendar at seekonk-ma.whofi. com/calendar.

For more information, call Adult Services at the library at (508) 336-8230 or email teens@seekonkpl.org.

Computer Building Workshop

Monday, November 18 at 5:00 PM

Learn to assemble a computer from scratch! Freelance IT consultant and educator Peter Ferlazzo will explain the key components that make up a computer, including the CPU, motherboard, RAM, storage, and more, while guiding participants through the hands-on process of building a functioning computer, piece-by-piece. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity!

This 2-hour event is free and open to tweens and teens in grades 6 through 12. Space is limited and registration is required. Sign up using our new Events Calendar at seekonk-ma.whofi.com/calendar.

For more information, call Adult Services at the library at (508) 336-8230 or email teens@seekonkpl.org.

continued on page 42...

Commercial & Industrial Paving • Residential Driveways

HEATFORCE FUEL

Children's Services

Kindness Club

Thank You Cards for Service Members

November 1-16, Drop-in

Make a Thank You Card for our active, reserve, and veteran military members. All supplies will be available. Once all cards are collected we will send them to “A Million Thanks”. “A Million Thanks” goal is to send out cards to all branches of the military active and inactive. They collect all the cards and will distribute them before Thanksgiving. Kindness Club is a monthly drop-in or singular event share kindness with our community. Card making ends November 16th, leaving time for shipping to ensure military members receive their cards before Thanksgiving.

Little Explorers Sensory Playgroup

Nov 2, Dec 7 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

All kids ages 2-5 with a caregiver. Drop in to play with a variety of toys and unique materials to engage the senses and support the development of motor, memory, communication, and problemsolving skills in a fun and welcoming environment. This program is for children of all abilities.

Dino Party!

Tuesday, November 5, 6 PM

Ages 5-10. It’s DINOvember! Join MS Sandie to kick off the DINOvember festivities with a DINO Party! We’ll have dino-themed craft and activity stations, and an appearance by T-Rex! We’ll make salt dough dino fossils, talk about dino books, play dino games, make dino hats, and more! Registration required.

Community Film Jury Night, Seekonk Style!

Thursday, November 7 6:00 - 8:00 PM

All Ages. “What is a Community Jury Night?” Filmmakers worldwide are submitting films for the 16th annual Providence Children’s Film Festival in February. We need film enthusiasts like you to watch and decide which of these hot off-the-press films should make the cut. All ages are welcome. After munching some pizza, we’ll get to work. We’ll watch and then discuss... you can participate in the discussion or let your pencil and paper ballot do the talking. Watching films together is always an experience, and the Jury Nights are where the magic happens! Pizza arrives at 6:00 PM. Films start promptly at 6:30 PM. We wrap up the last film around 8:00 PM. You can show up anytime but if you want pizza... don’t be late! This event is a part of the Seekonk Public Library Winter Film Series.

POW! Science! Dinosaurs! Wednesday, November 13 3:304:30 PM

Ages 3-6. Join POW! Science! for a fun filled hour of everything Dinosaurs. Participants will learn about plant and meat eating dinosaurs, simulate dinosaur digestion in a “Whole Class’’ experiment, make two kinds of fossils and play a fun game to find other members of the dinosaur herd! Each participant will make a Paleontology journal and a take-home Etching Booklet of their favorite Dinosaur fossils complete with an official Pow! Science! cover page! Registration required.

Slime Lab

Tuesday, November 19, 6-7:30 PM (timeslots)

Grades 1-5. It’s SLIME TIME! Join MS Sandie for a 30-minute Slime Lab session! We’ll make some slime and pick some fun additives to make your slime into your own unique creation! Yes, your hands will get sticky mixing the slime, but don’t worry! It washes right off. Registration required.

Paws to Read

Wednesday, November 20, 3-4:30PM (timeslots)

Build reading skills and gain confidence in reading aloud by coming to the Library to Paws to Read! Register to reserve a 15-minute time slot to have your child read to Gizmo and Pepe, two adorable chihuahua/pomeranian mix therapy dogs. Research has shown that reading aloud to another person can help struggling readers with their overall performance and confidence. But did you know that reading comprehension improves even more when reading to a dog rather than an adult? It’s true! Each one-on-one private session is facilitated by Sandra Healey and her two dogs. Space is limited. Register.

Dinoman

Saturday, November 23, 10 AM

Ages 5+. Dinosaur tracks lead right to your library! Have no fear, Dinoman is here! With magic, merry mayhem, and magnificent props, the audience is taken on a trip throughout the Mesozoic era. We’ll talk about the age of the earth, how it is divided into eras, how fossils are formed, dinosaur behavior, and the newest finds.

Seaconke Wampanoag Pokanoket Tribe Visit

Monday, November 25, 6PM

Ages 5+. Join us at the library for a visit with the Seaconke Wampanoag Pokanoket Tribe in celebration of Native American Heritage Month!! In traditional dress, tribal members will tell Native American stories, teach us about their healing and medicinal plants, and lead us in traditional drumming and dance. The first 19 families to register will receive a free book to take home for further family discussion.

STORYTIMES

Baby Storytime - Tuesdays, November 5, 12, 19

Ages 0-18 Months. Join Ms Corey for a weekly storytime designed for children 0 - 18 months old. Bring a small baby blanket for the floor and enjoy a book followed by music, fingerplays & movement. Afterward, enjoy free time for belly time. It’s an important way to help babies strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles, and improve motor skills. Babies will be free to crawl through a tunnel, play with toys, read a board book, and enjoy some bubbles with you. Drop in.

Toddler Storytime - Mondays, November 4, 18

Ages 18-36 months. Join Ms Corey for a weekly storytime designed for children 18 – 36 months old. The storytime will include a book or two followed by music, fingerplays, movement, and yes, even bubbles! Drop in.

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays, November 7, 14, 21 (Turkey Tales)

Ages 3-5. Join Ms Sandie for a weekly storytime for the preschool crowd (ages 3-5)! Younger siblings are welcome! Each week we’ll be reading 2-3 stories and completing a related activity. Drop in.

As always, our storytimes focus on talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing- important principles for YOUR child’s language development and reading readiness!

Storytime on the Go - November 1-30

Create a storytime experience at home with Storytime On The Go packets. Each packet will include books and an age-appropriate literacy activity. The early literacy activities will support one or more of the five early literacy practices: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing.

Storytime On The Go packets are available for toddlers and preschoolers- just choose the packet that’s right for your child. Stop by the Children’s Room to pick yours up!

Fall Discount

Stump Grinding ~ Large Tree Removal

Ornamental Pruning ~ Seasoned Firewood Large Crane for Difficult Removals! No Damage to Lawn!

Landscape Design

News and Notes from... Blanding Library

By Leslie Patterson

Winter Garden Talk

Wednesday, Nov. 20th

Warren Leach from Tranquil Lake Nursery in Rehoboth will speak at the Blanding on Wed. Nov. 20 at 6:30. His topic will be “Plants for the Winter Garden: Perennials, Grasses, Shrubs, and Trees to Add Interest in the Cold and Snow”. This is the title of his new gardening book, which will be published this month.

A Whaling Voyage

Saturday, Nov. 23rd

If you have ever wondered what a whaling voyage in the old days was like, come to Goff Hall on Sat. Nov. 23. The Blanding Library and the Carpenter Museum will co-host a special program starting at 2 pm and featuring docents from the New Bedford Whaling Museum Nancy Gentile and Capt. Michael Taylor. This free event is open to all; no registration required.

Also in November: The next selection for the Blanding Book Club is “Finding Freedom” by Erin French on Wed. Nov. 13 at 7 pm. Please call the library for a copy of this memoir by a Maine chef/restaurant owner about overcoming all the odds to pursue her passion.

A Very Successful Book Sale

A big thank-you to all who made our annual used book sale in October our most successful one yet. Thanks to all who worked so hard on the sale, including the Boy Scouts who helped move all the books into the hall for us, and to Hollis Burkhart for her many hours of sorting books. The book sale is the main fundraiser of the year for The Friends of the Blanding Library. We welcome all new members who joined at that time. Your support helps us fund library programs such as those mentioned below.

Coming Up in December

• BREAKFAST WITH SANTA will be held at Sat. Dec. 7 with two seatings, 9:30 and 10:30, for children under the age of 12. Registration is required. Call the library at 508-252-4236. Chef Chico will be making his famous pancakes for this event. Hot chocolate, juice and fruit will also be served. Santa will be visiting, and photo and letter stations will be available. Join us for this fun and free event. Breakfast With Santa is generously supported by The Friends of the Blanding Library.

• GINGERBREAD HOUSES will also be returning in December. These popular holiday programs for children will be offered on the afternoons of Dec. 10 and 11. Call now to make reservations for one of these days. This holiday program is also sponsored by the Friends of the Blanding Library.

• HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Al Testa’s Renaissance V Brass Quintet will get us in the Christmas mood at Goff Hall on Sat. Dec. 14 from 1-2 pm. This concert will be part of a holiday open house that afternoon at the library.

History Group Continues

The history discussion group that meets at 11 on alternate Wednesday mornings at the library is now focusing on the Roaring Twenties followed by the Great Depression. For more information, contact hjcoleman@comcast.net.

Story Hours & Legos

Ongoing children’s programs at the Blanding include two story hour sessions, one for baby and toddlers and their caregivers on Tuesday mornings from 10:30 to 11. Story and Craft Hours for preschoolers ages 3 and up meets on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30. Siblings are welcome at both sessions. Drop-ins welcome. No registration necessary.

The next Legos at the Library session will be from 11 to 2 on Sat. Nov. 9. For all ages. We supply the Legos; you supply your imagination.

The Blanding Public Library, 124 Bay State Rd. Rehoboth, is open Monday through Thursday from 10 to 8, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 to 4. Closed Sundays and holidays, including Monday Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. The library is closing early at 4 pm on Wed. Nov. 27 and will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Phone: 508-252-4236. Information on Blanding events can be found under Blanding Public Library Programs and Events on https:// rehobothantiquarian.org/

Year-End Tax Tips

Written by Lars Lambrecht, CFP, CLU, BFA, AMPA, CDFA, CLTC, CSLP, owner of Island Time Financial Services, Inc.

Lars Lambrecht

Tax Deductions:

One of the most effective ways to reduce your taxes is to reduce your taxable income by contributing to a work retirement plan. For 2024, you can save as much as $23,000 ($30,500 if you are 50+ years old). These contributions have to come from your paycheck (e.g. you cannot send in a check). Plans have a limit as far as what percentage of your income can be contributed, so check with your HR department.

If you have a high deductible health insurance plan and Health Savings Account (HSA), you can fund it through April 15, 2025. HSAs are typically funded through your paycheck, but it is possible to mail checks in. The HSA contribution limit is $4,150 for a single individual or $8,300 for a family. This is increased by $1,000 per person that is 55+ years old.

Massachusetts laws changed in 2023 making cash and check charitable contributions tax-deductible. However, you must be able to itemize your deductions to receive a Federal benefit. Consider bunching your deductions in certain years to be able to itemize your deductions. For example, if you are donating $10,000 per year, it might make sense to donate $20,000 one year and then skip the next year. You can also consider establishing a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). The DAF provides a potential tax deduction the year that it is established. However, you have flexibility to distribute money from your DAF over time. DAFs can also be invested, so you may be able to just distribute earnings on the investments and have a perpetual fund to gift. If you are over the age of 70 ½, you are able to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA directly to a charity. There is no tax deduction on the gift, but you also are not taxed on the distribution.

