June 2024 Rehoboth Reporter

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Letters to the Editor...

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Thank You from Rehoboth Garden Club

On behalf of the Rehoboth Garden Club, I would like to thank everyone who made our recent Plant Sale Fundraiser such an overwhelming success. At 9 AM on May 4th, the Miller Pavilion at Francis Farm was filled with 2,852 containers of plants. By 1 PM there were only 36 containers of plants left!

It truly “takes a village” to bring an event of this magnitude to fruition. In appreciation I’d like to recognize these important groups and individuals:

Our Rehoboth Selectmen, who have allowed us to hold our fundraiser at Francis Farm since 2022.

Selectman George Solas, who is our greatest advocate and supporter.

Tish Vadnais and the Agricultural Commission, for their ongoing sponsorship.

Buildings and Maintenance Supervisor Mike Viveiros and his crew, for all their hard work cleaning the pavilion, setting up and taking down the tables and making the Arcade building available for our use.

Deputy Police Chief Brian Ramos and his officers, who diligently protected our plants and equipment from theft or vandalism.

Adam Latham, the Department Head of Landscaping Design and Contracting at Bristol County Agricultural High School. Our collaboration with Adam makes unique bushes, shrubs and trees that were grown at their school available to our customers. Profits from the sale of those plants are shared by both Bristol Aggie and our Rehoboth Garden Club.

Val Sousa, owner of Sousa Family Farm on 33 Agricultural Ave. Rehoboth, Barbara and David Frerich, owners of Frerichs Farm on 65 Kinnicutt Ave. in Warren, Rhode Island, and Marie Pray, owner of Oakdale Farms on 61 Wheaton Ave. Rehoboth, all of whom provided us with beautiful annuals, herbs and hanging plants at deeply discounted prices. We encourage you to patronize these local family businesses that contribute so much to their communities.

Our dedicated club members who dug up and donated plants from their gardens, grew plants from seed, and volunteered their time and hard work before, during, and after the sale.

Our hundreds of loyal customers from Rehoboth and our surrounding towns who supported our annual fundraiser. I’m sure that all 2,816 plants you purchased are happy in their new homes! By the way, those 36 unsold plants will not go to waste. They will be used

to enhance Francis Farm or other sites in Rehoboth.

As always, your plant sale purchases will fund our scholarship, educational and civic programs. Thanks to you, this year’s fundraiser was the most successful one in our club’s history. As a result, we are thrilled to announce that we will be able to increase our 2024 scholarship from $4,000 to $5,000!

Our Rehoboth Garden Club was first organized in 1934. As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, we know how fortunate we are to be part of this wonderful community. With thanks and appreciation, Linda McHugh, Plant Sale Committee Chair

Blanding Library Kids Book Club

We would like to thank Caroline and Kelsey for forming and running the Kids Book Club at the library this year.

These two Seniors from Dighton Rehoboth High School took time out of their busy schedules every Monday to help any students in grades 1-4 come and learn how to enjoy books and learn new things.

My grandkids couldn’t wait for Monday afternoons to go to the library.

We wish them both well on their college educations starting this Fall.

Just to let you know you made a difference in some young students’ lives that will always be remembered.

Thank you,

The Sherman and Coolidge Family

Small Parade

The big man At the Small parade Said “This!” He pointed often And said “This!” He pointed To the Horse and wagon. He pointed To the Paper dragon. He pointed To the High school band, Police car And the World War man. He did not know What else To do. The words He knew We’re very few. So intent Nothing was missed.

The big man

At the Small parade Said “This!”

Don Gardner Seekonk

ON THE COVERS

Rehoboth: The girls and their dolls at the Hornbine School Doll Tea Party. More on page 50.

Seekonk: Seekonk Library staff pose in Seekonk Meadows to announce Summer Reading 2024, Read, Renew, Repeat. For details of summer reading programs for all ages and for a list of all June programs, see page 38.

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Rehoboth Town News

The Clerk’s Corner

Hello All – I hope you had a most enjoyable Memorial Day. I would like to take a moment to pause and remember all the brave men and women, and their families, who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation. Thank you for protecting the freedoms that we enjoy today.

June 4th (Tuesday) Annual Town Meeting

As you may remember from last year’s Town Meeting, the Town voted to move the Annual Town Meeting from the second Tuesday in May to the first Tuesday of June; therefore, our upcoming Town Meeting will be held on June 4, 2024 at the Francis Farm Community Complex – Museum Building, 27-Francis Farm Road. Voter check-in will begin at 6:00 PM; Town Meeting will begin at 7:00 PM. All households received a copy of the 6-4-2024 in their mailbox on May 22nd. The last day for Voter Registration, to be eligible to participate in the Annual Town Meeting, was Saturday, May 25, 2024. If you would like to check your voter status (active or inactive), you may also go to: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/ MyVoterRegStatus.aspx and see if your registration is active along with what precinct you vote in.

Census Forms & Street Listings

A huge thank you to the 5,258 households who returned their January 2024 Census forms. To date we have 600 households who did not return their census forms. Unfortunately, as per State law, all city and town clerk offices must “inactivate” all voters who did not return their 2024 census form by the first Monday in June and send them a confirmation mailing notice. If you are one of those voters, please update the confirmation card with your current address, sign the card and send the postage paid postcard back to our office so we may reactivate you for the upcoming State Primary Election on September 3rd and Presidential and State Election on November 5, 2024. We have really tried to help update your census record by mailing the census mailer with the town calendar the first week of January, reminder notices in February, Registrars called your homes in March and a second reminder sent in April. Please update your census status and reactivate your voting status by returning the confirmation cards, which you will be receiving mid-June. Thank you.

We are currently waiting for the printer to deliver the Annual Street Listings. We have been given a tentative date of June 3rd for delivery. If you would like to purchase a 2024 Annual Street Listing for $15.00, please call our office prior to venturing to Town Hall to make sure we received the shipment. Thank you.

Dog Licenses Were Due April 1, 2024 60-Day Grace Period Ending

All dog licenses were due and payable by April 1st. After a 60-day grace period, delinquent dog owners will be assessed a $15.00 late fee, per dog, for any licenses that have not been renewed by June 1st. To date we still have 505 dogs that remain unlicensed. If you are one of the dog owners who still needs to register their dogs, you will unfortunately be assessed an additional $15.00 per unlicensed dog if the license is not renewed by June 1. We are truly sorry for the added expense; however, it is required by Massachusetts General Law and our Town Bylaws, and it is unfair to those who registered within the prescribed timeframe if we don’t assess the required late fee. Please register your dog before the next deadline (July 15, 2024) to avoid an additional $25.00 late fee and a non-criminal citation. Please renew your dog licenses as soon as you are able ~ thank you. To date we have registered 1,788 dogs. Remember, in addition to being a legal requirement, registering your dog assures the prevention of rabies in our community, and provides easy identification to reunite lost dogs with their owners because they are now in our database.

Reminder to those residents 70 years of age or older . . . if over 70 years old, as per MGL 140§139(c) and town meeting vote, the Clerk’s Office will waive the $10/$20 license fee; however, you must still apply for the license and show the current year rabies certificate.

New Bylaw Codification – Ready For Town Meeting Vote

At the May 13, 2024 Board of Selectmen’s meeting, the Board voted to only put forward the reordering and reorganizing of the Bylaws and delayed the “General Revisions” to the Fall Town meeting. Fall Town Meeting date to be determined by the Selectboard. Mr. Cute, our Moderator, put forward the tentative dates of Monday, September 16th, 23rd or 30th . If you would like to look at the revisions General Code and the subject matter experts have agreed to, please check the front of the Town website (www.RehobothMA.gov ) – under News and Announcements – 2024 – Rehoboth Codification Project.

Laura Schwall

Please note, due to recent events, I would like to clarify that the Town Clerk and Dr. Panofsky are simply facilitators of the Codification Project, as we were directed to do by the Board of Selectmen. General Code conducted an Editorial and Legal analysis of our bylaws and provided suggested areas which could be revised to remove spelling and grammatical errors, duplicate language, and State statute changes. The changes were provided to department heads and Committee/Board Chairs, including the Board of Selectmen and Legal Counsel. The “subject matter experts” opinions were incorporated and relayed back to General Code. That is where the list of proposed changes was derived. State law requires even editorial changes and routine updating of bylaws must be approved by voters in town meetings.

Thank you to all those residents and voters who have expressed their appreciation and support of Dr. Panofsky’s and my facilitation of the codification project. Your kind comments have really touched us. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and support. I know working together we will see this project to a successful conclusion on behalf of our residents. Thank you!

Congratulations All 2024 Graduates

I want to extend my congratulations to all 2024 Graduates for achieving your important milestone. I wish you all the best with your future endeavors! Much happiness to all the graduates and their families!

Anyone having questions regarding any of the above information listed in my article may call the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-252-6502, X3109, X3112 or X3110 or e-mail me at LSchwall@RehobothMA. gov. Finally, during the month of June, Kerrie, Jenn and I wish all the Fathers a Happy Father’s Day. Please remember to fly your American Flag on June 14th in honor of Flag Day, enjoy the Juneteenth holiday, and as Summer begins on June 20th, we also wish you all a happy, healthy, safe, and memorable Summer!

Thank you again for your continued support. Please stay healthy and safe! I look forward to talking with you in July ~ Laura ~

HARDWOOD FLOORS

Seekonk, MA

DUSTLESS HARDWOOD REFINISHING Installation - Sanding - Refinishing - Prefinished ***Quality Craftsmanship*** "Proudly serving the community for over 20 years" Office: 508-399-6211 Cell: 508-272-7729 Owner/Operator Fully Insured

Dighton-Rehoboth Class of ‘74 50th Class Reunion

We are currently planning our 50th class reunion!!! (Can you believe it??) Looking for all classmates!! Please join our FaceBook Page for up-to-date information D-R Class of 74 50th Reunion Page Not on FaceBook? Please email us: Sue Munroe Darling: suzdarling777@yahoo.com Elwell Perry: Elwellperry@yahoo.com Russ Perrin: Rustyp74@icloud.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-7pm, Sat 9:30am-6pm, Sun 10am-5:30pm

2024 Free Concerts

Rehoboth’s Veterans Memorial 401 Winthrop Street, Rehoboth, MA

If It Rains, Concerts Will Be Held At Old Francis Farm,27 Francis Farm Road, Rehoboth, MA.

July 14th 5:00 To 8:00 P.m. - Juke Box Heros

July 21st 5:00 To 8:00 P.m. - Future Dad’s

July 28th 5:00 To 8:00 P.m. - Notorious Jones

August 4th 5:00 To 8:00 P.m. - Little Miss & The Booms

August 11th 5:00 To 8:00 P.m. - Misfits

August 18th 5:00 To 8:00 P.m. - Mike Higgins & The Dynamics

August 25th 4:30 To 7:30 P.m. - Jesse L. Gauthier

September 1st 4:30 To 7:30 P.m. - Neil & The Vipers

PlumbingVintage & Heating

Serving all of Southern New England

Gas Fitting — Boiler Replacement — Hot Water Heaters Well Pump Repair — Drain Cleaning Water Filter Freeze Up’s — Video Inspections Sump Pumps Installed

Food Trucks

• The Shining Griddle: Dave Dias serves Cheese Steaks, Smash Burger,Grille Cheese & Hot Dogs

• KC Catering: Kevin Chace serves Clam Cakes, Chowder & Stuffed Quahogs

• Palagi Bros Ice Cream Concerts Are Sponsored by The Rehoboth Park Commission, Propane Plus & Rehoboth Cultural Council. Donations At Each Concert Is Greatly Appreciated

Keep Rehoboth Beautiful 2024 Roadside Cleanup

The Keep Rehoboth Beautiful Committee would like to thank everyone who participated in our 2024 Roadside Cleanup. Our community volunteers are a critical component to make the clean up successful. With your assistance, we collected approximately 200 bags, filling 8 trucks and a dumpster.

We would also like to give a special thanks to Kevin Chase, Superintendent of Rehoboth Highway Department and his crew for partnering with us and providing the Highway Department trucks for drop off and transport of the collected trash. We also appreciate the North and South Fire Department for hosting the Highway trucks for trash drop off and GT Excavating for providing a dumpster at their location. Businesses such as Chartley’s, Vino’s Remax, as well as the Library, Post Office and Town Hall graciously offered a dedicated distribution space for supply pick-up.

Finally, we want to share appreciation for our community donors, who without, we would not have the funds to continue our commitment to keep our roadways clean. What a fantastic collaboration on behalf of Rehoboth.

We look forward to continuing our mission to Keep Rehoboth Beautiful at our Roadside Cleanup in 2025. See you all then! Sincerely,

KRB Committee:

Lorelei Kellum, Ron Whittemore, Nancy Muri, Kelly McNaughton, Gia Papa, Ben Handwerger and our dedicated volunteers, Maggie Kazanjian, Riley Kazanjian, and Julia Mello

It’s A Birthday Blizzard of Giving! Birthday presents

For our Rehoboth families facing challenging times

The Blizzard of Giving, Inc. is available all year round to help Rehoboth Children. We are here to help make your child’s birthday even more special! Please visit our website www.rehobothblizzardofgiving.org where you can access our request forms and find more information.

If you would like to include your child(ren) to our Birthday Blizzard list please provide the following information:

Parent/Guardian’s name, address, email, phone

Child’s name, gender, birthday month & year, general interests

In order to fulfill your requests, please send in all the above information at least 3 weeks in advanced of when you would like to receive your child’s gifts.

This information can be emailed to rehobothblizzard@gmail.com

Or mailed to Colleen McBride, 35 Pond Street, Rehoboth, MA 02769

The Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Inc. is committed to serving the community by providing Christmas gifts, holiday support, and special occasion needs to Rehoboth residents who are facing challenging times in their lives. Donations can 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

Rehoboth Animal Shelter News

Spring brought a number of cats and kittens to the Rehoboth Animal Shelter, and some are still here, waiting for new homes. To make an appointment or to get more information, or to report a lost or found pet, please call the shelter at 508-252-5421 and leave a message.

The Rehoboth Pet Pantry, located outside the shelter, is available to those who need pet supplies such as canned or dry food and cat litter, and to those who wish to donate them. Please give what you can, take what you need, and be sure to close the door firmly.

Volunteer with the Rehoboth Land Trust!

Your Rehoboth Land Trust is actively seeking volunteers to fill a range of needs. Make new friends and serve your community as a team leader, board member, advisor, crew member, or all of the above!

Some of the skills and roles listed below are more indoor or office type work, while others are outdoor in a variety of working conditions. Volunteers with trucks/trailers and outdoor equipment are always appreciated.

To the next generation of dedicated conservationists: RLT properties are protected for the future, and we need you to help defend and expand them beyond today!

INDOOR

• legal advice - provide occasional guidance on matters such as contract review, liability, title research, conveyance, nonprofit compliance

• accounting support - provide occasional guidance on best practices regarding bookkeeping, nonprofit financial compliance, tax reporting

OUTDOOR

• construction and repair - boardwalks, parking areas, signage, and other items need maintenance

• trail creation and maintenance - some of this is simple trimming to keep trails open, but occasional removal of downed trees and branches is needed; some properties will need to have trails built

• identification and management of invasive species - we won›t win every battle, but let›s not lose the war!

HYBRID (indoor and outdoor)

• mappers - skilled in the use of Arc-GIS, USGS, CalTopo, Garmin, and other platforms and tools to create and update property maps

• presenters – Calling all naturalists, environmental professionals, current/former science & art teachers, and crafters! Share your expertise by leading walks, giving presentations, or preparing hands-on activities for all ages centered around plants, animals, and environmental issues.

• social butterflies – leverage Instagram to showcase our properties and events

• photography – expand our photo library for use in publications and online

Some of these needs can be accomplished by individuals working almost as lone wolves in a meeting-free forest. In other cases, you will be part of a team. Don’t see your skill or talent on this list? Reach out and we’ll work together to find a role that’s right for you. Fill out our “Volunteer Talent Survey” at www.rehobothlandtrust. net, find us on Facebook, or email us at info@rehobothlandtrust. net. We hope to hear from you soon. Happy trails to you!

VICTORIA DORAN

Rehoboth’s 2024 Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony

Rehoboth 2024 Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony was the largest ever that the Direct of Veteran Services Jake Kramer has ever seen. The parade stretched from the Veterans Memorial at Pond Street all the way through the village of Rehoboth to the American Legion and up north on 118. All Photos were taken by Bonnie Johnson

Blu Sky and B&F

BOS Group with Commander in Chief Boy Scout Troop

True Country Fashion: Horses on Parade

Rehoboth Approves $38M Budget

By Joe Siegel

Voters approved a $38.5 Million budget for the next fiscal year at Tuesday’s Town Meeting. That includes $14,173,286 for Town Government, $22,902,269 for the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District, and $1,459,029 for Regional Vocational Schools (Bristol Plymouth & Bristol Agricultural).

Also approved was a $200,000 appropriation for the town’s ambulance service, which has been experiencing financial difficulties. The service operated at a loss of $212,000 in 2023. This year, that number could rise as high as $351,000. Rehoboth Ambulance is a private non-profit corporation under contract to the town. “The amount of money that it costs us to operate the ambulance per call is about $718.76 for 2023,” Deputy Director of Operations Reuben Fischman explained. “In 2023, we only received $564 for

transport.” Over 50 percent of the patients that are transported are on Medicare or Mass Health, which reduces the revenues. “We’re constrained by what we’re allowed to bill by Medicare regulations and by what private insurance is willing to pay,” Fischman told the Reporter last month.

The town provides housing for the ambulances, which is a huge help financially. But the committee still has to pay for the vehicles, vehicle maintenance, fuel costs, and the salaries of the staff. Jay Talerman, the town’s legal counsel, said town officials were trying “how to make this work financially.” “This is just to make sure that all of our bases are covered if we can’t close the gap. There are no decisions made to get rid of Rehoboth Ambulance,” Talerman added. Other articles which were approved include:

• $300,000 appropriated for the construction of a new playground at Francis Farm.

Dr. Lisa Daft

Dr. Gian Calandrelli

Dr. Lisa Daft and Dr. Jared Stubbs

Are

to announce Dr. Chris Vanderpool has joined

• $45,000 for a phone system upgrade at Beckwith Middle School, Palmer River Elementary School, and Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School.

• Transfer from free cash the amount of $750,000 into the Capital Stabilization Fund. The money will be used to address capital needs.

• Transfer from free cash the amount of $342,430 into the Cannabis Stabilization Fund.

• Appropriation of $330,000 into the PEG Access Cable Fund.

• Land purchase of 14 acres at 44 Bliss Street by the Community Preservation Committee.

• Land purchase of 34 acres at 165 Fairview Avenue by the CPC.

• New street acceptances – O’Hern Way, Dublin Road, Skyla Way, Kaylee Drive, Primrose Lane, Linden Lane, and Willow Way

Rehoboth Capital Plan

By Joe Siegel

Town officials will be creating a 10 year Capital Plan in order to maintain various buildings. “We have these beautiful buildings and we need to spend money on maintenance and repair so that they don’t go into disrepair,” Director of Finance Sue Pimental said at Monday’s Board of Selectmen meeting.

Pimental noted $750,000 will be used to fund future capital improvements. One of the June 4 town meeting warrant articles calls for improvements to the following:

• Police Department headquarters – gutters are cracked and leaking. New flooring is also needed. The cost estimate is $23,275.

• South Fire Station – replace gutters, rotted trim, paint three sides of the building and interior - estimate of $28,000

• North Fire Station – repair roof drainage - $10,000 cost estimate

• Animal Shelter – replace roof - $44,750 estimate

• Paint fuel tanks at Highway Department ($8000) and replace storage trailers which are in disrepair.

Pimental also hopes for an update to the town’s website which will make it more “user friendly.”

Rehoboth Ambulance Seeks Support

By Joe Siegel

Rehoboth Ambulance is a private non-profit corporation under contract to the town that is seeking the town’s support in order to continue operations.

One of the June 4 town meeting warrant articles would appropriate $200,000 to the Rehoboth Ambulance Committee.

The service operated at a loss of $212,000 in 2023. This year, that number could rise as high as $351,000. “If the town votes no on this warrant article, then the town is going to have to find another solution because we ultimately will not be here anymore,” said Deputy Director of Operations Reuben Fischman. “It is not unique to Rehoboth, it’s going on all over the state. There are several services in the Berkshires which have had to close their doors because they’re not able to recover the loss and be able to operate in a leaner fashion.”

Until 2023, the service operated on a part-time paid on call model. The night crews were typically on call from home so they were not staffed in a building, Fischman explained. When the contract was renewed, the town required that the primary crew be in the building 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “The run volume in Rehoboth does not support the 24/7 service,” Fischman said. “The revenue to do that just isn’t there.”

There were over 1200 calls for service in 2023. The ambulance committee reported $680,000 in revenue and $866,000 in expenses. They only bill for the calls where they transport patients to the hospital. Over 50 percent of the patients that are transported are on Medicare or Mass Health, which reduces the revenues. “We’re constrained by what we’re allowed to bill by Medicare regulations and by what private insurance is willing to pay,” Fischman said.

The town provides housing for the ambulances, which is a huge help financially. But the committee still has to pay for the vehicles, vehicle maintenance, fuel costs, and the salaries of the staff. “So we’re fortunate enough that the town has always housed us,” Fischman noted. “Unfortunately, that’s not enough anymore. The ability to sustain ourselves just based on insurance billings alone, it’s not going to sustain a 24/7, 365 day a year ambulance service anymore.”

Fischman said steps are being taken to minimize expenses. “We’re trying to plan for equipment replacement, we’re trying to plan for the fact that equipment ages out,” Fischman added. “Part of our budget for 2024 is trying to put money into a savings account. We can make that shortfall smaller by putting less money away.”

Rehoboth Mourns Icon Bugsy Stevens

By Joe Siegel

The Board of Selectmen paid tribute to town native Carl Steven Berghman, affectionately known as “Bugsy Stevens” to his fans. The race car legend died on Monday at the age of 90.

Selectman Lenny Mills said Stevens was an “icon” and “gave us bragging rights.”

Selectman George Solas said Stevens was a “cut-up” and “fun to be with.”

“We were proud to say he was from Rehoboth,” Mills noted.

Stevens is a member of Seekonk’s Wall of Fame and also was inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame in the class of 1998. He also has an auto business in Freetown that is named in his honor.

NASCAR released a statement Monday on the passing of Stevens: “Bugsy Stevens was one of the greatest to race a modified, winning three consecutive NASCAR National Modified Championships (1967-69), and countless championships across tracks in the Northeast including Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, Stafford Motor Speedway, and Seekonk Speedway. A fan favorite who drew crowds to his races, he was one of the legendary drivers who piloted the iconic “Ole Blue” No. 3 car that still races today on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Our thoughts are with Bugsy‘s family and friends as we honor his life.”

Rehoboth Health Board Resignations

By Joe Siegel

Dr. Bruce Thayer and Richard Panofsky have resigned from the Human Services and Community Health Board.

“He remains available if we need him for some other tasks,” Selectmen Chair Skip Vadnais said of Thayer.

Thayer and Dr. Robert Lambe were appointed in 2020 to assist the town with the coronavirus pandemic.

“We needed guidance on closure of buildings,” Vadnais noted. “They have put in hours and hours of work. Without them, I don’t know if we would have been as successful as we have been in continuing uninterrupted services for the government of the town.”

Vadnais said Panofsky has resigned from all his appointed positions. Panofsky also chaired the Personnel Board and served as clerk for both the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Municipal Building Study Committee.

He represented Rehoboth with GATRA and chaired the ad-hoc Animal Advisory Committee.

Panofsky ran unsuccessfully for the Board of Selectmen last April.

“He’s not just walking away into the sunset, he is more than willing to help us,” Vadnais added.

Rehoboth Selectmen Delay Bylaw Changes

By Joe Siegel

The Board of Selectmen delayed approving any changes to the town bylaws until the fall. Town Clerk Laura Schwall had expected the board to review and approve the changes before the June 4 Spring Town Meeting.

Chairman Skip Vadnais told Schwall more time was necessary. “We’re not going to have an item by item discussion with the reasoning,” Vadnais said on Monday. “Unfortunately, we’re at the end of our timeline. We don’t have four hours to go through it tonight.”

“All we want is to be open and transparent,” Schwall said. “We’re trying to give the town and the citizens a tool that is so much easier to use and that is current with the state statute.”

