February 2021 Rehoboth Reporter

The Rehoboth

Reporter

FEBRUARY 2021 Volume 33, no. 2

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Serving the Residents of Rehoboth, Seekonk and Surrounding Communities Since 1989

Love is in the Air pg. 54

Girls Scouts Junior Troop #628 hiked the Ephraim Hunt Ministerial Land on Pond Street! Thank you to the Rehoboth Land Trust.

Emily Dambrosio of Rehoboth Scores 1000th Point see pg. 30

2 The Reporter January 2021

January 2021 The Reporter

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4 The Reporter January 2021

Help Wanted Advertising Sales RepRESENTATIVE Wanted MUST BE: Professional, Experienced & Self Motivated Great Job - Part Time Make your own hours! email resume to michaela@ReporterToday.com

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Inside This Issue Business Directory......................61 Church News..............................26 Classifieds...............................60

Letters to the Editor...

The letters in this section and opinion articles do not reflect the views of the staff of The Rehoboth Reporter. It is not our intent to take sides on any issues, but to present all arguments from all points of view. If your point of view is not represented on an issue, it is only because you have not voiced your opinion. Let us hear from YOU!

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• We will withhold any letters of an accusatory Nature until the accused person has a chance to respond in the same issue!

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Thank you Ginny Pacheco

Finding a rainbow during dark times gives us all reassurance that good in this world still exists. Ginny Pacheco has been exactly that rainbow in our community. When a Seekonk resident was in need of essentials recently, Ginny organized citizen involvement.

She and others came together and provided various items to the family. Ginny is the type of person to step up and lend a hand without hesitation. She cares about her fellow man by volunteering for a number of local organizations benefiting both humans and animals.

It has been so uplifting to know there are angels among us. A special thank you to the incredible Ginny Pacheco for being a gift to those around you. If you do not see her on the soccer field, at a school fundraiser, delivering canned goods to residents in the community or volunteering at an animal shelter you always know that her heart is filled with kindness and aimed towards helping the next person who needs it.

Sincerely, your community!

Club Announcements.................42 Food & Dining.............................55 Healthy Living.............................34 Letters..................................4 Library......................................

Blanding........................36

Seekonk.......................37

Love is in the Air.........................54 Obituaries................................56 People.................................28 Rehoboth COA...........................53 Rehoboth Ramblings..................16 Rehoboth Town News..................8 School News...............................44 Seekonk Human Services..........52 Seekonk Town News...................17 Scouts....................................24 Sports................................24 State House................................35

Asphalt Batching Plant in Seekonk Ma

I’m writing to you in regards to the new asphalt and concrete batching plant that is currently in the permit process to build at 45 Industrial Court in Seekonk MA by Jeffrey Joaquin/ International Paving Corp. This is being built without public notice which is disgusting and deceitful. Not only does this plant abut a residential neighborhood, but it is within 2 miles of Seekonk elementary, Sowams and Hampden Meadow elementary school. This plant will increase not only sound pollution but also in the air and our water, which will directly affect the residents of Seekonk and the neighboring towns including Barrington.

Despite knowing and acknowledging the Seekonk bylaws (1.2 and 8.12) at the January 12th meeting the board decided to pass the Planning Board property permit. Multiple local residents and businesses where there voicing their concern for not only their own health and other residents, but also for the environment. Local raptors, owls, bats, will be negatively effected; land animals and local fish and the endangered Terrapin turtles located near 4 Town Farm will be exposed to the deadly pollution produced from this plant. One organization, Save the Bay was deeply concerned due to the fact that the wetlands on the proposed property connect to 100 Acre Cove which is currently in the process of being detoxified.

The fact that this company is taking advantage of a period of time when people are feeling overwhelmed and are not giving 100% of their attention to what new companies are moving into their town or neighbor is dastardly.

Please help me as a concerned citizen to get the word out to as many people as possible to raise awareness to the horrific poisons that could become a part of our everyday lives.

Thank you for your time, Michelle Bean Seekonk Bylaw 1.2 “The zoning districts and regulations pertaining thereto as herin set forth are made in accordance with a comprehensive plan to regulate the use of land, buildings, and structures for the purpose of promoting and protecting the health, safety and general welfare of the community and the present and future inhabitants of the Town of Seekonk. “

January 2021 The Reporter

Raising Awareness about the Proposed Development of an Asphalt and Concrete Plant

We are trying to raise awareness about the proposed development of an asphalt and concrete plant to be constructed at 45 Industrial Court. We are concerned residents who live nearby the proposed site in a quiet community of private homes. Many of us have resided here for decades. The community consists of working class and professionals who have raised families and those with younger families. We have invested in the area because it has been a worthwhile area for present and future generations.

With the proposed development there are many concerns: 1) Environmental and Health Issue impacts. Asphalt plants emit carcinogens, the emissions are also irritants to eyes and respiratory systems. There is also the issue of emissions polluting local wells. 2) Nuisance: Asphalt plants emit foul odors, dust and noise. Though the planning board of Seekonk states the hours of operation to be 7AM to 7PM, our research reveals that these plants runs 24/7 in season in order to be profitable. This would endanger the tranquility of our surrounding neighborhood as would the 12 hour shift as well. (Think of a car horn blaring continually, day and night). 3) Property values would be impacted. The very presence of an asphalt plant that closely abuts residential property will have a negative impact on property values within a 2 mile radius. 4) The original intent of the Industrial Park when approved, was for “LIGHT” industrial use such as warehouses, storage, car repair shops.

Traffic flow, noise, pollutions, and hazards to Health will greatly compromised. 5)The impact to the surrounding wildlife, water resources, public schools, to mention only a few, will also be located within a 2 mile radius, cannot be safely predicted.

Please help our community by calling or writing to town members to alert them how detrimental and harmful the development of an asphalt plant will be on our community at large.

Thank you. Neighborhood Advocacy Group

Looking for a Seekonk Water Commissioner

I am looking for a civic minded person to run for a three-year term as a Seekonk Water Commissioner. The Board of Water Commissioners meets once a month and provides policy and oversight for the Water District. If interested, please contact Guy Larrimer at 508-336-5062.

Thank you, Guy Larrimer Chairman, Board of Water Commissioners Seekonk Water District

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The Rehoboth/Seekonk

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Let’s Keep Pets Safe

We are finally in 2021 and let’s start the New Year helping to keep our pets safe in this pandemic.

It’s getting cold outside and it’s important to make sure our furry friends stay warm in the winter months. We don’t want our pets exposed to cold air and the harsh weather like rain, sleet and snow. It can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaky skin.

Make sure our pets are kept indoors and in a safe room. They also need clean water and food. When they need to go out, don’t let them go out too long.

Pay extra attention to your pets’ paws during these cold months. Wipe your pet’s paws when they come in. Ice melts have chemicals which can hurt their paws.

If your pet has a coat or sweater have them wear it, this helps to keep their body heat in.

If you have outside cats make sure they have a place to go in and out of the weather.

Cats sometimes curl up inside the car engines when it’s cold. So bang on the hood of the car or honk the horn.

If you see any animal in distress call your Animal Control Officer or call the police. Our pets depend on us, we need to keep them warm and safe.

So let’s make a New Year’s Resolution to always help pets and animals.

Karen Ahern Rehoboth, MA

Director of Advertising & Graphics Michaela Oerman Graphics & Marketing Keri Cote Contributing Writers Leslie Patterson Joe Siegel Special Thanks To: Lori Anderson TCI Press

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

6 The Reporter January 2021

Snow Calling The call Is made Through Window pane.

Fresh snow Had mounted Under gray.

Now time’s Offered by Inviting sun, For kids To answer As we Had done.

Thank you, Don Gardner Seekonk, Ma

Seeking Relatives of East Providence Veterans with I-195 Bridge Memorials

by Susan Cady epvme@hotmail.com Interstate 195 divides the city of East Providence. The expressway was opened to traffic from the Washington Bridge to the East Shore Expressway/ Wampanoag Trail on December 15, 1959.

It was not until August 1960 that this freeway, as we know it today, extended to the RI/ Mass. state border and continued into Mass.

In Dec. 1959, Governor Christopher Del Sesto tasked the new E. Prov. City Council to name the thirteen bridges that crossed the highway “in honor of individual service men and women from East Providence who have sacrificed their lives in World War II or in Korea.” A committee was formed and between Dec. 1959-January 1961, the public submitted names of veterans to receive a bridge memorial and submitted suggestions to name the freeway.

The bridge names committee presented their report on July 18, 1961 with the names of 28 veterans and a map with 14 memorial sign locations. Each bridge is named for two men. These pairs are: Edward Burke, Gilbert Perito; John McDowell, Frederick Slade; Edward Pike, Philip McQuade; Edward Jocelyn, Manuel G. Silva; Thomas McLynch, Mark Gilbert; Frank Maciel, John Webb; Eugene Fontes (has a daughter), Emanuel Gracie Jr. (has a son), John Braga, William Halton, Joseph Crowley, Daniel Thomas, Gustaf Soderlund, Andrew Martin; James Garvin, Charles Storm Jr.; Clifford Jackson, Gordon Reid; Robert Holtzmann, George P. George; Robert Leighton, and Arthur Lusignan.

The freeway was named as the East Providence Veterans’ Memorial Expressway (EPVME). A double dedication ceremony occurred on Veterans’ Day, Nov. 11, 1961. Does anyone have photos to share from this dedication ceremony and/or photos of the bridge memorial signs?

Do you know any of the men listed above or are you a relative?

Do you know any of these veterans’ family members? If so, please contact the families to let them know they are invited to the re-dedication ceremony for these memorial signs and the naming of the expressway on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021 at Pierce Memorial Football Stadium. Also short biographies will be written about these veterans. Their family and friends are encouraged to share life and military details and photos with Susan to help record and preserve this EP history.

View https://sites.google.com/view/epvmer2021 to learn more about the preparations underway and items and volunteers needed for this special Veterans’ Day celebration.

2020 marked the end of WWII 75 years ago (1945) and the beginning of the Korean Conflict 70 years ago (1950). 2021 marks the 60th year since the dedication of the bridge memorials and its name as the EPVME. Now 60 years later, the bridges along the EPVME have been replaced or fortified. Of the 14 original sets of signs, only 2 pairs exist with single signs at 4 locations.

This full set of signs has been missing for over 20 years and forgotten. An effort has been made to restore the missing memorial signs.

To document the efforts of all the citizens of East Providence who served our DEER, TICK & MOSQUITO CONTROL country in many military events and to keep them from being forgotten, a virtual military service honor roll has been compiled since WINTER IS COMING...AND SO ARE THE DEER! Oct. 2019. Just as the public was asked DEER CONTROL ALL WINTER LONG to submit a veteran’s name for a memorial bridge, the public is asked to submit military information about past and present E. HEALTHY PLANTS Prov. residents who served in World War II to the present. Residents of Seekonk, MA who attended EP High School are included.

Submit -”in memory of” or “in honor of” last name, rank, first name, middle name or initial, war or name of the military event served in (or years, country, peace time, acDEER WERE HERE tive duty, etc. ), branch of service, optional: Don’t say awards, medals, etc. If a WWII veteran, did oh DEER this veteran attend EP High School? yes, this Spring no, do not know - to EPVME@hotmail. com You will receive a reply to confirm the submission. Submission deadline is Oct. 1, 2021. This military service honor roll is Call or Text 774.266.7995 for a quote posted on the East Providence Historical southeasternma@oh-deer.com • oh-deer.com Society’s website, www.ephist.org.

January 2021 The Reporter

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8 The Reporter January 2021

Rehoboth Town News From the Clerk Hello All ~ Happy February ~ I hope you are staying warm and healthy! As a friendly reminder, Real Estate Tax Bills were due Friday, February 1st. Payment can be made via mail, drop box outside of town hall (148 Peck Street) or online @ http://www.town.rehoboth.ma.us.

If paying online, please scroll down to “Online Payments” and then click “Tax Payments” on the Town’s homepage.

Thank You ~ Rehoboth Garden Club!

In my January Reporter article, I did not thank the Rehoboth Garden Club for placing their beautiful holiday wreath on the front of Town Hall. My apologies and thank you all for making our holidays so special with your amazing wreaths!

2021 Rehoboth Town Census

By now, you should have received your 2021 census form, dog Laura Schwall license renewal, Rehoboth Ambulance informational flyer and our 2021 calendar/town directory. This year’s calendar features the Church in the Village – Rehoboth Congregational Church, which is celebrating its 300th Anniversary in 2021.

Hopefully, you find the calendar and town directory a helpful tool. I would also like to thank the many residents for their kind comments on how useful the calendar and directory are to them throughout the year.

Every household in the Town of Rehoboth received one 2021 Calendar in their Census mailer. If you would like an extra 2021 calendar for you or your family, just call or e-mail our office. If you did not receive your census mailer, please let me know at 508252-6502 x-3110 or email me at lschwall@ town.rehoboth.ma.us.

I would like to thank the 3,135 households (58%) that quickly reviewed their census data, made any necessary changes, and returned the forms to us ~ thank you all !!! If you have not returned your census, please take a moment and send it back please. Census forms are due to our office

by January 31, 2021. This year, residents were afforded the opportunity to drop off their census forms at the outside drop box at Town Hall (148 Peck Street), fax, mail, or scan and e-mail them in. I would especially like to thank those families who processed their census forms and dog tags online. It was exciting to see that residents were able to choose the most convenient way possible to respond. Lynn and I are processing your changes and preparing the documents for our Registrars. During the months of February/March, the Registrars will begin contacting those residents who have not returned their 2021 census forms. Please respond as soon as possible so we do not have to bother you with a phone call ~ thank you.

Just a reminder, the census form does Providing Orthodontic care in not register you to vote or allow you to change your political designation. We’ve South Attleboro / / Vineyard Haven come across many census forms in the past with the party designations crossed (508) 761-5230 / (508) 336-3066 / (508) 693-3766 out and replaced with something else or a designation added to individuals who are not currently registered to vote. If you want to register to vote or make a change to party Read Our Reviews! designation, you must complete the appro* Seekonk location is minutes from our former East Providence location! priate forms as we need your signature to

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January 2021 The Reporter either register you to vote, change your political party affiliation, or remove you from our voter rolls. This can be done in person, by mail, or online. Simply call us at 508-252-6502 x-3110 or x-3109 or e-mail us at LSchwall@town.rehoboth.ma.us or LShaker@town. rehoboth.ma.us . If you prefer to register or change your political affiliation online, please go to www.RegisterToVoteMA.com. Mailin voter registration applications are also available @ https://www. sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/Voter-reg-mail-in.pdf - please complete the application, save it, and e-mail, drop off or mail the signed form to us. In order to be eligible to vote in the upcoming Annual Town Election (Tuesday, April 6, 2021), all voter registrations and/ or political party changes must be made no later than 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. As an added feature on the 2021 Census form, if you are a registered voter, you will note an (A) or (I) under the first column of the census “Voter Status”. Your political party is listed in the last column “Political Party”. Under Voter Status, “A” represents an active voter; “I” represents an inactive voter. Please contact our office as soon as possible if you have an “I” after your Voter Status. Also, many people seem to be confused with a political party of “U” by their name. The State considers all “Independent” voters as “Unenrolled”; therefore, the letter “U” appearing in the political party column. Independent is the same as Unenrolled. An Unenrolled or Independent voter has the opportunity to choose the Party ballot they wish to vote during a Primary Election.