Portfolio Strategies:

Tax loss harvesting is done when you sell an investment to produce a tax loss. Tax losses offset any capital gains income you have. You can also deduct an additional $3,000 per year of tax losses against other income. Any unused tax losses carry over yearto-year until they are utilized. To implement this, you should look at your cost basis to calculate potential losses. IRS rules require that you do not reinvest in a like-kind security for at least 31 days. So, you can sell an investment and leave it in cash for 31 days before reinvesting, or perhaps invest it in a different type of investment.

Another strategy is to consider selling items with a gain if you are in the 12% Federal marginal tax bracket, as no Federal capital gains taxes are due.

A final portfolio consideration is to convert some of your IRA to a Roth IRA. Taxes are due on conversions. However, there may be long-term tax savings by doing this. Once money is in your Roth IRA, it generally grows tax-free. A strategy I often employ is to convert “just enough” of an IRA to keep in a certain tax bracket. For example, if you are in the 12% or 22% marginal tax bracket, you may want to convert the maximum amount to keep you in your tax bracket.

Business Owner Strategies:

If you do not have a retirement plan established for your business, there is still time to get one in place. You can establish a Solo-K (this is a 401-K plan for sole business owners) through 12/31. You can establish a SEP retirement plan through the date when you file your tax return (including extensions). Consider making purchases for tax-deductible business items. For example, you can stock up on office supplies, pay vendors early, etc.

Lars Lambrecht, Rehoboth resident and Certified Financial Planner® practitioner, is available to answer questions or meet for a consultation. 617-947-6428

Mary (DiPietro) Thurber and Russell Thurber Celebrate 60 Years of Marriage

Mary and Russell Thurber will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on November 21, 2024. They were married on November 21, 1964, not at the current Mt. Carmel Church, nor the previous one, but at the original Mt. Carmel Church.

The happy couple resides in Seekonk, enjoying life. They have three children, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and their beloved dog, Coddie. Both Mary and Russell are graduated from East Providence High School before there was even a Seekonk or Dighton-Rehoboth high school.

University News

SNHU Summer 2024 President’s List

Manchester, NH -- It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Summer 2024 President’s List. The summer terms run from May to August.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

From Seekonk: Christine Miller, Cameron Reilly, Ty Wheeler

From Rehoboth: Matthew Fortin

Local Residents Named to Simmons University Dean’s List

Boston, Mass. - The following local residents have been named to the 2024 spring semester dean’s list at Simmons University in Boston.

Emily Rieben, Sophia Wilcox

Local College Student Inducted into the Order of the Engineer

Troy, NY -- On October 30, Nicholas Jankowski of Seekonk, MA, was among the 210 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute seniors inducted into the Order of the Engineer, a national organization dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards for the engineering profession.

Luise DiPietro, Sal DiPietro, Mary DiPietro Thurber, Russell Thurber, Russell Thurber, Inez Thurber

In addition to taking the Order of the Engineer pledge, each inductee received a stainless-steel ring to be worn on the little finger of their dominant hand. The rings represent each student’s daily commitment to serving humanity through engineering. These students will follow in the footsteps of RPI graduates who, since 1824, have applied technology and innovation to solving the world’s toughest problems.

Elias Kaba Wins Bronze at 9-State Fencing Cup in CT

Elias Kaba from Seekonk showcased his fencing skills by winning bronze in Y-14 Men’s Epee at the regional, 9-State Fencing Cup tournament held October 19-20, 2024, at the Chelsea Piers Athletic Club in Stamford, CT. The Y-14 event restricted athletes to those aged 14 years old and under. Pool competition started the tournament. Elias won five of his six initial bouts, a favorable enough result to earn a bye in the succeeding round of direct elimination and a rank of 14 out of 70 total fencers. He was victorious in the ensuing four DE bouts, three of the four quite close with scores of 15-12, 15-13, and 15-13. Elias advanced to the semifinal round where his competition ended, though not his rewards. He began the tournament with a national rating of “D” earned in 2024; the 3rd place win boosted his rating to a “C.” National ratings range from “A” at the highest to “E.” Elias is an member of the Rhode Island Fencing Academy & Club (RIFAC) located in E. Providence, RI. He trains under the supervision of head coach Jeff Mooney and the RIFAC epee coaching staff.

Rehoboth Film Festival a Resounding Success

Last month, Pasta Bedtime Productions debuted eight short horror films on a massive 40-foot screen at their inaugural, sold-out film festival held at Francis Farm. The event raised an impressive $3,841.63 for the Senior Center and was thoroughly enjoyed by all attendees. Mark your calendars for next year’s festival, set for October 18, 2025, at Bliss Field, with proceeds benefiting Rehoboth Youth Soccer.

Val Souza of Souza Family Farm with one of the many props she loaned for the event.

Chef Paul firing up his pizzas from Rehoboth Baking Co truck.

The beautiful wreath and bouquet that Sharon Hoskins of Brilliant Dahlia Farm made and auctioned off.

Michaela Oerman (Rehoboth Reporter) and Max Corso (Pasta Bedtime Productions)

Dunkin Donuts of Rehoboth kept everyone warm and happy with coffee and treats

Valter Rego Masonry

The 40-ft screen in daylight

Patrons watching the films at Francis Farm.

Pasta Bedtime Productions with sponsors and vendors

Max & Frank Corso with family

The Village Green Fair

Christmas in Attleboro Falls

Saturday, Nov 16th 9am – 2pm

Central Congregational Church, UCC

115 Commonwealth Ave.

Attleboro Falls, MA 02763

This year’s Fair will feature … Cookies by the Dozen - Hand crafted Items - Take-out Food = To-Go or Eat-inBoutique Jewelry - Handcrafted Knits

Christmas Tables featuring Christmas and Seasonal Decorations, Santas, Angels, Snowmen and Gifts

Homemade Baked Goods, Fudge, Jams, Jellies and Pickles made with love just the way you remember them!

Central Congregational Church Apple Pie Day

Saturday, Nov 23rd

115 Commonwealth Ave

Attleboro Falls, MA

Get your homemade apple pies for the Holidays. Makes a great hostess gift, too!

Remember to get an extra pie or two to save for those cold winter days! Instructions included for baking from fresh or frozen.

No Walk-ins. Must Pre-order by calling 508 699 7700 by Sunday, Nov 17th - late orders cannot be guaranteed. Remember to leave your name, phone number and number of pies you wish to order.

Cost $15.00ea. Payable in Cash/Check/ Card at time of pick-up.

Newport Mansions Offer Holiday Decorating Tours and Workshops

NEWPORT, R.I. – Have you ever wondered what it takes to decorate the Newport Mansions for the holiday season? Want to try making your own holiday wreath or learn how to arrange the perfect holiday floral display?

Tickets for the following Newport Mansions programs will be available starting Friday, November 1. Each event is limited in attendance, so tickets will sell out quickly. See www.newportmansions.org/events for details on these and other programs.

• Behind the Scenes: The Breakers Holiday Decorations – Thursdays, December 5, 12 and 19, 11 a.m.-noon, The Breakers, 44 Ochre Point Ave.

• Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop –Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m.-noon, The Breakers Greenhouse, behind The Breakers Stable & Carriage House at 53 Coggeshall Ave., Newport.

• Beyond Poinsettias: Floral Design for the Holidays – Thursday, December 12, 6 p.m., The Breakers Greenhouse.

For more information, please visit www. NewportMansions.org.

Business Spotlight

Igniting Young Minds Through Play ‘FUNdamentals’ is not your average Play Place!

By Bob Rodericks

“The main goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done. Play is the work of childhood.” This quote is from noted Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, who revolutionized the study of child development. Three local moms have opened a new business in East Providence which offers a range of opportunities for play-based learning experiences for children aged six months to nine years. “Our vision is to create a caring and inclusive play and learning environment that enhances the diverse developmental needs of children within our community,” said tri-owner Paula Farley-Kelly. “We strive to provide a safe and nurturing space where children feel valued, respected, and understood as individuals and can develop fundamental skills for lifelong learning through intentional play and small educational groups,” she added.

The Reporter visited FUNdamentals last month to see first-hand what the play center offers. Along with Farley-Kelly, there are two other partners. Kelly McDonald and Kristyn Sequeira make up this trio of highly educated, passionate and caring women who together have created an exciting Play-Based Learning center. While the three women have extensive professional credentials and experience, they smiled in unison when saying that of equal importance is the fact that each is a mom. Farley-Kelly is a certified special educator with over 17 years of experience within the education and special education field. She has worked as a classroom teacher, learning specialist, and administrator. She is experienced working with all ages of typically developing children including those with

Paula Farley-Kelly, Kelly McDonald and Kristyn Sequeira of FUNdamentals.

complex learning profiles, autism spectrum disorders, and other learning challenges. “I am passionate about creating a relationshipdriven approach and providing collaborative, fun, and engaging activities to help students (and families) recognize and capitalize on their strengths and abilities to be successful and confident in life!” she says with excitement in her voice.

Kelly McDonald, an Occupational Therapist with over 18 years of experience in several complex learning profiles, said “I’m excited to use my extensive experience working with children and families within the educational setting. I believe that all children can thrive when given the proper tools, supports, and opportunities,” McDonald continued. She is highly certified in the delivery of multiple therapeutic programs. “My passions include helping children with sensory integration, executive function skills and social emotional education,” she adds.

Kristyn Sequeira, a Speech & Language Pathologist expert with over 12 years of experience working with children of all ages, has a passion about connecting with children and their families. “I love using a play-based approach to foster their language and social emotional development. It is such a thrill watching children experience the joy that comes with learning a new skill!” she added.

Although this trio of specialists are highly trained and hold multiple professional certifications, the observation most noted by visitors and their children is the comfortable learning and playful atmosphere that is everywhere. The facility is bright, warm and very inviting with hands-on play & learning stations throughout.

“This idea came to us about a couple of years ago,” relates McDonald. “We all knew we wanted to provide more for children, we were working in education but weren’t sure what direction to go into. Should it be a pre-school or a formal setting and together we decided what was needed is a play-place. So, we decided on an Educational Play Center. We developed an open play component for those 6 months to 9 years old. That is every day, Monday to Friday from 9am to 2 pm. We added a 3:30pm to 5:30pm session for elementary students to come in and play.” Other specialty groups are also available.

Learning how to share space with other people and have those social emotional skills are critical to the plan at FUNdamentals. The plan is to transform young minds to foster happy and confident children. FUNdamentals is designed to also provide support for caregivers at the same time.

There is a very personal connection with the business and many of the client base attending FUNdamentals. Two of the three owners are living in East Providence, one is from Seekonk and all three laugh when saying, “yes, we know about the ‘Townie thing’ and we hear from our visitors all the time. We have been visiting all the local events like Fall festivals and back to school events, trunk or treats, just to interact with the community as we set up vendor tables, etc.”