Richard Panofsky, a member of the bylaw review committee, noted the process was “long, very careful, and involved.” “There’s lots of documentation for why every proposed change was made,” he continued. “I know that the changes are not making up new rules. We’re not changing any of the meanings of the law, we’re correcting mistakes that inadvertently crept in.”

“Our bylaws were unenforceable,” Schwall noted. “You had elected people that are now appointed. We made these changes so our bylaws are current and correct.”

“I’m not going to allow any more discussion on the subject,” Vadnais added. “We’re going to return in the fall to finish this process.”

In May 2023, the board approved a contract with General Code for $10,000.

The company, based in Rochester, New York, pledged to make the bylaws available on the town website. The process was due to be completed before the end of 2024.

135 municipalities in Massachusetts have General Code’s Codification of their Bylaws, including Mansfield, Plainville, Fall River, Easton, Fairhaven, and Taunton.

Rehoboth Bylaw changes

By Joe Siegel

On May 13, the Board of Selectmen removed a warrant article which would have codified revisions of the town’s bylaws. Town Clerk Laura Schwall had intended for residents to adopt the changes at the June 4 Spring Town Meeting.

Chairman Skip Vadnais said the board lacked sufficient time to review the changes and vowed to revisit them in the fall.

In the final draft, it states the following:

The following titles are amended to read “Treasurer-Collector” when referring to the Town Treasurer and Town Collector: Treasurer, Collector, Treasurer/Collector, Tax Collector, and Collector of Taxes.

References to the “Zoning Board” and “Board of Appeals” are amended to read “Zoning Board of Appeals.”

References to the “Building Inspector” and “Inspector of Buildings” are amended to read “Building Commissioner.”

References to the “Superintendent of Streets” are amended to read “Highway Superintendent.”

Another change extends the duration of appointments made by the Board of Selectmen from one year to three years.

Kitchen & Baths, Inc.

Unless otherwise provided by statute, vote of the Town, or these bylaws, all officials, boards, committees and bodies not elected on the official ballot shall be appointed by the Board of Selectmen, for up to three-year terms or as otherwise specified in state law. The following positions are added: Board of Health, Electrical Inspector, Fish Warden, Harbormaster, Stormwater Officer, Treasurer-Collector. The following positions are deleted: Agent to care for cemeteries, Forest Fire Warden, Inspector of Manufactured and Natural Gas Appliances and Installations, Inspector of Plumbing, Inspector of Range Boilers, Inspector of Wiring.

In May 2023, the board approved a contract with General Code for $10,000.

The company, based in Rochester, New York, pledged to make the bylaws available on the town website. The process was due to be completed before the end of 2024.

General Code’s page explains: “In addition to Rehoboth’s code project, we have another 33 projects in process in Massachusetts. Approximately 25 of these are brandnew municipal codes, as with Rehoboth’s. The remainder are a series of recodifications and/or standalone legal reviews, undertaken when a community’s code has reached 15 –20 years in age; ensuring that these codes are still aligned with state statutes and free of conflicting language or liabilities.”

The complete list of changes can be accessed on the town’s website: 2024Rehoboth Codification Project | Town of Rehoboth MA.

Mills Objects to Bylaw Changes

By Joe Siegel

SEEKONK DENTAL

Schwall also disputes statements made by Selectman Lenny Mills at the May 15 Planning Board meeting.

Rehoboth Selectman Lenny Mills expressed his objections to approving a set of bylaw revisions at the May 15 Planning Board meeting.

Town Clerk Laura Schwall and Richard Panofsky, a member of the group which had worked on the bylaw changes, briefed members of the Board, which includes Mills.

“We have to be clear and direct what we’re doing here. This is becoming a war for the people in this town. I’m not signing 350 pages like I’m elected in Washington,” Mills said. “I don’t need to be insulted with 350 pages.”

“We were open and transparent with everyone,” Schwall replied. “Anybody could have come in my office and I had access to these documents. You all had access to the General Code site that you could’ve looked at the comments that every board and every department had.”

“I don’t think that’s a good system,” Mills told Schwall. “You sit (at your job) for over $100,000 a year. (The Planning Board) sit for free. We sit here for free, including the Selectmen. I don’t think we should have to come in and sit with you to go over (the bylaw changes).”

“If the Town Clerk thinks her job is the only important one to get us over here and (approve the bylaw changes),” Mills said.

“We are not leaving this meeting,” Panofsky said to Mills. “There is no need for this kind of discussion to occur.”

Panofsky later walked out during the discussion and tendered his resignation from all the boards he had volunteered for.

“While I’m here, I’m going to try to be as gentlemanly as I can and fight for this town,” Mills added.

Rehoboth Town Clerk Speaks Out

By Joe Siegel

Town Clerk Laura Schwall came under fire recently from town officials regarding proposed bylaw changes. The Board of Selectmen met with Schwall on May 13 and claimed they lacked sufficient time to review the changes before the June 4 Town Meeting.

Schwall told the Reporter that was not the case. “Chairman (Skip) Vadnais was involved with every step of the Codification process for the past year,” Schwall said Friday. “The Chairman appointed Dr. Richard Panofsky to serve as the Board of Selectmen’s Codification Project Liaison. Dr. Panofsky spent considerable time with Chairman Vadnais reviewing the questions General Code proposed and asked for guidance on how the Board of Selectmen wishes the Codification project to proceed during the Organizational Analysis, Reorganizing and Renumbering, Editorial and Legal Analysis, Preliminary Draft Review and Final Draft Review phases.”

“Selectman / Planning Board member Mills was not asked to read or sign a “350 page” document,” Schwall noted. “He (along with the other four members of the Board of Selectmen) was provided a draft of the Town Warrant on April 22 which included 18 pages of proposed updates to the Town Bylaws for the Board’s review.”

Schwall noted the updates were “limited to correcting typographical and grammatical errors and correcting references to outdated Massachusetts General Laws.”

“That document was given to the Board as a helpful visual tool so they could see what the final product would look like; not necessarily to read in its entirety. The 18-page warrant articles were the only items to be reviewed and discussed at the May 13th meeting with the Selectmen and May 15th meeting with the Planning Board,” Schwall added.

Valter Rego Masonry & Landscaping

MA Propane Association Meet with Area State Representatives

MA Propane Association met at Lin’s Propane Trucks last week to hear from area propane and oil marketers on proposed DEP regulations. The regulation discussed would cause a disastrous financial impact to the people of Massachusetts as well as industry professionals.

The Clean Heat Standard is a regulation that plans to raise the cost of energy in the Bay State to everyone. It also unfairly incentivizes Electricity over all fuels. Propane is actually cleaner today than our current electrical grid. In the future renewable propane will be even cleaner.

The MA Propane Association educated the representatives on the benefits of propane now and in the future. The attendees were as follows: MA Propane Association, Tim Johnson (Propane Plus), Jay Macedonio (Columbus Energies), Evan and Kathryn Pittsley (JaySan Gas), Doug & Shelly Plissey and Brian Lehane (JaySan Gas).

Massachusetts Representatives that were in attendance: Steven Howitt, Patricia Haddad, Norman Orall, Carol Doherty as well as representatives from the office of Senator Mark Pacheco, Rep. Paul Schmid and Senator Michael Rodrigues. A special thanks goes out to all the representatives who attended as well as Lins Propane Trucksof Dighton, MA for sponsoring the event.

The MA Propane Association represents all member propane marketers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

(L to R) Briane Lehane, Evan Pittsley, Shelly Plissey, Doug Plissey, Tim Johnson, Rep Patricia Haddad, Rep Norm Orall, Rep Carol Doherty, Rep Steven Howitt, Natalie Ruben, Karen Almeida representative for Senator Rodrigues, Mary Wasylyk, Representative for senator Mark Pacheco, and Jay Macedonio from Columbus Energies

Photo by Kathryn Pittlsey.

The Seekonk Scene

From the Seekonk Town Clerk’s Office

Happy June Everyone! We hope you had an enjoyable Memorial Day. This past Saturday, I was honored to attend the Memorial Day Parade and would like to say THANK YOU to everyone who made the parade and ceremony a success. They were both conducted beautifully to honor our fallen heroes.

In Recognition

Congratulations Fire Lieutenant English and Fire Lieutenant Impagliazzo for being sworn in for their recent promotions at the May 22nd Select Board meeting. Also, during this meeting, Police Chief Enos presented the Life Saving Medal to Officer Christian Ortiz and Officer Scott Dumond for their heroic actions responding to a medical emergency. Fire Chief Whalen also recognized the outstanding work the following members of the Fire Department: Lt. Bradford, Firefighter Sarasin, Firefighter Silva, Firefighter Cronin, Firefighter Olson, Firefighter Impagliazzo, and Firefighter English for their prompt treatment and transport which resulted in a positive medical outcome. The Select Board meetings can be viewed on the Town of Seekonk’s Facebook page.

Annual Spring Town Meeting News

Seekonk held its Spring Town Meeting on May 13, 2024 at the Seekonk High School. Below is a report summarizing the meeting and votes. The complete set of minutes can be found on the Town Clerk’s webpage.

The Town Clerk called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of over 75 registered voters. The Town Moderator made a motion to allow the Town Moderator to proceed with all articles, even those that affect him personally.

Article 1 - To receive Town Officers or Committees reports. No reports were given. Action on the motion: Motion passed.

Article 2 - To see what sums of money the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds or borrow for Operating Expenses and the Sanitation Fund of the Town for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025. The Town Administrator presented the FY25 Budget and School Superintendent presented the School Department’s FY25 Budget.

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WHAT HAPPENED TO TV9 IN SEEKONK?

For nearly forty years TV9, Seekonk’s community television station, has been providing public access to educational and governmental programs for our friends and neighbors exclusively with the assistance of many volunteers who donate their time, talent and expertise to develop and produce beneficial, informational programs, as well as govern the studio.

Unfortunately, the station has been in difficult negotiations with the Town and its Board of Selectmen over rights to the operation and assets of the station. This has resulted in misconceptions of TV9’s role in the community, as well as misstatements and misrepresentations regarding the finances and responsibilities to the Town administration.

Because TV9 is financed totally by Comcast’s Seekonk subscribers’ fees, not residential taxes, the Board of Directors of TV9 (Seekonk Cable Access, LLC) wants the residents to know and be totally informed about why their TV9 is not available to them at this time.

We hope the following brings some clarification to a challenging and complex situation.

FACT: TV9 is a non-profit cable station that provides free access to hours of programming now televised through the Comcast network.

FACT: TV9 also uses its funds to support local high school scholarships and its A/V program, the senior center, the Selectman and town meetings, and other community events and activities.

FACT: Since its 1985 inception, TV9 always received its funds directly from a grant from the Mass. cable company, with whom the contract was made. Although the check was mailed to the town, the money has never been part of the town’s general fund. Recently, the town Selectman voted to make the town itself the payee, thereby making that grant part of its own general fund. That decision also changed and complicated the Town’s appropriation process. That decision took away the direct connection between Comcast and TV9 while also complicating the town’s fiscal reporting.

FACT: TV9 has not received the funds owed to them since August 2023.

FACT: Since November of 2023, Seekonk Cable Access has been in discussion with the Town Administrator & Board of Selectman to formalize a grant funding agreement - one which had never previously existed between the Town and TV9.

FACT: The Town proposed a contract which substantially changed the long-standing criteria and ownership of TV9’s assets and equipment, in addition to adding the TV9 fund allocation to its own general fund.

FACT: TV9 rejected these changes that would give the Town control over program content; the Town then repeatedly cancelled subsequent scheduled discussions to review TV9 suggestions.

FACT: When negotiations broke down (TV9’s payments continually withheld, its suggestions ignored – specifically the reversion of TV9’s assets), the station suspended service.

FACT: As a non-profit, all TV9 Annual reports and copies of the past years’ contracts are documents open to the public. The Town, however, wants further data we believe is irrelevant and disagrees on ownership of TV9 assets.

This situation has become complex with accusations and threatens lengthy legal intervention. This would be sad for everyone, especially the citizens of Seekonk.

We are ready and willing to talk with the negotiation team when they are ready to prioritize the citizens of Seekonk above the Town’s request for control.

A motion was made and seconded on Town Meeting floor by the Board of Selectmen to increase line item 55 Education/Seekonk Schools by $135,000. Action on the motion: Motion passed.

A motion was made and seconded on Town Meeting floor by the Board of Selectmen to amend line 118 of the Sanitation Budget by increasing the appropriation by $387,651. Action on the motion: Motion passed.

AOL ENTERPRISES

A motion was made and seconded to approve the Town appropriate the sum of $70,758,508 to defray charges and expenses of the Town for Fiscal Year 2025 for the purposes and amounts set forth in Budget Schedules A through J in column titled Board of Selectmen Budget 2025: the sum of $53,848,336 to be raised by taxation within the levy limit under proposition 2 ½; The sum of $450,000 to be transferred from the Overlay Surplus

The sum of $1,650,000 to be transferred from Ambulance Fees; The sum of $52,036 to be transferred from the Sanitation Enterprise Fund. Action on the motion: Motion passed

A motion was made and seconded to approve the Town appropriate the sum of $1,875,537 to defray charges and expenses of operating the Sanitation Enterprise Fund for the Fiscal Year 2025 for the purpose and amount set forth in Schedule K in the column titled Board of Selectmen Recommended Budget 2025; the sum of $1,875,537 to be provided from revenues of the Sanitation Enterprise Fund. Action on the motion: Motion passed

Article 3 - To see if the Town will vote to fix the salary and compensation for the elected and appointed officials of the Town as provided by GL c 41, s108 for their services for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2024, provided that any part-time elected official may waive receipt of compensation. Action on the motion: Motion passed

Article 4 - To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from free cash or available funds in the treasury, or transfer from designated funds that have been reserved for appropriation the following sums to be expended for departmental equipment and all incidental and related expenses, including new or continuing leases for such equipment, and further to authorize appropriate Town officials to enter into contracts for more than three years for such purposes, as applicable.

A motion was made on Town Meeting floor to take two separate votes: 1) Item 8 (2/3rd vote); and 2) Items 1-7, 9 & 10. Action on Motion: Motion passed

Motion 1: Item 8-Dump Truck lease/purchase. Action on Motion: Motion failed

Motion 2: Items 1-7, 9 & 10. Action on Motion: Motion passed

Article 5 - o see if the Town of Seekonk will vote to act on the report of the Community Preservation Committee on the Fiscal Year 2025 Community Preservation Budget and to appropriate from the Community Preservation Fund, pursuant to G.L. c. 44B, § 6, a sum of money to meet the administrative expenses and all other necessary and proper expenses of the Community Preservation Committee for Fiscal Year 2025; and to reserve for later appropriation monies from the Community Preservation annual revenues or available funds in the amounts recommended by the Community Preservation Committee for open space, historic resources and community housing purposes, as well as a sum of money to be placed in the Fiscal Year 2025 budgeted reserve for general Community Preservation Act purposes, with each item to be considered a separate appropriation, as follows:

Appropriations:

• From FY 2025 estimated revenues for Committee Administrative Expenses: $32,618

• Reserves:

• From FY 2025 estimated revenues for Historic Resources Reserve: $65,237

• From FY 2025 estimated revenues for Community Housing Reserve: $65,237

• From FY 2025 estimated revenues for Open Space Reserve: $65,237

• From FY 2025 estimated revenues for the FY 2025 Budgeted Reserve: $424,039

Action on the motion: Motion passed

Article 6 - To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to dispose of surplus property or material, exclusive of buildings and land, but including compost, no longer needed by

the Town. Action on the motion: Motion passed

Article 7 - To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Free Cash to the FY 2024 Town Meeting Operating Budget Line Item #69 (Snow & Ice Expenses). Action on the motion: Motion passed

Article 8 - To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Free Cash to the Opioid Settlement Special Revenue Fund. Action on the motion: Motion passed

Article 9 - To see if the Town will vote pursuant to G.L. c.40, §5B to establish a special purpose stabilization fund, to be known as the Dr. Kevin M. Hurley Middle School HVAC Stabilization Account, and in connection therewith, to transfer to said fund from Free Cash or available funds in the treasury the sum of $50,000.00. Action on the motion: Motion failed

Article 10 - To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of G.L. c.44, §53F¾, to create a PEG Cable Access and Cable Related Fund. Action on the motion: Motion passed

Article 11 - To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a five (5) year contract, with five one (1) year renewal option, commencing on July 1, 2024 with MTG Disposal to provide curbside solid waste and recyclables collection for Town residential units. Action on the motion: Motion passed

Article 12 – To see if the Town will vote to transfer from the Board of Selectmen for the purposes for which it is currently held to the Board of Selectmen for the purpose of sale or other disposition, and authorize said board to sell or otherwise dispose of, the property located at 0 Fall River Ave and shown as Assessors Map #7, Lot #113, inclusive of buildings and land, as such property is no longer needed by the Town. Action on the motion: Motion passed

Article 13 – To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaws of the Town of Seekonk by deleting existing language as indicated by strikethrough text and by inserting new language as indicated by underlined, boldfaced type, all as presented. Each of the 5 amendments were voted separately. Action on Motions: Amendment 1: Motion failed; Amendment 2: Motion failed; Amendment 3: Motion failed; Amendment 4: Motion failed; Amendment 5: Motion failed

POINT OF ORDER: If the meeting should continue past 10:30PM. Motion was made to continue with the meeting. Motion passed

Article 14 – To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 3.2 of the Town of Seekonk Zoning Bylaws and the Town of Seekonk’s Zoning Map as it pertains to the underlying zoning designation of the property located at 1693 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, Massachusetts more specifically designated as Assessor’s Plat 1, Lot 39, to rezone the subject property from the Residential-3 and Mixed-Use Overlay zoning district to the Industrial and Mixed-Use Overlay zoning district. Action on the motion: Motion failed

Article 15 – To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from Free Cash to purchase percussion band instruments for the Seekonk High School Band. Action on the motion: Motion passed

Article 16 – To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 2 and Section 4 of Category 14B - Fowl of the General Bylaws of the Town of Seekonk by inserting new language as indicated by underlined, boldfaced type, all as presented. Action on the motion: Motion passed

The motion was made and seconded to dissolve the meeting at 11:43PM. Action on motion: Motion passed

We would like to thank the poll workers, registrars, town hall staff, high school staff, police, fire, DPW, and voters for your participation in town meeting.

Other Town News

Congratulations and best of luck to all the graduates of Seekonk High School’s Class of 2024. We wish you success and happiness as you begin your new journey.

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be advised, dog license renewals are past due, and a late fee will be

beginning June 1, 2024. The license fees are as follows: $10.00 for spayed/neutered dogs and $20.00 for unspayed/un-neutered dogs. As a reminder, license fees are waived for residents 70 years of age or older. However, you still need to apply for the license and show the dog is current on their rabies vaccine.

EAST COAST PLASTERING CO.

We are still updating census forms. If you have not returned your census, please return it to the Town Clerk’s Office as soon as possible. Failure to respond to census mailings for two consecutive years will result in the removal from the active voting list. 2024 will be a very busy year for elections. Please be sure to return your census forms to ensure all voter registration information is accurate.

The Summer Solstice occurs on June 20th at 4:51PM. We wish you a happy, safe, and memorable Summer!

~Kristen and Lorraine

Seekonk Firefighter Alex Summerhayes Graduates from Firefighting Academy

State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy leadership today announced the graduation of 33 firefighters from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program.

“Massachusetts firefighters are on the frontlines protecting their communities every day, and today’s graduates are needed now more than ever,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “The hundreds of hours of foundational training they’ve received will provide them with the physical, mental, and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”

“Massachusetts Firefighting Academy instructors draw on decades of experience in the fire service to train new recruits,” said Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director Eric Littmann. “Through consistent classroom instruction and practical exercises, today’s graduates have developed the tools they’ll need to work seamlessly with veteran firefighters in their home departments and in neighboring communities as mutual aid.”

The graduating firefighters of Class #320 represent the fire departments of Andover, Auburn, Belmont, Chelmsford, Falmouth, Haverhill, Lynn, Methuen, Nantucket, Norwood, Seekonk, and Yarmouth.

Basic Firefighter Skills

Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple-room structural Administrative Services • Division of Fire Safety Hazardous Materials Response •Massachusetts Firefighting Academy fires. Upon successful completion of the Career Recruit Program, all students have met the national standards of NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and are certified to the levels of Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications. Today’s Firefighters Do More than Fight Fires

Modern firefighters train for and respond to all types of hazards and emergencies. They are the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected

Alex Summerhayes

presence of carbon monoxide to gas leaks to industrial chemical spills. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice, an office worker stuck in an elevator, or a motorist trapped in a crashed vehicle. They test and maintain their equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), hydrants, hoses, power tools, and apparatus.

At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, recruits learn all these skills and more, including the latest science of fire behavior and suppression tactics, from certified fire instructors. They also receive training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, and self-rescue techniques. The intensive, 10-week program involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice.

The MFA provides recruit and in-service training for career, call, and volunteer firefighters at every level of experience, from recruit to chief officer, at campuses in Stow, Springfield, and Bridgewater.

Letter Carriers Support the Fight Against Hunger

The Seekonk Letter Carriers once again conducted their springtime food drive; the food collected will benefit local residents, as all the donations went to the Doorways food pantry. The drive raised 3,000 pounds of food, thanks to the generosity of the people of Seekonk and the willingness of the letter carriers to undertake the extra work involved in collecting the donations.

The National Association of Letter Carriers has been conducting the food drive as a nationwide initiative since 1993, and the Seekonk Letter Carriers have been collecting for Doorways since the pantry opened in 2001. Over 70 local families rely on Doorways on a regular basis, and Doorways in turn relies on people like the letter carriers and their postal patrons. We thank the community and especially the Letter Carriers for taking the time to help us in our mission.

Seekonk Letter Carrier Volunteers

*Sustainable Seekonk*

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

Seekonk Recycling Committee has open seats! We meet monthly to help coordinate resources, education and awareness of sustainability and recycling topics in and around Seekonk. We partner with the library for programming, host a rain barrel or compost bin sale each year, organize the annual Litter Patrol, and help answer questions about what can be recycled and where. If you’re interested in making a difference in the town you live in-please consider joining the committee! We especially need partnership with each of the schools, so if you’re a parent or teacher that wants to help foster sustainability in the schools, we’d love to hear from you.

Seekonk DPW (871 Taunton Ave) has textile collection bins and a Terracycle collection shed in the parking lot, and rechargeable batteries collection bin and eye glasses collection inside the lobby. They also accept fluorescent light bulbs-including CFL bulbs and tubes under 4ft. These should never go in your curbside bins! Stores like Lowes, Home Depot, Best Buy and Staples also accept most of these items as well. Single use-alkaline batteries, incandescent bulbs and LED bulbs can go in the trash.

Terracycle Recycling Collections The Recycling Committee is partnering with Terracycle to save hundreds of everyday items from the trash, and send them in to be recycled into new products. The shed at DPW has bins to deposit items like toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, deodorant, baby food pouches, air fresheners and much more. See the full list in the DPW lobby, or at Facebook. com/SustainableSeekonk (you do NOT need to have a Facebook account to see the posts on this page!)

Ouellette Landscaping

Spring is here!

Clean Up Fallen Trees & Limbs

Services: Spring clean-up, Garden rototilling, shrubs/hedges removed, small land clearing/overgrown area cutbacks, Brook/ Stream clean outs, and lawn mowing. Poison Ivy removal. Don’t forget the plant beds that need reshaping and new mulch.

No beating around the bush! Best prices to fit your budget. Spring cleanup schedule fills up quickly  Call Joe for a free quote today (401) 323-9553

References available upon request

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). Upcoming Bulky Waste drop off days at TARF are May 11, July 12, Aug 10 -buy a pass at DPW for $25 to bring items that are too big to fit in blue bags/ curbside trash bins. But please try to pass things along for reuse before trashing them! Bulky Waste pickup continues on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month for furniture and misc bulky items ($5), metal, electronic ($5) & appliance ($12.50) pickup is the 3rd Tuesday, and mattresses ($65) are the 3rd Wednesday. Buy stickers at DPW.

Food Waste Compost Collection at TARF: The Recycling Committee is sponsoring a collection bin at TARF from Black Earth Compost, residents can bring their household food waste and deposit in the bins. 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 and transport. You can dump food waste directly into the bins from your home container or use certified compostable bagsno plastic bags please! Please reach out to the Recycling Coordinator at DPW for more information about this program.