Town Clerk Online Payments

As a reminder, we continue to offer the option of a Credit/Debit card or EFT/ACH payment system, available on the town website under online payments and then clicking on “Town Clerk Payments”. This feature enables you to conduct several town business functions online, like processing dog licenses, requesting copies of birth-marriage-death certificates through the town website @ www.town.rehoboth.ma.us (Click on Online Payments then Town Clerk Payments) or go directly to town clerk online payments page by going to https://www.invoicecloud.com/rehobothgovsvcs. Paying by Debit/Credit Cards or EFT/ACH payments is also available when visiting the Town Clerk’s office, when offices reopen to the public. We hope this added feature makes our town services more accessible and convenient for the residents. In 2020 we had a total of 559 individuals take advantage of our credit card/EFT payment system, which is up 182 transactions from 2019. The online activity this past year (2020) generated receipts of $10,115.60, which is an increase of $1,353.98 over 2019. The reported revenue for 2020 represents receipts for items such as genealogy fees, business certificates, raffle permits, dog licenses, birth/death/ marriage certificates, street listings, ZBA application fees and various miscellaneous items related to the clerk’s office.

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Dog Licenses for 2021

2021 Dog Licenses are now available and may be obtained by mail, online at https://www.invoicecloud.com/rehobothgovsvcs, or via the drop box at Town Hall (148 Peck Street). An application for dog license renewal was included in your 2021 Census mailer. The licensing fees are as follows: Male or female dog $20.00, femalespayed or male-neutered $10.00. If paying by check, please make sure it is made payable to “Town of Rehoboth”. Dog licenses are due annually by April 1st. Whether renewing online, via mail or drop box, dog license applications must be accompanied Continued on next page...

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10 The Reporter January 2021

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2021 – Annual Rabies Clinic (Hopefully)

Keep them safe . . . inoculate! The Annual Rehoboth $12 Dog and Cat Rabies Clinic is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 20, 2021 - 2:00 PM ~ 4:00 PM. This year the Rehoboth rabies clinic will be held at the Rehoboth Animal Shelter (148 Peck Street) rather than the Seekonk Public Works Department Garage. The Rehoboth Town Clerk’s Office Staff will be there to renew your 2021 Dog Licenses. If you would like to help us register the residents for their dog and cat rabies shots, please let us know. Please be dless Possibilities aware, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the State group gathering guidelines, the | SEEKONK, MA 02771 2021 Rabies Clinic may need to be delayed.

Please check the Town Website for up-todate Rabies Clinic information. For more details either on the rabies clinic or helping us staff the event, please call 508-252-6502 X-3112, 3109 or 3110 ~ thank you.

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by a current year rabies certificate (with a vaccination date covering the current licensing year-May 1st or later) and proof of spay or neuter [if applying for the $10 licensing fee] unless we already have your documentation on file in the Clerk’s Office. If you are unsure, please give the office a call, and we can tell you how up-to-date our information is. Dog owners should note that the license(s) will not be returned unless a stamped, self-addressed envelope is included with postage (the current postage is 71¢ for one dog tag, 93¢ for two dog tags and 1.15¢ for three tags). As of this writing, we have processed over 388 of the 2,000+ dog licenses, which is on track with last year’s numbers ~ thank you all for submitting so quickly.

Reminder, all residents 70-years old or over do not need to pay the $10 or $20 yearly dog licensing fee. As I’m sure you remember, I submitted an article at the May 8, 2017 Annual Town Meeting (Article 15) requesting Town Meeting vote to accept MGL CHAPTER 140 SECTION 139(c), which states “No fee shall be charged for a license issued under this section for a service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act or regulations promulgated thereunder. No fee shall be charged for a license for a dog owned by a person aged 70 years or over in a city or town that accepts this provision”. Town meeting did approve the acceptance of MGL Chapter 140 Section 139 (c), which permits the Town Clerk’s Office to waive dog licensing fees for service animals and for dogs owned by any Rehoboth resident 70 years of age and older. Proof of rabies vaccinations for each dog and proof of the dog owner’s age (70 or older) is required. As per Town Counsel, this does not include Kennel Fees.

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The Annual Town Election for Rehoboth will be held on TUESDAY, April 6, 2021 with the polls scheduled to be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Polling Location to be determined based on the current Pandemic, State of Emergency, and State Social Distancing protocols. Details will be communicated as we get closer to the election. As always, the Town Website will have updated polling information when available.

Nomination papers are now available for any registered voter in Rehoboth wishing to run for election on the Town ballot and who chooses not to seek a nomination through their registered party’s caucus process.

Nomination papers may be picked up by prospective candidates at the Town Clerk’s

January 2021 The Reporter office by scheduling an appointment as town offices remain closed due to the pandemic. Completed Nomination Papers must be returned via drop box or by appointment, signed by a minimum of 50 registered voters, to the Board of Registrars at the Town Clerk’s Office no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16th.

Positions to be elected on the ballot for 2021 are Moderator (one for 1 year), Selectmen (two positions for 3 years), Town Clerk (one for 3 years), Assessor (one for 3 years), School Committee (two for 3 years), Planning Board (one for 5 years), Park Commission (one for 5 years), Housing Authority (one for 5 years), Storm Water Officer (one for 3 years), Tree Warden (one for 3 years) and Water Commissioner (one for 3 years).

The final voter registration date to be eligible to vote in the Annual Town Election is scheduled for Wednesday, March 17th from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Town Clerk’s Office. Prospective voters are reminded that they may also register to vote by calling the Town Clerk’s Office to request a Mail-In voter registration form. Registration forms are also available at the Post Office or online @ http:// www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/Voter-reg-mail-in.pdf . Complete the application and either mail-in (postmarked by 3-17-2021), or drop off in the drop box at Town Hall by 8:00 p.m. on March 17, 2021. As an added convenience you may also register to vote online 24/7 @ https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/ or www.RegisterToVoteMA. com .

Annual Town Election - Absentee Ballot Applications

If you are unable to attend the Tuesday, April 6, 2021 Annual Town Election, applications for absentee ballots are now available and may be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office. Absentee ballots are obtained by written request only and must have the voter’s original signature. The deadline for filing absentee applications is Monday, April 5th at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) for the April 6, 2021 Annual Town Election. Absentee ballot request forms are also available online @ http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/ absentee/English-Absentee-Ballot-Application.pdf. Any questions regarding voter eligibility or requests for mail-in voter registration forms may be directed to the Town Clerk’s Office. To check your voter registration online 24/7, you may also go to: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx

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If you have any questions on any of the above items, please feel free to contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-252-6502, X3109, X3112 or X3110.

As a reminder, the Town Offices will be closed on Monday, February 15th in honor of President’s Day. We hope you enjoy the President’s Day holiday. Also, a Happy Valentine’s Day to all from Laura, Lynn and Odete in the Town Clerk’s Office.

Even though the weather is cool, it is encouraging that the days are getting longer. Spring cannot be too far behind. Thank you all – please stay healthy and safe!! I look forward to talking with you in March ~ Laura

Here’s what happened with residential properties in Seekonk... 2019 vs 2020 In 2020 t her e was a 12% increase in home sale prices compared to 2019. We have 15 h o m e s o n t h e m a r k e t compared to 37 last year at this time. Seekonk has a shortage of listings but no shortage of buyers.

There has never been a better time to sell. Let’s talk!

Sold Listings Avg List Price 2019 140 $381,354 2020 179 $432,980

With every home that I sell, I will make a donation to the food bank.

For more information on the current Market or an In-Depth Market Analysis contact Debra Donahue!

401-419-4165 • www.RIHomesforsale.org

debradonahue@remax.net

Town Hall Mail & Online Payments

Very Important – Please, it is requested that when you send correspondence to any office at the Town Hall, you only include information specific to the department you want to communicate with. As an example, residents might send in their tax payment along with their census form or dog license. Tax payments go to the Tax Collector whereas census forms or dog licenses go to the Town Clerk’s Office. By including multiple offices in one envelope, it may delay processing your requests or payments. Also, there are two separate Online Payment accounts on the Town Website: Tax Payments and Town Clerk Payments. Please make sure if you are processing your dog’s license online that you are selecting “Town Clerk Payments” and not Tax Payments. Thank you for your consideration.

Business Certificates

Business owners whose business certificate will expire during January through June of 2021 should have received a reminder for renewal. The renewal fee is $50.00 (certificate renewal is good for four years) and checks should be made payable to Town of Rehoboth. You may now renew online using a debit/credit card or electronic check at http://www.town.rehoboth.ma.us/town-clerk/pages/businesscertificates.

American Legion Post 302 *Hall Rentals Open to the Public *All you can Eat Breakfast, 2nd Sunday of every month for Only $8.00! 7:30-10:30 AM Under Ma. Covid-19 Guidelines, Seating inside or outside available or TAKE OUTS are welcome and can be picked up in the expanded patio area under the BLUE umbrella next to Bay State Road.

Mon-Fri 3:00 PM to Close, Sat 12:00 PM to Close & Sun 1:00 PM-Close Telephone # 508-252-9079

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12

The Reporter February 2021

To All Rehoboth Veterans from the Veterans Service Officer

VA Providence Begins COVID-19 Vaccinations for Patients

Providence, R.I. – The VA Providence Healthcare System began COVID-19 vaccinations for Veteran patients today at the Providence VA Medical Center.

“The VA Providence Healthcare System is very excited to begin offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to our Veterans,” said Lawrence Connell, director of the VA Providence HCS. “As vaccine supplies increase, our ultimate goal is to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to all Veterans and employees who want to be vaccinated.”

VA Providence has a dedicated team that is actively contacting patients at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 to schedule their vaccination appointments. There is no need for Veterans to preregister, call for an appointment or come to a facility to sign up.

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was 94 percent effective in clinical trials in preventing COVID19 disease. The vaccine is administered in two doses, 28 days apart. The side effects appear to be similar to those of other vaccines and are short-lived.

Even after receiving COVID-19 vaccination, employees and Veterans should continue wearing face coverings, practicing physical distancing and washing hands often.

Veterans can get up-to-date information and sign up to receive regular updates on the vaccine on VA’s COVID-19 vaccine webpage at https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/.

Rehoboth Veterans Service Officer currently has an estimated 35% of Veterans on an E-mail distribution list.

During these unprecedented times, getting the latest information on vaccines is important!

Please……. E-mail Jake, Kramer, Rehoboth VSO at veterans@ rehobothma.gov to stay up to date with Covid-19 along with other good information for our local Veterans.

Godspeed & Be Safe

David J. Ledoux

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The Rehoboth Historical Commission Thank You

The Rehoboth Historical Commission would like to thank FastSigns of Seekonk for all they have done for our town. Replacing the historical landmark signs you see on many Rehoboth roads has been a long and ongoing process and FastSigns has been there for us.

Seekonk / Rehoboth Reporter

7.5 x 4.875

PUBLIC NOTICE

RIGHT OF WAY MAINTENANCE As required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 132B, National Grid (New England Power and/or Massachusetts Electric Company) hereby gives notice that it intends to selectively apply herbicides along specific transmission line rights-of-way in 2021.

The selective use of herbicides to manage vegetation along rights-of-way is done within the context of an Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) program consisting of mechanical, chemical, natural and cultural components. In right-of-way vegetation management the pest or target is vegetation (primarily tall growing) that will cause outages and safety issues.

National Grid’s IVM program encourages natural controls by promoting low growing plant communities that resist invasion by target vegetation. The selective use of herbicides and mechanical controls are the direct techniques used to control target vegetation and help establish and maintain natural controls.

Rodeo, and possibly one of the following herbicides, Arsenal or Arsenal Powerline, will be applied directly to the surface of stumps immediately after target vegetation is cut (Cut Stump Treatment). Garlon 4 or Garlon 4 Ultra will be applied selectively to the stems of target vegetation using hand-held equipment (Basal Treatment and Dormant stem treatment). Krenite S or Rodeo, mixed with Escort XP, and one of the following herbicides, Arsenal or Arsenal Powerline, or Milestone will be applied selectively to the foliage of target vegetation using handheld equipment (Foliar Treatment). Applications shall not commence more than ten days before nor conclude more than ten days after the following treatment periods. The herbicide mixes and additional information about rights of way management in Massachusetts can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/rights-of-way-vegetation-management Municipalities that have rights-of-way scheduled for herbicide treatments in 2021: Rehoboth, Seekonk Municipalities that have rights-of-way that were treated in 2020 but may require some touch-up work in 2021: Rehoboth, Seekonk Treatment Periods

February 1, 2021 – May 30, 2021

May 30, 2021 - Oct 16, 2021

Oct 16, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021

CST

Foliar

CST

Basal

CST

Basal

Dormant Stem

Basal

Dormant Stem

Cut stubble *The exact treatment dates are dependent upon weather conditions and field crew progress.

Further information may be requested by contacting (during business hours, Mon-Fri from 8:00 am-4:00 pm): Mariclaire Rigby, National Grid, 939 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA 01610.

February 2021 The Reporter The staff at FastSigns has been professional and helpful in every way. With their expert advice, the skilled people there have made the signs affordable. Besides the extraordinary quality of the signs, we appreciate that they did not charge us for the changes that needed to be made nor did they require payment up front—a welcome relief to the Historical Commission’s limited budget.

To date, FastSigns has created fifteen beautiful signs for us. Several of our old signs were originally made over thirty years ago but due to fading and cracking, thirteen more will need to be replaced in the not to distant future.

We are so very pleased with FastSigns’ products and give them our highest recommendation. Even historic commissions from other towns have remarked on the quality of their workmanship.