Especially poignant for Farley-Kelly is the connection with her late grandfather, Dr. John Farley. Farley was a noted Riverside pediatrician for well over 40 years. Farley was an old-school pediatrician serving East Providence, East Bay and beyond. “Some of our clients who’ve come in have mentioned my grandfather. It’s a special memory. Farley-Kelly quiets for a wistful moment as she discusses her grandfather’s impact on the community. Dr. Farley, known as a tireless advocate for the health and welfare of Rhode Island children, died on October 18, 2016. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he received his medical degree from Tufts University in 1948, training at Boston-area hospitals, including the Floating Hospital for Children and Boston Children’s Hospital.

Farley settled in Riverside in 1953, where he launched a pediatric practice based out of their Willett Avenue home. He often made house calls, black leather bag in hand, and took patients’ phone calls late into the night. “He had absolute devotion to his patients and provided compassionate care and counsel to thousands of East Bay families,” recalls Farley-Kelly. The Adams-Farley Counseling Center in Riverside is co-named in John Farley’s honor. Farley was inducted into the East Providence High School Hall of Fame in 2004.

“We love seeing the reaction of parents and the kids once they get here and see our place. We want to stress that we are for all children. Kids all have different timetables and styles for learning and we fully are ready to meet all needs. The fields of health, education and medical can be difficult for parents to navigate through. We can help. It’s so important to be out and about (for kids) and to learn from others.”

Indeed, once walking through the door, kids of all ages light up with excitement at the many physical stations to play and learn much, because of that play. Farley-Kelly, Sequeira and McDonald give clients their full attention. They chuckle as they say they represent the entire staff. “We are the staff, we’re hands-on operators who love our jobs and are confident that we can meet the different needs of so many children.” One thing becomes immediately clear to visitors who may also remember Dr. Farley. His unique legacy continues at FUNdamentals. The beloved pediatrician would be immensely proud of the effort put forth by these three local moms to help nurture children. Local moms, armed with passion and skills to fill a much needed void in childhood health and education. More information can be found at www.playatfundamentals.com

Seekonk Human Services

The center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm, and Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm and Friday 8:30am - 12:00pm. We welcome all to come and enjoy the activities and companionship at Seekonk Human Services.

• Closed Monday, November 11, 2024

Thanksgiving Hours

• Closing at 12:30pm on Wed., 11/27/2024

• Closed Thurs,11/28 and Fri, 11/29

Friendsgiving

Wed, November 13th @ 11:30am

We invite you to our third annual Friendsgiving. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what and who we are grateful for over the past year. The best way to share those reflections is around the Thanksgiving table. The cost for residents is $10.00 and non-residents is $13.00. Preregistration is required by 11/6.

Healthy Aging Lunch & Learn

Wed, Nov 20th at 11:30am

The presentation will be about “Nutrition for Heart Health”, with Bristol Elder Services Registered Dietitian, Dawn DiMarco. You will learn what is good for you to have a healthy heart. These days there is so much nutrition information going around and most nutrition advice in the media is not accurate. If you are looking for nutrition advice, always ask a registered dietitian. Lunch is broccoli & cheese stuffed chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls, cookies, and lemonade. Preregistration is required.

Holiday Assistance Programs

Thanksgiving Basket

Are you in need of a Thanksgiving basket, or know someone in need? Please contact the office at 508-336-8772. All requests must be in by Tuesday, November 19, 2024. *Please note that all clients must have an intake on file and qualify by income or receiving public benefits (i.e., fuel assistance, food stamps, MassHealth, etc.)

Christmas is for Kids and Holiday Help

The holidays are filled with happiness, friends and family. Children especially look forward to the fun and presents. Seekonk Human Services works with community members to bring joy to children, one present at a time.

If you are a Seekonk parent, or know a Seekonk parent who is in need of gift assistance for their child/children please call Seekonk Human Services to inquire about more information. Intakes and applications are available at our office. All families utilizing this program will remain anonymous to donors.

All applications are due by Wednesday, December 4, 2024. For anyone who would like to sponsor a child or family, please contact our office via phone at 508-336-8772.

Sponsor a Senior

SHS will work with community members to help bring a personal touch to senior citizens. The goal is to provide seniors with outside contact and gifts to let them know they are not forgotten and alone.

The holiday season should be a time of joy with your loved ones. However, for some, that isn’t the case. Often times, the holidays are geared towards children and families, and those who are on their own tend to get left out. SHS will be collecting donated gifts and items to provide to those seniors who might not have close family, have a fixed income or both. Included items may consist of slippers, clothing items, hygiene products, reading materials, card games, word puzzles, gift cards and Seekonk trash bags. Homemade items such as blankets, scarves, hats and cards are great options.

All seniors utilizing this program will remain anonymous. If you are a Seekonk senior or know a Seekonk senior in need of some holiday cheer, please call at 508-3368772. If you would like to sponsor a senior, please contact our office at 508-336-8772.

Arts & Crafts

1st & 3rd Friday 9:30am - 11:30am

The fee for residents is $5 and nonresidents is $10.

• November 15, 2024 - Fall Themed Straw Hats painted with acrylic paints

• December 6, 2024 - Christmas Wreath Contact the office for more information. Preregistration is required with payment. Projects are subject to change.

Blood Pressure & Glucose Clinic

Wed, Nov 20th 9:00am - 11:00am

Seekonk Human Services continues to work with the Seekonk Fire Department to provide free monthly blood pressure & glucose screenings.

Let’s Learn Together!

Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 2:30pm

Do you have questions about using your smartphone, or tablet? Bring them to the Tech Help Hour. The goal of this session is to help each other learn how to use technology better. There is no set agenda, just your questions and answer, favorite tips and tools.

This program is moderated by Seekonk Public Library staff. Bring your own tablet, phone, or laptop. Please make sure your device is fully charged. Contact our office to register by calling 508-336-8772.

Tuesday Luncheon

Tuesdays at 12:00pm

Seekonk Human Services has partnered with The Hamilton Diner to offer weekly lunches! Lunches will cost $5 for residents and $6 for non-residents. The menu will be available at the office and on Facebook. Signups du by the Thursday before the scheduled lunch. Payment due at the time of sign up.

Nutritional Meals to Go

Tues / Weds / Thurs

Bristol Elder Services provides nutritional meals for lunch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to go. Meals come completely cooked and prepackaged. Meals need to be ordered the day before by 9:30am. Suggested donation of $2.25 per meal which will be due at the time of pickup.

The November menu is available at our office and on our Facebook page.

Christmas Time in Newport

Friday, December 13, 2024

Price: $129.00 Per Person

Depart 9:00am Return Approx. 6:00pm

Join us as we travel to Newport, RI. It begins with a visit to the Breakers Mansion. The amazing holiday décor is sure to impress and put you in the Christmas spirit! You will be having a delicious lunch at Johnny’s Restaurant. Lunch choices are: Baked Stuffed Scrod, Chicken Piccata or Pasta Primavera. Then we will have a 90-minute step-on-guide tour of the beautiful sights of Newport. You will also have free time in downtown Newport. Trip includes: motorcoach transportation, gratuity, Visit to the Breakers Mansion, lunch, 90-minute step-on-guide tour, Free time in downtown Newport. Payment due at registration.

Recycling Presentation -

“What’s In, What’s Out”

Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 2:00pm

Come to this free and fun event to learn more about where our trash and recycling really goes. Why is it important to recycle? What really should go in your bin? Learn about “What’s In, What’s Out” and learn about other recycling programs for batteries, mattresses, textiles, and other miscellaneous

items. You’re guaranteed to learn something new! Christine Zadykovich, Recycling Coordinator, with the Recycling Committee will give a 1-hour trash talk. All participants in the program will be entered to win a free set of reusable mesh produce bags plus lots of other fun giveaways to inspire you to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Preregistration is required and opens November 15th.

Holiday Bells

Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 2:00pm

Join us to celebrate the holiday as we welcome the Southcoast Bell Ringers! The Southcoast Bell Ringers will be bringing holiday cheer with their performance. This group of performers will be playing holiday songs that will bring a smile to your face! Preregistration required and opens November 15th.

Christmas Carols

Wed, Dec 11, 2024 @ 1:00pm

Come join us for a special event. This year we’re having a group of children perform Christmas Carols for us. This should bring you happiness and joy to listen to these children perform for you. There will be light refreshments served for all who attend. Preregistration is required and opens November 15th.

Holiday Party Singer, Lady D

Wed, Dec 18, 2024 at 11:30am

A Rhode Island native, Lady D loves to perform locally for all. Lady D is a multi-genre vocalist (jazz standards, Motown, Do-Wop, Disco, Smooth R&B, and Pop). She is known for singing in local restaurants in RI and MA. Come join as she sings holiday songs for all who attends this activity. Menu to be determined. Preregistration is required and opens November 15th.

Fuel Assistance

Income guidelines: Maximum income for one person is $49,196, for two people is $64,333, for three people is $79,470, and for four people is $94,608. Returning applicants must provide proof of income (pension, interest, dividends, 401K/IRA distribution). New applications must provide income, mortgage or rent bill, real estate taxes, homeowners insurance, utility bills (electric, gas and/or oil), social security card, government photo ID, and birth certificates for those under the age of 18.

Fuel assistance begins November 1st. For assistance, please call our office to schedule an appointment with our outreach worker. Applications are accepted until April 30, 2025.

Medicare Open Enrollment

During Medicare Open Enrollment, you can adjust your plan for the next year. Independent Medicare counselors help you understand your plan changes as well as other options you may have. Open Enrollment is open now through December 7!

*Please note all clients will be required to fill out a Medicare prescreening form to help us better serve you by looking up your current plan and comparing it to the future plans, if changes are necessary.

Telephone Reassurance Program

Our office will make a telephone call to an individual’s home at approximately the same time each day Monday - Friday (during our operating business hours only). This program is designed to connect people in need with ongoing, caring human contact and conversation. If we do not receive an answer, we will call back shortly after. If we do not receive an answer the second time, Public Safety will be called to check on the individual’s status. This program is designed for senior citizens, disabled persons and shut-ins who may be at risk of loneliness, social isolation, illness or injury. If you know someone you know is interested in this program, please call Nicole at 508-336-8772.

Medical Loan Closet

Our FREE Medical Loan Closet is available for Seekonk residents. Our inventory is dependent on donated items received, but may be limited based on need and space. For more information, please call 508-3368772 *30 Day Rental

Exercise Classes

Mondays

Movement & Meditation 10am

Strength & Cardio 1pm

Tuesdays

Drums Alive 9am

Wednesdays

Stability and Balance 8:45am

Drums Alive 9:30am

Thursdays

Mat Exercise 9am

Movement & Meditation 10am

Fridays

Dance Cardio 9:15am

Tai Chi 10:30am

*All activities are subject to pre-registration

Card Games

Play an old favorite or learn a new one!