Interested in a Recycling Audit? The Recycling Committee is offering appointments for committee members to stop by your home and go over items in your bin to ensure the correct items are going where they should go. We know it’s hard to keep track of what items are recyclable or not-so we’d like to help in real time with real items that you use everyday. No shame-just learning! Reach out to the Recycling Coordinator at DPW or the Recycling Committee on Facebook to book your appointment.

Don’t Trash It! Consider donating items that are still usable-Savers in North Attleboro has easy drive up drop off service, Angel’s Care Closet takes a wide variety of items or you can visit DONATIONTOWN.ORG for a

list of local services that will pickup items from your home. If items are broken or no longer usable, stores like Staples, Lowes, Home Depot and Best Buy take back all kinds of electronics, bulbs, ink/ toner, batteries, cell phone cases, pens and markers and more. Use the Recycle Locator at CTA.tech website to find all your nearby options for electronics. If you’re interested in a town wide CURB ALERT day-where everyone can put out items for free and you can plan to drive around to “shop” for items you want or need, please reach out to the Recycling Committee, our Recycling Coordinator at DPW, or Sustainable Seekonk on Facebook.

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! What items would you like to see added? Reach out to the Recycling Coordinator at DPW, or the library with ideas.

Trash or Recycling Questions? We’re partnering with the Seekonk Public Library to host the program ‘Waste Not, Want Not: Seekonk Recycling Updates’ on Thu July 25th at 6:30pm. The new contract begins July 1. Stop by to get an update on what’s accepted, managing your collection bins and any other recycling questions. You’ll also find out about recycling options in our community beyond the curbside bins. For those who may be new to the PAYT (Pay As You Throw) model- the annual bill you pay is for the collection of your trash each week, and the Blue Bags are how you pay for the actual trash.

Annual Hazardous Waste Collection Day Hosted by the Seekonk Board of Health, this collection event has been scheduled for Saturday July 27th from 9-11 AM-keep an eye on the town website for registration and more information about items accepted.

Recycling Tip of The Month: You may have heard that our annual trash bills are going up, partly because of paying for recycling-but

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Puppies are a lot of work!!

Confused about how to

Get started right away with flexible Puppy Kindergarten classes and multiple Puppy Socials each week for safe socialization and training! Join our friendly community of dog lovers for fun and support!

it’s important to realize that the cost of processing recyclables is still lower than processing those same materials as trash-and the more we recycle correctly (cleaner materials, less contamination, only the correct items in your bins) the less we have to pay to process them, because of the rebates that come back when the materials are able to be sold for recycling. Please remember to recycle right, and…. Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (in THAT order!)

St. Vincent de Paul Food Drive to Support Doorways

Volunteers from Doorways and St. Vincent de Paul Society unload and sort donations from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church

Two Seekonk churches - Our Lady of Mt Carmel and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs - conducted a joint Lenten food drive last month for the benefit of area food pantries in Seekonk, Rehoboth and Attleboro, collecting hundreds of pounds of food.

The food drive was coordinated by the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a ministry of lay Catholics inspired by Gospel values to serve their communities. Their donation to Doorways supports many Seekonk residents in need of a helping hand, and will fill the cupboards of homes throughout Seekonk for weeks to come. Such food drives provide not only great quantities of food, but also welcome variety. When someone donates a food item they particularly enjoy, someone else on the receiving end is delighted to discover that same food item on our shelf. When people participate in a food drive, it really makes a difference; over seventy families rely on Doorways on a regular basis, and Doorways relies on people like the parishioners of OLMC. May God bless you all.

Seekonk Approves $72M Budget

By Joe Siegel

Voters at Town Meeting approved a FY’25 budget of $72.1 million. There were 114 votes in favor and 45 in opposition.

• $34.3 million was approved for education. That includes Tri County Regional Vocational High School as well as Bristol Agricultural High School.

• $32,920,453 is for Seekonk Public Schools. An amendment was made to provide an additional $135,000 in Chapter 70 funds to the district. The vote was 121 in favor and 44 in opposition.

The effort to transfer $50,000 into a Hurley Middle School HVAC Stabilization Fund was defeated with 98 in support and 53 opposed. A two-thirds vote was needed for passage. Ryan McGee, the School Business Administrator warned of a “catastrophic failure” of the school’s heating system, which has repeatedly broken down in the last few years. School Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell explained the boiler will need “significant repair.” In 2023, Colliers conducted a feasibility study for the district and cited $15 million worth of needs for Hurley Middle School, including an HVAC system, roof replacement, and upgrade of the electrical service and distribution panels.

Michael Brady, a member of the Finance Committee, thought it was a mistake to limit the funding to just one project for one school.

Lenten Food Drive

“The goal is to keep (Hurley) open all winter,” Kidwell noted. Town Administrator Shawn Cadime said the town’s other stabilization funds could be utilized to pay for Hurley’s boiler.

• $1.5 million was approved for the Sanitation Enterprise Fund. That amount had been increased by $387,651. The vote for the new total was 101 in favor with 44 in opposition.

• Voters rejected funding for year one of the three year lease/ purchase of one large dump truck for the Public Works Department. The cost was $100,000. Other articles which were approved:

• To authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a five (5) year contract, with five one (1) year renewal options, commencing on July 1, 2024 with MTG Disposal to provide curbside solid waste and recyclables collection for Town residential units.

• Vote to create a PEG Cable Access and Cable Related Fund. Local access channel TV9 suspended operations and has been negotiating with the Town on a new Access Agreement.

• Appropriation of $32,618 for administrative expenses for the Community Preservation Fund.

• Authorization for the Board of Selectmen to dispose of surplus property.

• Set salary and compensation for elected and appointed officials.

New DPW Facility Will Cost $39M

By Joe Siegel

The new building for the Department of Public Works is expected to be finished in 2026, according to members of the Building Committee. The Committee presented an overview to the Seekonk Select Board on May 8.

The price tag for the project will be $39.4 million. The amount to be borrowed is $39.4 million at an interest rate of four percent annually over 30 years. The average single family tax bill impact would be $267 a year.

If the garage, which is part of the building design is left out, the total amount which will be borrowed shrinks to $31.4 million. The average single family tax impact would be $213 a year. The DPW equipment savings by indoor storage is $9.7 million.

“The cost is a lot more than anyone thought it was going to be,” said Board member Michael Healy. “I think there should be some compromise on the garage area.”

“Obviously the price tag is going to be a sticker shock,” said Town Administrator Shawn Cadime. “The committee, along with the OPM and the architect has done an amazing job of really trying to get (the cost) as low as possible. Without the garage, I feel we are not really getting the project that we talked about.”

“It’s kind of silly to build a DPW facility without a garage,” said Chair Michelle Hines.

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.

The project will go out to bid this September with a start date of January 2025. Construction will be completed in April 2026. A town meeting vote to approve funding will be held this November.

On June 7, 2021, the Town voted to appropriate the sum of $1,500,000, to pay for the costs of designing, planning, and engineering for the construction of a DPW facility on land owned by the Town of Seekonk at 351 Fall River Avenue.

The planning, design and oversight of expenditures will be under the direction of the Select Board.

The building committee was formed in August 2022. The members include John Pozzi, Edward Monigan, Michael Gagne, Kevin Hurst, and Hines.

Select Board Appropriates $135,000 for Schools

By Joe Siegel

The Seekonk Select Board appropriated an additional $135,000 in Chapter 70 funds for the School Department.

The 3 to 1 vote was held at the May 8 meeting. Chair Michelle Hines, Chris Zorra, and Michael Healy were in favor, with Pam Pozzi in opposition. Justin Sullivan was absent.

Town Administrator Shawn Cadime noted an amendment would need to be proposed at Monday’s town meeting for that request.

Cadime said the money would help reduce an additional layoff for this fiscal year for student services. Another possibility is to use the funds for a pre-paid special education tuition and for Hurley Middle School repairs.

The total budget is $32.7 million, a 3.1 percent increase

compared to the current fiscal year’s budget. Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell noted 3.5 positions would be eliminated, including a part-time librarian at Hurley Middle School, two teachers at Seekonk High School, and one community coach in the Transitions Academy.

In addition, Kidwell said vacant positions including instructional aides at Hurley and the high school and one teacher at both schools and Aitken elementary, would not be filled.

“We can’t dictate where they put that money once it’s approved to them,” Healy said. “I don’t think taking all of it is the right message to send. I think the two boards have worked together. The Superintendent did a very good job with her budget presentation, the best one I’ve seen in a long time.”

“I like her,” Hines added. “I think she’s doing a great job for Seekonk and I think she’ll take the money and put it where it needs to go.”

Seekonk Bylaw Changes Defeated

By Joe Siegel

Voters at Monday’s Town Meeting defeated several proposed changes to the zoning bylaws, including the development of a Multi-family Development Overlay District (MDOD).

The proposed housing units would have been constructed at Greenbrier II on Fall River Avenue, Oakhill Avenue, and Taunton Avenue.

One of the amendments regarding residential uses “to allow 8, 2nd floor accessory units “per building” and make such units an allowed use by right in the Highway Business District” was part of the warrant article.

The purpose of the MDOD “is to 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 varied housing opportunities.”

The article also outlined standards for the design of a MDP, including buffer areas, utilities, irrigation, accessory buildings, stormwater management, roadways, and “maximum coverage: not more than 45 percent of the MDP shall be covered by an impervious surface.”

Also defeated was a change to the zoning designation of the property located at 1693 Fall River Avenue. The proposal called to rezone that property from the Residential-3 and Mixed Use Overlay zoning district to the industrial and Mixed Use Overlay zoning district.

Seekonk Committee Openings

By Joe Siegel

Seekonk has many openings on town boards and committees but a shortage of volunteers.

Select Board Member Pam Pozzi believes more information would be helpful in filling those vacancies.

“I think it’s great that we have these boards and committees, they’re part of our town government,” Pozzi said at the May 8 meeting. “I think we need to bring more awareness (to the public) about what these boards and committees are and what they do.”

Pozzi suggested having various committee chairs make presentations about what they do, the subjects they discuss, the time commitment involved, etc.

Member Michael Healy thought the town should hire a consultant to recruit members for the Economic Development Committee.

“That whole Route 6 corridor, I think we have to look at,” Healy said. “We have to focus on what does the future of Seekonk look like with what’s going on down there? It’s changing. There’s some empty spaces. They’ve been empty for awhile. What can we do to bring in sustainable businesses that will bring in that tax base that we need and also bring in visitors to come to our community.”

There is one opening on the Board of Registrars, five openings on the Capital Improvement Committee, five openings on the Commission on Disability, four openings on the Energy Committee, one opening on the Finance Committee, two openings on the Historical Commission, one opening on the Recycling Committee, one alternate for the Zoning Board of Appeals, and one opening on the Cultural Council.

Seekonk Officers Awarded Life Saving Medal

By Joe Siegel

Seekonk Police Officers Christian Ortiz and Scott Dumond were awarded with the Life Saving Medal at the May 22 Select Board meeting.

Chief David Enos said the honor is given “when an officer unselfishly demonstrates courage, distinguishes themselves by performing extraordinary physical acts, or rendering lifesaving techniques in the preservation of human life.”

On April 21, Ortiz and Dumond responded to the Clarion Hotel where a woman was experiencing a medical emergency. The woman was not breathing and had no pulse. Officer Ortiz administered CPR until Officer Dumond arrived with the AED – automated external defibrillator. Both officers worked together and were able to revive the woman.

An awards committee determined Ortiz and Dumond to be worthy of the Life Saving Medal for their actions.

Cadime: No Money for TV9

By Joe Siegel

The Town of Seekonk has no plans to give any funding to local access station TV9, which suspended operations on April 1.

That decision drew criticism from Town Administrator Shawn Cadime and Selectman Justin Sullivan, who had served as the Select Board’s liaison to TV9.

At the May 13 Town Meeting, a warrant article proposes a special revenue account for PEG (Public Education Government) access.

“Its primary aim is to establish an account for depositing funds received from Comcast,” Cadime said Thursday. “I’ve made public statements at a Board meeting echoing guidance from Town Counsel, emphasizing that General Laws c.30B necessitate a

procurement process for any goods or services intended for the Town,” Cadime noted. “However, there are exceptions when the Town seeks services for the broader benefit of its residents. The cable access agreement falls under the purview of a grant agreement, as defined, enabling the Town to support initiatives without the need for public bidding.”

In the last six months, the Town has withheld over $128,000 in funding designated for TV9. Comcast provides a percentage of the revenues from subscribers’ fees to pay for local programming.

“TV9 had been working in its normal capacity since August 16th under the understanding that TV9 would, and in anticipation of, receiving the two checks held by the Town for that purpose,” said TV9 Board President Andrea Rosseter last month.

Sullivan noted at the Select Board’s April 10 meeting that TV9’s financial records “showed in excess of $500,000 in cash and securities, (as well as) a rental property that they collect income from. Make no mistake, this all could’ve been avoided had TV9 acted more in good faith by refraining from their actions on April 1.”

Rosseter was upset with Cadime and Sullivan for cancelling a series of meetings with TV9’s representatives over a new access agreement.

For now, the Select Board meetings are being broadcast on the Town of Seekonk’s You Tube channel.

TV9 has also been responsible for broadcasting all Town Meetings. However, due to the shutdown and stalled negotiations over a new access agreement, Cadime explained there’s “uncertainty” regarding the recording of the meeting, which will be held at 7 pm at Seekonk High school.

Select Board Turns Off TV9

By Joe Siegel

The Seekonk Select Board voted 3 to 1 Wednesday to rescind TV9’s designation as the town’s cable access provider. Town Administrator Shawn Cadime said the town’s legal counsel had made the recommendation.

Chair Michelle Hines, Justin Sullivan, and Chris Zorra were ‘yes’ votes, with Pam Pozzi in opposition. Michael Healy abstained.

TV9 Board President Andrea Rosseter declined to comment on the vote.

Negotiations between the Town and Seekonk Cable Access Corporation over a new Access Agreement have stalled.

TV9 suspended operations on April 1. Their website has also been taken down. In the last six months, the Town has withheld over $128,000 in funding designated for TV9. Comcast sends a portion of subscribers’ fees to the town to be used for PEG access. Cadime said TV9 is not entitled to that money.

The state is investigating allegations of discrimination filed against the former Board of Directors of TV9. Ex-board members Deborah Hoch and Kristen Montgomery filed complaints with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) in Boston last September.

Hoch said the TV9 Board’s decision to “black out” the PEG access channels showed their “complete disrespect and utter contempt” for the Seekonk cable subscribers.

Hines acknowledged the situation has “gone a lot further than any of us I think would even think that it would have gone.”

“I really want to see negotiations resume,” Pozzi said.

Healy was “extremely disappointed” about government meetings not being recorded and hoped a resolution to the conflict would be forthcoming:

“We need to get this done. We need to get it figured out, sooner rather than later.”

From the State houSe

Representative Howitt Supports Health Care Reform Legislation to Preserve Patient Care

House action spurred by Steward bankruptcy filing, plan to sell

off hospitals

Boston – Citing the need to protect patient access to health care, State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) recently voted to support comprehensive hospital oversight legislation that would change how regulators monitor and contain costs, strengthen financial data reporting requirements, and require notice to patients before the discontinuation of essential health services.

Representative Howitt noted the House bill was developed largely in response to the unfolding crisis at Steward Health Care, a multi-state organization that operates nine community hospitals in Massachusetts. Steward filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on May 6 and is looking to sell or auction its hospitals, a development which has raised concerns about potential closings and loss of services for patients.

In a direct nod to the Steward situation, House Bill 4643 prohibits licenses from being issued to an acute care hospital if the main campus of the hospital is leased from a health care real estate investment trust. Steward sold its properties to a real estate investment trust in 2016 and now leases them.

Representative Howitt said House Bill 4643 seeks to provide protections to consumers and to prevent similar problems in the health care industry in the future, partly through increased oversight and financial data reporting requirements.

Representative Howitt Supports $1.235B Bond Bill to Address the State’s Information Technology Needs

Boston – State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) recently voted in favor of legislation that authorizes $1.235 billion in state bond funding to help improve the Commonwealth’s information technology and cyber-security capabilities.

According to Representative Howitt, the House bill provides funding for strengthening cybersecurity, increasing IT capital efficiencies, improving the digital user experience between state agencies and residents, and supporting future AI-augmented services. This includes a $150 million capital funding authorization overseen by A&F to help municipal governments, as well as regional school districts and regional vocational technical high schools, to address cyber security threats and improve the security of critical technology infrastructure.

Representative Howitt Supports Hero Act to Expand Benefits for Massachusetts Veterans and Servicemembers

Boston – Just days before Memorial Day, State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) joined with his colleagues to pass legislation that would expand benefits for the Commonwealth’s veterans and servicemembers.

According to Representative Howitt, the HERO Act addresses a wide range of programs available to veterans, from annuities and property tax abatements to employment and medical assistance.

Representative Howitt Supports $58B State Budget for Fiscal Year 2025

Boston – State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) recently supported a $58 billion state budget that sets spending priorities for the new fiscal year that begins on July 1.

House members conducted three days of debate on the annual appropriations bill beginning on April 24, disposing of 1,495 amendments, including a handful of Republican-sponsored proposals backed by Representative Howitt in an unsuccessful attempt to further boost local aid and address the costs associated with the migrant shelter crisis. The final amended budget was approved on a vote of 153-4 on April 26.

Sen. Pacheco Co-Sponsors Budget

Amendments to Increase Funding for Veteran’s Support Services by Nearly $3.7 Million in Senate Version of the FY25 State Budget Funding will go toward Massachusetts veterans organizations and programs

BOSTON— Dean of the Massachusetts Senate Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton) announces that multiple amendments aimed at protecting and supporting veterans he co-sponsored were adopted into the Senate version of the FY25 state budget on Thursday. The amendments will provide an additional $3,689,000 to support Massachusetts veterans.

The amendments Senator Pacheco co-sponsored include an amendment filed by Senator John Cronin (D-Fitchburg) to provide $914,000 to the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts Service Fund, Inc. to combat veteran homelessness by maintaining and operating veterans’ homes and providing counseling and benefits, including wrap-around services, to disabled veterans and their families.

Sen. Pacheco Sponsors a Study Examining Declining Enrollment in UMass System

The study will examine factors contributing to declining enrollment, along with recommendations for solutions aimed at reversing trends

Boston— Dean of the Massachusetts Senate Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton) announces that an amendment he sponsored to establish a study to examine declining enrollment in the University of Massachusetts system was adopted during the Senate FY25 budget debate on Wednesday.

According to information from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, since 2019, the five-campus system has seen declining undergraduate enrollments every year, from 57,199 in 2019 to 53,854 in 2023. The Department of Higher Education also reported a steady decline in student retention into the second year of university, with 2016’s retention rate of 94% dropping to 90% in 2021.

Senate Passes Version of Fy2025 State Budget

The $57.999 billion budget was approved unanimously following three days of robust, bipartisan debate.

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Senate has unanimously approved a $57.999,000 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). Following robust and spirited debate, the Senate adopted over 400 amendments and took 43 roll call votes, adding $89.6 million in spending for statewide initiatives and local priorities for communities around the Commonwealth.

“This budget provides the investment into the Commonwealth’s resources and services, like infrastructure and education, that our communities rely on day in and day out — without raising taxes,” said Dean of the Massachusetts Senate Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton). “This budget also includes funding for projects that

will enhance quality-of-life for stakeholders in the 3rd Bristol and Plymouth district and beyond.”

The final FY25 Senate budget will be available on the Senate budget website.

District Fire Departments Awarded $78,000 in Grant Funding from Dept. of Fire Services

Funding will go toward SAFE and Senior SAFE programs to teach fire safety

Boston—Dean of the Massachusetts Senate Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton) announces that fire departments in the Third Bristol and Plymouth District have been awarded a combined $77,963 in FY24 Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) and Senior SAFE grant funding from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

The SAFE program provides grants to local fire departments to teach fire and life safety to children in schools, including programs created in collaboration with schoolteachers. Since the SAFE program began in 1996, child fire deaths have dropped significantly in Massachusetts.

“This grant funding is crucial to educating children on the dangers of fire and providing them with lifesaving safety training they will remember for the rest of their lives,” said Senator Pacheco. “For nearly three decades now, the SAFE program has been proven to save lives and keep children safe.”

The Senior SAFE grant program is for fire departments to teach fire safety to seniors who face fire and burn risks, including cooking, smoking, home oxygen use, and electrical and heating dangers.

Each of the 10 cities and towns in the Third Bristol Plymouth District received funding for both SAFE and Senior SAFE programming, with $54,513 distributed for SAFE and $23,470 for senior SAFE.

Funding amounts by department:

Department SAFE Senior SAFE

Town of Rehoboth $4,700.00 $2,200.00

Town of Seekonk $5,700.00 $2,400.00

Sen. Pacheco Secures Funding for Bristol County Superior Court House

$750,000 will be used to restore and replace the historic torch and support sustainability

Boston — Dean of the Massachusetts Senate Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton) has secured funding in the Senate version of the FY25 state budget that will go to Bristol County for the restoration and replacement of the torch to the rooftop of the Bristol County Superior Court House building in Taunton, along with funding for renewable and sustainable initiatives at the courthouse.

$500,000 will go toward restoring and replacing the iconic copper flame sculpture that sat atop the historic Superior Courthouse in downtown Taunton, which was removed in 2003 due to safety concerns.

Senator Pacheco also secured $250,000 for Bristol County Superior Court House in Taunton to use on renewable and sustainable initiatives at the 130-year-old courthouse building, which was built in 1894 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Sen. Pacheco Sponsors A Study of the Impacts of Extreme Heat on Vulnerable Populations

The study was included as an amendment to the Senate version of the FY25

state

budget

Boston— Dean of the Massachusetts Senate Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton) announces that an amendment he sponsored calling for a study on the impact of extreme heat and other climate events on vulnerable populations was adopted during the Senate FY25 budget debate on Thursday.

The amendment will create a study to examine the impact of extreme heat on older adults and persons with disabilities, along with strategies that may be implemented to keep them safe during extreme climate events.

“It is time for Massachusetts to take the initiative to mitigate the health consequences climate change has on our vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities and those in the continuously growing over-65 population,” said Senator Pacheco.

The amendment, which was filed by Senator Pacheco, was adopted as part of the Senate version of the FY25 state budget.

Sen. Marc Pacheco’s Statement on Steward Health Care Bankruptcy

Hospitals remain open through bankruptcy process

I am disappointed today to announce that Steward Health Care has filed for bankruptcy.

I want to assure members of our communities who rely on area Steward-owned hospitals like Morton Hospital in Taunton and Saint Anne’s Hospital in Fall River that hospitals will remain open and that patients should continue to seek care at these facilities.

The state has taken steps in recent months to ensure continued access to care at Steward facilities by placing Department of Public Health monitors on-site in hospitals to monitor patient care. A webpage, www.mass.gov/stewardresources, and a call center, which will be launched later today, will also serve as a resource for those in the community with questions and concerns.

Steward’s presence in Southeastern Massachusetts and the impact a potential bankruptcy would have on all hospitals in the area was one of the issues discussed in the Senate Post Audit & Oversight hearing I led last month to understand how officials were preparing for uncertainties surrounding the area’s healthcare landscape. In the wake of the hearing, state officials announced the creation of an incident command system last week to lead emergency operation plans to enable better coordination across industry stakeholders and ensure that hospitals stay open for patients to keep receiving the acute care they need.

I want to commend the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh, Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robert Goldstein and other state leaders, in their continuous efforts to navigate this crisis.

I also want to thank the Massachusetts Nurses Association and SEIU 1199 for supporting the ongoing efforts of nurses, doctors, administrators, and other staff who are ensuring access to care by keeping facilities like Morton Hospital operating amid these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Senator Marc R. Pacheco

Sen. Pacheco Co-Sponsors Amendment to Promote Safe Drinking Water from Private Wells Amendment calls for $100,000 DEP study of private well water program

Boston— Dean of the Massachusetts Senate Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton) co-sponsored an amendment to the Senate version of the FY25 budget that calls for a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection study into the creation of a statewide program to ensure clean drinking water for residents relying on private wells.

As well water soaks through the soil, it can become contaminated with hazardous contaminants from naturally occurring features, along with those from human industrial, commercial, and residential activities, posing a threat to the well’s water supply.

The amendment, which was filed by Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) and co-sponsored by Senator Pacheco, was adopted as part of the Senate version of the FY25 state budget.