Mark P Canuel, Chairman - Rehoboth Historical Commission

The Rehoboth Animal Shelter News The Rehoboth Animal Shelter is currently the temporary home of several affectionate cats. Pumpkin is a beautiful tortoiseshell who prefers to be the only princess in her home, Lilly and Pistachio are bonded sisters looking for a home together, Riley is a handsome tuxedo cat, and Taylor a quiet and cuddly tabby and white. All are spayed/ neutered adults, combo-tested negative, and between two Pumpkin and four years old.

More information and pictures are on Petfinder.com. You can also get more information, make an appointment to visit, or report a lost or found pet by calling 508-252-5421 ext 126 and leaving a message.

Riley

13

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Home features pellet stove in the living room, enclosed deck/porch, pitched shingled roof, and a single parking space on the street in front of home. This will be cash only sale.

Junction Route 44 & 118 Rehoboth, Massachusetts 02769 REHOBOTH: $229,500 LAND 28.8 Acres.

Buyer responsible for flagging & preliminary survey. Being sold as raw land. Buyers responsible for due diligence period, no engineering has been completed to date.

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REHOBOTH: LAND $235,000 SBeautiful 2.99 acres. Neighborhood w/ covenants, sidewalks, enjoyable views of well maintained sub-division. Nice path leads to the gurgling Rocky Run Brook which runs through the rear of this property.

REHOBOTH: LAND $199,000 Great family subdivision, “WILDWOOD” w/mature landscaping and beautifully maintained properties. Conveniently located, minutes to route 195 & 6. Perc Data, Septic Design & Survey in hand. Septic system design and site plan for a 5 bedroom home.

14

The Reporter February 2021

It’s A Birthday Blizzard of Giving!

Birthday Presents for Our Rehoboth Families Facing Challenging Times The Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Inc. has expanded its mission...to include Birthday Gifts to support our Rehoboth Children.

Please visit our website www.rehobothblizzardofgiving.org for more information.

If you are in need of support to celebrate your child’s birthday..... please provide the following information or use the form available on the website- two weeks notice is required for assistance with birthday celebrations so please provide ample notice: • Parent/Guardian’s name, address, email, phone • Child’s name, gender, birthdate, general interests This information can be emailed to Mrs.mbrawley@gmail.com Or mailed to Maureen Brawley, 35 Reynolds Ave., Rehoboth, MA 02769 If you have any questions please call 508-252-4867 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 Colleen McBride, Secretary-Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Inc.

Rehoboth Fire Department Announcement – Open Burning Season

Open burning season is upon us again. It begins on January 15th and runs to May 1st. Please remember all three stations are closed to the public due to Covid-19 so in-person purchases will no longer be permitted.

Obtaining a Burn Permit will be done differently this year.

Donald was very informative about what we needed, and was a pleasure to work with.

The system works very well, just as he said it would. So many things are much better with this system, too many to list! We hadn’t run our dishwasher in years, thinking we needed a new one, but now it works wonderfully!

Ron S. - Rehoboth, MA

Residents have two options:

1. You can either mail a self-addressed, stamped envelope, along with a $5.00 check made out to the Town of Rehoboth, to 334 Anawan Street and we will mail your permit to you. Please be sure you have the correct address, name & phone number.

2. Beginning Monday, January 11th, you will be able to go to purchase on online at www.Rehobothma.gov Once there, you need to look in the green shaded area on the left side of the homepage- “Citizens Action Center” and then on the very last tab on the bottom right open “Online Permits” tab. From there you can follow the directions.

Starting January 15th, there will be a dedicated phone number that can be called for permission to burn that day.

We hope this new system works smoothly and will be revised as needed.

Dighton-Rehoboth Reduces User Fees

By Joe Siegel Due in part to abbreviated sports seasons, the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District is offering reduced user fees for athletes. Dighton-Rehoboth High School Athletic Director Doug Kelley told the school committee Tuesday all the fees would be cut by 25 percent. “The seasons are shorter, our officials are fewer, our transportation which is our biggest cost is cut quite drastically because of these reductions,” Kelley noted. “We hear you families out there, we understand what the (students) are going through, we know a lot of folks have lost their jobs, we hear it all the time in the athletic department.” As a result, participants in football, baseball, and boys and girls basketball will be charged $200 instead of $270. Boys and girls soccer and volleyball will cost $160. Tennis will cost $140.

Cheerleading will not compete this year. The high school marching band will likely not perform at football games due to the winter weather. “We hope they’re going to be able to get out there and (perform) the National Anthem and maybe play a couple of rah-rah tunes, keep our team rolling,” Kelley said.

Superintendent Anthony Azar said no athlete would be turned away if they are unable to pay the user fees. In his report to the school committee, Azar said the school nurses are in the process of being vaccinated against Covid-19. “Hopefully our K through 12 (staff) and everyone associated with schools will get their vaccinations as well,” Azar noted. “As you all know there is a big push to get students back in the classroom. A big step to get that moving along would be to vaccinate our teaching staff.”

Many students in the district returned to a hybrid model on January 21 and 22, while others came back on January 25 and 26.

Azar said the “high needs” students have been in the buildings since January 11. “Our high needs staff and students are doing a remarkable job,” Azar added.

Rehoboth Town Nurse Sees Hope in Covid Fight

VIEW OUR INSTALLATIONS

By Joe Siegel Acting Town Nurse Jessica Potter briefed the Board of Selectmen about the status of the state’s Covid-19 vaccination effort Monday. Potter noted the increased number of public vaccination sites was “the light at the end of the tunnel.”

February 2021 The Reporter Beginning February 1, adults over 75 years of age will be eligible for vaccinations. Potter said of the town’s 12, 922 residents, 3,570 are over the age of 62. Potter said there are 468 residents in isolation and 599 confirmed or probable cases of Covid-19, an increase over last week’s figures.

Currently, vaccination sites include CVS and Walgreens in Fall River. Potter’s goal is to enlist local businesses to provide vaccinations. In addition, she would like the ability to vaccinate residents at their homes.

Selectman Gerry Schwall noted the town had “turned the corner” on the pandemic and instructed Potter to provide updates on the town website.

Selectmen Decline Intervention in Solar Project

By Joe Siegel The Rehoboth Board of Selectmen has declined to intervene in a dispute over a proposed solar farm at Camp Buxton, a property owned by the Boy Scouts.

Town Planner Daniel Roach said the proposed project at 90 Pond Street would be situated on two different parcels of land with a combined area of 38.5 acres. The project will consist of a 3.3 megawatt solar facility, 3 stormwater management basins, 2 access drives, fencing, and associated support equipment. Some residents have complained about the solar farm, stating the removal of trees would have a detrimental impact on their neighborhood.

Residents recently contacted the board for assistance. Chair Skip Vadnais explained the matter is the concern of the Planning Board. “I cannot understand how we can help,” Vadnais said Monday. “We have no jurisdiction, we have no say,” said Selectman Dave Perry.

Rehoboth has four solar farms, which are located at 124 Bay State Road, Barney Avenue, Summer Street, and Tremont Street.

During the last fiscal year, the farms brought in over $138,000 in revenues for the town, according to the town treasurer’s office.

February 16th Deadline for Rehoboth Nomination Papers

By Joe Siegel The deadline to return nomination papers to the Town Clerk’s office is February 16 at 5 pm. The town election is on April 6.

Several candidates are vying for two open seats on the town’s Board of Selectmen, including Finance Committee chairman Michael Deignan and George Solas, a member of the DightonRehoboth Regional School Committee. Incumbent Michael Costello has taken out papers for Board of Selectmen, along with David Pereira, Antonio Oliviera, and Thomas and Sheila Kearns.

Christopher Hoskins and Katherine Ferreira-Aubin are vying for two open seats on the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee.

Town Clerk Laura Schwall is running for another three year term.

Sue Taylor, a member of the Board of Assessors, is also running for re-election. There is one open three year seat.

Other openings include Town Moderator (one year term), one seat on the Planning Board (five year term), one seat on the Park Commission (five year term), one seat on the Housing Authority ( five years), Storm Water Officer (three years), Tree Warden (three years), and one seat on the Water Commission (three years).

Nomination papers are available by appointment for any registered voter in the town of Rehoboth. Please contact Town Clerk Laura Schwall at 508-252-6502. The papers must have a minimum of 50 signatures from registered voters in the Town of Rehoboth.

15

DR Athletic Fields Vandalized

By Joe Siegel

The Dighton Police Department is investigating after someone vandalized the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School athletic fields over the weekend.

The department website said: On Sunday morning, January 31, Dighton Police received a report of damage done to the DightonRehoboth High School softball field and junior varsity baseball field, which also serves as the high school’s football practice field.

It appeared that a vehicle had driven “donuts” on the field causing deep ruts in the grass sometime on Saturday, January 30.

“This year has been filled with many difficulties for students already, and now this act of vandalism will cause a delay in the district’s highly anticipated athletics season,” Chief Robert MacDonald said. “We encourage anyone with information pertaining to this incident to contact us as soon as possible.”

The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone who believes they may have information about this incident is asked to call the Dighton Police Department’s anonymous tip line at 508-669-4500 or speak with School Resource Officer Michael Marshall.ent to contact us as soon as possible.”

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16

The Reporter February 2021

Rehoboth Ramblings

by Leslie Patterson

Getting Through the Winter

But it sure feels like winter out there. I’ve been reading a book, a series of essays really, called “Wintering” by English writer Katherine May. It is not about going somewhere warm for the winter. Subtitled “The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times”, it’s about getting through low, sad times in your life. These can happen any time of year, as we all know, and for many reasons. The author wrote this book a couple of years ago but the book is certainly finding an eager audience this winter with all we have been through and still are going through. She recalls some pretty scary times in her own life and talks about how she got through it, and includes some nature essays about such creatures as bees and wolves.

The theme of “Wintering” is accepting, rather than fighting, the sadness and distress we feel, in the hope that things will get better.

She speaks of acceptance as a positive emotion, not resignation, which sounds negative and defeatist. I’ve had this feeling in my own life: that when you are going through a bad patch, the best way is to just accept that this is the way things are for the time being and that you will get through it somehow. Just do the best you can.

The author’s most intriguing observation is that what helped her most was all-weather swimming in the sea. Ms. May lives near a beach a few miles north of Canterbury and like a number of people in England and elsewhere, she has taken up winter swimming. Apparently this is becoming quite a thing in certain northern areas. Though at first the freezing water gave her a terrible shock, she found with perseverance that very short swims (stopping well short of hypothermia) gave her a real boost. Apparently such activity is shown to reduce tension and improve the swimmers’ general sense of well-being, providing something of a natural high.

Do I want to try this extreme cure for winter blues myself? No, I can’t even look at videos of folks diving into freezing water for one of those Polar Bear events for charity.

I walked on the beach in a cold headwind at Fogland in Tiverton in mid-January and had a terrible sinus headache all the next day and I certainly didn’t go in the water.

Though I do wonder, what would happen if I just tried wading? Probably not much except frozen feet.

Joseph E. Paiva - General Manager Odilia Paiva - Assistant Manager But if it’s not too cold and windy, it’s good to get out into the bright winter sunshine for the fresh, brisk air and the mid-day light.

While the nature trails I would like to explore right now include the Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Delray Beach and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton, not to mention the Everglades, I know that’s not going to happen this winter. No, this isn’t a good time to travel. Although I’m not crazy about snow, it’s best to make do at home these days.

Winter sunsets are often stunning too, red, pink, gold, blue, purple and lavender all Hours of Operation: at once, and this goes for New England just 9-5 Monday as well as Florida. Now it stays light past 5 through Friday pm and the evening light will only increase from now on. Daylight savings time returns Evenings by on March 14. Whatever happens in the comAppointment ing weeks, spring (and warmer weather) will return as always. Sometimes that seems like miracle enough.

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It’s hard to write something upbeat these days; in fact, it can feel downright frivolous this winter. That deeply disturbing violent rampage at our nation’s Capitol in January felt like a punch in the gut to anyone who truly cares about the state of American democracy.

Then, though we are looking forward to having proven vaccines for this miserable virus, the long-awaited vaccine distribution systems got off to a very rocky start. Hope that things will get better soon in this department. It’s certainly a massive project. I’ll pass up using the word “unprecedented” since we’re all tired of hearing it.

Meanwhile, mask-wearing and staying away from people as much as possible are still as necessary as ever, in fact more so.

Once again, a note of deep appreciation to all the front-line people out there. Last time, I forgot to mention all the thousands who volunteered for the clinical trials for the various vaccines, an essential part of this whole process. Thank you.

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February 2021 The Reporter

17

The Seekonk Scene The Clerk’s Corner

Happy February - We hope everyone has a wonderful month. Happy Valentine’s Day and as a reminder the Town Offices will be closed to take your phone calls or scheduled appointments on Monday February 15th in honor of President’s Day.

Annual Census update

- One seat (2-year term); The Library Board of Trustees - Two seats (3-year term); Housing Authority – One seat (5-year term); Planning Board – One seat (5-year term); School Committee – Two seats (3-year term); Water Commission - One seat (3-year term) To date, (1/25/21), we have not had anyone come forward to take papers out to run for the Water Commission seat the Planning Board seat and the 2-year seat on the Board of Assessor’s. I urge anyone who is interested in getting involved in their community take papers out and run for office.

Once again have a great month enjoy your long weekend.

Remember the days are getting longer so Spring can’t be too far off. - Florice & Lorraine

By now you should have received your 2021 Annual Street List/Census form in the mail. Thank you to the hundreds of Florice Craig residents who have already mailed it in, or dropped it off. Lorraine and I are busy scanning them in and making the necessary changes. We have had a few people write in a political designation by their name. I would like to remind everyone that you cannot register to vote, or change your party affiliation, on your census form. If you want to register to vote you can go online to www.sec.state. ma.us. I would also like to remind people that there are multiple ways to return your census: mail it in, drop it off in the Town Hall drop box. You can also scan it in and email it to: fcraig@seekonk-ma.gov We are also up and running with processing 2021 dog licenses. Please remember dog tags expire on March 31, 2021. As Town Hall is closed to the public until further notice, please mail in or drop off the form with a check and a self-addressed stamped envelope in the drop box outside Town Hall.

Please include a self-addressed envelope Dr. Lisa Daft and Dr. Jared Stubbs and a stamp for each dog you are requesting Dr. Lisa Daft Dr. Christina Sorensen a license for. We will mail the dog tag(s) back Are pleased to announce Dr. Chris Vanderpool to you. It is Massachusetts general law that dogs be licensed annually, with proof of a has joined our family and cosmetic dental practice. current rabies vaccination. Failure to comply Providing comprehensive dental care in may result in a by-law citation fee.