• Canasta - Mondays at 11am. A card game of the Rummy family

• Hi-Low Jack (Pitch) - Tuesdays & Thursdays at 1pm. Win the game by having the highest card played in the trump suit

• Mahjong - Wednesdays at 1pm. Mahjong is a game of skill and chance that originated in China

• Cribbage - Thursdays at 11am. The first person to peg 121 points and get to the end of the board is the winner

• BINGO - Thursdays at 1pm. Regular games $1.00 for 6 games

• Specials $2.00 per game. A game of chance played with cards having numbered squares corresponding to numbers drawn at random

Email List

Join our email list! Things are changing so quickly these days and we want to be able to get the word out to you quickly. Please give us a call and give us your email address; we want to share fun activities, links to zoon and other virtual programing you may like.

Veterans Corner

4th Annual Veterans Day

Rolling Parade

Monday, Nov 11, 2024 9:00am

The Seekonk Veterans Council would like to invite all Seekonk Veterans to participate in a rolling parade, a parade of cars, motorcycles and military vehicles on Veterans Day 2024, Monday November 11th meeting at 9am and rolls at 10am. The parade route starts at Briarwood Plaza and ends at the Seekonk Veterans Memorial Park. No R.S.V.P. is necessary. This is a great opportunity for those in town to appreciate your service to the nation. A Veterans Day ceremony will take place after the parade at Seekonk Veterans Memorial Park, starting at 11am.

4th Annual Seekonk Veterans Community Leaf Rake

What: A community service event where we clean up yards for our Veterans and Seniors of Seekonk

When: Saturday, November 16th, from 9am-12pm // Rain Date: November 23rd

Where: Seekonk Residents’ homes

Who: Volunteer staff and students of Seekonk High School for our Veterans and Seniors of Seekonk

If you would like to have your yard raked, please contact VSO James LaFlame. Note, the number of yards raked will depend upon the number of student volunteers.

4th Annual Holiday Festival

The Veterans Council will be holding their Holiday Festival Tree Sponsorship at Seekonk Veterans Memorial Park during the month of December. For those who wish to get on the waiting list for a tree, please contact Veterans Service Officer, James LaFlame.

James LaFlame

Seekonk Veterans Services Officer Office 508-336-2940

Email: jlaflame@seekonk-ma.gov

Francis Hall

Rehoboth Council on Aging

27 Francis Farm Road, Rehoboth

Phone 508-252-3372

Fax 508-252-4716

Monday - Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm

Fridays 8:00am to Noon

The COA will be closed:

• Monday November 11th. Thank you to all of our Veterans!

• Wednesday @ Noon November 27th

Thursday 28th & Friday 29th

Happy Thanksgiving to All

Breakfast

Mon / Wed / Fri From 8:30-10

Lunch

Mon / Wed @ Noon. Come join us

Friendsgiving

Monday November 25 @ Noon

Tickets $10.00

Holiday Lunch

Monday December 16th @ Noon

Tickets $10.00

• Thanks to all who visited us at the Rehoboth Senior Citizens Club Bazaar

• Thanks also to our Hot Stitches Sewing Group and Art class students for donating their crafts to our tables.

Book Club

First Monday of Month at 10:00am

The Book for December is The 12 Clues of Christmas By Rhys Bowen

National Grid at the Senior Center

Mon Oct 21st from 10 to Noon

Customer Advocates will be available to meet one-on-one to discuss options to manage your energy bill and help you find assistance, including: Discount rates, Payment Plans, Budget Billing, Arrears Management Program (AMP)

Join Our Walking Club

Mon-Wed-Friday 9:30AM

Please note new start time

Join our Email List

Updates during the month COAmail@rehobothma.gov

Trivia!

Join us for Trivia the first Monday of each month

Craft Supplies Needed

We have Paper Crafting Class and a Jewelry/ Resin Making. We can always use extra supplies. Scrapbooking, Cricut Supplies, die cuts, embossing folders. Jewelry making and resin supplies. We are in need of cotton, flannel, and fleece fabric for sewing projects. We are accepting yarn donations for hats & blankets.

Your donations are greatly appreciated

Meals on Wheels:

Please contact Bristol Elders, Inc. at (508) 675-2101 for information on the Meals on Wheels program.

ACTIVITIES

Mondays

8:30-10 BREAKFAST

10:00 Walking Club

10:00 Bocce

10:00 Cornhole Toss

Noon Gert’s Café ~ Ltd seating ~ $5.00

1:00 Line Dancing (NEW) $3.00

Tuesdays

9:00 Dancer-cise $3.00

10:00-Noon Jewelry Making Class $5.00

10:00 S.E.A.T $3.00

10:00 Sewing & Quilting

11:00 Balance & Strength $3.00

1:00 Hi-Lo Jack

1:00- 3:00 Crafty Fun Classes $5

Wednesdays

8:30 - 10:00 Breakfast

10:00 Walking Club

10:00 Fiber Arts (Knitting & Crochet get together. Jane Williams

10:00 Bocce

10:00 Cornhole Toss

Noon Lunch Ltd seating ~ $5.00

1:00-3:00 Acrylic Painting Class $5.00

1:00-3:00 Dominoes

Thursday

9:00 Tai Chi $3.00

10:00 Drums Alive $3.00

11:00 Stretch & Flex Class $3.00

1:00-3:00 Paper Crafting Class includes Card Making, Stamping, etc. $5.00

1:00-3:00 Watercolor Class $5.00

Friday

8:30 - 10:00 Breakfast

10:00 Walking Club

10:00 Bocce

10:00 Cornhole Toss

10:00 Jenga

As always all pricing is a suggested donation. Please sign up for Lunch ahead of time. This helps Chef Chico plan the meals

Rehoboth Public Health Nurse

Geraldine Hamel, RN MSN: Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 508252-6502 ext. 3127 or 508-252-5947

Stephanie Reis, RN BSN: 508-252-6052 ext. 3128

Offering multiple medical services for our Rehoboth citizens: Home Visits, Vaccinations. Support groups: Bereavement, Caregiver Assistance, Dementia Support and more

• Wellness Clinic Wednesday 11:00-Noon

• Podiatry Clinic: Last Thursday of the month

• Blood Pressures & Glucose Screenings

Please contact Geri Hamel for more information on these services.

Rehoboth Senior Citizens Club News

Our Annual Fall Bazaar, held on October 19th, was a wonderful success! Thank you to all the club members and friends who worked hard before, during and after the event, to all who came to our Bazaar, and to Mother Nature who provided the beautiful weather!

Our next meeting will be held on November 21st, at noon, in the Arcade building at the Francis Farm Complex. Lunch will be a choice of either roast beef or tuna (or both) sandwiches, chips, and dessert. Please bring your own non-alcoholic beverages. We will be discussing observations about the Bazaar and our upcoming events while enjoying lunch.

See you there, Donna Howard, President RSCC

ChurCh News & eveNts

First Christian Congregational Church

17th Annual Veterans Meat Pie Supper

First Christian Congregational Church is once again saluting veterans with our 17th Annual Veterans Meat Pie Supper being held on Friday, November 8th from 4 – 7:00pm. First Christian Congregational Church, located at 1113 GAR Highway, Swansea, MA is in its 17th year of providing this “Donation Only Event” consisting of meat pie, whipped potatoes, veggies, gravy, rolls and dessert. Veteran’s Day is a holiday intended to thank, honor and celebrate all those who served in the military, in war time, as well as in peace time. Acknowledging veterans demonstrates our gratitude for all they do to preserve our freedoms.

ALL donations received are converted into food and service gift cards which Kevin Serpa, Swansea Veteran’s Service Officer, distributes throughout the year to Swansea veterans and their families who are truly in need. The people in our community have always been very generous in support of our veterans. If you are able to “help us help others” at this time, we gratefully will receive your donation which should be forwarded to First Christian Congregational Church, 1113 GAR Highway, Swansea, MA 02777 with “Veterans” in the memo line.

Thank you in advance for your support and kindness in this ministry to our veterans. We hope to see you on Friday, November 8th.

REHOBOTH BAPTIST CHURCH

Rehoboth Baptist Church is located on Route 118, two miles south of the Route 44 intersection. Visit our website for current information about our services or to contact the pastor or an elder.

A Christmas Carol A Community Covenant Production

Friday, December 13th at 7pm

Saturday, December 14th at 2pm and 7pm

Join us for a Traditional retelling of the original A Christmas Carol as adapted by Tanya Martin of Rehoboth, MA.

It is our hope that this heartwarming tale of redemption will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season together.

Tickets can be purchased at www.christmasinrehoboth.com.

Assistant Pastor Named

Most Rev. Jeffrey E. Megna, Pastor of Holy Cross Catholic Church, 141 Hornbine Road, Rehoboth, has announced the appointment of Rev. David J. Gonsalves as Assistant Pastor of Holy Cross Catholic Church, effective October 20, 2024. Mass is celebrated each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. An independent Catholic Community where all are welcome to worship!

Memorial Baptist Church News

Christmas Bazaar and Christmas Concert November 9th 9am-2pm

Vintage Christmas cheer awaits you at Memorial Baptist Church’s Annual Christmas Bazaar. Discover unique gifts, delicious holiday treats and delightful decorations to make your season bright. Bring your family & friends- there is something for everyone. Let’s make this Christmas season unforgettable.

December 8th-6pm

Get ready to be swept off your feet by the joyful music and entertainment of Mark209 this Christmas season. Bring your family & friends for a night to remember. Tickets go on sale November 1st and sell out quickly. Tickets are $10.00 each. Call the church office for more information 508-761-5142.

340 Central Ave, Seekonk, MA 02771

Seekonk Congregational Church News Sunday Services

We hope you will join us each Sunday at Seekonk Congregational Church UCC at our weekly services with Communion in the Sanctuary at 600 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA. All services begin at 9:30 and all are welcome. Licensed day care is available every week. Check us out, you will be happy you did.

We will continue to record our services and they are available the following day at Seekonk Congregational Church YouTube. Church School classes are also at 9:30 each Sunday with children starting in church on the 1st Sunday of each month.

Welcome Rev Dr Ruth Shaver

Interim Minister

We are thrilled to announce that we have an interim minister, Pastor Ruth who will guide us through the process of finding our future settled pastor. Join us each Sunday in making this a memorable welcome for Pastor Ruth!

Be A Well Being, Tuesday Nov 5th at 6 PM

Please join us for our 45 minute monthly gathering of quiet time which includes meditation, prayer and gentle movement all in the candlelit Sanctuary let by Sarah Stevenson.

The purpose of the Be a Well Being group is to provide a supportive and non-judgmental forum for exploring stress management strategies and all are invited to attend.

Fall Church Grounds Clean-Up - Sat Nov 9th 9AM

Volunteers needed for cleanup of Church grounds Sign up sheet in Hall. If you have any questions please contact: Trish Sweeney 508-736-8434

Open Mic Night Friday November 15, 2024

Our Music and Arts Committee present the return of our open mic night On Friday Nov 15 from 6:30 to 9 PM in the hall. It’s time to share your talents, singing, playing musical instruments, comedy, dance - all talent is needed. All ages are invited. We invite you to be part of the entertainment or come and enjoy. This is always a fun night.

Thanksgiving Sunday November 24th 9:30 AM

“Bring A Friend Sunday” Our Service will be fashioned after the early Pilgrim worship!

• The five grains will be given in remembrance of the first Thanksgiving

• Children will begin in Worship - Preschool through Grade 8

• Please Bring: Canned and boxed goods to fill holiday food baskets.

• Autumn Café follows both services!