Scouting Around

Troop 45 Dighton Member

Hunter LeBlanc Awarded the Rank of Eagle Scout

Hunter has been involved in Scouting as long as he can remember. He began his journey with Pack 1 Rehoboth as a Cub-Scout and his determination to push for excellence was already evident. Hunter was awarded “Best in Show” for his Polar Bear cake at the annual cake decorating contest. He advanced to the finals of the BSA Council Pinewood Derby Race with his car after having placed first in his Pack race, and second in the Regional race. He earned his Arrow of Light and crossed-over into Troop 3 North Dighton. He joined Troop 45 Dighton in early 2024 when Troop 3 disbanded.

Hunter has always been focused on reaching Eagle, but a having his older sister in the BSA program certainly helped to keep the fire lit. “It was a wonderful opportunity to work together on ranking requirements and merit badges even though we were in separate Troops”.

Becoming an Eagle Scout takes a significant amount of hard work and dedication. After advancing through six other ranks, a Scout must fulfill requirements that include: completing at least 21 merit badges (14 are specifically required), holding a position of responsibility within the troop, and finally planning, leading and managing a service project that benefits the community. Hunter has earned 33 merit badges, and served as an Instructor and Patrol Leader. He was nominated by his troop and served in Scouting’s National Honor Society, the Order of the Arrow.

For his Eagle Project, Hunter primed and painted metal fence posts and joined them with a decorative chain, planted perennials and mulched the planting bed, re-painted the lines of the parking lot, and cleaned moss from an alley retaining wall. He led a group of fellow Scouts and adults in completing this effort which greatly improves the accessibility and aesthetics of All Saint’s Church in Attleboro, MA “This was a challenging project” he noted, “I needed to keep three teams moving forward simultaneously to meet my deadline”. Hunter logged in over 160 hours of service in completing his project. He was awarded the rank of Eagle on May 14, 2024, at a formal ceremony held at the Superior Court House in Taunton, MA.

Hunter is currently an Honors Freshman at Dighton-Rehoboth High School. He is hoping to be selected to the Varsity Football team this fall, and he would like to further his studies in Automotive Technology, or Mechanical Engineering. “I am grateful for the skills I have learned during my Scouting experience; I know they will serve me well for the rest of my life.”

Troop 45 is always accepting new male members from 11-17. To find out more, please visit their Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/groups/1153216255318036/

Troop 1846 Attleboro Member Gabrielle LeBlanc Recently Became the First Female Eagle Scout in Rehoboth

When Scouts BSA became co-ed in February of 2019, Ellie became a founding member of Attleboro’s first all-female Scout Troop. Many of her fellow Scouts were already in high school when they started their journey to Eagle, and despite facing a reduced time window to progress through the ranks, Ellie is now the fifth founding member of Troop 1846 to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Although she continued to be an active participant in the Girl Scout program, she was looking to take on more challenges. “I wanted to do all of the fun things that my younger brother was involved in with his Scout Troop.” She enjoys the Scouting experience because it gives her the “opportunity to learn life skills, and provides the ability to explore various subjects from Art to Whitewater and everything in-between.”

Becoming an Eagle Scout takes a significant amount of hard work and dedication. After advancing through six other ranks, a Scout must fulfill requirements that include: completing at least 21 merit badges (14 are specifically required), holding a position of responsibility within the troop, and finally planning, leading and managing a service project that benefits the community. Ellie has earned 27 merit badges, earned her Recruiter Strip, and served as a Troop Guide and Quartermaster. She was nominated by her troop to join Scouting’s National Honor Society, the Order of the Arrow.

For her Eagle Project, Ellie constructed and stained a custom built in storage shelving unit for All Saint’s Church in Attleboro, MA. She led a group of fellow Scouts and adults in completing this effort which greatly improves the storage capacity for the Church. “It was a fun and unique project” she noted, “I hope I have inspired younger members of our Troop to commit to earning their Eagle”. Ellie logged in over 200 hours of service in completing her project. She was awarded the rank of Eagle on May 14, 2024, at a formal ceremony held at the Superior Court House in Taunton, MA.

Ellie is currently a Junior at Dighton-Rehoboth High School. She is hoping to major in Environmental Science, or Television Production and she credits her time as a Scout for building her interest in these two fields.

Troop 1846 is always accepting new female members from 11-17 interested in “doing Scout Stuff”. To find out more, please visit their Facebook page https://www. facebook.com/Troop1846Attleboro/

Hunter LeBlanc with his Eagle certificate

Gabrielle LeBlanc receiving her Eagle rank.

Association of Rhode Island

Warwick, R.I. (May 1, 2024)—Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England is excited and proud to announce that Gabrielle LeBlanc from Rehoboth, MA has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. Gabrielle’s Gold Award project is titled Bat Houses. For her Gold Award project, she constructed seven wooden bat houses that will provide a safe habitat for the local bat species. These shelters will help give bats a safe space to live and allow them to increase their population. The houses Gabrielle created were donated to the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island and placed in trees in the woods. The houses were coated with weather-resistant stain to preserve them and should provide many years of use to successive generations of bats.

“This project was important to me because I have always enjoyed the field of Environmental Science. I have explored many facets of Natural Science in my badges, schoolwork, and independent study. I hope to continue studying this area of science in college, where I hope to major in Marine Biology. I knew that our local bat species were approaching critical population levels, and humans were experiencing increased amounts of pests. The negative balance of pests to bats caused increased pesticide to be used which is harmful to the environment and humans alike.” said Gabrielle LeBlanc, Gold Award Girl Scout.

Since 1916, Girl Scouts have been making meaningful, sustainable change in their communities and around the world while earning this award. The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting, acknowledges the power behind each Gold Award Girl Scout’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. These young women are courageous leaders and visionary change makers. They are our future, and it looks bright!

Gabrielle will join the millions of Girl Scout alum around the world who have successfully created, developed, and executed “Take Action” projects that have positively impacted their communities and the world, earning Girl Scouts’ highest award.

Gold Award Girl Scouts become innovative problem-solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decisionmaking skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally. As they take action to transform their communities, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they’re the leaders our world

needs. The 2024 Gold Award Girl Scout class identified issues in their communities, took action, and found or created solutions to earn their Gold Awards, addressing real-life problems such as environmental sustainability, racial justice, mental and physical well-being, and gender inequality in STEM.

About the Girl Scout Gold Award

Gabrielle with Wildlife Rep

According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are

Eighty-seven percent (87%) of Gold Award Girl Scouts agree that earning their Gold Award gave them skills that help them succeed professionally. Seventy-two percent (72%) said earning their Gold Award helped them get a scholarship. Changing the world doesn’t end when a Girl Scout earns her Gold Award. Ninety-nine percent

(99%) of Gold Award Girl Scout alums take on leadership roles in their everyday lives.

Earning the Gold Award is just one of the amazing things girls can do as part of Girl Scouts. To join Girl Scouts or learn more about volunteering, please visit www.gssne.org/join.

We Are Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs across Southeastern New England, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gssne.org, follow @gssne on Instagram, follow @GirlScoutsofSNE on Twitter, and like us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/GSSNE.

Rehoboth Girl Scout Troop #338

Rehoboth Girl Scout Troop #338 visited the Goldfish Swim School in North Attleboro for a water safety class and an open swim event!

Girl Scouts in Memorial Day Parade

Rehoboth Girl Scouts marched in the Memorial Day parade! Anyone interested in joining Girl Scouts can sign up at “gssne.org”.

Rehoboth Girl Scouts Troop #338 visited Almeida Farm and learned about how a dairy farm works!

Girl Scouts in Memorial Day Parade

People In The News

LaCave Suzanne Celebrates 50 Years in Business

Celebrating 50 years in business is a testament to the enduring values of love, support, dedication, loyalty, hard work, and teamwork. These are the pillars upon which our journey has been built, turning dreams into reality. I’m immensely proud of the incredible loyalty and dedication shown by my team, some of whom have been with me for up to 41 years.

It all began at 23 years old, pregnant with my son, when we opened LaCave Suzanne on Mary Street in Attleboro. From there, our success blossomed, leading us to open LaCave Two, LaCave Three, and beyond, spreading our wings to various locations. Despite facing personal challenges, like the passing of my father, my determination never wavered.

Moving to Florida and entrusting the management of our salon to Kim K was a leap of faith, but her unwavering dedication surpassed all expectations. The surprise visit from all 12 of my hairdressers to celebrate our milestone in Florida was an unforgettable moment, a testament to the bonds we’ve forged over the years.

I’m deeply grateful to our clients who have supported us on this remarkable journey. Here’s to 50 years of memories, milestones, and endless gratitude.

Warm regards, Sue Lamarre

100th Birthday Celebration

Irene Rivard celebrated her 100th birthday on March 28th at Whites of Westport with family and friends. Irene is a longtime resident of Rehoboth, MA. She enjoys occasionally going to the Casino and lottery scratch tickets, hoping for the big win.

Irene Rivard turns 100!

Seekonk St Mary Academy – Bay View Student Wins Big PPAC Award!

We are proud to announce that Seekonk resident, and St. Mary Academy - Bay View sophomore, Ariana Bobiak, has won an Ocean State Star Award! The Ocean State Star Awards is part of the Providence Performing Arts Center’s education initiative which recognizes, honors, and encourages excellence in all aspects of musical theatre performance and production among area high school students. Ariana will attend the June 2nd award ceremony at PPAC and join students who will be given additional opportunities to support their future careers through workshops, touring Broadway shows, earning feedback from industry professionals, and more.

Michael Tortolani of Seekonk and a partner at South Coast Benefits in Attleboro, was elected to the Goldmark Federal Credit Union Executive Board of Directors on March 26th. His term commences on April 1 for a period of 2 years.

University News

Erica Duncan of Rehoboth receives Master of Business Administration Degree

On Friday, May 17th, 2024, Providence College celebrated its 106th Commencement Exercises for the Graduate Programs and School of Continuing Education. Erica Duncan of Rehoboth received her Master of Business Administration degree as a member of the Accounting Cohort. This was an accelerated one-year program following her undergraduate graduation from Providence College in May 2023 in which she graduated with summa cum laude honors as a member of the Honors Program double-majoring in accountancy and finance. Erica was recognized again for qualifying for Beta Gamma Sigma, an international business honor society in which she was inducted into last year. She is currently working toward earning her CPA licensure in the state of Massachusetts.

Bailey Adams graduates from Stonehill College

Bailey Adams of Seekonk graduated cum laude from Stonehill College in Easton Massachusetts on May 19th, 2024. Bailey earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Speech Pathology. She will be attending Bridgewater State University in September for her Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology. She is also a 2020 graduate of Seekonk High School.

Curry College Welcomes Jenna Desmarais into Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society

Curry College welcomes Jenna Desmarais of Seekonk, MA into the Business Management Honor Society, Sigma Beta Delta. The purpose of Sigma Beta Delta is to encourage and recognize scholarship and achievement among students of business, management, and administration, as well as, to encourage and promote personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind.

Curry College Welcomes Ean McGonigle into Alpha Kappa Delta Honor Society

Curry College welcomes Ean McGonigle of Rehoboth MA into Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Honor Society for Sociology.

Curry College Welcomes Ean McGonigle into Alexander Graham Bell Honor Society

Curry College welcomes Ean McGonigle of Rehoboth, MA into the Alexander Graham Bell Honor Society.

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Erica Duncan

Bailey Adams

Students Complete Intensive Research Projects

Jordan Pina

Jordan Pina, a member of the class of 2024 majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), recently completed a senior thesis that is required of all graduating seniors as part of the university’s distinctive project-based educational experience. The project, Augmented Reality for Ultrasound Imaging, was Jordan’s Major Qualifying Project (MQP), one that is usually team-based and often focuses on very specific issues or needs of an organization that has partnered with the university to sponsor the student’s work.

Bella DeCilio

Bella DeCilio, a member of the class of 2025 majoring in Biochemistry at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), was a member of a student team that recently completed an intense research project titled Aguanile: Harvesting Rainwater for Community Gardens.

Commercial & Industrial Paving • Residential Driveways

Local Residents Receive Degrees at Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s 155th Undergraduate Commencement

Worcester, MA -- On Friday, May 10, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) held its 155th Commencement. Nearly 1,100 undergraduate degrees were awarded during the ceremony.

The following students earned bachelor’s degrees:

• Richard Curtis, of Rehoboth, majored in Mathematical Sciences

• Jordan Pina, of Seekonk, majored in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Dean College Announces Spring 2024 Honor Societies Inductees

Franklin, MA -- Dean College is pleased to announce that Jacob Murtagh of Seekonk has been inducted into the following honor societies for their academic achievements: Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society.

Taylor Sirois Earns Adirondack Scholars Honor at Paul Smith’s College

Paul Smiths, NY -- Paul Smith’s College is pleased to announce that Taylor Sirois of Seekonk has been named to the Spring 2024 Adirondack Scholars list. Congratulations on earning this academic achievement, Taylor!

Taylor Sirois Earns Spring 2024 Dean’s List Honor at

Paul Smith’s

College

Paul Smiths, NY -- Paul Smith’s College is pleased to announce that Taylor Sirois of Seekonk has been named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List. Congratulations on earning this academic achievement, Taylor!

Abigail Tenreiro was named to the Dean’s List at Lehigh University in the Spring 2024 Semester

Bethlehem, PA -- Dean’s List status, which is awarded to students who earned a scholastic average of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses, has been granted to Abigail Tenreiro in the Spring 2024 semester.

Sebastian Hunter Myers has been named to Clarkson University’s Dean’s List

Potsdam, NY -- Sebastian Hunter Myers of Rehoboth, MA, a senior majoring in financial information and analysis, was named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2024 semester at Clarkson University.

Ashley LaVoie Graduates from Stonehill College

Easton, MA -- Ashley LaVoie of Rehoboth, MA, was among 625 students to process at Stonehill College’s 73rd Commencement on Sunday, May 19, 2024.

Stonehill College Celebrates the Class of 2024

Easton, MA -- 625 students processed at Stonehill College’s 73rd Commencement on Sunday, May 19, 2024.

Bailey Adams of Seekonk

Matthew Anghinetti of Seekonk

Emma DePalo of Rehoboth

Madeline Masterson of Rehoboth

Students Inducted into Lambda Epsilon Sigma

Easton, MA -- Stonehill College students were recently inducted into Lambda Epsilon Sigma, the institution’s academic honor society. The organization recognizes outstanding juniors and seniors who have demonstrated an excitement for both learning and sharing their knowledge.

• Bailey Adams of Seekonk

• Hailey Enos of Rehoboth

Assumption Students Named to Spring 2024 University’s Dean’s List

Worcester, MA -- Assumption University has announced those who have been named to the University’s Dean’s List for the spring 2024 semester. Students named to the Dean’s List must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 for a five-class, 15-credit semester to be included on the prestigious list, which is

announced at the completion of the fall and spring semesters.

Emily Fasteson, Meredith Riordan

SNHU Announces Winter 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 Winter 2024 President’s List. The winter terms run from January to May.

• Matthew Fortin of Rehoboth

• Mackenzie Morgenweck of Rehoboth

• Ty Wheeler of Seekonk

• Cameron Reilly of Seekonk

• Hannah Bradbury of Seekonk

SNHU Announces Winter 2024

Dean’s List

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

• Kasey Rocha of Rehoboth

• Kira Feliciano of Seekonk

Lasell University Students Named to Spring 2024

Dean’s List

Newton, MA -- The Spring 2024 Dean’s List includes students who have completed at least 12 credits as a full-time student in that semester and have achieved a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher. The following local students were named to the Lasell Dean’s List. Malayna Bizier, Cameron LeBlanc

Katelyn Moura of Rehoboth Named to Springfield College

Dean’s

List

Springfield, MA -- Springfield College has named Katelyn Moura from Rehoboth, MA to the dean’s list for academic excellence

for the 2024 spring semester. Moura has a primary major of Education.

Anna Maria College Celebrates its 75th Commencement

Paxton, MA - On May 13th, Anna Maria College celebrated its 2024 Commencement Ceremony at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA. 319 degrees were conferred for the 2023-2024 Academic Year. Dr. Eric W. Dickson, President & CEO of UMass Memorial Health, delivered the commencement address. More photos are available at: https:// annamaria.edu/commencement-highlights/ Sabrina Haley Liston: Master of Business Adminh

Aiden Foster: Bachelor of Science

Salve Regina University’s Class

of

2024 awarded diplomas at 74th Commencement

Newport, RI -- Salve Regina University President Kelli Armstrong conferred 503 bachelor’s degrees, 271 master’s degrees and 22 doctoral degrees to members of the Class of 2024. In total, this year’s graduating class was the University’s largest ever at 823.

• Allison Houle received a BS in Nursing degree.

• Shawn Pichardo received a BA in Criminal Justice & Criminology degree.

• Scott Flanagan received a MS in Healthcare Administration degree.

Sophie Murdock of Rehoboth named to James Madison University Dean’s List

Harrisonburg, VA -- Rehoboth resident Sophie Murdock has been named to the Dean’s List at James Madison University for the spring 2024 semester. Students who earn dean’s list honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a GPA of between 3.5 and 3.899. Murdock is majoring in Biology - BS.

Seekonk Public Library

Summer Reading Challenge

June 13- Aug 8th

Ages 0- entering grade 5

Read, Renew, Repeat! Register now for our summer reading challenge at Seekonkpl.beanstack.org! Log your minutes to earn virtual raffle tickets towards great prizes, your goal is to read 20 minutes a day. Complete activities and write book reviews for additional virtual raffle tickets! Stop by the Children’s Room to collect your weekly charms for your bracelet (or shoes!) and endangered animal card and enter our in-person raffles!

Summer Reading Kickoff Party

Thursday, June 13, 12-5 PM

Join us as we kick off our Summer Reading adventure at the library! Stop by anytime between 12-5 PM to explore the array of activities! We have several community partners joining us to help make this Summer Reading Challenge spectacular! Make a tote bag using a recycled tee shirt (bring your own if you can, if not we’ll have some available while supplies last), make button pins from recycled materials, make your own flip book with recycled materials, make paper beads, complete an endangered species craft, and

more! Including giveaways from the Seekonk Recycling Committee and activities with the Seekonk Parks and Recreation Department and Seekonk Conservation! Sign up for Summer Reading and pick up your registration reward of a free ice cream from Sundaes in Seekonk! Be sure to take a peek at our in-person summer reading raffles, and enter a raffle for a family 4-pack of passes to Fun City in Seekonk! Drop in.

Summer Reading Kickoff Continues…

Thursday, June 13, 5-7 PM

Rhythm Room. Join us in the meadows for a fun, interactive drumming event. The Rhythm Room explores world music as it relates to today’s pop culture, combining discussion, demonstration, and participation. The use of world percussion, drum sets, and buckets is educational as well as motivational and fun. Rick Moran is a percussionist who will be bringing enough buckets for everyone in the crowd to play. Join in the fun and drum along. You need not have any percussion experience to play along! This event will be in the meadows weather permitting or in the large meeting room. Drop in.

Paws to Read

Wednesday, June 12, 3-4:30 PM (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! Registration is required.

Tuesday, June 18 at 2 PM

Seekonk, MA – Do you want to get more out of your smartphone or tablet? Bring them to our monthly Library Tech Class. In each session we will provide an introduction to the most useful tools available to use on your mobile device or help getting started. Join us this month for Library Tech Class: Download & Stream: Ebooks, Audiobooks & More

Did you know you can use your library card to get thousands of FREE ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and movies? Join Librarian Michelle Gario in this 90 minute session for an introduction on getting started with apps Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy. You must bring your Seekonk library card and password (pin) for this program. You must bring your own device; make sure the device is fully charged. Space is limited; registration 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.

Nonfiction Book Club: The

Pirate’s Wife by Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos

Tuesday, June 25th at 6:00 PM

Join us for a lively discussion of The Pirate’s Wife: The Remarkable True Story of Sarah Kidd by Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos The title is available digitally as an ebook and audiobook through Libby and Hoopla, or you may place a hold and pick up a print copy at the library. New members are always welcome!

“Captain Kidd was one of the most notorious pirates to ever prowl the seas. But few know that Kidd had an accomplice, a behind-the-scenes player who enabled his plundering and helped him outpace his enemies. That accomplice was his wife, Sarah Kidd, a well-to-do woman whose extraordinary life is a lesson in reinvention and resourcefulness. Twice widowed by twenty-one and operating within the strictures of polite society in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century New York, Sarah secretly aided and abetted her husband, fighting alongside him against his accusers. Marshaling in newly discovered primary-source documents from archives in London, New York, and Boston, historian and journalist Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos reconstructs the extraordinary life of Sarah Kidd, uncovering a rare example of the kind of life that pirate wives lived during the Golden Age of Piracy.”-- Provided by publisher.

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

News from Friends of the Seekonk Public Library

Thanks to all who donated books and puzzles for our big book sale in May! Those donations allowed us to have our best sale ever and is just in time to fund the Summer Reading Program at the library.

We continue to have daily sales in our lobby and once again will need donations particularly of hard and soft cover adult books, but all donations are welcome.

If you are interested in becoming a lobby volunteer, applications can be found on our website at www.seekonkfol.org or you can ask one of the volunteers in the lobby for one. If you have ideas on how we can provide more funding for the library and would like to join our board, you can contact us at friends@seekonkpl.org.

Teen Services at Seekonk Public Library

These 2-hour events are free and open to tweens and teens in rising grades 6 through 12. Registration is required. For more information, call Adult Services at the library at (508) 336-8230 or email teens@seekonkpl.org.

Summer Reading Program for Teens

Tweens and Teens in rising grades 6 and up, you’re invited to join Seekonk Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge in-person and online! Log into the free Beanstack app to sign up for the “Read, Renew, Repeat” challenge and collect virtual badges for logging your reading, writing reviews, and participating in activities. Each badge earns one or more raffle tickets that you can enter into weekly online drawings as well as a variety of grand prize drawings. You’ll also want to come visit the library in-person for the fun and unique teen programs listed below, as well as to participate in a drop-in scavenger hunt and pick up a weekly pop-in charm for your bracelet (or shoes).

Be sure to join us for our Summer Reading Kickoff event on Thursday, June 13, where you can drop in between noon and 5 pm to register for summer reading, pick up your starting gift bag, and enjoy earth-friendly creativity stations. Activities include paper bead jewelry, button-making, t-shirt book bags, and more. Then, stick around from 5 pm to 7 pm for an interactive drum performance by Rhythm Room!

Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit

Thursday, June 20, 2 PM

Come play the official Trivial Pursuit: World of Harry Potter Ultimate Edition & test your knowledge of all eight movies (sorry, it’s NOT based on the books!). Answer questions to bring glory to your house and enter your name in the Goblet of Fire for a chance to win a prize!

Iron-On T-Shirts

Thursday, July 11, 2 PM

Create a custom iron-on decal using Silhouette Studio software and our Silhouette Cameo 4 cutting machine and make a t-shirt with your personalized design to take home! T-shirts and vinyl will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own Windows or Mac laptop and download the free design software for use during the program.

Crafternoon

Thursday, July 18, 2 PM

Get it? It’s a craft...in the afternoon... Join us for a relaxed session of creativity and exploration. Choose from a variety of craft supplies and see what inspiration comes to you! We’ll also browse through Creativebug, a subscription-based arts and crafts resource provided free to patrons through Seekonk Public Library.

Improv Workshop

Thursday, July 25, 2 PM

Experience the fun of improvisational acting in this two-hour workshop. Deej Shafer of Kismet Improv will go over the basics of improv, then he’ll lead the group in some games and short scenes. No acting experience needed!

Henna Workshop

Thursday, August 1, 2 PM

Discover the beauty and tradition of henna, a plant-based material used in the ancient form of temporary body art called mehndi. You’ll get your own henna design from artist and workshop instructor Rani MacNeal, and you’ll even learn how to do it yourself!

Magic & Merriment

Thursday, August 8, 2 PM

Hear ye, hear ye! The final program of the summer is a tribute to imagination and adventure! Join us for a fantasy-themed party with games, snacks, and prizes. Bring your love of magic and monsters, fairies and folklore, and feel free to dress up! If you’ve been keeping a wizard’s cloak or elf ears in your closet, now is the time to bring them out!

News and Notes from... Blanding Library

Songs of Johnny Cash June 9

By Leslie Patterson

Country musician and author Matt York will perform the songs of country music legend Johnny Cash and tell stories about Cash’s career, spanning from the 1950s to his passing in 2003. York was recently nominated for the Boston Music Award for Best Country Artist. This program is made possible by a grant from the Rehoboth Cultural Council, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. This free program will be on Sunday June 9 at 6:30 at the library.