Absentee Ballot Applications

Absentee ballot applications are available in our office, or on our web-site. If you want to be put on the permanent absentee ballot mailing list please fill out the form and check off “for all elections”. If you know you will be out of Town for a certain election you can request an absentee ballot several weeks before an election.

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Annual Town Election

The Annual Seekonk Town Election 2021 will be held Monday April 5, 2021. Nomination papers for offices are available in the Town Clerk’s office. Deadline to submit nomination papers to the Town Clerk is Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 5PM. You must obtain a minimum of 50 signatures from voters registered in Seekonk. A street address not a P.O. Box is required from each person signing your papers. Please make sure signatures are legible or we will not be able to certify them.

Elected positions for the April 5, 2021 Annual Town Election: Board of Selectmen Two seats (3-year term); Board of Assessors - One seat (3-year term); Board of Assessors

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The Reporter February 2021

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Seekonk Land Trust News Hike More and Worry Less

Bundle up! Being outdoors is great for both your physical and mental health, no matter what the weather. Hiking routinely will make you strong — but it doesn’t just work your legs! Get outside and experience nature for physical fitness and mental clarity. Along the way, you may find that the physical benefits of hiking are almost incidental to how hiking contributes to your overall mental health and well being.

There’s a truckload of research out there telling us that hiking is good for us. As a form of exercise, there’s nothing like a brisk climb to get your heart rate up. How about a new year resolution to challenge yourself and commit to taking one hike a month?

Better yet, get a friend and take the challenge together. Once you begin, you will notice the subtle change: research shows that spending 2 hours a week in nature is a good goal for health benefits even for people living with chronic illness. You can spend 15-20 minutes a day (so that it adds up to 2 hours a week) or a 2 hour block once per week.

Mental health benefits:

• decreases anxiety, depression and stress; • helps you “recharge” and feel refreshed; • increases happiness and feeling of well-being.

Physical health benefits: • lowers blood pressure; • helps maintain normal levels of blood glucose and manage diabetes; • reduces the need for pain medication.

Studies find the greatest health benefits come from daily exercise or at least exercising three days a week. US Surgeon General recommends walking at least 22 minutes a day to combat chronic disease. American Heart Association recommends daily exercise of over 30 minutes most days of the week. US Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of brisk walking a week. American Diabetes Association also recommends 150 minutes a week with daily physical activity or not more than 2 days between exercise session.

So remember, challenge yourself and just begin —take one hike a month. It’s a start, and once you start, you may find it easier to get out even more!

For further information, please see https://www.seekonklandtrust.org or follow us on www.facebook.com/seekonkLCT

See more “Healthy Living” on page 34

From the Seekonk Assessor Department

Monday February 1, 2021 is the deadline for property tax payments and is the last day to file for an abatement. If you believe the assessed value of the property is inaccurate in relation to similar properties in your location, or that the classification is improper you can challenge your tax bill.

Abatement Applications must be returned or postmarked to the Assessor’s Office no later than 4:30 PM on Monday, February 1, 2021 per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59, Section 61A Real Estate taxes are billed every Fiscal Year (July 1 to June 1).

The first half (preliminary bills), due August 1 and November 1, are an estimate based on the prior fiscal year. The second half, due February 1 and May 1, are the actual taxes due for that fiscal year.

Actual Fiscal Year taxes due are conceived by the current certified assessed value times the certified tax rate, less the preliminary tax paid in August and November.

Please contact the Seekonk Assessors office for any questions or latest info on tax relief. A list of exemptions is also available at https://www.seekonk-ma.gov/assessors-department/pages/ exemptions

February 2021 The Reporter

Warm Fingers & Toes from Faith Christian Center

As the winter’s chill sets its icy grip on New England, the congregation of Faith Christian Center in Seekonk decided to take action to help the less fortunate in our community. Faith Christian Center is a community of believers who love Jesus Christ and believe that love is best expressed in loving their neighbors. They collected a multitude of new hats, gloves, socks and even coats to be distributed to the clients of Doorways Food Pantry. On a sub-freezing Saturday in January, clients were invited to choose items of warm clothing to ward off the chill. The clothing was gratefully received and eagerly snapped up. On behalf of our client families, we thank the families of Faith Christian Center for your thoughtful caring.

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BIG BLUE REMOVAL SERVICE Members of Faith Christian Center delivered a gift of winter warmth to the clients of Doorways Food Pantry.

Jersey Mike’s Fighting Hunger in Seekonk Jersey Mike’s presents Doorways food pantry with a check for $5,000.00

There’s a new sub store in town: Jersey Mike’s recently opened their newest location in Seekonk Square (the plaza with Kohl’s and Target) in December. Jersey Mike’s has a corporate culture of giving that is as much a part of their heritage as oil and vinegar, and each new store opens by partnering with a local charity. Owners Bob Quinlan and Al Graziano chose to donate 100% of their first day’s receipts to the Doorways Food Pantry, contributing $5,000.00 to fighting food uncertainty in Seekonk. Their gift will help fill cupboards throughout our community during the cold winter months.

More than seventy local families rely on Doorways, and Doorways relies on people like Bob and Al, and the staff at Jersey Mike’s.

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The Reporter February 2021

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Introducing Police Chief Dean Isabella

By Joe Siegel Dean Isabella has settled into his role as Seekonk’s Police Chief. Isabella, 58, was appointed by the Board of Selectmen at their November 18 meeting. His first day was December 2. “The transition period has been as smooth as I could have hoped for,” Isabella said. “The community has been fantastic. They’re extremely proud of their officers.”

Isabella worked for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families in Rhode Island as assistant director of Child Services, overseeing the Child Protective Services unit that investigates child abuse. Isabella had been a member of the Providence Police Department since 1987 and retired as a captain in 2019. “It was a great career”, Isabella noted.

“I really enjoyed my time there.”

“I always knew I wanted to be a police officer,” Isabella said. “I grew up in a pretty tough neighborhood. I was raised by a single mom. I had three brothers and three sisters. My Mom was working two and three jobs to put food on the table and a roof over our heads.

We grew up in one of the tougher parts of the city so I really appreciated the safety that I got from the police officers who patrolled the area.” Isabella obtained a Bachelors degree at Roger Williams University and a Masters degree from Boston University.

Isabella calls himself a “team builder.” “I believe no organization moves forward without a buy-in from the people who actually make up the organization every day,” Isabella continued. “I really believe in building coalitions to get things done.” Isabella’s goals include strengthening the bond between the police department and the community as well as providing professional development training for his officers. “I think getting quality police officers who want the job for the right reasons and retaining them through difficult times is one of the biggest challenges that faces law enforcement around the country,” Isabella added. “I’d like to see us build our capacity to serve the community in the highest standards possible.”

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Introducing Police Chief Dean Isabella

Selectmen Reappoint Neil Abelson as Zoning Officer

By Joe Siegel The Seekonk Board of Selectmen voted Wednesday to reappoint Neil Abelson to serve as the town’s Zoning Enforcement Officer for a one-year period. Selectmen had debated whether or not reappoint Abelson for a three year period, which is the length of time typically granted for town employees as stated in the town charter. Selectman David Andrade thought Abelson might want to retire after one year.

“It makes absolutely no sense,” Andrade said in reference to giving Abelson a longer appointment. “You don’t know very well that (Abelson) is going to retire in a year,” said Selectman David Viera. “I’m taking the individual out of it,” Andrade replied. “Take Neil out of the equation. It’s not Neil, it’s anybody.”

Town Administrator Shawn Cadime recommended a one-year term for Abelson. Chairman Justin Sullivan believed one year was “adequate” for Abelson to prove himself in the position.

“Hopefully we have this discussion in a year and maybe it is a three year discussion,” Sullivan added.

February 2021 The Reporter

Seekonk Town Meeting Set For March 1

By Joe Siegel Seekonk’s long-delayed Fall Town Meeting, which was supposed to be held in November, is now set for March 1. Town Moderator Peter Hoogerzeil explained he made the decision to postpone the meeting due to the increase in COVID-19 infections.

The meeting will be held in the Seekonk High School auditorium at 7 pm. The warrant can be accessed by visiting the town website: https://www.seekonk-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif1191/f/news/ signed_warrant.pdf

Annual Town Race Heats Up

By Joe Siegel Former Seekonk Fire Chief Michael Healy has taken out nomination papers for the Board of Selectmen. Healy retired from the position last September. Healy will face incumbents Chris Zorra and David Viera. Other candidates include former selectman Nelson Almeida and newcomer Teresa French. There are two open three-year seats.

A number of other board and committee positions are also up for grabs in the April 5 town election. Incumbent school committee members Noah Escaler and Kim Sluter are running for re-election.

There are two open three-year seats. Incumbent Paul Buckley is vying for one of the two seats on the Board of Assessors (one is for two years and one is for three years).

Other openings include: one seat on the Housing Authority (five years), one seat on the Water Commission (three years), one seat on the Planning Board (five years), and two seats on the Library Board of Trustees (three years).

Nomination papers must be submitted to the Town Clerk’s office no later than 5 pm on February 16. You must obtain a minimum of 50 signatures from registered voters in the town of Seekonk.

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The Reporter February 2021

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Seekonk Schools Announces Return for K-2, Grade 6 and 9

By Joe Siegel Seekonk Public Schools will be welcoming a return to four days a week in-person learnAdministration of Estates ing for Kindergarten through Grade 2 students beginning February 23. Superintendent Rich Drolet made the announcement at the school committee meeting on Monday, 1/25. On Probate of Wills March 2, Grade 6 students at Hurley Middle School and Grade 9 students at Seekonk High School will be returning to four days a week in-person learning. Mondays will be designated Wills and Trusts as remote learning days. “It will be difficult to bring back more students outside of K-2 and one grade at the middle school and one grade at the high school due to current busing Health Care Proxies limitations and needing to keep at least three feet of distancing between students at all Drolet said, noting Kindergarten through Grade 2 are being brought back due to Durable Powers of Attorney times,” lower class sizes. Bringing back students in Grades 3 through 5 and higher grades is not “feasible” at this time, Drolet noted.

447 Taunton Avenue Not everyone is pleased with the decision. Senior Kailee Peterson has started a petition in an effort to convince the school administration to allow seniors back into school. “As a Seekonk, MA 02771 senior who has lost their junior and senior year I am infuriated that the administration has T 508.336.8120 made this choice with no consideration for the pitiful year the Class of 2021 has had with F 508.336.3350 no school events or fall sports,” Peterson wrote in a January 26 post on Facebook group Konk Konnect. “We just want one thing back to normal and considering the freshmen have navegalaw@aol.com 3 years left of high school you would think they may give us something to look forward to.”

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“Give the seniors their time in school,” wrote Alan Petzold on Change.org. “They should have the chance to reconnect socially, and have the fond high school memories we all have Experience matters. had... or as much as possible in this climate. Give them some semblance of high school “normalcy” while you still can.”

“This Administration is failing the Class of 2021 on so many levels,” wrote Shandra Ferreira. “This is the legacy they choose to leave this class with? Being overlooked for the freshmen who have 3 more years in the school? I’m extremely disappointed and pretty disgusted with the entire thing. Let’s hope our voices are heard and General Contract, Entire Project or Any Phase they reconsider this ridiculous decision.”

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The schools had been closed from January 4 through 8 due to Kitchens, Baths, etc. an increase in reported Covid-19 infections. Drolet reported 112 total cases, 30 reported in the last two weeks. However, Seekonk • Decks • Garages has seen a decrease in its daily positivity rate from 13.68 percent • Roofing • Siding to 9.84 percent. In addition, the average rate dropped from 84.1 Contractor: RI Reg. #7576 MA Reg. #115080 • Replacement per 100,000 residents to 55.6 per 100,000 residents. Seekonk has Contractor Supervisor Lic. #024214 • Insured Doors & Windows been given the designation of red, which is reserved for cities and towns with the highest average of new infections.

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Licensed Home Inprovement Contractor “I’m not going to have both those shots by February 23. We can’t even get signed up for it yet. It just seems to me this may be a bit premature.”

Drolet warned that students and classes may be required to quarantine and temporarily return to remote learning for a one to two week period if new positive Covid-19 infections were reported.

“Our schools are safe,” Drolet added.

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Seekonk Selectmen Defend Plainfield Street Closure

By Joe Siegel The Board of Selectmen are standing by their decision to block an access road off of Plainfield Street. Police Chief Dean Isabella reported receiving complaints of trucks and vehicles using the rear lot entrance to Stop and Shop Plaza. “We were told this access was causing hazardous traffic conditions and excessive noise was also being generated,” Isabella said at the board’s December 23 meeting.

Some residents cited increased traffic on Pine Street and requested that the board remove the jersey barriers blocking access to the Stop and Shop plaza. Gary Sagar, a former selectman, told the board Wednesday the closure was having a “detrimental impact” on residents of the neighborhood. Sagar suggested placing speed bumps on the road as an alternative.

February 2021 The Reporter Selectmen said it was important to prevent customers at Stop and Shop from being struck by vehicles coming from Plainfield Street. Selectman David Andrade explained the road was never intended to be used as a “cut-through” to Newman Avenue. “Leaving it open would be irresponsible,” Andrade noted. “This is about the safety of the people,” said Chairman Justin Sullivan, explaining Seekonk “has changed a lot” over the years. Selectman David Viera believes the increased traffic in the area is due to residents being unemployed. Viera believes the board did the right thing and sees no reason to remove the barriers. “We took action,” he added.

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The residents in the neighborhood next to Industrial Court do not use the town’s water supply. Instead, they are reliant on well water. “If that asphalt plant contaminates their wells, who’s going to pay for that?” Viera said. “I will do everything within my power to try to combat the building of that plant.”

Proposed Asphalt Plant Riles Residents

By Joe Siegel 45 Industrial Court Residents who live in Seekonk’s south end are voicing their opposition to a proposed asphalt plant. At their January 12 meeting, the Planning Board voted to allow International Paving Corporation to redevelop a warehouse/garage site at 45 Industrial Court for the project. “The facility is a $3 million asphalt plant which is the most state of the DR. FRANK CASARELLA & DR. LURI LEE art plant you can buy currently in the United States,” said Owner Jeffrey Joaquin.

The plant, which would be located in an Industrial Zoning District just a few hundred feet from a residential neighborhood, has drawn concerns over the potential health impact from emissions. “We are concerned about health and welfare, quality of life, and property value abutting this area so closely,” said Michael Bean, who lives on Jane Howland Place. Bean also cited the potential endangerment of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and hawks.