Christmas & Advent Service

December 1: 9:30 The 1st Advent Candle of Hope will be lighted.

Our beautiful “Hanging of the Greens” Service with pageantry, special music, lighting of the tree, and fifth graders presenting the symbols of our advent and Christmas faith. One of the year’s most beautiful worship services!

Christmas Bazaar Saturday December 7, 2024

Mark your calendars for our annual Christmas bazaar 9AM to 2 PM, a wonderful Seekonk Congregational Church tradition. With beautiful wreaths and centerpieces, ham and beans and amazing baked goods, Grandma’s Attic with all sorts of Christmas items, pictures with Santa and So Much more!

On-Going Mission Concerns & Needs

• Food For Any You Know Who Have Financial Challenges: granola/ cereal bars, cereal (especially Cheerios), food in pouches that doesn’t need heating, or peanut butter

• The Clothing Shed is at the end of the County Street parking lot. Drop off your clothing, shoes, belts, purses, blankets, sheets, curtains, pillowcases or stuffed animal donations in a tied up bag.

• Cans & Bottles MA deposit Only: Save the environment and people!! Bring donations to the green bins - Fall River Ave parking lot- lift lid - drop in clean bottles and cans. DEPOSIT ONLY, no water bottles please

If you have any questions on the above or wish to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, please email Donna.euell@gmail.com. All events and services are open to ALL. Please check out our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/SeekonkCongregationalChurch/ for updates.

No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome at Seekonk Congregational Church.

Newman Congregational Church Square Dance

Sunday, November 10 from 4-6:30pm

The dances will include Squares, longways Contra-style reels, big circle dances, couple dances with an occasional dance for three, and Play-Party song dances. Beginners are welcome! Come enjoy the community of people and let the music move you! Live music will be provided by The Vox Hunters Trio with Caller and Fiddler, Henry Chapin.

This year’s final dance will be November 10 from 4-6:30 pm. The public is cordially invited! There is a suggested donation of $5/person with a $25 maximum per family. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

29th Annual Mission Bazaar

Saturday, December 7th 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Newman Congregational Church, UCC will host their 28th Annual Mission Bazaar. All proceeds are donated to various charities. The previous year's beneficiaries include Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi, our Haiti mission, foster children, and BIPOC Racial Justice Scholarship.

Amongst the tables you will find ornaments; “Newman’s Own” Country Store featuring a variety of crafts, breads, and cookies. There will be decorated fresh balsam wreaths, hand-knit items, quilted items, fleece scarves, handmade crafts, and jewelry and gift baskets. You are sure to find treasures at “Newman Marcus” (our white elephant tables). Our kitchen will be open for snacks and lunch so bring your friends and enjoy the festivities!

November - Racial Justice Book Discussion

As part of Newman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ’s ongoing commitment to education and dialogue on structural racism and white supremacy, we invite the wider community to participate in our monthly book discussions.

The book group meets using the Zoom platform on Monday evenings from 7pm to 8:30pm EST over three consecutive weeks.

Our November discussion of “Call Us What We Carry” by Amanda Gorman will be held on the following three consecutive Monday evenings; November 4, 11, & 18.

These book studies are made up of diverse participants studying and discussing books about racism in a space of respect. Interested participants may visit our website to register at newmanucc.org/ ministries/racial-justice.

Newman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ is located at 100 Newman Avenue, Rumford, RI 02916. For more information, contact the Church Office at 401-434-4742 X10.

Seekonk High School Theatre Company Presents Murder on the Orient Express

Seekonk High School Theatre Company presents Agatha Christy’s Murder on the Orient Express, on Friday, November 22nd at 7pm and Saturday, November 23rd at 4pm, in the SHS auditorium.

DRMB Walks in Woburn Halloween Parade

The Dighton-Rehoboth Marching Band joined the Woburn Halloween Parade again yesterday, this is the longest parade in their season. The band stopped a few times along the parade route to play songs from their halftime show for the crowd.

Shout out to the parents who showed up and fed our DightonRehoboth Marching Band, and who walked with them and made sure they stayed hydrated, and to Mrs. Hirschy and Mr. Chaves who followed the band to support our kids!!

DRMB Weekend Band Competition

Dighton- Rehoboth marching band competed this weekend in the Nesba (New England Scholastic Band Association) band competition held at Somerset Berkeley high school on Saturday 10/19/2. The band took gold in the festival category.

WINTER BASKETBALL LEAGUE

SCOUTING AROUND

at Anawan Farms

Rehoboth Girl Scout Troop #338 at Hornbine School

Rehoboth Girl Scout troop #338 had a great time visiting Anawan Farms in Rehoboth for their Halloween Trick or Treating Hayride.

Rehoboth Girl Scout Troop #338 ventured back in time and enjoyed a visit to Hornbine School. We would like to thank David Downs for the opportunity to visit the school. Mr. Downs taught the girls how to write with a quill and play old-fashioned games.

Seekonk’s Troop 1 & Troop 9 Scouts Are Keeping Busy

Seekonk’s Scout Troop 1 & Troop 9 are keeping busy with scouting activities and community service projects.

During August, the Scouts participated in their annual week-long trip to Camp Yawgoog, in Hopkinton, Rhode Island. The Scouts had fun participating in many outdoor activities, including swimming, campfires, cookouts, and earning merit badges. Scouts earned merit badges in small boat sailing, leatherworking, swimming and much more. Scouts also worked on skills and goals to achieve rank requirements. This summer’s trip included eleven first-year scouts enjoying their first-ever trip to Camp Yawgoog. Scouts enjoyed the week making new friends and creating memories to last a lifetime.

The fall weather didn’t slow down our local scouts. In September, Seekonk Scouts volunteered by assisting the Seekonk Land Trust with trail maintenance at the Cushing Conservation Area, located at 98 Chestnut Street, Seekonk. Scouts assisted with widening the trail and laying down a woodchip path for all to enjoy.

Troop #338 at Hornbine School

Troop #338 at Anawan Farm

October was the busiest month yet for the scouts. Scouts had the opportunity to participate in many community service events while also having fun and making a difference in and around Seekonk.

Seekonk scouts served their community by assisting the East End Theatre & Performing Arts with the theater company’s annual Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser. Scouts volunteered to unload an entire tractor-trailer of over 4, 000 pumpkins. The event included sorting and displaying the pumpkins for the public. This event assisted the theater company in timely sales and much-appreciated fundraising.

Seekonk Scouts continued the adventure with a full day at Tree Top Adventures in Canton, Massachusetts. Scouts spent the day together completing rope courses of various difficulty, ziplines, and fun.

Troop 1 and Troop 9 were on hand at the Seekonk Fire and Police Department’s annual open house. Scouts worked on learning new skills to achieve rank requirements, sharing their scouting journey, building campfires, and demonstrating campfire safety.

Troop 1 and Troop 9 held their fall Court of Honor on October 22, 2024, at Hurley Middle School. Scouts were recognized for their achievements including rank advancements and awarding of merit badges. Rank advancements ranged from the introductory rank of Scout and included one advancement to Eagle scout. Eagle scout is the highest scout rank and achieved by only 6% of all scouts.

For more information about Seekonk Scouts contact troop1seekonkma@gmail.com for boys or Troop9SeekonkMA@gmail. com for girls. Scouts is open to all boys and girls between the ages of 11-17.

Seekonk Scouts unloading pumpkins

Scouts at Tree-Top Adventures

Scouts at Camp Yawgoog

Events & Activities

AMERICANA AUCTION

380 Winthrop Street, Rte. 44, Rehoboth, MA

FABULOUS

ANTIQUE ESTATE AUCTION

Sunday, December 8th ~11am

Preview Thurs - Sun 10am-4pm

LIVE Antique Auction LIVE Bidding ONLINE Bidding

Ed Tessier, Jr., Auctioneer

For more information and preview: www.americana-auction.com 508-771-1722

The Elaine H.

Baker Grandparents’ Lunch

Saturday November 16th, 9:30 – 1PM

Taunton Conference Ctr, 700 Myles Standish Blvd, Taunton, MA

“You have to remember that grandparents have more to worry about. They worry about their grandchild, and they worry about their child too.” Elaine H. Baker

Held each spring and fall, Community Autism Resources’ Grandparents’ Lunch offers grandparents the opportunity to hear professionals in the autism field discuss important topics. More importantly it offers them the chance to meet and chat with others who understand the unique joys and challenges that they as grandparents share. Many grandparents share they don’t want to miss this event because of they connections they make and the information they learn.

This event is FREE for grandparents who live in the Community Autism Resources service region OR whose grandchild lives in our service region.

Our speakers will be sharing information about TWO important resources: Special Needs Trusts (different from a typical Trust) and ABLE Accounts!! These important resources will provide for your grandchildren for their future!! It is vital for families of individuals with disabilities to know about these opportunities to ensure that their grandchild does NOT lose essential benefits like their health insurance or social security as an adult.

We will be joined by Adam Hartwell, Director of Attainable Outreach - MEFA and Wendy W. Weston, an attorney with Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. Both speakers will be going over what these plans are, why they are vital for Grandparents to understand!!

For lunch we’ll be enjoying pot roast with pan gravy, salad, rolls & butter, potatoes, vegetable & dessert.

Deadline to register Wednesday November 6th!

Questions contact Jan janrandall@community-autism-resources.com

Exciting News: Our Resource Fair and Holiday Bazaar is being held from 10 - 2 the same day & location as our Lunch!! After you enjoy your lunch, we hope you will stop in and check out the many resources and sellers!

PSYbel Traditions:

Bellydance / Fusion / Flow Hafla

Saturday, December 7th, 4-8:30pm At Blanding Library

Join us for our Annual Traditions Hafla. We gather together to raise donations for our amazing town library. Our library does so many things for the community, so join us to give back some love. You will see Bellydance, Fusion and Flow Artist , all gathered together to create a great show for you. There will be a small Mezza ( snacks) , as well as a raffle. Remember 100% of the proceeds go to the Library. As with all our fundraisers we request a $10 donation, but no one is turned ever turned away. We also have decided to increase our efforts to collect animal food for the animal shelter and their food pantry. If you would like to help us support that cause please bring a donation for the animal shelter, canned or dry , cat or dog food. YOU could be the difference in helping someone not have to surrender their pet due to lack of funds. Please help us to support both these amazing causes, and give yourself a little break from your Holiday shopping !!!

2024 Holiday Guide

Community Autism Resources’ Holiday Bazaar & Resource Fair

Families and autistic individuals can learn about the local businesses and support that are available in their own communities, as well as offering a unique shopping experience that will help families who struggle knowing what to buy their autistic family members and their teachers, therapists and support providers who give so much to their families.

Meet Staff and students from the Gottschall Access College Experience Program. Try your luck with the loads of terrific raffles! Attendees must park in the back parking lot and enter through the back conference door. The front doors are not open for events. We still have a few spots open for businesses and vendors! Questions? Contact Crystal Medeiros, Director of Development, cmedeiros@community-autism-resources.com | 508-379-0371 ext. 22

Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus Holiday Concert: “Holiday Treat”

December 14 at 7pm / December 15 at 2pm

The Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus presents a holiday concert titled “Holiday Treat” on December 14 at 7pm and December 15 at 2pm at the Taunton High School Auditorium, 50

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Personal Touch Country Gift Shoppe

Open House 11/7 - 11/10

• Snowmen • Wreaths • Santas • Ornaments • Soy Candles • Pictures • 2025 Calendars & So Much More!