Pirates & Ghost Ships June 27

Thomas D’Agostino and Arlene Nicholson have been investigating paranormal accounts of lost ships and long-dead pirates off the New England coast for over 36 years. They’ve created more than a dozen books and films on the best haunts in New England. Come to the library on Thurs. June 27 at 6:30 pm where they will share their stories of ghost ships and the pirates who once roamed coastal New England.

Kids And Family Fun

Ongoing children’s programs at the Blanding include Baby and Toddler Storytimes on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11 for children and caregivers, prepared for children up through age 4. Pre-school Story Times are held on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30 for children ages 3 and older. Children listen to stories and make a simple craft to take home. Siblings are welcome at both sessions and no registration is necessary.

I Can Do Ballet Wed. June 12

Here’s a fun program of music and dance for children ages 3 to 5, on June 12 at 2 pm. Ballet beginnings will be taught by professional dancer Miss Joy. Note that numbers are limited, so registration is required.

Eyes on Owls Sat. June 22

Come to the Blanding at 10:30 on Sat. June 22 for “Owls of the World – Who’s Watching You?” Mark and Marcia will introduce you to owls of New England and share field skills that you can use to find wild owls without disturbing them. Special guests are six live owls you can meet up close! Everyone gets to participate in a hooting session too. Great family fun for all ages.

Mini-Golf Wed. June 26

LED mini-golf will be hosted at the library on Wed. June 26 from 1 to 4 pm by One Up Games from Plainville MA. Thank you to Oakhill Engineering LLC in Rehoboth for generously sponsoring this program. Walk in or call 508-252-4236 to reserve a tee time. All ages welcome.

Miss Frizzle Talks about Dinosaurs

July 8

Join Carole Finn Weidman as we go on an adventure with Miss Frizzle and the Magic School Bus to learn all about dinosaurs on Monday July 8 at 11 am. Suggested for children ages 3 and older. No registration required.

Coming up later this summer will be “Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals” on July 16 and “Japanese Folktales and Origami for Families” on July 25. Look for more information on upcoming programs to follow. Another “I Can Do Ballet” session will be held on July 19.

Summer Reading Program

“Read, Renew, Repeat” is the theme of the 2024 Summer Reading Program which kicks off on June 24 and extends through August 26. Readers of all ages may pick up reading logs, bookmarks, and be part of the Read & Bead program. Discover VOX audiobooks, great for those long car rides. Blanding staff members are ready and eager to help with your summer reading.

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 Wed. June 19 for Juneteenth and July 4 for Independence Day. Phone: 508-252-4236. Information on Blanding events can be found under Blanding Public Library programs and events on https:// rehobothantiquarian.org/

ChurCh News & eveNts

Sine Plumbing & Heating

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Seekonk Congregational Church In Person 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. Church school and licensed day care are available. 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.

Be A Well Being Group

Tuesday June 4, 2024, at 6 PM for 45 minutes & all are invited to attend.

The purpose of the Be a Well Being group is to provide a supportive and non-judgmental forum for exploring stress management strategies. Meditation, prayer, gentle movement, and quiet all in the candlelit Sanctuary led by Sarah Stevenson.

Youth News

Car Wash - Youth Trip Fundraiser on June 1 ~ June 8 ~ June 15 in Fall River Ave parking lot, 9:00 AM to Noon, Free Will Offering

Help support youth going to the Region Youth Event at Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center July 28-31, 2024

Vacation Bible School – August 5 – 9 2024 8:45 AM – 12:15 PM Preschool – 6th Grade Fee $25 This year’s theme is CAMP FIRELIGHT, there will be a pet station, moon bounce, fire pit & s’mores, nature, art, music & games.

Sign up online at: https://bit.ly/VBSSEEKONK2023 or call the office at 508-336-9355

All are welcome to attend.

Open Mic Night

Music & Arts Committee presents OPEN MIC NIGHT in the hall Friday, June 7th ~6:30 to 9 PM

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.

It’s time to share your talents, some singing, musical instruments, comedy, dance - all talent is needed. All ages are invited. Call the office 508-336-9355. We hope you will be part of the entertainment or come to listen and enjoy. A fun night for everyone.

Annual Meeting

Our annual meeting will be held on Sunday June 23rd immediately after the 9:30 AM service. Being present at the annual meeting is a PRIVILEGE and a RESPONSIBILITY of Church Membership.

Rev Joy C Utter is retiring

Our beloved Senior Minister is retiring after an incredible 38 years of service! Join us as we celebrate this momentous occasion each Sunday in June with our Joy-FULL-June. Let’s show our gratitude and appreciation each Sunday for all of her dedication, guidance and ministry throughout the years.

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

Community Covenant Church News

Are you looking for help and hope? Every week at Community Covenant Church, we strive to bring that to everyone who walks through our door through the good news of the gospel of Jesus. Through relevant preaching and modern worship that engages all ages from birth to empty nesters. For more information on our programs and current sermon series, check out www.communitycovenant.church. We hope to see you in person or online this Sunday at 10 am.

Church Yard Sale

June 15 from 9AM-2PM

Memorial Baptist Church

340 Central Avenue, Seekonk MA

There will be music, food, drinks, and lots of items to choose from

Rehoboth Congregational Church News

Worship With Us Every Sunday

The Rehoboth Congregational Church worships every Sunday at 10 AM. Join us for a wonderful blend of traditional worship with a modern twist. We sing, we laugh, and we enjoy the fellowship of one another’s company while strengthening our faith and serving others. If you are traveling or not quite ready for crowds, you can still worship with us! Our Sunday services are live streamed both on our website www. rehobothcongregational.org/worshiponline and on our Facebook page www.facebook. com/rehobothcongregational

Annual Yard Sale

Saturday, June 22nd | 10AM

At the Church

Join us for our annual huge yard sale! The sale begins at 10AM but donations can be dropped off beginning at 6AM. Please Note: No donations will be accepted ahead of time.

Native vs Invasive Plants Workshop

June 8, 2024 from 9-11am

Rain Date: June 9, 2024 9-11am

Do you want to feel more confident telling the difference between native and invasive plants on your property?

Join RLT President, Carol Entin, on a free walk to meet your friends and foes up close and personal! We will meet at Carol’s property, where you will learn how to identify mugwort, multiflora rose, Oriental bittersweet, black swallowwort, periwinkle, and more! Learn about tools to make removal easier and resources to help you when you go home. In addition, learn about native plants that are beneficial to wildlife on 9 acres of botanized field, forest, and wetlands. Register by emailing info@rehobothlandtrust. net, and then you will receive directions to the property and parking instructions. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared to walk in some tall vegetation. Limited class size of 10. Questions? Call or text Carol Entin at (508) 415-6065 or email president@ rehobothlandtrust.net.

Summer Fun & eventS

New England Clam Boil

Saturday June 22, 2024 7:00 PM

Sponsored By Eastern Star Lodge A.F. & A.M.

Seekonk Rod & Gun Club 61 Reed Street, Rehoboth, MA

Tickets - $35.00 Each Prizes Will Be Raffeled Advanced Tickets Only – No Walk-Ins For Tickets Call (508) 226-2914 or Log In to Esl1924.Org/Clamboil

35th ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL ASSONET, MASSACHUSETTS

JUNE 16, 2024 • SUNDAY FROM 11AM TILL 4 PM RAIN OR SHINE!

• Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

• Hot dogs and Lemonade

• Live music from Midnight Sun Country Band

• A great assortment of Crafters

• Fun for the whole family!

We’re

We’re

We’re a public country club with an elevated atmosphere. Hillside is a destination for families, friends and co-workers to have some great times in the countryside.

trivia nights and premier dining experiences

Please come and join us at The Bandstand, South Main Street Assonet, MA, Assonet Village Four Corners at the Bandstand Route Exit 13 (Old Exit 10) from 24 South Exit 11 (Old Exit 9) From 24 North Our signs will lead you there! Free parking!

City Celebrates Inaugural Restaurant Week, June 16-22, 2024

The first-ever East Providence Restaurant Week, set to take place from June 16 to June 22, 2024, is a citywide celebration established by resolution on March 19, 2024, by the City Council. The event aims to showcase the wide variety of dining establishments and culinary options available in East Providence.

East Providence Restaurant Week presents a unique opportunity for local residents and visitors to explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene, featuring 37 participating establishments. From casual dining to elevated cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this week-long event. Diners will also have the opportunity to enter a gift card raffle by visiting participating restaurants during the event.

@thehillsidecc | hillsidecountryclub.com

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508-252-9761

“We are excited to work with local restaurant owners and the administration to make East Providence Restaurant Week a resounding success,” said Council President Robert Rodericks. “This event not only highlights the incredible talent and creativity of our culinary community but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth and promotes the establishment and sustainability of restaurants in our city.”

The City Council recognizes the vital contributions made by the East Providence restaurant community in shaping the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the city. By hosting EP Restaurant Week, the Council aims to support and celebrate the rich heritage and outstanding culinary achievements of these establishments.

Mark your calendars for June 16 to June 22, 2024, and prepare to enjoy a week of fantastic dining experiences during East Providence Restaurant Week.

For more information about East Providence Restaurant Week and to see each participant’s special event offerings, please visit EastProvidenceFood.com.

Rehoboth FOP Golf Tournament

Swing into action for a great cause! Join us at Crestwood Country Club on Monday, July 8th, 2024, for the Rehoboth Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 10 Fundraiser Golf Tournament!

Tee off for a day of fun, camaraderie, and friendly competition, all while supporting our local law enforcement. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to have a good time on the green, this event is perfect for golfers of all skill levels.

Prizes, raffles, and more await you! Tickets are available for lunch only - $50 per person.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a positive impact while enjoying a fantastic day of golf, lunch, and fun! Register now to secure your spot and support our local heroes.

Your participation directly supports the men and women who tirelessly serve and protect our community, our organization, and its charitable efforts. FOP funds are utilized for professional development and initiatives that benefit both our members and the community at large.

Register today at https://sites.google. com/view/rehobothfopgolf and let’s make a difference together! For more information, contact us at 508-838-4091 or email mwetherell@rehobothpd.org. See you on the green!

Event Schedule:

7am - 8am: Registration / 8am: Shotgun Start

Lunch, raffles, and prizes to immediately follow play

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? We have sponsorship packages available, providing excellent visibility for your business while supporting a worthy cause. Emailmwetherell@rehobothpd. org to learn more about how you can become a sponsor.

We are also accepting donations for raffle prizes and participant gift bags! Your contribution will make our event even more exciting for all involved. Contact us to donate or for more information.”

This is what we drafted for Facebook. I know it’s long but it was captivating for social media. If you would like to alter this that’s absolutely fine. As long as it has the date/time, where/how to register, POC for questions, and what funds are used for, should be good to go!

AMERICANA AUCTION

380 Winthrop Street, Rte. 44, Rehoboth, MA

FABULOUS

ANTIQUE ESTATE AUCTION

Sunday, June 30th ~11am

Preview Thurs - Sun 10am-4pm LIVE Antique Auction

Bidding

Ed Tessier, Jr., Auctioneer

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

Summer Concert Series in the Meadows

Join us in the beautiful Seekonk Meadows for a fun and unique family concert experience. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics and enjoy the following wonderful free performances, all open to the public:

Monday, June 24, 6:30 PM

Strictly Sentimental Swing Band

This summer we’re welcoming back Strictly Sentimental, a 19-piece band that plays swing music from the 1930s to the present, featuring vocalist Carroll Venable. A lively journey through almost a century of classic songs, this performance will delight people of all ages. This event is sponsored in part by a grant from the Seekonk Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The concert will take place in the library’s meeting room in the case of inclement weather.

Tuesday, July 23, 6:30 PM

Bill Harley

Local favorite, Bill Harley, needs no introduction. A two-time Grammy award winner, Bill entertains us all with vibrant, outrageous, and genuine songs and stories about growing up and what it is to be human. Entertainment Weekly calls him “the Mark Twain of contemporary children’s music” but it’s hard to say who enjoys his performance more, the kids or the adults! This event is generously sponsored by Sturdy Health. The concert will take place in the library’s meeting room in the case of inclement weather.

Tuesday, August 13, 6:30

PM

The Whelks

The Whelks are an acoustic trio hailing from Warren and Tiverton, RI, consisting of Peri DeLorenzo on fiddle, Mark Dobbyn on guitar, and Erin Lobb Mason on upright bass. They play a mix of swing, country, old time, bluegrass, Irish, folk, and their own original songs, all dressed up in glorious three-part harmony. The concert will take place in the library’s meeting room in the case of inclement weather.

Registration is required for limited indoor seating in the event that concerts are moved due to weather conditions and to be notified of updates. Please register in the Events Calendar at www. seekonkpl.org/events. For more information, call Adult Services at the library at (508) 336-8230 or email library@seekonkpl.org.

Free Photography Series for Adults

What better way is there to capture our brief and glorious summer season than with photos? Learn how to make the most of your outdoor shots with Nature Photography Tips and Practice at Seekonk Public Library on Saturdays, June 15 and July 13 from 10 AM to 12 noon. To begin this two-part series instructor Josè Lacerda, local artist and photographer, will provide an overview and comparison of common features on all types of cameras and introduce tips for making the most of each tool. Weather permitting you will put your knowledge to work taking photos in Seekonk Meadows and Gammino Pond Trail. In session two, you will review your photos to discuss ways to share your vision even better. Take your photos to the next level, just in time to prepare some great entries for the Seekonk Nature Photography contest returning this fall! Space is limited; pre-registration with a SAILS library card is required. Register in the Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org/events.

For more information call Adult Services at 508-336-8230 x56130 or email library@ seekonkpl.org.

Club News & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kiwanis of Greater Seekonk Key Club News

Kiwanis of Greater Seekonk, who sponsors the Seekonk High School Key Club, is very proud to congratulate an amazing Key Club member, Nicole Yang, class of 2027, on becoming Lieutenant Governor of Division 13 Key Club.

Nicole attended the District Educational Conference in April for training. Some of their activities included; workshops, Service Fair, Voting for the District Board, a night dance and so much more. Nicole will also be attending the Key Club International Conference in Georgia.

We are so very happy for her and her and all of her many achievements. Thank you, Nicole, for all that you have done for the Key Clubs and community service. We wish you a wonderful future!

Sincerely, Kiwanis of Greater Seekonk

Crafters’ Marketplace Vendors Needed: 2024 Craft Show to Benefit the Carpenter Museum

Seeking vendors for the Carpenter Museums’ 45th annual Crafters’ Marketplace. This year’s show will take place Saturday October 19th, 9AM-4PM.

This prestigious show approves artists through a committee selection. This show is committed to bringing quality handmade items from skilled crafters to their shoppers. The Marketplace is free to enter, free to park, and makes the perfect autumn outing. All proceeds go to the Carpenter Museum, a non-for-profit history and research center.

Vendor spaces start at just $65 for the day. Visit our website to download your application at rehobothantiquarian.org/craftersmarketplace . To learn more email the museum at director@ rehobothantiquarian.org.

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.

Host Family Opportunity

Three young ladies from Finland, France, and Austria are waiting for the call. As Part of the Massachusetts Lions Youth Camps and Exchange Program (YCE) run by Lions Clubs International for 60 years, we are hosting 18 students from other countries this summer. You ask why do we do this? Well, besides the fact that it’s one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives, it is done for them to be exposed to other cultures, and have the hosts/camp organizers, and other students themselves be exposed to the student’s culture.

Three 17-year-old girls are still seeking a host family in the Massachusetts and Rhode Island area.

If you, or anyone you know, may be interested in hosting one or two of these visiting girls or would like more information please reach out to me as I am the chair of the Massachusetts Lions Youth Camp this year. Additionally, my family will be hosting two 17-year-

old boys in North Attleboro as part of this program. We will help you!

All of the students speak English. The girls will arrive on Thursday, July 11, and will stay with their host family until Saturday, July 20. The Youth Exchange Camp runs from July 20 - 27.

Consider opening your home to these young ladies and exposing them to the diversity of our culture.

Questions. I CAN ANSWER THEM! Please let me know. Additional information: www.lionsclubs.org/youthexchange

Some more about being a Host: http://www.md33lionscamp. org/preparations-for-visitor

Thank-You for a Successful 2024 Taste of the Town

The Seekonk Lions Club, through our Charitable Trust, wishes to thank all who attended the 2024 Taste of the Town at the Team Works facility in Seekonk. Another successful event for the town raising $3000 to help the community at large!

We would like to thank our partner Chris Gasbarro of Chris Gasbarro’s Fine Wine & Spirits for putting together our participating beer and wine vendors. Then we would like to thank the New England Patriots Cheerleaders for signing autographs and former Patriot’s player Ty Law taking pictures for our hungry and thirsty patrons.

Thanks to the adult-beverage vendors who stopped by including Ty Law’s Corvus Vodka, Narragansett Brewery, Sam Adams, Berkshire Brewery, CT Valley Brewing, Buzzards Bay Brewery, New Belgium Brewing, Two Roads Brewing, L Knife, and AnheuserBush Budweiser.

In addition, of course a special thank you to our food and restaurant vendors who made the event so delightful and delicious. From Seekonk: Bone Yard Barbeque, The Old Grist Mill Tavern, Red’s Kitchen, Sarcastic Sweets, Mack’s Pizza Pub, Young’s Caterers, and Quality Fruitland. From Rehoboth: The American Legion-Post 302. From East Providence: Digger’s Seafood, Campino’s Portuguese Restaurant, The Red Bridge Tavern and Rosa’s Tavern. From Warren: Perella’s Ristorante. Finally, from Fall River the Tipsy Toboggan!

Please support those who support us! Please save the date for next year’s 28th Annual Taste of the Town 2025, Patriot’s DayMonday April 14, 2025. Please follow all of the activities and mission of the Seekonk Lions Club @ www.seekonklions.org. / Seekonk Lions Club | Seekonk MA | Facebook.

Gary Sagar/ Roger Tetrault Co-Chairs

Delicious BBQ...see Boneyard’s ad on page 77!

447 Taunton Avenue

Seekonk, MA 02771

T 508.336.8120

F 508.336.3350 navegalaw@aol.com

Hornbine School Museum Activities

Would you like to take a short, fun, inexpensive and educational day trip to a historic land mark this Summer? Less than a gallon of gas will take your family to Rehoboth’s Hornbine School Museum. The old schoolhouse, built about 1845 – 46, will be open to the public every 2nd and 4th Sunday from 2 to 4 PM - June to September starting JUNE 9th.

We have several displays, binders and artifacts of interest. Did you know there have been three Palmer River Schools? The first two where located on Mason Street. We have the teacher’s desk from the original Palmer River School on display at the Hornbine School Museum! The Hornbine School Museum is located at 144 Hornbine Road in the south east corner of Rehoboth.

This year, our first event was a very successful Children’s Doll Tea Party organized by Dawn Azar and Cathy Potter. (See Photo(s) By the time you read this article, most of the 17 classes from Dighton, Swansea, Seekonk and Somerset will have visited our Museum and we will have attended the Strawberry Festival at Carpenter Museum.

Stay informed about the Hornbine School Museum happenings in the Rehoboth Reporter. Like and/or Follow The Hornbine School Museum on Facebook. Our website is at https:// hornbineschool.tripod.com/

Would you like to watch the girls enjoying our TEA PARTY? Go to YOU TUBE and search for “Hornbine School Children’s Doll Tea Party”

Rehoboth Garden Club News

The Rehoboth Garden Club held its 90th Anniversary celebration during our annual meeting on April 16, 2024 at Crossroads Pub. President Paul Nunes spoke about the history of our club. He recalled the positive impact our club has had on our community throughout the years. Throughout 2024 we will celebrating our 90 years as a club at several events.

The Carpenter Museum herb garden and the gardens at the Blanding Library and Goff Hall have been cleaned, weeded, mulched and are ready for this growing season. Thanks to Susan McIlwain and all members who helped out. Our sincere appreciation goes to J&J Materials for donating the mulch.

On April 27, 2024 we celebrated Arbor Day with the planting of a hybrid cornus kousa dogwood tree near the gazebo at Francis Farm. The tree was dedicated to the memory of Ali Solas, daughter of George and Lissa Solas. Rehoboth town officials, Representative

The young ladies enjoying the Tea Party Drink and treats

Steve Howitt, Solas family members, friends and club members attended the special ceremony led by President Paul Nunes.

Several members of the community, as well as members of the Attleboro, Dighton and Fall River Garden Clubs attended our May 20, 2024 meeting. Cindy and Ed Moura, owners of Prickly Ed’s Cactus Patch Native Plant Emporium were our guest speakers. Using a foundation of northeast native plants and embracing resilient gardening principles, they showed us how our landscapes can become a buzzing birdscape and pollinator paradise.

Our May 4, 2024 Plant Sale Fundraiser was a great success thanks to the efforts of so many people, including:

Our Rehoboth Selectmen, who have allowed us to hold our fundraiser at Francis Farm since 2022. Selectman George Solas, who is our greatest advocate and supporter. Tish Vadnais and the Agricultural Commission, for their ongoing sponsorship. Buildings and Maintenance Supervisor Mike Viveiros and his crew, for cleaning and setting up and the pavilion. Deputy Police Chief Brian Ramos and his officers, who protected our plants and equipment from theft or vandalism. Adam Latham, the Department Head of Landscaping Design and Contracting at Bristol County Agricultural High School, who makes unique bushes, shrubs and trees that were grown at their school available to our customers. Val Sousa, owner of Sousa Family Farm on Agricultural Ave. Rehoboth, Barbara and David Frerich, owners of Frerichs Farm in Warren, Rhode Island, and Marie Pray, owner of Oakdale Farms on Wheaton Ave. Rehoboth, all of whom provided us with beautiful annuals, herbs and hanging plants at deeply discounted prices. Our dedicated club members who dug up and donated plants from their gardens, grew plants from seed, and volunteered their time and hard work before, during, and after the sale. Our hundreds of loyal customers from Rehoboth and our surrounding towns who supported our annual fundraiser.

As always, all plant sale profits will fund our scholarship, educational and civic programs. This year’s fundraiser was the most successful one in our club’s history. As a result, we are thrilled to announce that we will be able to increase our 2024 scholarship from $4,000 to $5,000!

The Rehoboth Garden Club sincerely thanks everyone who helped in any way. It truly “Took a village” to make this fundraiser so successful!

Plant Sale Huge Success

By Joe Siegel

The annual plant sale organized by the Rehoboth Garden Club was a huge success.

People were lining up as early as 8 am Saturday at Francis Farm, where there were over 2,800 plants available for purchase, including perennials, annuals, daylilies, ostrich ferns, and irises.

Sponsors of the annual event included Souza Family Farm, Oakdale Farms, and Frerichs Farm in Warren. They gave discounts on the plants the Garden Club purchased and contributed raffle items.

There were also several plants from Bristol County Agricultural High School.

Proceeds from the sale are used to fund college scholarships. One $2500 scholarship is awarded as well as a $1500 scholarship.

“Everybody’s happy,” said Garden Club member Linda McHugh. “These are wonderful plants and it’s helping a good cause.”

McHugh said the hanging plants were “very popular.”

“The nurseries give us a break,” said Gail, one of the club’s volunteers. “They’ve been very good to us. The (club) members have been great.”

“By the end of the sale we only had 46 plants left, out of the 2,800+ that we started with,” McHugh added. “Most of the leftovers will be planted at Francis Farm for our community to enjoy.”

American Legion Post 302 Public Events

• Try our Fish & Chips or Sea Scallops – every Thursdays 4:00 till 7:00 P.M. & Fridays 4:00 – 8 PM.Take Outs are welcome – call in your order in early for pickup at 508-252-9079

• Sign up for our Monday-Tuesday & Wednesday Night Dart Leagues

• MASS LOTTERY – PLAY “KENO”, “MEGAMILLION”, “POWERBALL”

• If you’re interested in playing in a Card League of Hi-Lo Jacks. Monday Nights from September through November & April – June or Wednesday nights September – December and start up again in January – April. All games start at 7:00 PM @ $7.00 per game. The Cribbage League plays on Monday Nights January – March and then on Wednesday Nights from May – August – all games start at 7:00 PM. e-mail speedyjake@aol.com or call #508-252-9079

CARLSON TREE

Carlson Tree has been your neighborhood tree care service for over 30 years!