When contacted by the Reporter on Sunday, Chairman David Sullivan said it would be inappropriate for him to comment. The matter will now be heard by the Conservation Commission at their February meeting.

A Facebook group, Stop the Seekonk Asphalt Plant, has more than 1400 members, including residents from Barrington and East Providence, Rhode Island.

According to OSHA (Occupational and OUR NAME HAS CHANGED – BUT IT’S STILL US! Safety Hazard Administration): “The acute DR. FRANK CASARELLA, DMD IS NOW SEEKONK DENTAL effects of exposure to asphalt fumes include headache, skin rash, fatigue, reduced appetite, throat and eye irritation, and cough.

Asphalt paving workers, for example, have reported breathing problems, asthma, bronchitis, and skin irritation.” “Human studies have reported lung, stomach, and skin cancers following chronic exposures to asphalt fumes. However, these studies have been inconclusive, and the possible chronic effects to workers following exposures to asphalt fumes are areas of continuing investigations.”

Selectman Chris Zorra said the dust and noise from the plant will not only impact DR. FRANK CASARELLA DR. LURI LEE residents, but nearby businesses as well. “It affects everybody in that surrounding area,” NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Zorra noted.

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The Reporter February 2021

Scouting Around Town Meet Troop 1 Seekonk’s Newest Eagle Scouts Being helpful and bringing cheerful service to others has been always been core to the scouting program, but this past year in particular it helped give the members of Troop 1 Seekonk an extra sense of purpose. Among some of our service projects completed in 2020 are these two from our newest Eagle Scouts. Eagle Scout projects are about managing and providing leadership and we are thankful for these scouts and the joy their projects will bring to the community for years to come.

Benjamin R. Pope

Ben’s project was to help refurbish some of the garden pits in the Seekonk Commons. The project consisted of replacing the old mulch and lining in the pits, then adding new mulch, weed blocker, and lining to the pits. After that, a stone dust pathway and benches were added so that the residents are able to enjoy the garden pits and have a spot to rest. The project took 4 weeks to finish, and over 250 hours were put into the project’s completion.

During Ben’s time with Troop 1, he earned 36 merit badges and earned his Bronze, Gold and Silver Eagle palms. He was a staff member of Narragansett Council’s National Youth Leadership Program as a Troop Guide and ASPL, attended NYLT Academy in Washington D.C, and is currently a Vigil Honor member and Lodge Vice Chief in the Order of the Arrow. As a Cub Scout, Ben was a member of Pack 88 in Rumford.

At Seekonk High School, Ben was a student executive of the Audio Visual Club, and was a member of the Math Team and Senior Class Council. Currently, he attends Dean College where he is majoring in Communications and Sports Broadcasting.

Michael M. Tenreiro

Michael’s Eagle Scout Project was the landscaping and planting of a garden around the statue of Saint Teresa at Saint Teresa’s Parish in Pawtucket, RI. The garden was constructed to give patrons of the church a nice view while they walk, drive, or lounge around the area. Michael and his volunteers planted over eight bushes, a variety of hydrangeas, as well as lilies.

During his years in Troop 1 Seekonk, Michael has earned 34 Merit Badges and has attended Yawgoog every year and Merit Badge College 6 years. He specifically enjoyed the bi-yearly trips to go white water rafting as well as any and all mountain hikes.

Michael made Brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow, attended National Youth Leadership Training, and Senior Patrol Leader of his Troop. Michael started out as a Cub Scout in Pack 88, Rumford.

Michael is currently a senior at Mount Saint Charles Academy and is devoted to countless fine arts activities – jazz band, orchestra, percussion ensemble, string ensemble, select choir, and drama.

Michael intends on attending Loyola University New Orleans for Music Education starting in the fall.

Benjamin R. Pope at Seekonk Common Michael M. Tenreiro at the site of his project

Troop 1 at the site of Ben’s project

We wish our Eagle Scouts all the best in their future endeavors! Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, only 4% of Scouts have earned this rank.

To find out more about Scouting in Seekonk: Visit our website at www.Troop1Seekonk.org Email us for more info: Scouts BSA Troop 1 Seekonk (for Boys ages 11-17): Troop1SeekonkMA@gmail.com Scouts BSA Troop 9 Seekonk (for Girls ages 11-17): Troop9SeekonkMA@gmail.com Cub Scout Pack 88 Rumford/Seekonk (for Boys & Girls, Grades K-5): Pack88.Cubs@gmail.com

February 2021 The Reporter

Girl Scout Cookie Season Kicks Off

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Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England (GSSNE) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) kicked off the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie season nationally, during a challenging time when many Girl Scouts are selling in creative, socially distant, and contact-free ways to keep themselves and their customers safe. Even in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, girls are adapting their sales methods to share the joy of Girl Scout Cookies through the largest girl-led entrepreneurship program—including taking contact-free pickup and delivery orders through a new national collaboration with Grubhub. Additionally, GSUSA is making online cookie ordering available nationwide so consumers who don’t know a Girl Scout can still purchase cookies from a local troop for direct shipment to their homes or donation to local organizations including food banks, health care workers and first responders.

“Neither rain, now snow, nor sleet, nor COVID will stop our Girl Scout entrepreneurs from finding creative ways to fuel their cookie business! Much like our beloved postal carriers, Girl Scouts are finding safe ways to ensure that those delicious cookies find their way into the hands of loyal customers because they love running their own businesses! In addition to maximizing a virtual platform, we are most grateful to the partnership we have with GrubHub who will be delivering some of the cookies that girls package up! We are also very appreciative of some local businesses who are letting us use their parking lots for drive-by cookie sale locations where we’ll be using touchless payment methods," said GSSNE President/CEO, Pam Hyland.

How to Safely Purchase Girl Scout Cookies

• If you know a registered Girl Scout, reach out to her to find out how she’s selling cookies in ways that meet local and state safety protocols.

• If you don’t know a Girl Scout, visit www. girlscoutcookies.org, text COOKIES to 59618 (message and data rates may apply. Text STOPGS for STOP, HELPGS for help), or use the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app for free on iOS or Android devices.

• Visit www.grubhub.com/food/girl_ scouts to order via contact-free delivery from Grubhub in Warwick--dates and times TBA. • GSSNE is grateful to Walmart, GNC, and Petsense for opening space outside their retail locations to sell cookies in a safe and socially distant manner, when allowed by local COVID-19 guidelines.

• Enter your zip code into the Girl Scout Cookie Finder at www.girlscoutcookies. org to purchase from a local troop or to donate cookies to first responders and local causes.

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The Reporter February 2021

Church News & Events Rehoboth Congregational Church 300th Anniversary Committee Trivia Night

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The Rehoboth Congregational Church 300th Anniversary Committee Trivia Night is planned for Friday, February 26, 2021 at 7:00PM. It will be a fun and informative game on everything RCC including people and place, current and past. There will be a prize for First and Second place. All are welcome to play. Please join us. Go to rehobothcongregational.org/300th for more details.

RCC History Moment: The first Minister David Turner graduated from Harvard College in 1718. He then studied medicine and it is said he continued to practice to some extent during his ministry of 36 years. Sarah, daughter of David Joy, was David Turner’s first recorded Baptism at the Palmer River Meeting House. Also under his leadership 171 persons were added to the membership of the church.

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Seekonk Congregational Church UCC is open for in-person services Sundays at 9:30 AM in the Sanctuary at 600 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA. Masks and safe distancing are required.

Advance registration is requested, the link is located on our Facebook page or Website www.SCC-UCC.com or you can send an email to donna.euell@gmail.com and the link will be sent to you.

Please call the church office at 508-336-9355 if you are unable to register online and they will be able to assist you with registering.

Please come if you feel comfortable, all are welcome. We will continue to provide a virtual service at Seekonk Congregational Church YouTube.

Seekonk Congregational Church Take Out Italian Night Dinner Saturday February 20, 2021

We would like to announce that we are having a TAKE OUT ITALIAN NIGHT DINNER. We have a variety of main dishes, soups, salads and desserts for you to order. Our main dishes will serve 2. You can find our order form on our Facebook page – Seekonk Congregational Church FaceBook or our Website www.SCC-UCC.com or you can send an email to donna.euell@gmail.com and the link will be sent to you. Please call the church office at 508-336-9355 if you are unable to order online and an order form will be sent to you. You will be able to pick up your selections on Saturday February 20th between 2 and 6 PM at the Fall River Avenue Parking Lot at 600 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA. A confirmation email will be sent to you after you submit your order.

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February 2021 The Reporter

Seekonk Congregational Church Ash Wednesday 2/17/21 Services

Seekonk Congregational Church UCC will hold 2 in-person services on Wednesday February 17, 2021. One at noon and another at 7 PM in the Sanctuary at 600 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA. Masks, safe distancing and advance registration are required, the link is located on our Facebook page or Website www.SCC-UCC. com or you can send an email to donna.euell@gmail.com and the link will be sent to you. Please call the church office at 508-3369355 if you are unable to register online and the staff will be able to assist you with registering. Please come if you feel comfortable, all are welcome. We will also record a virtual service which you can view on Seekonk Congregational Church YouTube which will be available on Wednesday February 17 at 7 AM. Confirmands and Mentors will meet on Zoom at 6:30 PM on Feb 17 to view the service together.

Newman UCC Announces Racial Equity Story Time

Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 10am

Area children and their families are invited to bring their energy and curiosity to a Racial Equity Story Time via Zoom.

In celebration of Black History Month, we will read a collection of books about historical Black figures. Family conversations will be woven in as well as time to explore thoughts about racial equity together.

For additional information and to receive the zoom link, please contact the church office at (401) 434-4742 X10 or email Christy Wynveen at newmanucc.ce@gmail.com.

Newman Congregational Church is an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. Sunday online worship is held at 10 a.m. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

Newman UCC Racial Equity Team Responds to Violence in Nation’s Capital

What transpired in our nation’s capital on Wednesday, January 6 has shaken us to our core and has caused many of us to wonder what the coming weeks may hold. As terrifying as this attack on our democracy may be… a piece of our shared work is to bear witness.

At the core of the unrest and the vulgar display of domestic terrorism are two evils which continue to haunt our nation: white supremacy and weaponized Christianity. These ideas and the actions that trail in their wake are in fact evil, and we must call them so.

At Newman UCC we are committed to living the love and justice of Jesus. We continue to present a strong public witness to the radical hospitality of Jesus in our ministry to and our alliance with members of the queer community. We continue to work to acquire racial equity for the Black and Brown people in our community and this nation. As terrifying as it was, we will grow stronger from the Capitol takeover we witnessed.

To ensure that the dark cloud of evil is driven from our nation we must be dedicated to the abolition of white supremacy, racial inequity, and police brutality. The Newman Congregational Church denounces the attack on our Capitol and our democracy. We continue to push until the promise of equal justice is true, and until the American declaration of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness rings as a reality for all Americans.

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

Newman UCC is an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ seeking to live the love and justice of Jesus in our community, our nation and the world.

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Newman UCC Board of Missions Offering Two Opportunities to Give Back

Newman UCC is holding a Valentine’s Day themed Bake Sale to raise money for Missions programs, including Crossroads RI and the Bread of Life Food Pantry. Items can be ordered in advance (deadline February 7) at newmanucc.org/ministries/missions and picked up curbside at Newman Church, located at 100 Newman Ave. in Rumford, on February 13 between 11 AM and 1 PM. Items must be paid for at pick up time in cash or check (made out to Newman Church), exact change appreciated.

Newman Church is also collecting Hygiene Kits for Church World Service, to be distributed to disaster victims and those in need worldwide.

A Hygiene Kit consists of the following: One hand towel measuring approximately 16” x 28” (no fingertip or bath towels), • one washcloth, • one wide-tooth comb (remove from package), • one nail clipper (fingernail or toenail, remove from package), • one bar of soap (bath size in wrapper), • one toothbrush (in original packaging), • and ten standard size Band-Aids®.

Place all items in a one-gallon plastic bag with a zipper closure, remove excess air from bag, and seal. Please do not add toothpaste to the Hygiene Kit. Cartons of toothpaste that have an extended expiration date will be added to Hygiene Kit shipments just prior to shipment. Completed kits can be dropped off at Newman Church on the morning of February 23, March 16 and 30, April 13 and 27.

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The Reporter February 2021

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Rehoboth Antiquarian Society Presents the 2020 RAS Scholarship Award

The Rehoboth Antiquarian Society recognized the 2020 RAS Scholarship Award recipient, Elizabeth Ulrich, on January 9th in front of the Blanding Library. Elizabeth, a resident of Somerset, is enrolled as a master’s candidate at Valdosta State University and is studying Library and Information Science. Elizabeth is currently employed by the Fall River Public Library where she has expanded cataloging and collections development by digitizing non-print materials (including photographs and video on cassette), making them more accessible and available to the public.

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Elizabeth Ulrich, scholarship recipient; Maureen Whittemore, RAS Scholarship Committee. Back row from left to right: Rebecca Smith, RAS President; Joyce Coleman, RAS Scholarship Committee; Wayne Taylor, RAS Treasurer; Anna Deignan, RAS Scholarship Committee

Rehoboth Antiquarian Society Announces the 2021 RAS Scholarship

The Rehoboth Antiquarian Society is pleased to announce the opening of the 2021 RAS Scholarship program. The one-time RAS Scholarship is awarded each year to a student that exemplifies the mission of RAS to preserve, promote and enhance the significant historical, educational and cultural assets of Rehoboth, Massachusetts. Qualifying award candidates must live in or near the Greater Rehoboth area and prove acceptance to or be currently enrolled in a post-secondary discipline related to museum or library studies such as history, archaeology, anthropology, conservation, restoration, preservation, or library science. Additional consideration will be given to candidates with a demonstrated history of involvement in programs relating to the Blanding Library or Carpenter Museum.

An award of up to $1,000 will be given to the winner prior to the start of his or her second semester with the intention of aiding in funding ongoing education.

Applications are due by June 15th, 2021 and can be found on the RAS website: http://www.rehobothantiquarian.org/rasscholarship/. Applicants will be invited for a face-to-face or virtual interview between June 21st and July 2nd. Award winners will be announced no later than August 31st, 2021.

February 2021 The Reporter

Congratulations to Mason Mello for Winning the Superintendent’s Award!

Each year, eleven member schools of the South Coast Educational Collaborative award the Award to a student that stands out in terms of community leadership, academics, and extracurricular activities. Based on faculty recommendations, Superintendent Anthony Azar selects the award recipient. This year, the student at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School who best exemplifies these categories is Mr. Mason Mello.