(508) 336-0488 299 Fall River Ave. Seekonk, MA Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm • Sundays 12-5

2024 Holiday Guide

Williams Street, Taunton. “Holiday Treat”, will take you on a scrumptious journey of quintessential holiday pop favorites made popular by Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Andy Williams, and others. More recent selections from stage and screen include “Silver and Gold”, “Believe”, “Somewhere in My Memory”, and “We Need a Little Christmas”. SMFC Bronze will ring such tunes as “Silver Bells”, “Christmas Toys on Parade”, and “Nutcracker Sweets”. The chorus is comprised of 100 singers from over 30 cities and towns. Concerts will be accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra. Tickets range from $18 - $24. $1 per ticket will be donated to T.R.U.E. Diversities which empowers youth, families, and communities to have successful outcomes through prevention programs and equitable diverse resources. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit smfconline.org or call 508-813-0697.

Handy Hacks to Take the Stress Out of Holiday Hosting

(Family Features) Hosting is a big responsibility, especially during the holidays when the pressure is on to create a magical and memorable experience. Planning a menu and decorating for the occasion is just the start.

Hosting also means ensuring all dishes are cooked to perfection and kept warm until serving time, guests’ dietary needs are considered and table conversation topics are ready. Then, of course, there’s the post-dinner cleanup.

This holiday season, consider these tips to help tackle your hosting duties with grace and create an event you can enjoy, too.

Request RSVPs

Planning a party is even more complicated when you don’t know how many guests you’ll be entertaining. If you create a guest list and ask invitees to let you know their plans, you’ll have a better idea whether you should double your favorite dishes. You’ll also know who has special dietary needs and be able to plan a seating chart that puts everyone at ease. Be sure to include a date that gives guests a specific RSVP deadline and plenty of time for you to adjust your plans before the big day.

Meal Prep as Much as Possible

Get as much of the food preparation out of the way ahead of time as you can. Some dishes can be prepared and even cooked ahead of time so you’re just reheating, but you can also save a lot of time by organizing ingredients for the dishes that must be prepared the day of the event. A good rule of thumb: If it doesn’t have to wait until the day of the party, do it before. That frees up your time so you can handle any unexpected hiccups that arise without piling on more stress.

Simplify the Cleanup Situation

Rely on tried-and-true products that do the heavy lifting for you when it’s time to clean up after the meal. An option like Finish Ultimate Dishwashing Detergent cleans dishes in tough conditions, even without pre-rinsing, so you can focus on what matters during this time of year: spending more time with your loved ones. It removes tough stains like grease and cheese, as well as common holiday dishes like apple pie and mac and cheese. An added bonus: Since you don’t need to pre-rinse, you’ll save up to 20 gallons of water per dishwasher load.

Create Designated Spaces

Guests are likely to arrive with items in hand that need a place to go, like coats, shoes, handbags and gifts. Avoid clutter by determining ahead of time where you want to put these items. If you have a coat closet with space, that’s a good solution, but a nearby bedroom may also be an option. Especially if you’re hosting a potluck meal, be sure to plan ahead for where each course should go, with appetizer bars, dessert tables and a countertop with protective pads for warm foods.

Small Business Saturday is Nov 30th

Send Guests Off with a Parting Gift

A memorable event can be made even more so when guests have a token to take with them. Send everyone home on a happy note with a simple gift like a prewrapped holiday treat. Be sure to tuck these away someplace near the door so they’re a pleasant surprise you can access easily when guests begin to make their exits. Find more ways to tackle holiday messes and make hosting duties a breeze by visiting finishdishwashing.com.

Post-Party Cleaning Tips

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially from your partner or children.

2. Prep your table the night before. Get sparkling dishes and glassware by using a product such as Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid, which assists in drying and helping your dishes shine when used in the rinse cycle.

3. Start by collecting trash and clutter. Throw trash away and create piles of items that need returned to their proper places. Remember that taking a few extra minutes to organize things like seasonal decor as you go can help make next year’s event easier.

4. Complete each job before moving to the next. Some prefer to tackle a room at a time while others prefer to finish a specific chore, like sweeping the floors throughout the house, before moving on.

5. Be realistic about what must be done before you sleep. Some tasks really do need immediate attention, like collecting and emptying glasses that could be spilled and safely storing leftover food. The rest can likely wait until after you get some rest.

11:00am-3:00pm

Monday - Thursday expires 11/30/24

319 Tremont St (#5), Rehoboth, MA 02769• 508.838.5326

Hours: T-F 9:30am-7pm | Sat 9:30am-6pm | Sun 10am-5pm sistersbeautyrehoboth@gmail.com

& Outdoor Holiday Decor Wreaths & Centerpieces Specializing in Weddings, Proms, and Funerals Delivery Available - Open 7 Days 350 Benefit Street • Pawtucket, RI 02861 401-726-4740 • www.rosebudfloristinc.com

2024 Holiday

Survey Reveals What’s Top of Mind for Holiday Shoppers

(StatePoint) As the holiday season approaches, many consumers are planning to kick off their shopping earlier this year, aiming to lock in low prices, take advantage of promotions, and ensure all their gifts arrive on time. A recent survey by Sensormatic Solutions reveals key insights that can guide both shoppers and retailers during this busy time.

According to the survey, 52% of respondents plan to start their holiday shopping earlier than last year, and while shoppers are looking for deals, 48% plan to spend more than they did last year.

“Understanding consumer trends is critical for both shoppers and retailers alike,” said Christa Anz, global marketing leader, Sensormatic Solutions. “This survey highlights important considerations that can enhance the shopping experience and inform retail strategies.”

Here are some of the survey’s top findings:

• Early Shopping Trends: Over half (54%) of shoppers plan to begin their holiday shopping before November. This trend indicates a shift towards early planning to secure deals and avoid the rush of the season’s busiest shopping days. Early shopping also helps lock in the best prices and ensure stock availability.

• Preferred Pickup Options: This year, 42% of shoppers plan to use Buy-Online-Pick-Up-in-Store (BOPIS), and 35% will opt for curbside pickup. However, 29% of respondents are concerned about possible long wait times, suggesting to retailers the importance of efficient customer service during peak hours and the need to provide several pick up options.

• Spending Management: While nearly half of shoppers plan to spend more this year, 52% of respondents noted they are creating a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases. In fact, 64% of younger shoppers have used recent deal days and flash sales to maximize their spending.

• Prioritize Safety: Safety is key to a productive holiday shopping season. In fact, 69% of consumers feel safer with visible security measures such as security personnel, surveillance cameras, and Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tags, and 34% of them consider these features essential for in-store shopping. This aligns with performance data that suggests such visual deterrents can effectively reduce theft and organized retail crime. Retailers should prioritize safety features, such as surveillance cameras and security personnel, to foster a positive shopping environment.

For more holiday shopping insights, visit sensormatic.com.

This holiday season presents an opportunity for both consumers and retailers to adapt to evolving shopping behaviors. By understanding these insights, retailers can better meet customer expectations, while shoppers can enjoy a more informed and relaxed shopping experience.

Festival of Lights in Historic Wickford Village Celebrates 39th year

December 5th - 8th

The festival begins on Thursday, December 5th with the official lighting of the Tree at Updike Park. Thousands of white lights sparkle and set the streets aglow as the village is transformed into a winter wonderland. Window shop as store owners show off their Christmas spirit with stunning holiday displays and compete for awards.

On Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday afternoon welcome Santa at the Town Dock on Brown St. as he arrives by boat with Safe Sea and is led by kayaking “reindeer.” Join him for carols and a horse- drawn hayride through the Village. All are invited to dress in their “elfiest” costumes and join the Elf Parade on Saturday. There will be music and dancing to entertain shoppers throughout the weekend. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa from the Boy Scouts and a delicious snack or meal from one of Wickford’s boutique restaurants. Go back in time to holiday shopping as it used to be, unhurried, with a focus on personal service and unique selections in the magical ‘Dickens- like’ atmosphere that is Wickford Village, Rhode Island. {For details & real-time event updates, follow “I Love Wickford Village” on Facebook & Instagram}

Food & Dining Guide

Thursday Ladies' Night...

Drink Specials & Live Music

Every Sunday

Mariachi Band 3-6pm

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri & Sat 11am-10pm

Harvest Sides for Your Holiday Feast

Hearty, filling, festive recipes to complement your main course (Family Features) Don’t let turkey and ham have all the fun this holiday season. After all, you know your guests are likely to have plates piled high with all their favorite festive side dishes.

These hearty solutions are inspired by harvest season, offering comforting taste and mouthwatering flavors to make your holiday meal truly memorable. There’s nothing wrong with the classics - mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and the like - but these recipes from “Cookin’ Savvy” can give your gathering a special seasonal spin.

Discover more holiday recipes by visiting Culinary.net. Recipes courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 6-8 Note: Recipes can be doubled for large crowds.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallow Sauce

• 1/4 cup avocado oil

• 1/2 stick butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• salt & pepper to taste

• 3 lbs sweet potatoes, sliced in circles

Heat oven to 400 F.

Marshmallow Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 cups mini marshmallows, plus additional for garnish, divided

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

In bowl, mix oil, melted butter, garlic powder and onion powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Add sweet potatoes and coat well. In baking dish, line sweet potatoes around pan in circle. Drizzle with leftover oil mixture. Bake 40 minutes.

To make marshmallow sauce: In skillet, melt butter and 2 cups mini marshmallows. Remove from heat and whisk in cream. Place in bowl and add additional mini marshmallows for garnish.

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder 736 N Broadway East Providence, RI (401) 434-1505

Place sweet potatoes on serving platter in same lined up fashion as they were in baking dish. Serve with marshmallow sauce.

Sprouts and Squash Roast

• 1/4 cup avocado oil

• 1/2 stick butter, melted

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon thyme

• salt & pepper to taste

• 1 package frozen Brussels sprouts (12 ounces)

• 1 package frozen butternut squash (10 ounces)

• 1 package real bacon pieces (2 1/2 ounces)

• 1 cup pecans

• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

• 1/2 cup cranberries

Directions:

Heat oven to 400 F.

In bowl, mix oil, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder and thyme. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Cut Brussels sprouts in half, if desired. Add brussels sprouts and butternut squash to oil mixture and coat well. Place on lined cookie sheet and bake 20 minutes.

In large bowl, mix bacon pieces, pecans, pumpkin seeds, cranberries and roasted sprouts and squash. Mix well and place in serving bowl.

Herbed Wild Rice and Apples

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon minced onion

• 1 apple, chopped

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) long-grain wild rice

• 2/3 cup apple juice

• 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces

• 1 tablespoon rosemary

• salt & pepper, to taste

• 2/3 cup pecans

• 2/3 cup cranberries

• garlic and herb cheese spread, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

In skillet over medium heat, saute butter, onion and apple pieces. When apples soften, add rice, apple juice, bacon pieces and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook about 10 minutes. In large bowl, mix pecans, cranberries and rice mixture. Place in serving dish and crumble herbed cheese on top, if desired.