• Fully insured • Residential and Commercial • Technical Tree Removal

Shade Tree Pruning

Ornamental Pruning Call us today for a free estimate (508) 964-3397

Debbie’s Cleaning Service

Upcoming Events

• June 14th, 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

• June 15th, 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! https://www.facebook.com/ groups/657024961125913/

• June 20th, 2024 – Sunday – Starts at 4:00 - PM, PRIZE BINGO - – 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/groups/657024961125913/

• June 21st, 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

• June 22nd, 2024 - Saturday – 7:00 - 10:00 P.M., Jim Powers Entertainment presents Old Time Rock “N” Roll, 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! Play the Electronic Dart Board or join our Dart League https://www.facebook.com/groups/657024961125913/

• June 28th, 2024 – Friday - 6:00-8:00 P.M., Sons of the American Legion’s Monthly Meat Raffle followed by Karaoke - 8:00-11:00 P.M. – No Cover Charge! - Food – Drinks – Singing, Dancing & having a GREAT TIME! https://www.facebook.com/ groups/657024961125913/

• June 28th, 2024 – Friday - 8:00-11:00 P.M. + – Live Karaoke performed by our own Devan’s 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! https://www.facebook.com/ groups/657024961125913/

• June 29th, 2024 - Saturday – 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

• July 5th, 2024 - Friday - 6:30 - 10:00 P.M., Jim Powers Entertainment presents Old Time Rock “N” Roll, 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! Play the Electronic Dart Board or join our Dart League https://www.facebook.com/groups/657024961125913/

• July 6th, 2024 - Saturday – 7:00 - 10:00 P.M.,

• July 12th, 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

• JULY 13th,2024 – Saturday - 4:00 -10:30 P.M. Dinner served at 6:00 AMERICAN LEGION’S 2nd ANNUAL PORTUGUESE DINNER with OS CAPITOLISTS PORTUGUESE BAND $35.00 for the whole package dinner & entertainment or $10.00 entry fee for only the entertainment – wristbands are required and will be issued at the entrance https://www.facebook.com/ groups/657024961125913/

Visit Our Local Farms

The Reporter is pleased to present information on some of our local farms. Please visit and sample the fruits of our hard-working neighbors’ labors. It doesn’t get any fresher than the farm down the road.

Compiled by Jacob Murtagh

Kave Rock Farm

Karen and Dave Medeiros launched Kave Rock Farm in 2012. At the time, the Medeiros' daugh-ter, who was training to become a veterinarian, was caring for some alpacas. That inspired Karen and Dave to buy a small herd. They started out with the purchase of 4 healthy female alpacas and took in one special needs male alpaca named Franklin, for free. Over the years, their herd has grown to more than 17 alpacas on the farm!

The property is three acres, with Karen and Dave as the only employees working on the farm. Their alpacas are used to make wool, which is given to mill factories to fabricate American-made wool products. Kave Rock Farm has a farm store located on the property, where they sell their wool-made products like mittens, hats, scarves, socks, and even plush toys and tote bags.

Kave Rock Farm hosts many events throughout the year. They will be hosting their 11th annual Kave Rock Farm Holiday Open Barn Event in December from the 7th to the 11th.

They will have vendors and live music. Guests are welcome to pet, and even feed the alpacas.

Visitors are welcome to come to the farm Sundays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Note they will not be open in the month of June because they are away at a trade show. They can, however, offer appointments to guests who would like to visit. Be sure to say “hello” to their Miniature Schnauzer, Mason, when you are there. When he was younger, he would greet guests in a playful manner and, according to Karen, even give tours. He’s a little older now and currently retired, but still likes to meet new people.

If you would like to visit or contact Kave Rock Farm, they are located at 142 Reservoir Ave in Rehoboth, MA. You can also visit their website kaverockealpaca.com.

Moonrose Farm

Owners of Moonrose Farm, Melissa Denmark and Jordan Goldsmith, have a mission to grow fresh produce and flowers for the community. The Farm was originally located in Dartmouth on Jordan’s family property in 2016. Moonrose Farm moved to its current location in on 7 acres in Rehoboth in 2019.

The farm focuses on natural processes to grow chemical free products, using a method called “No-Till”. This approach helps cultivate soil diversity and increases more natural nutrients for vegetables and plants. The farm uses cover crops to help protect the soil from disease and increase biodiversity. Raisng chickens produces natural pasture raised eggs and helps fertilize the soil. Besides traditional vegetable farming, Moonrose grows specialty flowers for all special occasions, including weddings.

Moonrose Farm hosts a variety of events from workshops, wreath making, flower arranging, and even private baking lessons. According to Jordan, there are two pets on the farm, Emmy Lou the dog and Rupert the cat.

The farm stand sells produce, eggs and freshly baked bread. If you would like to visit or contact Moonrose Farm, they’re located at 88 Mason Street in Rehoboth, MA. Hours of operation are 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday.

Souza Family Farm

Souza Family Farm is family-owned and operated by Valerie and John Souza. According to Valerie, the farm has been in operation since John's father moved his family to its new location - and permanent home - in Rehoboth many years ago. The farm is situated on twenty-five acres, on the border between Rehoboth and Attleboro.

The Farm grows a variety of vegetables including squash, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, corn and peppers. They cultivate many flowers and plants including cascading bacopa, gazania, cosmos, marigolds, blue lobelia, and gerbera daisies. The Souzas are conventional farmers who use a method called Integrated Pest Management or IPM. This method helps to create conditions in which plants and products can develop resistance to harmful diseases and pests.

Their products are offered at the onsite farmstand and are reasonably priced for guests to purchase. If there is produce at the stand that was not homegrown, they label it with the name and location of the source farm. Their motto is “If we didn’t grow it, you will know it”.

The recently expanded farmstand will open on Father's Day June 16th from 12:00PM to 5:00PM. The farmstand will be open for the season through October 31st from 12:00PM to 5:00PM on Monday, 10:00AM to 5:00PM Tuesday to Friday, and 9:00AM to 5:00PM on Saturday and Sunday. Souza Farm accepts farmers market coupons, senior coupons, and SNAP/HIP and WIC.

Guests are encouraged to drop in at Souza Family Farm, located at 33 Agricultural Avenue in Rehoboth, MA. Visit their website at www.souzafamilyfarm.com or Facebook page for updated farmstand offerings and hours.

Munroe Feed & Supplies

Munroe Feed & Supplies is a family owned and operated business run by Sharon and her son Benjamin Munroe. What makes Munroe Feed & Supplies unique is their feed store, which opened in 2006, and sells their own hay and grain and shavings. Other farm-related products they carry are dog food/treats, honey, chicken feed and other pet care products.

Munroe Farm also raises livestock such as cows and chickens that are grain fed without antibiotic chemicals. The farm produces meat such as pork, beef, and eggs from the chickens, which are sold at a good price to customers. They also offer turkeys during the fall season for Thanksgiving.

Customers are welcomed by the staff who help them navigate through the farm products and sections of the store. If you want to visit Munroe Farm Feed Store, they are located at 200 Fairview Ave, Rehoboth. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 6:00PM and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. J &

363 Taunton Ave. Seekonk, MA 02771

Available for Delivery & Pickup

• Lite Pine • Dark Pine

• Prize Hemlock • Black Forest • Deluxe Red

• Stone Dust • 3/4 Bluestone • 3/8 Bluestone

• Processed Gravel • Screened Loam

• Screened Compost • Playground Mulch

• Mason Sand • Cobblestone, all sizes

AnnuAls, PerenniAls, shrubs & Trees

Bagged Goods:

• Top Soil • Composted / Dehydrated Cow Manure Tree & Shrub Mix • Hemlock Mulch • Cedar Mulch

• Red Mulch • Pine Mulch

Hours: Mon-Sat 8:00-4:30, Sun 8:00-3:00 • 508-399-8947

“Love is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer’s year. It brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul.” - Billy Graham

Seekonk Human Services

The office will be closed on: Monday, June 19, 2024 for Juneteenth

Author Alison O’Leary

“Seen by Sea”

Wed, June 12, 2024 at 1:00pm

Alison topic is about **Seen by Sea: An Appreciation of the New England Coast. Enjoy the sights and histories of New England’s many ports from Providence to Bar Harbor, with insight into industries, im-migrants, and traditions that shaped our coastal towns. Preregistration is required.

Father’s Day Ice Cream Social

Monday, June 17, 2024 at 2:00pm

Let’s celebrate with an ice cream social! Come on down to enjoy some ice cream inside or outside on the picnic tables (weather pending) and good company. This event is open to all! A suggested donation of $2 is encouraged to help offset the cost but is not required. Preregistration is required.

4th of July Celebration

Wed, June 26, 2024 at 11:30am

Join us for an afternoon of patriotic songs, fun and a lunch. Musical entertainment will be Frank Noonan. Lunch will be hot dogs & hamburgers. The fee for resident $7.00, and non–residents $10.00. Preregistration is required.

2nd Annual Men’s Barbecue

Wed, July 31, 2024 at 12:00 noon

Join us for our barbecue party honoring Seekonk men age 60 and older

Hosted by Seekonk Human Services

Sponsored by Friends of Friends

Catered by The Cooks House

R.S.V.P. Opens June 17th and Ends Monday, July 22, 2024

Arts & Crafts

From 9:30am - 11:30am

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

June 7, 2024 - Sea Glass Art

June 21, 2024 - Felt Flowers

July 5, 2024 – Felt Flowers (continued)

July 19, 2024 – Rock Painting

Contact the office for more information. Preregistration is required with payment.

Let’s Learn Together!

Tuesday, June 25, 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.

Podiatry Clinic

Wed, July 3, 2024 10:00am - 2:30pm

Dr. Lechan provides monthly podiatry clinics. An ap-appointment is required. Items needed are insurance cards with your primary doctor’s name, date of last doctor’s visit, summary of last visit, and list of medications. *Please check with your insurance regarding co-pays. Please call our office to make an appointment.

Telephone Reassurance Program

Our office will make a telephone call to an individual’s home at approximately the same time each day Monday through 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.

The Telephone Reassurance Program provides a peace of mind for the individual and their loved ones. This program is designed for senior citizens, disabled persons and shut-ins living in Seekonk who may be at risk of loneliness, social isolation, illness or injury.

If you, or you know someone you know is interested in this program, please call Nicole at Human Services at 508-336-8772.

Beginner Sign Language

Starting up June 26, 2024

Wed - 9:30am - 11:30am

A new 10-week session of sign language begins Wednesday, June 26, 2024 until August 28, 2024. If you are interested in this beginner class, please call the office to preregister.

Encore Casino

Friday, June 28, 2024

Price: $39.00 Per Person

Location: Boston Harbor Depart 8:30am Return Approx 5:30pm

Join us at Boston’s Premier Casino!! The casino at Encore Boston Harbor brings glamour on a grand scale to the riverfront. Enter the main floor - open and airy, colorful and vibrant! Try your luck with 2,800+ slot machines, including classic favorites, automated tables and the newest game titles. Enjoy 166 table games, from craps and roulette to blackjack and baccarat, all at state-of-the-art tables with superior service. It all adds up to an exciting, memorable five-star experience unlike anywhere else in Boston. Trip Includes: *Casino Time: 10:00am-4:00pm (Casino Package subject to change). *Casino Package - $20 free slot play. *Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation. Gratuity. Payment due at registration

Nutritional Meals To Go

Tues / Wed / 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 June menu is available at our office and on our Facebook page.

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 508-336-8772 *30 Day Rental

Activities and Programs

Mondays

Movement & Meditation 10am

Canasta 11:30am

Strength & Cardio 1pm

Oil Painting 2pm

Tuesdays

Drums Alive 9am

Watercolors 10am

Hi Lo Jack 1pm

Wednesdays

Stability and Balance 8:45am

Drums Alive 9:30am

Tribal Grooves 11:00am

Mahjong 1pm

Thursdays

Mat Exercise 9am

Movement & Meditation 10am

Cribbage 11am

Hi Lo Jack 1pm

BINGO 1pm

Fridays

Dance Cardio 9:15am

Tai Chi 10:30am

*All activities are subject to pre-registration

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.

Parks & Recreation

Welcome to a new month! The month where summer begins. I hope you are all still keeping up with your water drinking. As it continues to warm up, you will need it to help you stay hydrated to combat the summer heat. Please also do not forget your sunscreen! It is so important to help you stay healthy. My girls and I even wear those sun hats with the wide brims and neck cover whenever we are spending time outside. With the warmer days and longer days there are going to be many opportunities to be outside. Not all outside time needs to be super active. I just learned that at the Seekonk library in their library of things to borrow, there are some low action items that can be used outdoors. They have a Giant Jenga, a Giant Connect Four, and even binoculars and metal detectors to borrow. What a great resource right in town to use. I encourage you to check out the whole list of available items What a great addition they could be for a family cookout. While you are there, also check out the available museum passes to borrow. You may just find somewhere new to try this summer, or revisit a favorite you have not been to in a while. I can’t wait to see you all out and about this summer.

Veterans Corner

VA Headstones, Markers & Medallions

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible Veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.

A Government-furnished headstone or marker may be provided for eligible Veterans who died on or after Nov. 1, 1990 and whose grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone. A Governmentfurnished medallion may be provided for eligible Veterans who served on or after Apr. 6, 1917 and whose grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker.

Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. Bronze niche markers are also available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains. The style chosen must be permitted by the officials in charge of the private cemetery where it will be placed.

When burial or memorialization is in a national cemetery, state Veterans’ cemetery, or military post/base cemetery, a headstone or marker will be ordered by the cemetery officials based on inscription information provided by the next of kin or authorized representative.

Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a Government-furnished headstone or marker unless they are buried in a national cemetery, state Veteran’s cemetery, or military post/base cemetery.

Note: There is no charge for the headstone or marker itself, however arrangements for placing it in a private cemetery are the applicant’s responsibility and all setting fees are at private expense.

You may order online at https://www. cem.va.gov or make an appointment with a Veterans Services Officer.

For anyone in need of a replacement graveside flags or flag holders, I have them at my office at no charge for Seekonk residents/veterans. The holders I currently have are World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War or a generic veteran marker.

For any additional information, questions or if you have a group that would like to participate; please contact Seekonk Veterans Services at (508)336-2940 or via email jlaflame@seekonk-ma.gov.

The center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm, Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm and Friday 8:30am12:00pm. Come and enjoy the activities and companionship at your center. * NOTE: *Seekonk Human Services is primarily an informational and referral agency. We try to help you directly or by introducing you to

a network of federal, state, or local support services. Seekonk Human Services offers legal, financial, recreational, medical screenings, and other activities/services by volunteers or nominally paid practitioners. Participation in these services/activities is with the understanding that Seekonk Human Services, Town of Seekonk, or its employees do not assume any legal or other responsibility for advice of services rendered by such volunteers or nominal cost practitioners.

Seekonk Women’s Luncheon

Everyone enjoyed their lunch at the Grist Mill in Seekonk. Our food was delicious and plenty of it! Their Cinnamon bread & Corn bread were to die for!! Our server Ryan was the most patient person for the 27 of us ladies, very knowledgeable in answering all our questions. May is Lobster month so most of us had the Lobster roll which was excellent!

The 2024 Silver Tea was a great success!

Thank you to Human Services’ Director Brittney and her staff for their assistance in sponsoring the event. Also a thank you to the Friends of Friends’ volunteer committee for funding the event again this year, it’s a tradition that has been going on since 1993 and we hope to keep it going many more years! Our seniors love it and we love them! A special thank you to Town Administrator Mr. Shawn Cadime for spending time with all of our Seekonk Seniors who attended the event. A very special thank you to Young’s Caterers for preparing and serving such an extraordinary meal and for setting up the tables so elegantly. Thank you to Maria a volunteer member for the beautifully crochet tea candle holders that were placed around the flower vases. A favor and flower was given to each senior.

Rehoboth Ramblings

By Leslie Patterson

Following Our Feathered Friends

Acclaimed novelist Amy Tan has branched out (pardon the pun) in a new direction with “The Backyard Bird Chronicles” and has been making the rounds talking about her book. This non-fiction book is a lively journal of her bird watching over the past few years. Although her backyard is in Sausalito, there is a lot of overlap between the birds in California and those around here. She has also illustrated the book herself with charming drawings of these birds (in all their beautiful colors) and a number of humorous cartoons.

She explains how she learned to draw birds under the guidance of John Muir Laws, “a well-known and beloved naturalist, artist, author, scientist, conservationist, and educator.” She seems to have a fine natural artistic talent. My efforts at drawing birds (or anything else) would look pretty childlike, and not in a good way.

I like to watch wild birds as they flit around the backyard and perch on branches by the window but I’m not much of an expert, relying on my daughter and dedicated birder friends to fill in the blanks for me. While I’m not as blind as a bat, neither do I have eyes of a hawk. I’ve joked that I’d have trouble spotting an emu. But even I was able to see the aerial ballet of two bird visitors from the south swooping around our skies in May. A pair of swallow-tailed kites (birds, not the paper kind) have been seen numerous times, including in central Rehoboth, Attleboro and probably other local places. It’s easy to see why bird-watchers get excited over a sighting of unexpected visitors.

We first saw them in the sky over Bay State Road and then miraculously the pair made a brief appearance overhead just as we were going out our back door one day. They’re called swallow-tailed because though they are small members of the raptor family, they have forked tails like swallows. They certainly move fast! They are generally found in Florida and other southern locations.

After writing before about helping turtles cross the road, we missed one and later found the remains. Sadly, the driver who crushed this large snapper on the road did not miss hitting it (on purpose?). There are ups and downs to nature-watching. The hummingbirds returned right on schedule and this year we were prepared. Last year on the first of May I saw a little bird hovering right by the window staring straight at me. I hopped up and got the hummingbird feeder out pronto. I could just picture our little visitor complaining about the slow service: “Do you know how far I’ve traveled?”

“The Backyard Bird Chronicles” includes an illustration of a red-shouldered hawk. We are familiar with this hawk since a pair of them took up residence in our neighborhood a couple of years ago. We call them Shrieky and Mrs. Shrieky due to their loud screeching. I assume they’ve consumed a number of songbirds around here, but that’s nature, red in tooth (or beak) and claw.

People have envied birds their freedom ever since there were people, but birds, like all wild things, lead precarious lives. We can envy a migrating bird’s ability to just take off for other climates (no luggage required!) but it is a grueling journey over long distances and even over large bodies of water. Then there are the stay-athome birds who need to survive outdoors in the cold of a northern winter. Neither path is easy.

Still, we are fascinated by their lives and birds will always remain somewhat mysterious to human observers. Amy Tan writes that “Each bird is surprising and thrilling in its own way. But the most special is the bird that pauses when it is eating, looks and acknowledges I am there, then goes back to what it was doing.”

“The Backyard Bird Chronicles” is available at the library, as is another bird book worth reading, “Alfie and Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe” by Carl Safina, from 2023. Mr. Safina, who lives on Long Island, rescued an orphaned owl near death and managed to raise the little bird to adulthood and eventually to successful release in the wild.

In local bird news, six owls will be on display at the “Owls of the World” program at the Blanding Library on Sat. June 22 at 10:30. And the raptor weekend at the RI Audubon Center in Bristol in September is always worth visiting.

Seekonk womens’ luncheon at the Grist Mill

Seniors enjoying themselves at Silver Tea

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 on Wednesday June 19th

Breakfast

Mon / Wed / Fri From 8:30-10

Lunch

Mon / Wed @ Noon. Come join us

Gert’s Café 4th of July Cookout

Monday July 1st @ Noon Tickets $5.00

Walk with a First Responder 1st Wednesday of every month@ 11:00 starting Wednesday June 5th. Come & Join Us

Book Club

The First Monday of Every Month at 10:00am. The Book for June is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie by Mary Anne Shafer an Anne Barrows

Join Our Walking Club

Mon-Wed-Friday 9:30AM

Please note new start time

NEW CLASS: Line Dancing

Mondays @ 1:00. Eileen Pontes Instructor. $3.00 Donation

Join our Email List

Updates during the month COAmail@rehobothma.gov

Craft Supplies Needed

We have a 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

ACTIVITIES

Mondays

8:30-10 BREAKFAST

9:00-11:00 Cribbage

9:30 Walking Club

10:00 Bocce

10:00 Cornhole Toss

Noon Gert’s Café ~ Ltd seating ~ $3.00

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

10:00 Sewing & Quilting

11:00 Blanace & Stretch Judy Rosa

1:00 Hi-Lo Jack

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

Wednesdays

8:30 - 10:00 Breakfast

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

9:30 Walking Club

10:00 Bocce

10:00 Cornhole Toss

Noon Lunch

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

1:00-3:00 Dominoes

Thursday

9:00 Tai Chi

10:00 Drums Alive $3.00

11:00 Stretch & Flex Class Judy Rosa

1:00-3:00 Paper Crafting Class includes Card Making, Stamping, etc. (FREE)

1:00-3:00 Watercolor Class $5.00

Friday

8:30 - 10:00 Breakfast (NEW)

9:30 Walking Club

10:00 Bocce

10:00 Cornhole Toss

10:00 Jenga

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.

Meals on Wheels:

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

Rehoboth Council on Aging A Municipal Department of the Town Mission:

The Rehoboth Senior Center’s mission is to develop and provide programs, opportunities, and resources to enrich the social, emotional, physical, mental, and economic well-being of Rehoboth’s elder citizens.

The Rehoboth Senior Center shall serve as a community focal point and an inclusive support system where Rehoboth’s elder citizens:

• Can engage in leisure, wellness, educational, and social programs that promote an enhanced quality of life and social-emotional health and well-being

• Can enjoy onsite meals prepared in the senior center kitchen and be served in the building’s dining area

• Can connect to their peers and community

• Can foster inter-generational relationships and shared activities

• Can obtain information on and access to governmental supports and programs that connect people to transportation, housing, nutritional, and economic assistance

• Can gain access to health information and resources to support independence and ensure healthy aging in our community

• Can seek out opportunities for lifetime learning and volunteering and civic engagement

The Rehoboth Senior Center’s vision is to grow and expand our offerings while preserving our commitment to the dignity and worth of every person in our community.

The Rehoboth Council on Aging shall:

a. Provide, coordinate and link available resources to help meet the needs of the Town of Rehoboth’s elders.

b. Carry out programs and services that range from information on community education, referrals, outreach, transportation, Meals on Wheels, health screenings, intergenerational activities, crafting programs and other programs beneficial to our seniors.

Rehoboth Senior Citizens Club News

The sun is shining! But it was dreary the day of our meeting, May 16th. In spite of that, there were 13 people at our meeting! We finalized plans for the 50th Anniversary Celebration, discussed more options for our trip to the Newport Playhouse this summer, were updated on the Annual Fall Bazaar on October 19, 2024, and enjoyed a wonderful lunch together.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, June 20th in the Arcade Building. At this meeting we will be having an ice cream sundae social, and a very short meeting. So, eat your lunch at home or bring it, but please leave the extra room for ice cream!

There will be no summer meetings in July and August, but we are hoping for our Newport Playhouse trip to be in August.

I sincerely thank all the members, and friends, and family, who have worked very, very hard this year in continuing to make the Rehoboth Senior Citizens Club such an outstanding organization!

See you at our 50th Anniversary Celebration, and of course, on June 20th for our ice cream social!

Donna Howard President, RSCC

Lars Lambrecht

Transitioning Into Retirement

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

Transitioning into retirement can be exciting and daunting. Many retirees work with a professional financial advisor to navigate the multiple life changes.

Income. You will need to reinvent your income in retirement. You will most likely receive Social Security and/or pension income. You may want to continue working part time. Most retirees need additional income to maintain their desired lifestyle. Hopefully, you have been able to accumulate retirement investments that can be used to create income. It is a different mindset and strategy to position your portfolio to provide an income versus accumulation. There is a general rule of thumb that you can draw 4% from your portfolio and have it stay intact (e.g. a $1,000,000 portfolio could produce $40,000 of income per year). Generally speaking, expenses increase in the initial years of retirement (for travel, as an example), then reduce as we age, and again increase later in life for additional health care expenses. Investments. As people near retirement, it is common to be more concerned about protecting your portfolio than seeing it grow. If so, your portfolio risk should be adjusted to accommodate this. I often layer risk through various “buckets.” I recommend leaving one-year of anticipated expenses in guaranteed vehicles (savings, CDs, treasuries). The balance of your portfolio might be divided into a conservative bucket, moderate-risk bucket, and growth bucket. You want to position your portfolio so that you don’t have to sell more aggressive investments when there is a market downturn. Drawing from the conservative bucket allows the more aggressive ones to continue to grow without disrupting your retirement income. Most people roll their retirement plan over to their IRA when they retire. IRAs provide significantly more investment options and flexibility, and can be professionally managed. Another option to potentially

consider is an annuity for a portion of your portfolio. There are several types of annuities, with their own pros and cons. The main benefit of most annuities is that they can provide guaranteed income for your life.