Mason’s extracurricular activities and interests include membership at the Wampanoag Rod and Gun Club, Football as well as Track and Field. Academically, he is distinguished. His academic accolades include: Brown University Book Award, MCAS Perfect Score Achievement Award, Massachusetts Scholar Leader, RISMA All-American Scholar Award, and he also leads our National Honor Society as NHS President.

Whether in his part-time job as a “hand” at several area farms or in community leadership, Mason brings strong work-ethic to any goal he pursues. In terms of community service, he supports his church as a frequent volunteer; he participates in D-R’s Best Buddy Program; he has been known to serve as a volunteer at the local animal shelter; and has joined his classmates in supporting the Fall River Soup Kitchen as well.

Congratulations to the whole Mello Family!

University News

Area Residents on Bridgewater Dean’s List

The following area residents were named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Bridgewater State University:

Rehoboth

Hannah Barlow, Abby Behm, Lauren Bisbano, Samantha Braga, Jenna Fairhurst, Kaitlyn Gorton, Hannah Howard, Brianna Jacobson, Ainsley Jolin, Michelle Landry, Paul Landry, Morgan McKearney, Sara McNaughton, Sydney Medeiros, Hudson Nees, Cam Nystrom, Joshua Pichette, Liam Pontes, Erin Reilly, Andrew Silva, Jolie Streeter-Duczkowski, Andrew Trivett, Amber Wells and Faith Winchell.

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Fairfield University Congratulates Fall 2020 Dean List

Fairfield, CT. - The following Fairfield University student(s) received Deans List Honors for the Fall 2020 semester: Madeleine Kinney from Seekonk

Rehoboth Resident Named to Dean’s List for Fall 2020 Semester

Mark W. Cronin, Dean of the College, announced that Ashley C. Damon a Nursing major in the class of 2024 from Rehoboth , MA, was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2020 semester at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Local Students Make Dean’s List at Connecticut College

The following students from Rehoboth, MA have been named to the Connecticut College dean’s list for the 2020 fall semester. continued on next page...

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The Reporter February 2021

• Penelope Armenio, 2024, Dean’s High Honors, Undeclared • Cassidy Vincent, 2021, Dean’s High Honors, Biological Sciences

Seekonk Resident Named to Dean’s List at Providence College

Catherine Testa, a resident of Seekonk, Massachusetts and a member of the class of 2024, has been named to the Dean’s List at Providence College for the Fall 2020 semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must achieve at least a 3.55 grade point average with a minimum of 12 credits.

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Students Named To Dean’s List at Fitchburg State

Fitchburg, Mass.—Fitchburg State University President Richard S. Lapidus has announced the students who qualified for inclusion on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester.

Students from our area:

Rehoboth: Joshua N. Mulligan; Seekonk: Perry J. Joubert A student is placed on the Dean’s List for the semester if an average grade of 3.20 or better is attained, and the student is attending the university full time.

Emily Dambrosio of Rehoboth Scores 1000th Point

Emily Dambrosio of Rehoboth recently scored her 1000th career point on January 22nd 2021 at Somerset Berkley, she joins her sister Kylie and father Tom (scored 1000 points at Durfee). Ironically enough Tom scored his 1000th point vs Somerset back in 1984.

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February 2021 The Reporter

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The Reporter February 2021

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February 2021 The Reporter

Celebrating Our 1st Anniversary Recipient of The President’s Award in Our New Location for 32 Consecutive Years! me by and see our award winning new dealerWith the 1st Anniversary of our new customer satisfaction in sales and yotalocation is the in only dealer inintersection New England toand earn Swansea at the service one of only 6 in the Country take of Route 6 and 136...The Bristol Toyota to earn the award “Come 29 years running...So award in customer satisfaction in sales and team is not only celebrating their new if your looking for a new car or truck we state of the art dealership but also 500 to choose and over 200 ne of only 6 in the Country to earn have the over award advantage of celebrating all the new customers in used of all makes and models and if we ng ....So if your looking formarked a new car orhave truck sales and service.

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The Reporter February 2021

Healthy Living 4 Simple Tips to Feel Your Best (BPT) - As we kick off the new year, many people are experiencing high levels of stress due to ongoing uncertainty and countless new demands. While you may think you don’t have time for wellness and self-care, experts say it only takes a few minutes a day and the benefits are plentiful.

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Check out these four small, but thoughtful adjustments to your daily routine that will have you feeling your very best in 2021:

Set realistic goals

Read more books, exercise twice a week, or spend more time unplugged from technology outdoors - it’s important to set realistic goals that you can easily keep track of. Consider creating daily, weekly and monthly goals rather than yearly ones to get in the right mindset. Maybe you start with the target of running 10 minutes straight without a break or reading a couple of chapters each day.

It’s also important to be specific in your goals. Instead of trying to run a marathon overnight, schedule two runs for the week. This way, you are honoring where you’re starting and making it easy to measure your progress. These bite-size goals are easier to focus on and achieve, so they can really help you move forward and build positive momentum.

Connect with loved ones

Many people have struggled with feelings of isolation during the pandemic, so it’s important to make time to connect with others.

This might be scheduling a video call with your parent or sibling. It could be sending out a blast of positive text messages to friends.

You might try planning a virtual game night or cooking night with a group of people. Even writing cards or letters provides a special connection and is a delightful surprise for the recipient. Try these ideas regularly and you’ll be surprised by the positive emotional impact it can have.

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February 2021 The Reporter

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From the State House State Rep. Steven Howitt Sponsors Bill to Protect Children with Special Needs

Seekonk, MA – The Team Shawnie Advocacy Group, an overwatch children’s advocate agency based in Seekonk, MA, has been working vigorously alongside State Representative, Steven Howitt (R), Bristol County to implement Bill HD. 358 (Shawnie Bill ) that would close loopholes in our Mental Health Care system in Massachusetts. Because of these loopholes, abuse of incapacitated children and adolescents occur daily.

Shane and Cheryl Halajko, who live in Seekonk, have experienced this firsthand. Their child Shawnie is autistic. Their harrowing story of trying to find a safe and nurturing environment for their son to live his life without fear of abuse and mistreatment is mind blowing. Elected and appointed officials for years opposed them at almost every turn. Mired in bureaucracy and lack of knowledge, politicians pushed Shawnie into some very dangerous and lifethreatening situations. Unfortunately, their experience is similar to thousands of other families throughout Massachusetts and the United States.

Bill HD.358 (Shawnie Bill) addresses simple but effective changes to the law in Massachusetts. The bill will be presented in 2021. We hope that our local radio stations and journalists will help support the cause and tell the story. This bill will make a real and measurable impact on the lives of so many families around us.

Please help us get the word out.

State Representative, Steven Howitt (R), Bristol County, and Shane Halajko are available for interviews. They will discuss the bill and Shawnie’s experience in detail. This is a non-partisan issue, and we gratefully accept the help of all.

Resources that can be found on our website, teamshawniegroup. com & www.malegislature.gov/Bills/192/HD358 includes a copy of the bill in its entirety, a short YouTube explainer video, a link to a grassroots petition with over 7,000 signatures, and a six-part podcast series.

Representative Steven Howitt Supports Bill to Address Sexual Violence and Misconduct on College Campuses

Boston – State Representative Steven Howitt (R-Seekonk) recently supported legislation that requires Massachusetts colleges to implement policies to prevent sexual violence and misconduct on campus and provide additional support and resources to students.

Senate Bill 2979, An Act relative to sexual violence on higher education campuses, was enacted by the House of Representatives and the Senate on January 5, during the final hours of the 2019-2020 legislative session. The bill, which would apply to both public and private colleges and universities, is now on Governor Charlie Baker’s desk for his review and signature.

A 2019 national survey on sexual assault and misconduct conducted by the Association of American Universities identified a 13% non-consensual sexual conduct rate on campuses nationwide.

Although the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that female college students between the ages of 18 and 24 are three times more likely to experience sexual violence, the U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 80% of sexual violence cases go unreported.

Representative Steven Howitt said Senate Bill 2979 requires colleges to conduct regular surveys on campus sexual misconduct and to publicly post their sexual misconduct policies. They must also designate at least one confiState Representative dential “resource provider,” who will be Steven Howitt responsible for informing students of their reporting options, the college’s disciplinary process, and the legal process available through local law enforcement agencies.

The resource provider will also share with students details on the medical, health and counseling services that are available to them, both on campus and through local, community-based rape crisis centers or domestic violence programs, as well as available schoolbased supportive measures related to academic and residence life.

Under Senate Bill 2979, colleges must enter into memorandums of understanding with a community-based sexual assault crisis service center funded by the Department of Public Health (DPH) if they do not already provide a center of their own, as well as a community-based domestic violence program funded by DPH. This requirement is designed to ensure that students and employees can access free and confidential counseling and advocacy services, either on campus or off campus.

The bill also establishes a task force that will be charged with developing model questions to be used on college sexual misconduct surveys in Massachusetts. The task force will submit its model questions and recommendations to the Commissioner of Higher Education by January 1, 2022.

Representative Steven Howitt noted that Senate Bill 2979 also establishes a process for incidents to be reported anonymously, and requires colleges to train students and staff on sexual assault prevention. Colleges will also be required to annually disclose the number of sexual misconduct reports they receive to the Department of Higher Education.

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The Reporter February 2021

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News And Notes From Blanding Library

by Leslie Patterson

Curbside Pick-Up at Library

As of this writing in late January, Goff Hall, including the Blanding Library, is temporarily closed to visitors due to high positivity rates for COVID-19 in our area. In order to protect the health and safety of our community and reduce transmission of COVID-19, please pick up books and other library materials curbside. We also ask that you continue to return library items directly into the book drop instead of to staff members. Meeting space in both the library and Goff Hall remains unavailable at this time. Our ongoing book sale in the hall is on hold for now as well.

At this time, items requested from other libraries will still be delivered. You will receive notification of their arrival as usual, and you can call the library to arrange for pick-up. Just a reminder that items requested from other libraries will be held for a few days before being available for pick-up. Likewise, items returned in the book drop will be held for a few days, so you may see that some items you have returned are still on your SAILS record. They will clear after a few days without any overdue fees. Thank you for your patience.

Winter Fun for Kids

This February the Blanding offers some familiar as well as new events for young patrons and their families. Two “Take & Make” crafts will be available. Our popular Mitten Story craft will also be available, and thanks to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), we have a “Love Our Earth” craft kit. Create your own “stained glass” window Earth ornament to show off its colors when light shines through.

Miss Joyce posts her “New Year” story for the little ones, reviewing months of the year through books and songs. An additional adventure will feature Miss Joyce having fun with snow, mittens, and wild animals!

Join puppet Newton reading Diane Alber’s book, “I’m Not Just a Scribble”, inspiring anyone to pick up a crayon and start drawing!

Professional magician Ed Popielarczyk is graciously offering his new videos teaching magic tricks for kids. Ed loves performing and helping libraries with fun and free programs!

Enjoy all of the above by visiting the Blanding Library’s website and Blanding’s Youth Service Facebook page. “Now It Is Winter”, our featured Story Walk book, is on display outside the front of the Blanding Library. It’s a great way to take in the outdoors and share reading with your family.

Here are a few featured sites to visit for parents and their children: The Smithsonian offers fun stuff for kids and teens. By visiting si.edu/kids you can find Artbots, BumperDucks, Meet the Animals and so much more!

The Star Library Network is a hands-on learning network for libraries and their communities focusing on STEM skills, providing science-technology activities. You are invited to join the Global Challenge! https://www.microbit.org/ You can get some kids’ activity ideas from the New York Public Library at https://www.nypl.org/education/kids/storytime or, more ideas from National Geographic: https://kids.nationalgeographic. com/videos/try-this/ The staff at the Blanding Library say they are happy to help you select materials and have them ready for you. “We are dedicated to researching new programs and events to continually help with your children’s education and for their love of reading.”

In these uncertain times, you can always call the library at 508-252-4236 to find out the latest updates. Staff will still be at the library during regular hours: Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm and Friday and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm. The library will be closed on Monday Feb. 15 for Presidents’ Day. The library’s website is www.blandinglibrary.net.

February 2021 The Reporter

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Seekonk Public Library Healthy DIY Series

Is making healthier choices one of your goals for the new year?

Come and get the inspiration, tools and techniques in these Kitchen Do It Yourself presentations from Seekonk Public Library. These programs from presenters Grounded Goodwife are hosted online in Zoom. Register in the Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org for one or more sessions to receive the login information the week of the program. If you’re not familiar with Zoom, contact the library at library@seekonkpl.org for assistance. These programs are free and open to the public:

Healthier Eating: Kimchi Wednesday, February 10 at 6 PM

Learn how to make kimchi, a fermented “superfood” which increases gut health and boosts your immune system.

Homemade Drinks and Ingredients: Ginger Ale & Vanilla and Almond Extracts Wednesday, February 24 at 6 PM

Learn how to make healthier and inexpensive extracts to use in homemade ginger ale and your own baking.

Personal Care: Maple-Pumpkin Sugar Scrub & Banana Mask Wednesday, March 17 at 6 PM

Learn how to use the natural properties of pumpkin, sugar, and banana for homestyle skin care with ingredients already on-hand.

About Grounded Goodwife The Grounded Goodwife is a mother (teacher) & daughter (herbalist) duo that connect with audiences through their workshops

and lectures. Find out more at groundedgoodwife.com.

For information, visit www.seekonkpl.org, email library@ seekonkpl.org or call 508-336-8230.

Library Announces Photo Contest Winners, Plans Reception

The Seekonk Public Library is pleased to announce the winners of the 2020 Nature Photo Contest: • Adult Amateur: Golden Reflections by Karen JohnsonNieuwendijk • Adult Professional: Fall Colors in Caratunk by Scott Masterson • Teen: Icy Pasts, Frozen Futures by Marianna Salois • Children: Calvin the the Woods by Owen Hoogerzeil These were the best of a crowded field of excellent photography of Seekonk’s natural spaces. To view all of the entries, please visit tinyurl.com/splphotos.

To celebrate the winners the library is hosting a virtual reception on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021 at 6 PM. There will be brief presentations by the Seekonk Land Trust and Bill Clark of the Arts Council and the winning photographers will have a chance to speak about their photo. Please register online in order to receive a Zoom invitation for the program.

For information, visit seekonkpl.org, email agreil@seekonkpl. org, or call the library at 508-336-8230 x56141.

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The Reporter February 2021

Virtual Non Fiction Book Club: Educated

by Tara Westover Join us for a lively discussion of Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover through Zoom on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 6:00 pm.