Source: Culinary.net

Smoke Your Thanksgiving Turkey for a Tasty Twist on Tradition

(Culinary.net) Make room in the oven this Thanksgiving with a Spatchcock Smoked Turkey recipe that stays moist and tender. By relying on the smoker rather than a traditional baked bird, you can keep the oven freed up for savory sides and delectable desserts. Visit Culinary.net to find more Thanksgiving recipes.

Spatchcock Smoked Turkey

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” ~ Servings: 8-10

• 1 stick melted butter

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder

• 2 tablespoons onion powder

• 2 tablespoons thyme

• 2 tablespoons lemon powder

• 1 turkey (10 pounds)

Heat smoker to 225 F.

Directions:

Mix melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme and lemon powder. Rub entire turkey front and back with butter mixture. Smoke turkey until it reaches internal temperature of 150 F. While turkey finishes smoking, heat grill to at least 450 F.

Sear turkey on grill until internal temperature reaches 165 F, about 10-15 minutes. Flip turkey breast side down 30 seconds to crisp skin. Use pizza peel to remove from grill.

Source: Culinary.net

IN MEMORIAM

Suzanne Withers

Suzanne Withers, 93, of Mansfield, MA; retired Rehoboth Town Clerk and former Rehoboth resident, passed away on September 30, 2024 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late William Malcolm Withers to whom she was married on September 2, 1950, and who died on February 1, 2003.

Born in Attleboro, MA on October 17, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Merton Earl Sharples and the late Zilpah Copeland (Bennett) Sharples. Raised and educated in the City of Attleboro, she was a 1948 graduate of Attleboro High School and the Chandler School for Women - Class of 1949. She was also a graduate of the Municipal Clerks Institute at Salve Regina College in Newport, RI.

Mrs. Withers worked in the Rehoboth town clerk’s office for several years prior to being elected town clerk in 1976 where she served until her retirement in 1998.

An active member of the Rehoboth community, she was elected to the Rehoboth Board of Selectman, the Rehoboth School Committee and was appointed to the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee. She was also a member of the Rehoboth Master Plan Steering Committee.

In 1977, she was appointed to a justice of the peace position and worked in that capacity until 2013. She was a corporator of Bristol County Savings Bank from 1990 - 2005 and service on the Board of Directors of Bristol County Savings Bank Charitable Foundation for many years.

Active in many civic organizations, she was the past president of the Rehoboth Anawan Lions Club, a member of the Rehoboth Garden Club, and served on the Board of Directors of the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society.

Her international work included serving on the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe where she assisted in supervising elections in Bijeljina, Bosnia, and Kosovo.

Among the awards she received was the Quill Award bestowed for her outstanding contributions to the Profession of Municipal Clerks, the IIMC President’s Award of Merit and the Community Service Award from the Rehoboth Lions Club.

Her family recalls with fondness her conscientious attitude, her focus on the community she loved, and for being a thoughtful, responsible and social woman who enjoyed reading and travelling.

She leaves her children: Jane E. Carr and her husband, James, of South Chatham, MA, Carol W. Jerauld and her husband, Alan, of North Providence, RI; Peter J. Withers and his partner, Judy, of Lancaster, SC; Timothy W. Withers of Cranston, RI; and Christopher P. Withers and his wife, Kimberly, of Rehoboth, MA; 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Mrs. Withers was the grandmother of the late Lindsay A. Withers and sister of the late Bennett E. Sharples.

Family, friends and colleagues are cordially invited to attend visitation on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm in the “Memorial Chapel” of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.

All were warmly welcomed to a Memorial Service held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Rehoboth Congregational Church,139 Bay State Road, Rehoboth, MA.

A private graveside service was held in Oak Knoll Cemetery, Rehoboth, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lindsay Withers Memorial Scholarship Fund, Southern Maine Community College Foundation, 2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME 04106 or at https://www.smccME.edu/ withersscholarship OR to the Rehoboth Congregational Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 325, Rehoboth, MA 02769 or at https:// www.rehobothcongregational.org/donate.

To send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200

Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories. ~ Ronald Reagan ~

Suzanne Withers

Arlene Cameron

Arlene Cameron, 67, of Seekonk, MA, passed away at home on October 26th from pancreatic cancer. Arlene was born in Attleboro, MA, and was the daughter of the late Rene Melanson and Beatrice Melanson.

Arlene spent her childhood in Attleboro with her 5 brothers and sisters, Jerry, Valerie, Jeanne, Donna, and David. She was a graduate of Attleboro highschool class of 1975. She maintained close relationships with her sisters throughout her life.

After graduating, it was in Attleboro where Arlene met her future husband, William (Bill) Cameron. Arlene and Bill fell in love and moved together to New Hampshire with their first born daughter, Jessica. Although only living in New Hampshire a short time of a few years, Arlene developed a lifelong love of New Hampshire and the White Mountains and visited often throughout the years.

Moving back to the area due to an illness in the family, Arlene settled into Pawtucket, RI with her family. It was there she gave birth to her second daughter, Julia, and then 5 years after, her son, William (Billy), was born.

Arlene worked hard with her husband Bill raising their children and saving money with aspirations of owning their own home. In 1994, Arlene and Bill purchased through a family friend and moved into their own fixer upper in Seekonk, MA. Arlene spent a lot of time and effort working on making their house a home to raise their family and it is here where Arlene lived until her final days where she succumbed to her battle with cancer.

Arlene worked in different roles over the course of her life but the all-encompassing theme was Arlene was a caregiver. While caring for own small children, Arlene spent years caring for other children as an in-home daycare provider. She spent years waiting tables at Bliss Brothers while simultaneously caregiving as a CNA at Life Care in Attleboro, MA. Until her cancer diagnosis, she spent the last 25 years working for Home Depot in South Attleboro, MA. She worked in many departments but her main joy was working in the garden department caring for all things growing.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Bill Cameron, children, Jessica King, Julie Tilley, and Billy Cameron, her grandchildren, Ariana, Brendon, Hannah, Jack, Bionca, Michaela, and Emmitt, her mother Beatrice Melanson, and her siblings Jerry Melanson, Valerie Melanson, Jeanne Norrgard, Donna Williams, and David Melanson.

Arlene’s passion in life was her garden, her flowers and plants that all filled her yard. She could be found every Summer in her yard watering the garden, weeding, taking care of her plants, with the birds all around chirping, and the sun shining down on all she loved. This is how we will remember her.

Calling hours for Arlene will take place on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 4-7 PM at the Foley-Cook-New Day Funeral Home 126 South Main St., Attleboro. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in honor to St. Junde Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or Oceana Conservation Attn: Donation Services 1025 Connecticut Ave. NW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20036.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Arlene M. Cameron, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

Arlene Cameron

Roger Jeremiah Sullivan

Roger Jeremiah Sullivan 87 passed away peacefully at home on October 26, 2024. Roger is survived by his spouse of 60 years Kathryne (Dwyer) Sullivan, and their children: Colleen Mikkelson (Matthew), Michael Sullivan (Gretchen DeMone), Robert Sullivan (Elise), Maureen Hebert (Michael), Patrick Sullivan (Deborah), Meghan Middleton (Michael), and Caitlin Nagel (William). He leaves 16 grandchildren: Kelsey, Keith, Molly, Nathan, Jonathon, Gabrielle, Connor, Sydney, Sophie, Deon, Graeme, Maxwell, Felicity, Blake, Courtney and Samantha. Roger is also survived by his sister Rosemary Tulis and her husband Robert of California. Roger is predeceased by his sister and brothers, Marie Chiarenza, Vincent P. Sullivan, and Paul C. Sullivan.

Roger, the son of Vincent and Helen (Riordan) Sullivan, grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts. He graduated from Archbishop Williams High School, majored in biology at Boston College, and attended 1 year of Georgetown University Medical School. Roger then served as an officer in the United States Navy, in the Atlantic fleet based in Newport, RI.

Following his military service, Roger and Kathryne married and then moved to upstate NY, before returning to MA and living in Rehoboth for the next 54 years. Roger was a professional representative for Merck & Co. for 30 years, working with and befriending many of his colleagues and acquaintances in the medical community in RI and MA.

In his youth, Roger was an avid sailor and played basketball, including as a member of the MA State H.S. championship team. Later in life, he was a youth sports coach for basketball and flag football, an active member of Mount Carmel Church, and a patient teacher and coach of many aspiring sailors, athletes, drivers and colleagues in his community and family. He was known to love a good party, always got onto the dance floor, and tried any dessert that he happened to be near. His gentle wisdom, wit and kindness made us all better.

Most importantly, Roger cherished the love of his life, Kathryne, and their relationship inspired his family and countless others who knew them.

For information on funeral services, please see www.PerryMcStay.com.

Donna Lee Tortis

Donna Lee Tortis, 75, of Canonchet Road, Seekonk, died peacefully on October 1, 2024, at Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Attleboro, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Stephen T. Tortis.

Born in Providence, a daughter of the late William and Margaret (Reynolds) Eby, she lived in Seekonk for 49 years.

Donna was a graduate of East Providence High School Class of 1966.

Mrs. Tortis was an administrative assistant for the former New England Motor Freight Company for 14 years before retiring in 2010.

Donna was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Seekonk and was a volunteer at Waterview Villa Nursing Home, East Providence. She enjoyed crafts and her loving pets.

Besides her husband of over 50 years, she is survived by a son, Jonathon T. Tortis of Seekonk, MA; a sister, Virginia Reed of Riverside; one nephew and three nieces. She was the sister of the late William Eby Jr.

Her Funeral Service was held on Tuesday October 8, 2024 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside. Burial followed in Seekonk Cemetery, Seekonk. Contributions in Donna’s memory to the Seekonk Animal Shelter, 100 Peck Street, Seekonk, MA 02771 would be deeply appreciated. For online condolences please visit wrwatsonfuneralhome.com

Death Notices Rehoboth

• Yolande C. Carrier, 86, passed away with family by her side on Monday, September 30, 2024.

• *Louis C. Gizzi, 85, of Rehoboth, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024 at his home. ~Military Veteran

• Andrew P. Harney, husband of the late Pauline Harney and beloved husband of Shirley J. Harney, passed away on October 15, 2024.

Seekonk

• Donna Lee Tortis, 75, of Canonchet Road, Seekonk, died peacefully on October 1, 2024, at Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Attleboro, surrounded by her loving family.

• Daniel Motta, 90, of Seekonk, MA and formerly of Wellington, FL passed away peacefully at home on October 2, 2024, surrounded by his family.

• *Robert “Bob” J. Stallard, 93, of Seekonk, MA, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family and friends on October 3, 2024. ~Military Veteran

• Frances R. Mulhearn, 85, of Seekonk, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family.

Owners and Directors, Amy Silva Rigtrup, Type 3, Lawrence Quintal, Type 3 and Christine (DeLawrence) Quintal, Type 3

Roger Jeremiah Sullivan

Donna Lee Tortis

From the State houSe

Representative Steven S. Howitt Named to Special Legislative Commission Focused on Combatting Antisemitism in Massachusetts

Boston – House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) to serve on the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism in the Commonwealth.