Health Care. Most retirees need to transition from health insurance provided by their employer. If you are 65 years old, Medicare is typically the main source of health insurance. There are several components and options within Medicare and supplemental insurance plans. I recommend speaking with an insurance agent that specializes in Medicare. If you are younger than 65, you will need to obtain private health insurance, which can be costly. Your Medicare and health insurance premiums are impacted by your taxable income. You should also consider long-term care expenses and insurance as part of your retirement planning.

Taxes. There are some unique opportunities with tax planning once you are retired, and I find tax planning becomes more complex for many clients. If you live in Massachusetts and are 65+ years old, you may be eligible for the Senior Circuit Breaker credit. There is a formula based on your income and how much you pay for either real estate taxes or rent that determines how much of a tax credit you receive. You can influence your overall taxes based upon how you draw from your investments. For example, it’s possible that money in non-retirement brokerage accounts can be drawn down with less taxes than your 401(k) or IRA. You may have money in Roth IRAs that provide tax-free income. You do need to be careful about how various income options can impact other parts of your taxes such as the Circuit Breaker Credit and health insurance subsidies if you are under the age of 65. Generally speaking, I prefer drawing down non-retirement assets first.

My article next month will be going deeper on retirement income and tax strategies.

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

Seekonk High Graduates Praised for Kindness

By Joe Siegel

Seekonk High School’s 2024 graduating class was greeted with cheers as they marched onto the athletic field on May 31.

Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell said the graduates were “above average in kindness.”

Principal William Whalen told the 124 graduates he was impressed by “the level of kindness you showed each other.” Whalen noted the achievements of the class, including their work on numerous theater productions, as well as their academic and sports accomplishments. “Do not be afraid to challenge yourselves,” Whalen said. “Follow your dreams.”

Valedictorian Mackenzie Carlsten urged her classmates to “remember to give yourself grace for falling short” and to “find fulfillment in yourself.” Carlsten had served as the president of Model UN and Spanish Club, treasurer of Key Club, and captain of cross country. Carlsten also was honored with the 2023 Outstanding Undergraduate Award, Francis W. Gallishaw, Jr. Memorial Award for Academic Excellence, and Brown University Book Award.

Salutatorian Olivia Gasior told her classmates to “treasure the moments you share with others.” Gasior was a member of the Science Club, Book Club, Math League, Key Club, and Yearbook, where she served as Co-Editor in Chief. She had the opportunity to compete with her school in many academic events, including National Science Bowl, Physics Olympics, and Math League competitions.

Jordan P. Culpan and Jake T.P. Henriques shared special memories of their time at Seekonk High School.

The National Anthem was performed by Felicia DaSilva, Evamarie Neary, and Madison Ohlgren.

Seekonk High’s Top 10 of 2024

By Joe Siegel

On Wednesday, Principal William Whalen announced the Top 10 members of the 2024 Seekonk High School graduating class. They are:

• Mackenzie Elizabeth Carlsten – University of Virginia(Valedictorian)

• Olivia Gasior – RPI Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - (Salutatorian)

• Megan Capello - College of William and Mary

• Sara Santoro - Hofstra University

• Alyssa Clegg - UCONN

• Kylie Charron - UMASS Amherst

• Kristen Nguyen - MCPHS

• Madison Ohlgren - UMASS Amherst

• Vedika Patel - UCONN

• Laura Giuseffi - Bridgewater State University

The graduation ceremony will be held on Friday at 6:30 pm on the high school’s track and turf field.

Dighton-Rehoboth Valedictorian and Salutatorian

By Joe Siegel

Kylie Mirra is the Valedictorian of Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School’s Class of 2024. Mirra is attending Yale University, where she plans to study astrophysics. Mirra has held several leadership positions including drama club and international thespian society president, historian, vocal captain, and publicity chairman as well as being the Student Representative on the School Committee as an official nonvoting member.

Mirra also volunteers at Beckwith Middle School, acting as the music director for their production of “Into the Woods” after having worked for several years to bring the drama club back to the middle school. She also works as a private vocal instructor and general music teacher at a well-known local music school.

In school, Mirra has taken a total of 7 AP classes and won several awards, including the Harvard book award, Principal’s Award, Society of Women Engineers Award, National Honor Thespian Award, and the Scholar Performing Arts Award.

Jane Kostka is the Salutatorian. Kostka will attend UMASS Dartmouth, where she will study mathematics and art history.

Kostka has been a member of the DR Latin Club, French Club, and National Honor Society. In addition to her activities at the school, she has also played in the Mallet Maniacs Community Percussion Ensemble

for the past 5 years and has accrued over 200 hours of community service with Greenlock Therapeutic Riding Center. She has taken nine AP classes and is the recipient of the Yale Book Award, National Merit Commended Scholar Award, National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award, and AP Scholar with Distinction Award. The graduation ceremony will be held Friday at 6 pm.

Seekonk High School Graduation 2024

Sean Callaghan Named Valedictorian of Bishop Feehan Class of 2024

Bishop Feehan High School proudly announces its top-rank student in the Class of 2024, who has excelled inside and outside the classroom during his four years on the school’s Holcott Drive campus.

Valedictorian

Sean Callaghan, the son of Mr. Paul and Mrs. Danielle Callaghan of Rehoboth, MA, and member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, has been named Valedictorian of the Bishop Feehan High School Class of 2024.

Sean Callaghan

Ranking first out of 263 students, Sean has earned a perfect 4.0 cumulative, unweighted grade point average while challenging himself with the most rigorous curriculum offered at our school.

His academic prowess extends beyond his daily high school curriculum, as evidenced by his consistent recognition on the National Spanish Exam, for which Sean has received gold or silver medals every year since his freshman year. Sean also earned a Gold Key Scholastic Writing Award for personal essay writing. Furthermore, Sean has earned the esteemed Bausch and Lomb Science Award. He was also awarded the prestigious Harvard Book Award and is a National Merit Scholarship finalist.

In addition to his academic achievements, Sean has exhibited exemplary leadership qualities. He served as the secretary of the National Honor Society and holds membership in several subject honor societies, including English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish.

Beyond the classroom, Sean is a multi-talented athlete, competing as a varsity soccer player and track athlete. His commitment to sportsmanship and teamwork has earned him respect both on and off the field. Sean served as a Campus Ministry Student Ambassador. He has volunteered as an SAT prep tutor through Khan Academy’s Schoolhouse program, embodying the values of service and mentorship.

“Sean, and the entire Feehan class of 2024 make their soon-tobe alma mater very proud,” offers Feehan President Tim Sullivan. “Our impressive top student exemplifies our Feehan spirit so well. Scholar, young man of faith and service, athlete and -- honestly -- just a terrific young adult. He will be a terrific representative of Feehan for decades to come.”

In the fall, Sean will continue his studies at Harvard University, where he will pursue a degree in economics.

Peyton Griffin, of Seekonk, is honored with the title of Valedictorian, maintaining the highest grade point average in the graduating class of 2024. Throughout her four years at Tri-County, Peyton has excelled in her academic classes as well as her vocational program. Peyton is an ambitious student who has challenged herself to the most rigorous courses Tri-County has to offer, successfully completing five Advanced Placement courses and several honors level courses.

Peyton Griffin

Peyton is a quiet leader who models high expectations for herself and for her peers in all that she does. In addition to her impressive academic success, Peyton has been an exceptional student in the Health Careers program. She has earned numerous certifications, including her nursing assistant certification, which she has utilized at her co-op placement at Willow Crossing throughout this past year. She is a member of the National Honor Society and active in SkillsUSA. Peyton will be attending Bryant University in the Fall, where she will continue her education as a Health Sciences major. We wish Peyton the very best and know that she will be an asset to the Bryant University community.

Dighton-Rehoboth Recognizes Outstanding Students

By Joe Siegel

Dighton-Rehoboth recognized students who achieved perfect scores on the state’s MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) exams. “I think the focus is on the outstanding performance of our students,” D-R Superintendent Bill Runey said at the May 14 school committee meeting. “Our teachers have done a tremendous job preparing them,” Runey noted.

The high school students are: Nadia Al-Alami, Kaitlyn Arguin, Christian Bielawski, Penny Braga, Hannah Carvalho, Nicholas DeCilio, Catherine Domanoski, Aidan Ferraro, Celeste Johnson, Haleigh Kelley, Emma Mullen, Sophie Pequeneza, Ava Randall, Annastasia Rhenow.

Beckwith Middle School: Deven Dagnese and Milla Greene

Dighton Middle School: Leah Ellse and Alivia Furtado are from Dighton Middle School: Easton Chaves, Olivia Leandres, Dahlia Reynold, and Cashius Medeiros

Palmer River Elementary School: Albert Antonio

Distinguished Student Awards

Alexandria Thompson and Lilyan Zink were selected as Beckwith Middle School’s recipients of the New England League of Middle Schools’ Massachusetts Middle Level Distinguished Student Awards. This prestigious recognition program aims to celebrate students who have showcased exceptional qualities throughout their middle school journey, including teamwork, dependability, personal goalsetting, positive interpersonal skills, productivity, respect for diversity, respectfulness, service-oriented mindset, and empathy. Alex and Lily were chosen by the BMS Staff for this notable

Beckwith Choral Students Represent at Junior SEMBA Music Festival

Congratulations to the Beckwith Middle School choral students Olivia Couto, Claire Kiselica, Cole Nystrom, Abbie Oldmixon, and Annie Reed, along with trombonist Elijah Polychronis, for representing Beckwith Middle School in the Junior SEMSBA Music Festival held on May 3rd and 4th at East Middle School in Braintree. Under the direction of choral conductor, Ms. Jennifer Hartnett, and instrumental conductor, Ms. Maria Varonko, the students rehearsed with other middle and high school musicians from the Southeastern Massachusetts area to prepare a variety of musical selections. This two-day festival concluded with a concert that was enjoyed by family and friends.

Beckwith Girls Cross Country Team Undefeated!

The Beckwith Middle School Girls Cross Country Team had a phenomenal season, remaining unbeaten throughout. This impressive accomplishment led them to be crowned the Massasoit League Spring Cross Country Champions. Notably, Leah Hyder from Beckwith secured the coveted number one seed league-wide, closely followed by Quinn Kotch in the number two position.

Furthermore, we celebrated the achievement of sixth grader Maeve Santos, who earned a place among our top seven runners, alongside Bonnie Arrigo, Bailey D’Alessio, Vanessa Escobar, Leah Hyder, Quinn Kotch, and Reece Kotch. Additionally, we applaud the efforts of our other dedicated athletes: Tenley Ferreira, Brooke Martel, Zahra Petrone, Abigail Polychronis, Jada Raphino, and Amelia Trexler. Congratulations to all on a job well done!

Beckwith Choral

Beckwith Cross Country

The girls with their awards

From 45 state PTA congresses, National PTA received over 900 student entries inspired by the 2023-2024 Reflections Art Contest theme, “I am Hopeful Because....“.Of those submissions, we are thrilled to recognize Tenley Ferreira of Beckwith Middle School who achieved an Award of Excellence for her Dance Choreography submission, “Hope in a Wonderful World”. Tenley dances at Stephanie Kemp’s New England Dance Academy in North Attleboro, MA. Along with this national recognition, Tenley will be provided a $200 Young Artist Scholarship, a Silver Medal, and her work will be featured in a virtual exhibition. “The Rehoboth PTSA is thrilled to recognize Tenley and her incredible talent! We are thankful for her and her family’s support of this program over the years and encourage young artists in Rehoboth to continue to express their thoughts, feelings, ideas and passions through the arts.” shared Courtenay St. Germain, Rehoboth PTSA President.

Each year through the Reflections program, National PTA and PTAs across the country encourage students of all ages to create and submit original works of art in the medium of their choice that reflect on the annual theme. Submissions are reviewed by arts experts, and students are recognized for their artistic technique and ingenuity in bringing the theme to life. Hundreds of thousands of students in pre-K through grade 12 from across the country and in U.S. schools overseas created original works of art as part of the 2023-2024 Reflections program. More information on this year’s awards can be found here: https://youtu.be/EcjYkDdvas?si=T6iXeSCC5zdctRq.

Fire Safety Poster Contest

Congratulations to Amelia Trexler for earning 1st place and Macy Frissell for achieving 2nd place in the Bristol County annual statewide Fire Safety Poster Contest! Both students are sixth graders at Beckwith Middle School. Additionally, Amelia’s poster was awarded 3rd place at the state level! Great job!

Amelia Trexler

Tenley Ferreira performing “Hope in a Wonderful World”

Palmer River News

Palmer River Elementary School has had an action-packed month, filled with enriching experiences and significant milestones for students across all grade levels. Our school was thrilled to host SPOT, the robotic canine ambassador from Boston Dynamics, providing students with a firsthand look at the exciting world of robotics.

SPOT’s visit was a highlight for the school, captivating students as they observed the robot’s impressive capabilities. Demonstrations of SPOT’s agility and practical applications left an indelible impression, fostering curiosity and igniting the imaginations of young learners. The experience highlighted the real-world relevance of robotics, inspiring many students to explore STEM fields further.

This memorable event was made possible by the dedicated efforts of Mrs. Sullivan and the Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA), whose coordination and support brought this unique learning opportunity to the school community.

In addition to the exciting visit from SPOT, the school celebrated another significant achievement: the successful completion of the mathematics MCAS tests by the fourth-grade students. This marks a crucial milestone in their academic journey, demonstrating their dedication and perseverance.

Field trips also added to the month’s enriching experiences. First graders enjoyed an exciting trip to Roger Williams Zoo, where they learned about various animal species and their habitats. Second grade classes had an educational visit to the Natural Resource Trust, exploring nature and environmental conservation. Meanwhile, third graders took a trip to the Carpenter Museum, delving into local history and gaining a deeper appreciation for their community’s heritage. As the school year continues, the staff and students look forward to more opportunities for growth, learning, and celebration.

Macy Frissell

Bishop Feehan Third Quarter Honor Roll

Rehoboth:

First Honors:

• Grade 9: Sophia Andrade, Madison Coyne, Mackayla Creighton

• Grade 10: Grace Callaghan

• Grade 11: Jessica Lyle, Abigail Salwierz

• Grade 12: Morgan Arthurs, Christia Assi, Sean Callaghan, Ethan Coyne, Riley D’Alessio, Juliana Dias, Elaina Flood, Eva Maloof

Second Honors:

• Grade 9: Noelle Salwierz

• Grade 10: Raegan Baer, Antonio Morabito, Mia Mourao

• Grade 11: Landyn Andrade

• Grade 12: Idalia Beerman-Rodriguez, Joshua Cote, Fiona Soliday

Third Honors:

• Grade 9: Ryan Avila, Jackson Ryan, Andrew Sanford

• Grade 10: Hope Abbott, Andrew Placido

• Grade 11: Benjamin Cote, Mylee Ramer, Isabella Silva

• Grade 12: Hazel Thomas Seekonk

First Honors:

• Grade 9: Emily Azzouz, Guillianna Leitao, Lorna Nassef, Emily Rebelo

• Grade 12: Sophia Custodio

Second Honors:

• Grade 9: Dylan Audette, William Mal

• Grade 10: Sofiana Azzouz, Samuel Shaghalian

• Grade 11: Elena Borden, Lucas Custodio

• Grade 12: Anyav Mehta

Third Honors:

• Grade 10: Matthew Roslonek

• Grade 11: Jack Desmarais

• Grade 12: Madison Eddy, Jonathan Mal, Jacob Rebelo

Scholarship Opportunity

The Rehoboth Antiquarian Society (RAS) is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 second semester scholarship. Applicants must be planning to major in a field related to museum or library studies. This may include museum or library sciences, history, archaeology, anthropology, conservation, restoration, preservation, etc. Eligible students live in Rehoboth or its surrounding communities or have a significant connection to Rehoboth. The student should be enrolled in or accepted by an academic institution or a school that offers programs aligned with our mission and lead to a degree or certificate. Additional information and an application can be found on our website (https:// rehobothantiquarian.org/ras-scholarship/). The deadline for applications is Friday, June 21, 2024.

Enrollment for the Dighton Rehoboth Regional High School CTE Summer Camp is now open for 6th, 7th & 8th graders. Scan the QR Code to register. Any questions call Tracy Dishon 508252-5025 Extension 5604.

Stop the “Summer Slide”

Summer at St. Andrew’s is a nondenominational, co-ed day camp serving campers aged 3 to 17. We offer traditional day camps, sports camps, creative camps, STEAM programs, and academic programs. We specialize in small focused camps with infinite possibilities. Are you ready?

Academic Programs Science Explorations

Have you ever wondered why the sky was blue? Or perhaps certain materials burn while others melt? Or even why trees lose their leaves in the winter time? To have these and any other questions answered, join Mr Reilly for a week of exploration in science! This is a student centered course where we uncover a few of the many mysteries in science and attempt to answer all of your burning questions! This course will take place both inside and outside the classroom. Students will learn practical lab science skills in addition to engaging content across multiple science disciplines. The topics covered will be a mix of biology, chemistry and physics with plenty of experiment opportunities and engaging trips off site. We hope to see you there!

July 15-19, Ages 11-16 Cost $375/week

Spanish Immersion

WWW.KAMPKONK.COM

KAMP KONK IS A SEEKONK SUMMER DAY CAMP THAT COMPLIES WITH REGULATIONS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. ITS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH 105 CMR 430.000: MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR RECREATIONAL CAMPS FOR CHILDREN (STATE SANITARY CODE, CHAPTER IV).

REGISTER TODAY!!!

Where: HELD AT THE SEEKONK HIGH SCHOOL (261 ARCADE AVENUE, SEEKONK, MA) AND WILL RUN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 9:00 AM UNTIL 1 PM. EARLY DROPPOFF & LATE PICKUP AVAILABLE

When: JULY 8 - JULY 19

How Much: $400 per 2-week camper

CHOOSE 4 CLASSES WHEN YOU REGISTER 9:00 1ST CLASS 10:00 2ND CLASS 11:00 3RD CLASS 12:00 4TH CLASS

ALL CAMPERS AND VOLUNTEERS NEED TO HAVE IMMUNIZATIONS UPDATED FROM THEIR PHYSICAL WITHIN THE TIME FRAME OF ONE YEAR OF THE START OF CAMP. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR IMMUNIZATIONS: INFO@KAMPKONK.COM (THE SAME RECORDS YOU WOULD TURN IN TO SCHOOL) 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO CAMP FAQ: EMAIL US

Class Descriptions

(Campers Entering Grade Level)

The Great ART Doors (3-6)

Intro to Cartooning (3-6)

Kid Sketch (3-6)

Out of the Box Painting (K-6)

Fishing is The Reel Deal (3-6)

Slime Hands ON(K-6)

Hip Hop (K-6)

Combination Dance Class (K-6)

Jazz (K-6)

Young Fashion Designers (3-6)

Jewelry Making(K-6)

Kitchen Kids(K-6)

Camp Games(K-6)

Science in the Stratosphere (2-6)

Fusion Dance(K-6)

Tennis (K-6)

CANDY AND DESERT CREATIONS (K-6)

Come and have fun while you learn Spanish. ¡Hablemos Español! is a program in which you will be immersed in the language and learn through everyday activities. Through crafts, music, dancing, cooking, theater, and adventures guided by Profesoras Latinas you will see how easy it can be to learn a new language and have great experiences. Come and join us and Let’s speak Spanish!

Two one week programs: July 1-3, (No camp on July 4 & 5) Ages 8-12 Cost: $210.00/week 9:00am-3:00pm July 29-August 2 Ages 8-12 Cost: $350.00/week 9:00am-3:00pm

Chess Camp

St. Andrew’s School is partnering with Chess Master Connections (CMC) in offering a one-week-long chess camp for beginning to advanced players, ages 5-14. The staff is comprised of World Champions, International Masters, and enthusiastic instructors.

CMC instructors have inspired and delighted their students with gifted, fun chess instruction. The life skills of winning and losing well, creating a plan and following it, focusing on your and your opponent’s actions, and the importance of creativity are all masterfully imparted throughout their instruction.

Throughout CMC’s instruction, many young students are now ranking #1 in the USA in their age division, many have become Masters while still in high school, and some others have achieved the dream of playing in the youth World Championship. Chess Camp has both a half day and full day option.

www.summeratstandrews.com

Food & Dining Guide

Have you visited Mack’s Original Pizza Pub in Seekonk yet? Owner Katie Cerrone, who formerly operated KC’s Burger Bar in the space at 1379 Fall River Ave in Seekonk, has revamped her classic burger hop into a family friendly pizzeria, offering specialty pizzas, entrees from steak tip dinners to pan seared scallops, fresh burgers, homemade desserts, and more. Mack’s also offers a full bar, including draft beer, craft cocktails, wine and their signature Spiked Shakes, such as the Oreo Mudslide, a KC’s staple.

After closing KC’s briefly during Covid to focus on raising her three young kids, Katie decided to rebrand the restaurant and update the kitchen with a double decker brick pizza oven, which now puts out signature pizzas by the dozens. Some of the most popular are the Bee Sting, with pepperoni, candied jalapenos and a house-made hot honey, and the Great Debate, with BBQ grilled chicken, bacon, fresh red onion and pineapple. All of the pizzas at Mack’s are hand stretched using high quality ingredients and come in Small (14”) or Large (18”). A kids pizza (10”) was recently added to the menu.

While Mack’s Original Pizza Pub reopened late last year, the menu is constantly evolving. “We are blown away by the reception to our new pizza menu, but we still think there is room to expand our lunch business, especially with our new drive through window”, Cerrone says of the Covid-related expenditure. “Wouldn’t it be great to grab a slice or two for pickup, similar to fast food but knowing it’s all fresh?” she continued. Well, now at Mack’s you can pull up to their drive-thru window and order a slice to go. Pair it with a soda or a milkshake for a perfect summer treat. With three kids in car seats herself, Katie recognizes the importance of convenience, and has also started offering online ordering for pickup through the drive-thru window.

Other Mack’s offerings include homemade appetizers such as Meatballs, Fried Mozzarella, and Arancini (risotto balls filled with truffled ricotta and drizzled with hot honey), fresh salads, entrees including Fish ‘n Chips (heavy on the fish, light on the batter!) and ½ lb burgers. Try the Truffle Burger, with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, caramelized onions and a homemade truffle aioli! All of their burgers come with crispy fries, coleslaw, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, or a vegetable. But don’t be afraid to upgrade to their famous hand battered Onion Rings, or the aromatic Truffle Parmesan Fries!

“It’s disheartening to see so many restaurants closing up and down Rt. 6, what was once a bustling area for full-service dining. Clearly there are more options for

fast food, but we want to remain the affordable option for family or date night out.” Mack’s still offers full-service dining with a smile, but takeout has also been a popular and convenient option. Expect to see seasonal specials on the Mack’s menu, including a new extended lunch menu for the summer. Visit Mack’s on Rt 6 in Seekonk, or check out their full menu and weekly specials at www. MacksOriginalPizza.com

Food & Dining Guide

(Family Features) A beautifully designed charcuterie board may feel more like a grown-up treat, but with the right ingredients, delicious grazing boards can provide fun and nutrition for the whole family.

What you serve on a grazing board is entirely up to you. Most include a selection of meats and cheeses, and many incorporate

nuts, crackers, dips and jams. Some also incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables. You can add just about anything you want.

To build a successful board, keep these tips in mind: Choose ingredients and elements that don’t require temperature control. The idea of a grazing board is that it sits out for a while. Avoid anything that needs refrigeration or heat.

Make

Select a surface large enough to hold a variety of food. It can be a simple cutting board or a cute platter. There’s no specific size requirement but err on the side of bigger; spacing out your goodies can be more attractive and less messy.

Build your board around a theme to add an extra element of fun. Use mini cookie cutters to make fun, kid-friendly shapes out of cheese and meats. Be mindful of colors; a rainbow platter is vibrant and appealing, and colorful fruits and veggies offer a strong mix of nutrients.

Remember it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even kid favorites like sections of mandarin oranges, carrot sticks and chocolate chips are fair game for a familyfriendly board.