Register in the Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org to receive an invitation to the Zoom call approximately one hour before the start time. The title is available digitally through Overdrive, or you may pick up a print copy at the library.

“Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling home-canned peaches and sleeping with her “head-for-the-hills bag.” In the summer she stewed herbs for her mother, a midwife and healer, and in the winter she salvaged in her father’s junkyard. The family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when one of Tara’s older brothers became violent. As a way out, Tara began to educate herself, learning enough mathematics and grammar to be admitted to Brigham Young University. Her quest for knowledge would transform her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge.”--Provided by publisher.

For information: www.seekonkpl.org or Contact: library@ seekonkpl.org

Improve Your Health with the Science of Sound

The Seekonk Public Library will be holding a free virtual program on the science of sound for better health on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 6 PM. Sound designer and meditation teacher Joshua Bruner will discuss the scientific evidence showing that sound can affect our mood, our sleep and even our immune system. Bruner will demonstrate how to meditate with his soothing soundscapes and will leave participants with a free download of a sound meditation to try on their own.

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Please register at seekonkpl.org to receive a Zoom invitation for this program. For information, visit seekonkpl.org, email agreil@ seekonkpl.org, or call the library at 508-336-8230 x56141.

Ramadan & More:

Ask a Muslim Presentation

As our world becomes more and more connected, we have an opportunity to understand and celebrate the cultural diversity all around us. If your 2021 calendar notes international holidays, it probably notes that Ramadan is observed April 12 through May 12; but, do you know what it involves? Join us for Ramadan & More: Ask a Muslim Anything hosted through Zoom on Thursday, March 4 at 6 PM. Renown speaker, photojournalist, and columnist Robert Azzi will share and engage in open-minded conversation about his life, what it’s like to be Muslim in America, how he came to convert to Islam, about the religion of Islam and its history – especially in America, and more. Azzi speaks not as an academic, but conversationally as a neighbor, fellow citizen and person of faith. He welcomes conversation in order to encourage tolerance, understanding and interfaith dialogue. Register in the Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org. You will receive the login the week of the program. If you’re not familiar with Zoom or if you do not receive the login information by the date of the program, contact the library at library@seekonkpl.org for assistance.

For more information, visit the library’s Events Calendar at www. seekonkpl.org, call the library at (508) 336-8230 or email library@ seekonkpl.org.

Virtual Adults Workshop – Watercolor Greetings Cards

Share the joy of the upcoming spring season and your creativity by making your own customized greeting cards! Join us for Virtual Adult Workshop: Watercolor Greeting Cards hosted through Zoom on Thursday, February 18 at 6 PM. Instructor Debbie Banna of DeeAnne ART returns to lead you in creating two watercolor greeting cards with envelopes. Cards, envelopes and a basic watercolor and brush kit will be provided. You are welcome to use your own paint and brush and will need paper towels and a flat container for a palette. Space is limited; registration with a SAILS library card is required. Register in the Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org.

You will receive the login and information about picking up materials the week of program. If you’re not familiar with Zoom or if you do not receive the login information by the date of the program, contact the library at library@seekonkpl.org for assistance.

For more information, visit the library’s Events Calendar at www. seekonkpl.org, call the library at (508) 336-8230 or email library@ seekonkpl.org.

Virtual Tween/Teen Programs

The Seekonk Public Library presents the following virtual programs for students in grades 6-12. RSVP online to reserve a space in this program. You will receive a Zoom invite the day of the program. For information, visit seekonkpl.org/teens, email teens@ seekonkpl.org, or call the library at 508-336-8230 x56141.

Virtual Stickerboard Feb 1 until complete

Every day you can get 25 virtual stickers to add to the picture. What are you making? You won’t know until it’s done! Visit seekonkpl.org/teens for the link.

*Teen Advisory Board

Thursday Feb 4, 2021 at 4:00 PM

The Teen Advisory Board is a group of committed volunteers who get together each month to chat, play games and plan upcoming library programs. An application is available on seekonkpl. org/teens.

February 2021 The Reporter

*Teen Book Club

Thursday Feb 11, 2021 at 3:00 PM

Join our new teen book club and share great books with friends!

January’s title is We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. You can order a copy and pick it up curbside or download from Libby.

*Virtual Craft: Among Us Keychain Thursday Feb 18, 2021 at 3 PM

Pick up the supplies and make a Shrinky-Dink keychain with pictures from your favorite game. You must have permission to use the oven for this craft.

Programs for Children and Families

Please note that until further notice, the library is only providing curbside pick up and online services. Online services are available 24/7 at seekonkpl.org. Although the building is not open for browsing, you may contact the library for assistance or with questions at (508) 336-8230 or childrens@seekonkpl.org

Winter Reading Challenge #WinterReads2021 Ongoing now through - Feb 28th

Elementary students (grades 1-5) who participate in our virtual Wild Winter Reading Adventure through the Beanstack platform will gain access to fun and engaging activities, a reading challenge, and the chance to earn virtual raffle tickets towards our grand prize!

This Winter Reading Adventure is ingoing through February 28th. Log 20 minutes a day to earn a completion certificate, while earning virtual raffle tickets for every hour you read!

YOU can help the Seekonk Public Library win 50 books courtesy of Simon & Schuster! The 10 libraries with the highest participation in this reading challenge will win 50 books for their collection.

It’s time to show them what we’re made of, Seekonk! Register today at seekonkpl.org calendar of events.

Discover the Library Day for Families

This is a day to highlight the programs and services available to families through Seekonk Public Library. If you’re unfamiliar with what Seekonk Library offers for children and families, visit us at seekonkpl.org. If you’re already a library user, spread the word to friends about the wonderful programs and services you enjoy through your local library.

Stuffed Animal Virtual Storytime Saturday, February 6 at 10 am

Join Miss Sandie for a virtual Zoom storytime for children ages 2-5 and their stuffed animals. There will be stories, music, and movement! Bring as many stuffies as you'd like to this virtual "Wild Symphony" and bring a dash of the sillies, too. Register at seekonkpl.org calendar of events.

a curbside appointment on or after that date through seekonkpl.org Families will make the blanket at home and complete it by February 27. Details for drop-off will be included with the kit. The Library will deliver the blankets all together to Seekonk Animal Shelter and they will be given to families who adopt a cat or dog into their "forever home". Join us for this great, all-ages, family project that supports OUR community’s animal shelter. *Kit includes fabric and instructions. Supplies limited. Registration required.

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America’s fiscal policy is broken in many ways. From agenda-based stimulus packages to fiscal fraud, financially irresponsible decisions by political leaders have left the hard-working American middle class to struggle between periodic unemployment and a national paradigm that favors corporatism. In this short political treatise, David DeLuca lays out a simple solution that will inspire the working American and redeem the American dream.

Pet Blankets for Seekonk Animal Shelter

Pick up starting February 6. Register in advance. Curbside appointment required Families may register to take part in Seekonk Library's No-Sew Pet Blanket Project for pets adopted out through the Seekonk Animal Shelter. Register through the calendar of events at seekonkpl.org and to reserve a free, no-sew, easy to make blanket kit* for your family. Starting February 6, blanket kits may be picked up by scheduling

39

About the Author: David DeLuca, born on May 2nd 2000, is a current Seekonk resident who graduated from Seekonk High School. He currently volunteers in multiple political organizations as well as working full time as a computer technician.

40

The Reporter February 2021

Valentine Love Bug “Take and Make”

Pick up starting February 6. Register in advance.

Curbside appointment required A fun and simple Valentine's Day craft for kids grades K-5! This take & make kit will include pom poms, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners to make your own love bugs! Instructions will be provided via video tutorial on CreativeBug, a free craft DIY video database provided to you for free with your Seekonk Library card.

There is no "live" component to this program, your family can participate at your own convenience using the CreativeBug tutorial video. Space is limited. Registration and curbside appointment required.

Vacation Week Specials Zen Garden Take & Make

Pick up starting February 13. Register in advance.

Curbside appointment required.

Children will receive supplies to create their very own tabletop Zen garden. Each packet will include a container, sand, small objects, and a “rake”. Children then create designs in the sand to increase mindfulness and meditation. This interactive activity also provides an opportunity for children to concentrate and focus while creating a calming mood of peace and tranquility. Along with the Zen Garden supplies there will also be two meditation or mindfulness books to check out. The supplies are free to keep but the books are to be returned.

Tabletop Zen gardens are a screen free, calming activity suitable for the entire family.To reserve your child's supplies and books, register for the program, wait for an email that the supplies are ready to be picked up then schedule a curbside appointment for pick up.

Lego Build Event: Learn from a Master Builder Tuesday, February 16, 10 am and 3 pm

Calling all kids ages 7+. Do you absolutely LOVE building with LEGOS? Are you interested in meeting a LEGO Master Builder?

Would you like to learn tips and tricks from a Master Builder to use during your next build?

If you answered 'yes' to any or all of these questions, then this two-part virtual Zoom program is for you! First part: 10am - 11am Participants will meet LEGO Master Builder Dan "The Brickman" Steininger, one of the 8 original (and at that time ONLY) Master Builders. After meeting Dan, everyone will choose a theme and Dan will offer helpful hints and tips for a great build. By 11am everyone will sign-off and have a few hours to work on their project. Second part: 3pm - 4:30pm We will meet back at 3pm and everyone will show their build to the group. Dan will enjoy seeing all of the projects and will offer "praise and pointers". It will be like having a semi-private lesson from a LEGO Master Builder! Registration required and limited to children who can attend both the morning and afternoon sessions. Register at seekonkpl.org calendar of events.

Whale Mobile

Wednesday, February 17 at 2 pm

Join whale expert and educator, Cynde McInnis for a virtual WhaleMobile experience. First there will be a presentation about whales then families will watch as an inflatable whale is blown up to life-size. Next, participants will virtually step into the inflatable to see what whales look like on the inside. While inside the belly of a whale (!) learn about baleen and teeth, communication, individual identification and the importance of whales. The program finishes with a discussion of marine debris and what we can do to help protect the oceans. This event is a fascinating look at whales and may just inspire families to learn more about oceans and the environment around us. Registration required at seekonkpl.org calendar of events.

February 2021 The Reporter

Building Bridges with Story

Saturdays, March 6 – April 11 am – 12:30 pm

Calling kids ages 9+ to learn the art of storytelling. You may not know it, but YOU have a family story just waiting to be told! In this multi-week program you'll discover a family story to tell, gain the skills to tell your story, and have the opportunity to perform it for your family and the community.

The 6 week program will feature games, activities, and performance tips to help build skills that will bring your family story to life. Throughout the workshop you will be guided by two local, award-winning storytellers, Andrea Lovett and Karen Chace. Join us for this interactive, online, program with a grand finale performance on week 7 to delight families and community. Please note that parent(s) or guardians will join in on the March 6th meeting only. By learning about a relative's childhood or upbringing, we'll be "building a bridge" between generations with the art of storytelling.

(If the program is full with a wait list it will go to lottery registration)

Storytime on the Go

Weeks of February 2, 9

Create a storytime experience at home with Storytime On The Go packets. Each packet will include 6 books and an age appropriate early literacy activity. The early literacy activities will support the five early literacy practices: talking, singing, reading, writing and playing.

• Toddler (up to age 3) children who are ready for books with short stories • Preschool (ages 3 - 5) books that include longer stories Register separately for each week (February 2, 9) and we'll create a Storytime On The Go packet for your child. To arrange for curbside delivery, wait for an email stating that your packet is ready to be picked up then reserve a day and time through our website for pick up. Have questions or need assistance? Contact Miss Sharon & Miss Sandie at childrens@ seekonkpl.org or call (508) 336-8230 x56140

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Babies and Books (virtual via Zoom) Monday, February 22, 10AM

Join Miss Sharon for a live, winter themed storytime for children ages 2 and under.

There will be a snow story, finger plays, music, dancing, and yes, even bubbles! Everyone is invited to wear white (the color of snow). Older siblings are always welcomed to attend.

To receive the Zoom invite, registration required at seekonkpl.org calendar of events.

Preschool Storytime (Virtual via Zoom) Wednesday, February 24, 1:30PM

Join Miss Sandie for a live, winter themed storytime for children ages 2-5. Younger siblings are always welcomed to attend.

To receive the Zoom invite, registration required at seekonkpl.org calendar of events’

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten - On-going

Families are invited to join the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at Seekonk Public Library. This program encourages parents and caregivers to regularly read aloud to their young children which builds literacy skills and helps lay the foundation for school success. For more information, call the Youth Services Librarians, Sharon Clarke and Sandie Gauthier at (508) 336-8230 x56140, or visit seekonkpl.org/kids

Family Binge Boxes

Get cozy on the couch with Seekonk Library’s newest Binge Boxes. Check out a family oriented, binge-worthy box of 6-7 family and children’s DVDs based on a variety of themes. Binge Boxes circulate for two weeks at a time.

About eBooks

Whether you’re looking for picture books, beginner readers, chapter books, or nonfiction books for your child, we have thousands of eBook titles to choose from. Available in eBook, audiobook and video formats. Browse our online collections at seekonkpl.org and scroll to the bottom of the home page for the links to OverDrive, Hoopla and Tumblebooks. You will need your SAILS library card to check books out. Don’t have a card? Contact us at childrens@ seekonkpl.org or (508) 336-8230 x56140

Personal Book Shoppers for Children’s Books

You’ve heard of personal shoppers for clothes, gifts, and even groceries...but a personal shopper for children’s books? Absolutely!

Call the library at 508-336-8230 or visit us online at Seekonkpl.org to discover your next stack of great children’s books!

ay To Your Dreams” “ The Doorw M.G. Salois Construction Co.

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42

The Reporter February 2021

Club News & ANNOUNCEMENTS

American Legion & Rehoboth Anawan Lions Club Events American Legion Post 302 84 Bay State Road “At the Cannon” Rehoboth, MA Phone # 508-252-9079 or Jake @ 315-415-2277 E-mail Jake at Speedyjake@aol.com or Facebook “American Legion Post 302”

Monthly Breakfast, Second Sunday of every month February 14th 2021 • 7:30-10:30 A.M.