Created through an outside section of the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget, the special commission is tasked with identifying and evaluating current efforts to combat antisemitism in Massachusetts and recommending strategies, programs and legislation to further enhance this goal. In addition to considering potential amendments to the state’s existing hate crimes law, the special commission will also identify best practices in other states and jurisdictions and make recommendations for the implementation of the United States national strategy to counter antisemitism.

According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), there were 440 antisemitic incidents that occurred in Massachusetts in 2023, which represents a 189 percent increase over the number of incidents (152) recorded in the state in 2022. The ADL noted that last year “Massachusetts recorded the fifth-highest number of incidents per state in the country following California (1,266), New York (1,218), New Jersey (830), and Florida (463).” The ADL also cited a “massive spike” in antisemitic incidents both here and across the country following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The 19-member special commission is chaired by Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield) and Representative Simon Cataldo (DConcord). The special commission will include representation from the Massachusetts Municipal Association; the Attorney General’s office; the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination; the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education; the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Inc.; the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association; and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association Incorporated.

The special commission is due to file a report with its findings and recommendations by November 30.

Representative Steven S. Howitt Denounces Governor Healey’s Move to Block Temporary Suspension of New Firearms Law

Blasts 11th hour action to ‘pull the rug out’ on opponents seeking law’s repeal

Boston – State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) is condemning Governor Maura Healey’s decision to issue an emergency declaration allowing the state’s new firearms law to take effect immediately, a move that prevents Second Amendment advocates pursuing a repeal of the law on the November 2026 ballot from securing its temporary suspension until it can go before the state’s voters.

Calling the new law “a solution in search of a problem” in a state that already has some of the toughest gun laws in the nation, Representative Howitt blasted the Governor’s decision to block efforts to suspend the law until the state’s voters have a chance to weigh in on the issue. Opponents of the bill can still pursue a repeal at

the ballot in two years, but the Governor’s emergency declaration means the law will remain in effect in the meantime.

Representative Howitt, who voted against the bill, noted that the Governor unfairly “pulled the rug out at the eleventh hour” on the Gun Owners Action League (GOAL) and other opponents who were exercising their Constitutional rights to bring a referendum before the state’s voters. He saw the Governor’s move as an unfair ploy, noting Healey waited more than two months to declare the law an emergency measure, rather than adding an emergency preamble when signing the bill this past summer.

Representative Howitt noted the House and Senate did not include an emergency preamble on the firearms legislation when it was sent to the Governor on July 18 and would have added one if legislators felt it was truly needed. When the Governor signed the bill into law on July 25 as Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024, An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws, she had the power to attach an emergency preamble but chose not to do so. Without the emergency

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Steven S. Howitt

preamble, the law was scheduled to take effect on October 23, or 90 days after its signing.

On October 2, Governor Healey invoked her Constitutional powers granted under Article 48 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution, declaring the legislation should take effect immediately in order to preserve the “public peace, health, safety and convenience.” Representative Howitt called out the Governor’s decision saying this was done to prevent opponents from exercising their Constitutional rights to petition for the law’s suspension pending a statewide referendum to repeal it.

Opponents of the firearms legislation have been working to secure the necessary 49,716 signatures to place the repeal question on the 2026 ballot. Under the referendum process, if the required number of certified signatures were filed by October 9, the law would have been suspended immediately. The Governor’s action prevents that from happening. The new law will negatively impact the Second Amendment rights for lawful gun ownership while accomplishing nothing to reduce crime in Massachusetts. Representative Howitt will work for a repeal in 2026 of the new law.

Representative Steven S. Howitt Supports Bill

Authorizing Ma Courts To Honor Ice Detainers

Legislation will help keep dangerous criminals off the streets

Boston – State Representative Steven S. Howitt, R-Seekonk, is co-sponsoring legislation that would authorize Massachusetts courts to honor detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials for individuals arrested for violent crimes who might otherwise be released from custody.

Senate Docket 3490, An Act to enhance the authority of courts to protect public safety, was filed on October 21 by the Massachusetts House and Senate Republican Caucuses to address a critical gap in current state laws by specifically allowing the courts to keep dangerous criminals who are considered removable aliens by ICE in custody for up to 12 hours if the individual is subject to an ICE detainer and is deemed to pose a threat to public safety. Representative Howitt noted the bill focuses on those individuals who are convicted of serious crimes such as murder, rape, domestic violence, and narcotics or human trafficking

The filing of the bill comes after two recent media reports involving non-citizens who were subject to an ICE detainer but were not held by the courts. One case involved a 38-year-old Guatemalan national who was in the country illegally but was released by a Middlesex Superior Court judge after being arraigned on charges of aggravated rape of a child with force and attempted rape of a child by force. The second case involved another non-citizen from Guatemala who was convicted in Gloucester District Court for indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 and assault and battery.

According to Representative Howitt, Senate Docket 3490 directly addresses a deficiency in state law highlighted by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) ruling in the 2017 case of Lunn v. Commonwealth. The SJC determined that current state law does not provide the authority for court officials to honor ICE detainer requests for individuals otherwise entitled to release, leaving it up to the Legislature to provide and define such authority.

Senate Docket 3490 would require Massachusetts judges to take into consideration any detention requests received from ICE when setting bail for an individual. If ICE provides a written request stating probable cause that the individual is a removable alien and is the subject of an arrest or removal/ deportation warrant, the judge may withhold bail until ICE acts on the request.

Representative Howitt noted that the bill would require any judge who denies an ICE detainer request to file a written explanation with the court clerk detailing why they denied the request. This written decision would be considered a public record, but the bill would allow for the redaction of the names of victims or minors.

CLASSIFIEDS

WANTED

I buy Old cars, Motorcycle, Bicycles, Scooter and other wheeled vehicle and parts. One piece or a collection. Thank you, Joe in Rehoboth 508-558-5129.

FOR SALE

For Sale: 1969 Cougar, 1979 Monte Carlo, $400 each obo. Call Frank at 508897-7597.

Fisher Papa Bear Wood Stove: Double door, large capacity, completely refurbished, all new fire bricks, takes 24” logs and heats 2,250 sq. ft. $1,450. Call Bill at 774-2668021.

HELP WANTED

Help Wanted: Boy or girl teenager to help with yard work, $10 per hour, Call 401433-2922.

FARM & GARDEN

Plants for Sale: House plants, annuals, perennials, angel trumpet, succulents, good variety from $1- $10. Free plant with visit. Call 401-433-2922.

Free seasoned horse manure by the bucket, barrel or truck. Compost material for all your year-round garden needs. (508) 252-5737.

SERVICES

Housecleaning: Is your home in need of a really good cleaning? Whether you need a 1-time cleaning, or regular cleanings. Years of experience! (We include fridge and oven w/ our cleanings) Call Gil for details 508840-6611.

Painting of all kinds. Interior, Fine Art, Murals, Commissions, Pet Portraits. Insured. 20 years experience. 15 years in Los Angeles. The most famous artist you've never heard of. www.philsantos.com; Instagram: @ philsantosart; Email: phil@philsantosart.com

I am a Personal Care Assistant & Housekeeper willing to help you! I can help you with meal prep, medication reminders, shower assistance, shopping/errands, laundry, light cleaning. Call Terri for information and rates. 774-284-7600.

Handyman/Home Repairs/Improvements: GSS Property Solutions LLC. Registered, Bonded, Fully Insured. Servicing Mass & RI. Call or Text 401-688-9749.

Bicycle Sales & Service: Your Bike Shops - Tune-ups on all brands. 2 locations: in Riverside next to CVS 401-433-4491, and in Warren next to the Police Station and the bike path. Call Art or Joe for *NEW* hours and service. 401-245-9755

BIG BLUE REMOVAL SERVICE: Attic, Cellar, Total House. We take everything! Furniture, Brush, Appliances, Yard Waste, Construction Debris, Trash…Demolition of Fences, Sheds, Decks, Pools. Let us do the work. Free Estimates. BEST PRICES. Call Tony 508-226-1295 or 508-889-0824; www. BigBlueJunkRemovals.com.

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Located just a short drive from Historic Savannah, GA, Tybee Island is often hailed as "Savannah's Beach." Directly on the Atlantic Ocean, Hotel Tybee is the ideal spot for a destination wedding

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Fly direct from Boston to Savannah

The only thing we overlook is the ocean.

November 2024 Rehoboth Reporter

NEW ENGLAND TIRE

Rehoboth Town News

From the Clerk

11-05-2024 State & Presidential Election

Suzanne Withers, Rehoboth Town Clerk

2024 Dog License Reminders

Town Offices Closed

Please Thank A Veteran

Rehoboth Animal Shelter News

Rehoboth Events Committee News

All Month long in December:

Annual Holiday Decorating Contest

Join the Culinary Celebration!**

**Calling All Restaurants!**

**To Our Food Lovers:**

Rehoboth Employment Opportunity Assistant Collector

Seeking Volunteers to Join Rehoboth’s Personnel Board

Rehoboth Land Trust News

Rehoboth Food Pantry News

Holiday Gifts

The Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving

New Roundabout Makes Debut at Route 44/118

Rehoboth Water Report

Sounds of the Season

Rehoboth in Final Negotiations for Ambulance Services

D-R Science Teacher Honored

Runey Speaks at National Superintendents Forum

Solas Will Help Dighton-Rehoboth’s CTE program

Rehoboth Selectmen

Praise Police

Rehoboth Ramblings

Autumn Observations

Wreaths Across America

Happy VETERANS

The Seekonk Scene

From the Seekonk Town Clerk’s Office

Upcoming Events

In Recognition

Reminders

Classification - Public Hearing

Board and Committee Highlight Recycling Committee

Upcoming Fall Town Meeting -

*Sustainable Seekonk*

$7,542 Raised by Seekonk L1931 Firefighters

CARLSON TREE

GOT BAD WELL WATER?

About the MDA and IAFF Partnership

At Doorways, We Give Thanks

Scouting for Food Sets New Record Collections for Doorways

Seekonk Animal Shelter News

Greaves Electric For All Your Electrical Needs

Seekonk Firefighters Training at Old Hotel

Seekonk Fire Department Open House

LaFleur Enjoys Deputy Chief Position

Seekonk Hires New Police Officers & Firefighters

Cadime Proposes Route 6 Redevelopment

Seekonk’s Finances Stable

Seekonk DPW Building Costs Increase

Select Board Considers Fire Station Future

Seekonk Schools Not Restricting Access to Tri County

Seekonk Schools Under Budget Microscope

Puppies are a lot of work!!

Voters to Decide on $40 Million DPW Facility

School Committee Holds off on Reconfiguration

Club News & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Rehoboth Anawan Lions News

Events at the Seekonk American Legion Post 311

Rehoboth Garden Club News

Rehoboth American Legion Veterans Day 2024

The Hornbine School’s Woodstove

A Whaling Voyage at the Blanding Library

About the presenters:

Seekonk Lions Update with Paul Buckley

From Bob Caroulo…

VICTORIA DORAN

CHARLIEWOOD

American Legion Post 302 Public Events

Upcoming Events

Moon Path

Calling All Restaurants!

To Our Food Lovers:

Sustainable Seekonk