Taco Tuesday Board Ingredients

• Hard & soft taco shells

• Ground turkey meat, seasoned & browned

• Diced tomatoes

• Shredded cheese

• Chopped onions

• Chopped peppers

• Lettuce

• Sour cream

• Guacamole

• Salsa

• Queso

• Cilantro

• Lime wedges

On grazing board or platter, artfully arrange all ingredients.

Weekend Breakfast Grazing Board Ingredients

• Hard-boiled eggs

• Cooked sausage links

• Mini frozen waffles, toasted

• Mini frozen pancakes, toasted

• Mini muffins

• Yogurt

• Fresh fruit

• Syrup

• Jelly

On grazing board or platter, artfully arrange all ingredients.

Recipes courtesy of Healthy Family Project’s “Come Graze With Us” e-cookbook

Fuel Family Fun with This Easy Recipe

Between work, after-school activities and homework, planning memorable family time is nearly impossible. Changing that mindset can start by making mealtime simpler with recipes that serve up big smiles for the whole family and fuel fun, even on weeknights.

As a quick and easy mealtime solution that gives families time back to make lasting memories, Mrs. T’s Pierogies are pasta pockets filled with the stuff you love like creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy goodness and other big, bold flavors.

You can find a little inspiration in recipes like these Pierogy Burrito Bowls, loaded with pierogies, cherry tomatoes, corn, sliced avocado and homemade avocado mayo crema for a simple meal everyone in the family can enjoy.

No matter how parents switch up their weeknight routines, like a trip to the park or an at-home movie night, pierogies make weeknight recipes like this one possible because they’re simple and easy to prepare, leaving more time for parents to do the stuff they love with the ones they love.

Find more recipes fit for family fun by visiting MrsTsPierogies. com.

Pierogy Burrito Bowls

Prep time: 10 minutes ~ Cook time: 10 minutes ~ Servings: 4 Burrito Bowls:

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

• 1 bag (2 lbs) Mrs. T’s 4 Cheese Medley Pierogies

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup fresh or frozen corn, roasted

• 1 ripe avocado, pitted and sliced

• 1 cup pickled red onions

• 3/4 cup Cotija cheese

• fresh chopped cilantro

Avocado Mayo Crema:

• 1/2 cup mayo

• 1 ripe avocado, pitted and roughly chopped

• 1/2 lime, juice only

In medium skillet over medium heat, add avocado oil. Saute pierogies in batches, approximately 8 minutes on both sides, until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside. Divide pierogies, cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado, pickled red onions and Cotija cheese evenly among serving bowls. Garnish with cilantro.

To make avocado mayo crema: In food processor, process mayo, avocado and lime juice until smooth. Drizzle avocado mayo crema over bowls, as desired.

Source: Mrs. T’s Pierogies

Breakfast Board

Pierogy Bowl

IN MEMORIAM

Donald Edward MacManus

Donald Edward MacManus, 76, of Seekonk, Massachusetts passed away on May 2, 2024 after being struck by a vehicle during a bike ride on a beautiful spring afternoon. Don always had a firm handle on what mattered in life – his family, his friends, finding the best price at Market Basket and hopping on his bike whenever possible.

Don was born in Providence to the late Robert MacManus and Claire (Bigoness) MacManus. He was the third son of their four boys and grew up playing in his Darlington neighborhood. The first time he ever boarded a plane was to fly out to Eugene, Oregon to begin his undergraduate degree in Journalism at the University of Oregon.

He returned to Rhode Island in the summer of 1968 to be an intern at the then Pawtucket Times. While there he met a chatty colleague named Lydia Sabatini who offered him plenty of unsolicited instruction. Don’s unassuming demeanor was a perfect match for her enthusiastic bossiness and that summer of laughter led to a fifty-year marriage rooted in friendship and humor.

They settled down in Seekonk in 1978 and Don spent the early 80’s working for the Sun Chronicle as a reporter, earning his law degree at Suffolk Law School and becoming a dad to his two daughters. And for the last four decades he’s been enjoying the life he so carefully crafted. He loved being a lawyer, he loved riding his bike, he loved being married to Lydia and he loved being a Dad and more recently a grandfather to his four grandchildren.

Everyone who met Don was happy they did. He had a calm, warm presence and was always willing to help if he could. He loved reading history books and listening to Simon and Garfunkel. When he sang he sounded like a Beach Boy and he’d often sing “I love a parade…..” while he made himself breakfast in the early mornings. Just the first line though. We’re not sure if he knew the rest.

He was always there when anyone needed him. Since his passing, countless people have reached out to share examples of when he helped them through a difficult time – whether it be a complicated legal matter or a flat tire on the bike path. Don always showed up and always helped out. He was a hero in a lot of stories.

Don was typically the smartest person in the room. However, due to his unpretentious nature and quiet disposition you might not notice - until he explained a complicated concept with ease or dropped in a razor sharp one-liner. His dry wit often resulted with an entire room erupting in laughter while Don sat quietly, smiling only with his eyes.

The impact he had on his community was quiet yet vast. His grandchildren will miss piling on him to read books, his bike friends will miss him chatting about his family and what his daughters were up to during rides, his nieces will miss his phone calls checking in on them, his clients will miss his warm guidance through tough decisions, his daughters will miss his steady support and the way

he made them laugh their whole lives, and his wife will miss her best friend. Don took care of everyone in his circle. And still always found time for a bike ride.

Don is survived by his wife Lydia MacManus of Seekonk, daughter Jessica MacManus and husband Leland Crawford of Wrentham, MA and daughter Alicia MacManus and husband Andy Northrup of Seekonk, MA. He also leaves behind his brother John MacManus and wife, Sandra, and niece Kirsten Westfield and husband, Matt – all of Seekonk, nephew Scott MacManus of Utah, niece Cathy DelPonte of Somerville and niece Lori MacManus of Salem. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and husband, Trisha and Phil Shea of Mansfield, MA and nieces, Megan Selchan of Quincy, MA and Heather Richards of Braintree, MA. Don was predeceased by his brothers, Robert “Alan” MacManus and Jeffrey MacManus.

And finally, his grandchildren who were so lucky to have him, even for a short time – Finn, Lydia, Julian and Milo.

A Celebration of Life will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Red Shed – a Rhode Island nonprofit dedicated to making biking accessible to kids and families. Be sure to include Don’s name to ensure your donation goes to the cycling program.

In closing, please excuse any typos in the above obituary as Don was the family proofreader.

Rose Marie Phillips

Rose Marie Phillips, born July 5, 1942 went home to be with the Lord on May 19, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Julia Phillips and her brother Manuel Phillips. She is survived by her son Scott LaChapelle and wife Vicki, Brian LaChapelle and wife Tessa and daughter Dawn LaChapelle Silvers and husband Samuel. She was also survived by her loving grandchildren Michael, Scott Jr., Kyle, Chase, Amber, Julia, Nicole and great granddaughter, Lily. Rose also

leaves behind her special nieces and nephews, Rose, Maureen, John, Bruce and Mark and lots of cousins and friends.

Rose grew up on a farm in Rehoboth, Massachusetts where her father Samuel taught her how to drive her first vehicle, a tractor, and her mother Julia taught her how to cook and sew. Rose was an excellent cook and seamstress in her later years made all her young daughter’s clothes.

Rose attended East Providence High School and then furthered her education at The Beauty Academy. Afterwards, she worked as a beautician for several years. She loved her 3 children and took great care of them. When her grandchildren would visit, her face would light up when they entered the room. Rose’s family was blessed to have her and she will be dearly missed.

Relatives and friends were invited to attend a memorial visitation on from 5-6:30 pm on Friday, May 31, 2024 at the Duffy-Poule Funeral Home, 20 Peck Street, Attleboro. A funeral home service followed at 6:30 p.m. Burial will take place privately at a later date.

To send the family a message of condolence please visit www. duffy-poule.com

Don MacManus

Rose Marie Phillips

Raymond “Ray” M. Amoral

Raymond “Ray” M. Amoral, 90 of Rehoboth, MA., passed away peacefully at home, on

Tuesday, April 30, 2024. He was the beloved husband of the late Jean E. (Cameron) Amoral to whom he spent 68 years of marriage with.

Born in Rehoboth, MA., on January 26, 1934, he was the son of the late William and Mary (Bettencourt) Amoral. Ray was a barber for many years at Briggs Corner Barber Shop in

Attleboro, MA. He was known by his friends as “Clipper” and “Ray the Barber”. His true passions were farming and taking care of his grandchildren; and many residents of Rehoboth will remember him spending time out at his farmstand talking to his customers. Many of those customers would recount that he had the best tomatoes around, and luckily for them his grandson Spencer will continue his legacy as Ray was able to teach him everything he knew.

He is survived by, his loving daughter, Dawn Crooks of Rehoboth, MA., Susan Wade of Quincy, MA., his cherished grandchildren, Spencer C. Crooks and Justin B. Crooks both of Rehoboth, MA., and a dear great-grandson, Casey Crooks.

At his request, all services will be private.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guestbook at www. dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.

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

Lynda D. (McCabe) Plante

Rehoboth – Lynda D. (McCabe) Plante, 78, passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. She was the beloved wife of James E. Plante. Born in New Brunswick, Canada, she was a daughter of the late Maurice J. and Evelyn (Milley) McCabe.

Lynda graduated from Foxboro High School and went on to a career as a designer at Barlow Designs for over twenty-five years. She enjoyed gardening and was known by family and friends as “The Queen of Green”. Lynda also had a passion for all things equestrian and she loved horseback riding, caring for her antique home and entertaining her family and friends.

Besides her beloved husband, Lynda leaves two sons, Michael Rice in South Carolina and Peter Rice and his wife, Nicole, of North Attleboro; two stepchildren, Jason Plante in Rhode Island and Lori Welsh and her husband, Howard, of Warwick; seven grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Carol Woods and Bob McCabe.

A Celebration of Lynda’s Life will be held at the family homestead at a date to be determined.

Arrangements are entrusted to William W. Tripp Funeral Home, Pawtucket, RI TrippFuneralHome.com

Raymond E. Noelte

Rehoboth – Raymond E. Noelte, 89, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Beverly J. (Holme) Noelte for sixty-four loving years. Born in Pawtucket, he was one of seven children of the late Walter and Mildred (Brady) Noelte.

Raymond attended Bryant University (formerly Bryant College) and went on to a career as a supermarket manager for over twenty years, and subsequently as a buyer for both Our Lady of Fatima

and St. Joseph’s Hospitals for over thirty years, until his retirement.

Raymond enjoyed playing the piano and had a passion for investing and following the stock market. He also enjoyed casual drives by the ocean, visits to area beaches and cheering on the Boston Celtics, Providence College Friars and the New England Patriots. Both Raymond and his wife were longtime volunteers at La Salette Shrine in Attleboro, during the holiday season and throughout the year.

Above all else, Raymond was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, who will be lovingly remembered by all whose lives he has touched over the past eighty-nine years.

Besides his loving wife, Raymond leaves three children, Raymond S. Noelte and his wife, Lisa, of San Diego, California, Kerri Nichols and her husband, Bruce, of Easton, Massachusetts, and Gregory Noelte and his wife, Marilyn, of Boston, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren, Vanessa Noelte, Michaela Nichols, Brie Noelte, Brook Noelte, Blake Nichols, Kyle Nichols, and Leah Noelte, and many nieces and nephews. Raymond was predeceased by all his siblings.

The funeral was held on Tuesday, May 14th from WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, followed by a Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 984 Taunton Ave., Seekonk. Interment followed at Mount Saint Mary Cemetery in Pawtucket. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to Our Lady of La Salette Shrine, 947 Park St., Attleboro, MA 02703 would be appreciated. TrippFuneralHome.com

Raymond E. Noelte

Ray Amoral

Edward J. August, Sr.

Edward J. August, Sr.

Edward J. August, Sr., 91, of Seekonk, MA, (formerly of

Rehoboth), died peacefully on May 15, 2024 at the Linn Health & Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his adoring family. He was the husband of the late Barbara R. (Deitrick) August. Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he was the son of the late Peter Augustyniak and Leona (Wilkie) Augustyniak.

Mr. August was a proud Navy veteran, having served in

the U.S. Navy as a Signalman during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer after 20 years of service. Beginning his civilian life, he owned and operated three gas stations in Seekonk, Attleboro and North Attleboro, before graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from Johnson and Wales University.

Smith Insurance Group

Mr. August then worked at Rotondo Precast in Rehoboth until his retirement.

Ed, as he liked to be called, maintained the spirit of service long after his Navy career ended. Faith, family, and community were values Ed embodied throughout his entire life. Beginning in his youth, when he earned the distinguished ranking of Eagle Scout, becoming one of the select 4 percent to earn the esteemed ranking. He was also a member of the Seekonk Congregational Church where he served as a Deacon, Trustee and Head Usher for many years. Additionally, He was a member of the Lions Club of Rehoboth and of the Rehoboth Eastern Star Lodge A.F & A.M. The organization most meaningful to him was the U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association (USNCSA), which Ed co-founded in 1992. Through USNCSA, Ed established a community and brought together over 4,000 veterans worldwide who served aboard a “Cruiser” during their military service.

Above all, family was always his first priority. Lovingly known as Poppy, Chops (as in, ‘what am I, chopped liver?!’) and Chief, will be remembered for his devotion to his wife and five children. Ed was happiest at the lake surrounded by his ever-expanding family. They all take comfort in knowing he has been reunited with the love of his life, Barbara. Although he leaves bereft children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Ed’s lessons of faith, family, and community will survive for generations to come.

Ed leaves behind his loving children: Edward J. August, Jr. and his wife Nancy of Middletown, RI, Jan L. Rupert and her husband Ronald of Seekonk, Dianne L. Chase of Seekonk, Kelly A. Downs and her husband William of Rehoboth, and Christopher M. August and his wife Terry of Forty Fort, PA, as well as 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of Theresa Yermal of Ashley, PA and the late Peter Augustyniak, Jr.

His Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving was held Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 12:00 P.M. in the Seekonk Congregational Church, UCC, 600 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA. In celebration of Ed’s love of country all are invited to attend the service in patriotic colors. Burial in Rehoboth Village Cemetery will be private. Calling hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory to the Seekonk Congregational Church, United Church of Christ (UCC), or the Linn Health & Rehab Activity Fund will be appreciated. The Family would like to thank the caregivers (earthly Angels) of Linn Health and Rehab and Continuum Hospice for their devoted care, love and support of Ed and his family.

Arrangements are in the care of the Home of J.H. WILLIAMS & CO, 210 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI. For online messages of condolence, kindly visit www. jhwilliamsfuneralhome.com

Jason K. Landry Daniel A. Laneres

Sandra M. Reis Michael S. Sladen of Rehoboth

John Clifton Hopkins

(Seekonk) John “Hoppy” Hopkins’ (59) worldly adventure ended peacefully at home on Sunday afternoon, May 12th, surrounded by the enduring love of his family and friends. He was the devoted husband of Lisa (St. Laurent) Hopkins, and the dedicated father of Jacob and Abigail Hopkins.

He was the youngest child of Clifton and Edna (Page) Hopkins. He is survived by siblings Stephen, Michael, Mark, Matthew, Christine, Mary, and Nancy. He is also survived by many much loved nieces and

nephews, who will always remember Uncle John as their Pied Piper of fun.

His youth was spent outdoors, learning all he could from his siblings about the natural world. Growing up in a family of Scouts, he was a member of Troop 6 North Providence, and joined the Camp Yawgoog staff at the youngest possible age. Over a long career at camp, he taught backcountry camping, rock climbing, and was an expert instructor in waterfront skills, including canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, and white-water rafting. He helped build and run the high ropes Challenge Course at Three Point, and he was also on the team that established the “Quest” program to take Scouts on two-week adventures into the Maine wilderness. Through all his outdoor adventures he guided thousands of young people helping them to banish their fears and discover their true potential.

He was an outstanding athlete at North Providence High School, breaking the mile record his coach had set a generation earlier. After graduating from North Providence High School with honors, he attended Rhode Island College, where he would meet the love of his life, Lisa, on the flag football field. A friend urged him to ask out this beautiful and equally athletic coed, who also happened to share his love for football and all sports. John’s love for outdoor adventures inspired years of teaching kids at Colorado’s Copper Mountain Ski Resort, where Lisa and John shared another set of lifelong friends.

As Jacob and Abbie grew, so did John’s associations with organizations that were important to his children. Jacob became a record breaking high school diver and Abbie became a D1 collegiate All-American equestrian; John seized every chance to cheer them on at their competitions. Jacob’s involvement with Troop 1 Seekonk spurred John’s return to Scouting as an adult leader. “Hoppy” would spend more than a decade helping the youth of Seekonk discover the wonders of the outdoors, including hiking and camping in the spring and fall, skiing in the winter and, yes, Camp Yawgoog in the summer.

John’s home and family were the center of his life, always a source of pride and joy. He lovingly designed and carefully constructed with his own hands every detail of the home in which he and Lisa raised their wonderful children.

He helped build Our Place Tuxedos and Uniforms into a thriving enterprise. Beginning as a sales associate in high school, and continuing four decades later as CEO, John led his team to grow the business from its strong foundation into a company that serves not only the uniform needs of many local restaurants and institutions but also national companies from Maine to Florida. He also enjoyed his decades-long association with the RI Business Exchange Club where he formed still more lasting friendships.

Alongside the challenges of a growing family and a successful business, John’s natural love of music and his talent with the

acoustic guitar inspired him to form a popular cover band called Mid-Life Crisis (MLC). He and the MLC crew entertained thousands of people in hundreds of shows across southern New England; yet nothing made him happier than playing for the loyal crowd at The Chieftain Pub in Plainville.

For seven years John courageously fought to regain mobility and stay positive through the challenges of 3 surgeries to try and remove a “cavernous angioma” in his spinal cord that repeatedly took away his mobility. After a long and heroic battle with the angioma, and a short battle with cancer, his last gift was to science to advance progress toward curing the extremely rare and devastating condition of cavernous angiomas as well as continued cancer research.

John devoted his full energy into bringing “good noise” into the world. He will be forever remembered for his amazing Hopkins smile, his infectious spirit, his mischievous wit, his thirst for the next adventure, and his limitless love for Lisa, Jacob, Abbie and his many, many dear friends.

Lisa, Jacob, and Abbie are so grateful to the innumerable friends who have supported John and them for years, and especially through the past 7 years. There are too many to mention individually, but include their loyal Seekonk friends for walking with him, reading to him, playing cards with him, going to dinner with him, and helping with the house and yard when he couldn’t. His Copper Mountain crew from around the country who always called and visited as much as possible, as well as Lisa’s colleagues and John’s business club associates who were always there for the family. A special thank you MUST go to his long time honorary brothers Shawn, Howie, Mike, Stever, Don, and Jeff for being there whenever needed, whether it be for medical or legal advice, emotional support, or comic relief. John can rest easy knowing these lifelong friends, and our other wonderful groups of friends will always be there for his family.

Calling hours were held, Monday, May 20th, at the PerryMcStay funeral home, located at 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, in East Providence, from 4pm to 7pm. Services were held at Seekonk Congregational Church, 600 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, on Tuesday, May 21st at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations to either the Yawgoog Alumni Association (www.yawgoog.org/alumni) or the Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation (www.alliancetocure.org) would be sincerely and graciously appreciated.

John Clifton Hopkins

Marie J. Hicks

Marie J. Hicks, 90, of Seekonk, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024. She was the wife of the late Oscar M. “Gus” Hicks.

Born in East Providence, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Margaret (Costigan) Burchard.

Mrs. Hicks was a seamstress for Helene’s Bridal Shop in East Providence before retiring. She was an avid quilter, hand embroiderer, baker, cook and Red Sox fan. She enjoyed bowling, arts and crafts, reading, word puzzles and camping.

She was a big supporter of the Seekonk Oil Little League Team which she attended with her husband who was the teams coach. She leaves seven children, William Hicks and his wife Joyce of North Smithfield, daughter-in-law Donna Hicks of Lakeville, Patricia Rose (Bill Barth) of East Providence, Richard Hicks and his wife Terri of Coventry, Carolyn Eaton of Seekonk, Anne Burk (Steve Hartwick) of Butler, PA, Robert Hicks and his wife Kristine of Seekonk and James Hicks and his wife Holly of North Attleboro; eighteen grandchildren, twenty nine great grandchildren, three

Ken Martin, Owner MA# 8532-A1 774-202-9488 ww w.bluecollarent.com

great great grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late Albert “Buddy”, Susan, and Dennis Hicks and sister of the late Joseph Burchard, John “Jack” Burchard, Margaret “Peggy” Calverley and Robert “Bobby” Burchard. Her funeral services will be private. Donations in her memory can be made to the Seekonk Police Department or to the Seekonk Fire Department, 500 Taunton Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771.

Kenneth F McCloskey

Kenneth F. McCloskey, 95, of Rehoboth, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center.

Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late Peter F. and Theresa (Brenckle) McCloskey.

Ken was an accountant for the former E.P. Fournier Dealership for over 25 years before he retired. He was also an Air Force Veteran of the Korean War. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and an avid golfer. Ken always enjoyed playing cards with his friends but he especially enjoyed spending

time with his family and his grandchildren. Ken will be remembered as a fun loving person and as someone who embodied the phrase, "Local Boy Makes Good."

He leaves two daughters, Patricia A. Cabral and her husband David of Seekonk and Jane E. Vibert and her husband Thomas of West Palm Beach, Florida, five grandchildren, Meghan Mitchell, Matthew Vibert, Shawn Cabral, Sarah Cabral and Chatham McCloskey and two great-grandchildren, Bentley Mitchell and Piper Mitchell. He was the father of the late Mary E. McCloskey and Kenneth P. McCloskey and brother of the late Robert P. McCloskey. His funeral was held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 9:00 AM from the PERRY-McSTAY FUNERAL HOME, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, Coyle Drive, Seekonk. Burial with Military Honors will be in Mt. St. Mary's Cemetery. Calling hours Friday, 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Saint Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Death Notices Rehoboth

• Christopher A. Manley, 70 of Rehoboth, died at home after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer on April 25, 2024.

• *Kenneth F. McCloskey, 95, of Rehoboth, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center.

• *Carl Stephen Berghman, of Rehoboth, MA and Edgewater, FL, more widely known as auto racing legend “Bugsy Stevens”, peacefully crossed the finish line into the great beyond on May 20th, 2024 at the age of 90.

Seekonk

• Jean Marie Saccone (referred to as “Goggie” by her grandchildren) passed away in her home on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at the age of 87.

• *Robert Hilton Fraser, 90, of Seekonk, MA passed away peacefully on April 23, 2024, at Roger Williams Hospital, a few days past his April 19 birthday.

* Military Veteran

Marie J. Hicks

Kenneth F McCloskey

CLASSIFIEDS

YARD SALE

Two Family yard sale. June 21st 10-3PM & June 22nd 9-2PM, 94 Lakeside St. Riverside. Please no early birds. Lots of miscellaneous stuff to display.

Purebred Portuguese Podengo pups 10 months old. Smooth coat, medium. No known genetic medical problems. Wormed. Raised on farm and love life. $300.00 cash. 508-222-5909 Cathy

EVENTS

Seekonk Flea Market at Seekonk Speedway is OPEN 7am-1pm every Sunday until December 3rd. Vendors & Patrons welcome and wanted! For more information, call Linda at 401-263-5737.

HELP WANTED

Seekonk Flea Market at Seekonk Speedway. Positions available Sundays thru December 3rd. Looking for general help around the Flea Market every Sunday from 5am-noon. Call Linda at 401-2635737.

Help Wanted: Part-time teller at Community & Teachers Federal Credit Union, 15-20 hours. For more info call 401-438-7788, ask for Joan or Ken.

Help Wanted: Full time position with accounting experience, Community & Teachers Federal Credit Union. For more info call 401-438-7788, ask for Joan or Ken.

HALL RENTAL

BOOK YOUR SPECIAL OCCASION PARTY NOW! Riverside Sportsman Assoc. Mohawk Drive off Wampanoag Trail. For all occasions: Birthday, Family Reunions, Club/Organization Meetings. Cash Bar. Monthly Steak Fries and other events. Call the club at 401-433-0209, leave a message.

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.

SERVICES

General Handyman: Doors, windows, handyman work. R.A. Bradley Co. (est 1983). Registered and insured. Call or text 401640-0023.

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 - SPRING 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

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 508-840-6611.

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.

HOME & GARDEN

Plants for Sale. House Plants, Annuals, Perrenials, Angel Trumpet, Succulents. Good variety from $1-$10. Free plant with visit. Call 401-433-2922.

Angel Trumpet