The Rehoboth Anawan Lions along with the Rehoboth American Legion Post 302 will now alternate each month giving the public a monthly breakfast at the American Legion. All You Can Eat Delicious, Affordable Breakfast Sunday, Wake up for a great country breakfast in Rehoboth. $8 per person suggested donation Fresh Home Cooked Goodness: Scrambled Eggs – pancakes – Bacon – Sausage – SOS - Home Fries – Fruit Cup – Juice – Coffee

Clam Boil

Friday February 19th, 2021 5:30-6:30 P.M

Steamers, white & sweet potatoes, onion, chourico, sausages, hot dogs $60 ticket for two @ the Seekonk Gun Club in Rehoboth, MA RSVP NOW - Tickets Only Deadline Date for Tickets IS February 16th 2021

Live Music performed by WOLFGANG March 13th, 2021 • 5:00-8:00 P.M.

a local 5-piece band with Live Classical Rock and Modern Rock $5.00 Covid-19 Special suggested donation Reservations are a must! RSVP NOW - Tickets – No Walk-Ins Under Ma. Covid-19 Guidelines, Seating is limited – 25 in Hall & 12 in Lounge. Food must be served with drinks.

Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner March 14th, 2021 • 1:00-4:00 P.M.

$15.00 suggested donation per plate RSVP NOW - Tickets Only – No Walk-Ins Take Outs are welcome DEADLINE DATE FOR TICKETS IS MARCH 5th!!

Shish Kabob Dinner

April 11th, 2021 1:00-4:00 P.M.

$20.00 suggested donation per plate RSVP NOW - Tickets Only – No Walk-Ins Take Outs are welcome DEADLINE DATE FOR TICKETS IS April 4th!!

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February 2021 The Reporter

Friends of the Palmer River I’m a resident of Rehoboth and I’m excited about the “Friends of the Palmer River”, an organization that has started up recently. We have come together as townsfolk and stewards of the watershed in order to increase awareness of its importance to our future and we have a lot of great ideas about how to do that, so join us on our Facebook page “Friends of the Palmer River” or reach out if you care to join us in a more official way: palmerriverfriends@ gmail.com. We hope to see you at an event on or near the water this Spring or Summer!

Nancy McCarthy

43

Rehoboth Anawan Lions News

Happy February! The ladies of the Anawan Lions club are again hosting the Sunday breakfast at the Legion on February 14. Buy a breakfast for your Valentine. If you do not want to stay, you can get the breakfast to take home, all for the low price of only $8.00! We are also hosting another drive-by Clam Boil on Friday Feb. 19th.

Cost is $60.00 for a meal for 2. Another way to treat your Valentine!

Call early because there is only a limited number of tickets to sell. Call Kathy at 508-208-9748. Thank you again for supporting our Club; because We Serve!

Phone / Fax (508) 252-5275 Phone (508) 252-5490

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Rotary Club of East Providence/Seekonk Announces Scholarship Program for High School Seniors $1,000 scholarship deadline is March 08, 2021

Each year, the Rotary Club awards $1,000 scholarship each to four graduating seniors from the following schools: East Providence High School, East Providence Career & Technical Center, Saint Mary’s Bay View Academy, and Seekonk High School. Deadline for the application is March 08, 2021.

“The purpose of the scholarship is to reward a local high school student who best exemplifies the criteria of service, leadership and academic achievement,” states Elisabeth Galligan, 2020-2021 president of the Rotary Club of East Providence/Seekonk, MA. “Consideration is also given to need, and applicants must be a resident of East Providence or Seekonk.”

Interested students should obtain the official application form from their school guidance counselor. He/she would complete the application form and return it to their guidance counselor directly by the deadline. The Rotary Club’s Educational Trust Scholarship Committee then selects the recipients from a pool of the most deserving applicants submitted by each school’s guidance department.

Update on Kiwanis of Greater Seekonk’s 25th Taste of the Towns

Unfortunately, Kiwanis of Greater Seekonk will not be holding the annual 25th Taste of the Towns in March or probably anytime this year due to covid.

We hope that when we are able to have the event, that you come join us and enjoy the food, drink and raffles.

Please stay well and stay safe.

Sincerely, Kiwanis of Greater Seekonk

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The Reporter February 2021

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Supt. Dr. Anthony Azar has announced that the D-R Falcon Nest Online Store is now up and running. We would like to thank Diane Rose, CTE Director and Doug Kelley, Dean of Student Activities and Athletics for moving this project forward.

Please see the direct link to the Falcon Nest Online Store below. https://www.directteamsports.com/collections/dightonrehoboth-high-school

Education Now 2.0 Introduces Web Series

Learn Impact of Covid-19 on Teachers and Students

Education Now 2.0 (EN 2.0) is embarking on groundbreaking new research to learn about the real impact of the Covid 19 pandemic in our schools. What is really happening in our classrooms and how are students and teachers coping with change? Let’s find out Now! EN 2.0 is conducting interviews with both students and teachers across the globe to learn the real, personal impact of Covid 19 on their lives. Through one-on-one personal interviews, we are learning the impact of the pandemic on traditional and non-traditional classrooms across the globe.

An additional focus of our research is to learn about the experience of teachers. Interviews with teachers will be conducted to learn their personal hopes and concerns about the future of education.

We will be asking them how they view the short and long term impact of remote learning as well as the key technology and social issues that impact teaching and learning.

One of the teacher interviews features Melissa Bilentschuk, an English Language Arts Teacher at D.L. Beckwith Middle School in Rehoboth, MA. Melissa holds a Masters in the MiddleTeacher award from The New England League of Middle Schools. EN2.0 is fortunate to have Melissa as one of our esteemed board members.

Please stay tuned for the results of our research which promises new, personal perspectives on the impact of the pandemic on education.

EN2.0’s mission is to educate the global community about healthy and sustainable education practices. By creating and encouraging healthy learning environments, both locally and abroad, we strive to educate students with a strong focus on S.T.E.A.M. curricula.

Along with our focus on S.T.E.A.M. learning, EN2.0 is committed to a robust civics education. All EN2.0 lessons and curriculum engage students in local civic activities as well as focus on how our actions impact the wider world around us.

Education Now 2.0 (EN2.0), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Ipswich, MA.

Flu Vaccination Requirement Update

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is removing the requirement for flu vaccination for attendance in childcare/ preschool, primary, secondary and postsecondary education.

Preliminary data show that this has been a mild flu season to date, presumably as people have received their seasonal flu vaccine and have been adhering to mask-wearing and social distancing due to COVID-19. Given the intensive Commonwealth-wide efforts regarding COVID-19 vaccination, DPH wants to alleviate the burden to obtain flu vaccination and focus on continuing our COVID -19 vaccination efforts.

DPH continues to strongly recommend that everyone age six months and older receive their seasonal flu vaccine each year.

February 2021

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NEWS DR Receives “2020 Excellence in Wellness Award for a Regional School District”

dents who can walk the “Mindful Moment Trail” gleaning some messages of positivity and elect to challenge their fitness with a heart healthy activity every tenth of a mile. The trail may be accessed by the community on the weekends. We are enthusiastic and energized by all that our partnership with MIIA has afforded us”, Mr Kitchen added.

“The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District is committed to keeping wellness a number one priority”, Azar concluded.

Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District Supt. Dr. Azar is honored and proud to announce that D-R has been recognized by the MIIA Health Benefits Trust Wellness Department the winner of the “2020 Excellence in Wellness Award for a Regional School District”. “This wonderful honor was recently bestowed on us on behalf of the entire district!”, said Azar.

MIIA, Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, serving over 400 public entities, recognized D-R for “overall excellence and ownership of a growing wellness program that capitalizes on the integration of their own services and resources as well MIIA’s services and resources.” Elise DuBois, Asst. Principal at Palmer River Elementary School and lead coordinator of the program said, “Dighton Rehoboth was one of only two wellness recipients to be Christine Catuto, owner acknowledged at the 2020 Virtual MMA Annual Meeting and Trade Show on January 22, 2021.”

“This award reflects Dighton-Rehoboth’s commitment to a spirit of wellness and success in growing a terrific employee wellness program! With the continued support of Business Administrator, Paul Kitchen and the MIIA wellness contacts, Elise DuBois and Established 2005 Gail Fisher, the Dighton-Rehoboth school district has been able to garner its employees to become cultivators of their own wellness”, Azar continued.

“With the support of MIIA, over the past years, Dighton-Rehoboth has continued to grow its offerings to include live fitness programs (presently on hold with COVID), a live online yoga platform, Ompractice, a MIIA health literacy program, Quizzify, and a new “COVID friendly” Webinar Buffet initiative including zoom wellness workshops”, DuBois added.

“There have been many other initiatives across the district at our varied schools. For example, Palmer River Elementary focused on a “Year of Wellness” teaching good health and mindfulness strategies to the staff in preparation for their later work with students. The staff at the Beckwith Middle School has been very competitive in their own version of the “Biggest Loser” which has become an annual Spring tradition aimed at shedding winter weight gain. Even our school nurses across the district do extraordinary work to promote food free incentives/celebrations and allergy safe routines. For our 508-336-9103 newest employees, our teacher mentoring program has its roots 113 Taunton Ave in balance, wellness and mindful leadership”, according to Azar.

“Dr. Azar and Mr. Kitchen continue to be very supportive of our Seekonk, MA Same Location for 40 Years varied health related initiatives. In tandem with the school committee, they also guide the development of targeted health and wellness committees as necessary. Most recently we have been active in a robust “Phase IV COVID Committee” led by Kristin Donahue; here district staff, school committee members, parents and representatives from local boards of health partner to discuss our practical and logistical responses to DESE and CDC recommendations”, DuBois said.

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The Reporter February 2021

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Tiered Focus Monitoring Review – Seekonk Schools

During the week of February 8th, 2021, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Seekonk School District. The Office of Public School Monitoring visits each district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students.

In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process.

The review chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child’s special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson(s) of the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite observations.

Parents and other individuals may call Henry Ndakalu, Public School Monitoring Chairperson, at (781) 338-3706 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the Seekonk School District with a report with information about areas in which the Seekonk School District meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the Seekonk School District requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report at http:// www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports/.

Certified Should you require this document to be translated, please visit the School web site at http://www.seekonk.k12.ma.us W.B.E. Rich Drolet, Ed.D.

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SHS Green Team Dishwasher Petition The Green Team needs your help!!! The Seekonk High School Green team is advocating for a dishwasher to be installed in the school. Currently, the high school is the only school in the district without a dishwasher. Over 50,000 styrofoam trays and plastic utensils are wasted every year at SHS due to the lack of dishwashing. The green team will be making a presentation at the next school committee meeting to make their case. In the meantime, they are asking for your help. The green team is collecting signatures on a virtual petition in order to show the school district that there is student and community support for this initiative.

Installing a dishwasher in the high school would drastically reduce the waste generated by the school and also save money in the long run. The Green Team estimates that the dishwasher will have paid for itself within 5-7 years. The dishwasher not only helps save the planet, but also the taxpayers wallet! On top of that, using real dishes and silverware will obviously provide a much more enjoyable dining experience for the hardworking student community. If you agree with this initiative, please sign the Green Team’s petition by using the QR code. Simply open the camera app on your phone, point it at the QR code, and click on the link that pops up and complete the petition. If we work together, we can create a sustainable future for our community while saving taxpayer dollars.

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February 2021

Seekonk Public Schools Announces Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Scholarship Recipient

Seekonk — Superintendent Rich Drolet is pleased to announce that Seekonk High School Senior Madison Sirois has been awarded a Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S) scholarship.

Sirois was awarded a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by M.A.S.S. and member districts from the South Coast Educational Collaborative.

The scholarship was presented to Sirois during a virtual award ceremony held on Thursday, Jan. 21.

“I would like to personally conSenior Madison Sirois gratulate Madison on this well-de(Photo Courtesy Seekonk served acknowledgment of distincPublic Schools) tion,” Superintendent Drolet said.

“Madison is a quiet and humble leader who is currently ranked first in the Class of 2021. She is extremely friendly and as a result, is well-liked by her peers.”

Sirois continuously contributes her ideas at Seekonk High School and actively participates in “Student Lobby Hour” discussions with administrators, students and staff. She is also a member of the Executive Board of the National Honor Society and is a member of the Model UN Team where she continues to put her leadership skills to good use and challenges herself academically.

Along with her strong commitment to challenging academic coursework, Sirois has devoted much of her time to meaningful, longstanding extracurricular pursuits. She is a member of the Seekonk High School swim team and she plays softball for both Seekonk High as well as an independent league. Sirois also is a three-year member of the high school’s Key Club, a Spanish Club member, and a Green Team member.

Sirois has also held the position of the high school yearbook editor for the past three years, which is a position typically filled each year by a member of the senior class.

In addition to the M.A.S.S scholarship, Sirois is also a finalist for the $20,000 Coca-Cola scholarship, which is an achievementbased scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors across the country.

The Reporter

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D.L. Beckwith Middle School News Dates to Remember

2/9 School Committee Meeting 2/11 Term 2 Report Cards issued 2/15-2/19 Winter Recess 2/23 School Committee Meeting

From the Health Office

The following state-mandated vaccines need to be received prior to your child entering 7th grade for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year: Tdap booster (Tetanus vaccine with pertussis/ whooping cough), 2nd Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and Meningitis vaccine, an updated physical exam done within the year prior to entering 7th grade also must be provided to the school nurse. Your child may not start 7th grade without proper documentation of the above from your child’s pediatrician. If the proper documents are not received prior to your child starting 7th grade, your child will be subject to exclusion from school per the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Regulations. Paperwork can be emailed to Mrs. Mondor at cmondor@drregional.org

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The Reporter February 2021 Looking for something to read or listen to?

Beckwith students can visit the library website and request a BMS book. Click this video for instructions. Mrs. Fernandes will email the student regarding contactless pick-up during school hours. Beckwith students also have access to e-books and audiobooks from SAILS with their D-R login credentials. Students can visit the library website and look for the Ebooks and Audiobooks link. The video just below the link shares how to borrow digital books. Please contact jfernandes@drregional.org if you have any questions.

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BoxTops for Education

Please take the time to download the BoxTops app on your smartphone if you have not done so already. By scanning your receipt you may earn money for our school, and you will also find that there are many new special promotions to earn an even bigger reward for Beckwith.

If you have any questions at all, please contact Christina Mitnik at cmitnik@drregional.org. Thank you for your support!

Principal’s Message

One of my favorite days of the year is Patriots Day. It’s the start of vacation week, an early Red Sox game and the Boston Marathon!

The day always feels like the kick off to spring… sunshine and warm weather around the corner. For me it was a family tradition to go and attend the Marathon in order to cheer on tens of thousands of strangers we will never know. We cheered for them as they worked to accomplish a goal they set for themselves, sometimes years ago, to help them push on and show them sometimes a little spirit can go a long way. Also for us it is a little selfish as it is a truly inspiring day. Even when it became a nightmare in 2013, the next year was an even brighter occurrence and again inspiring.

Why do I mention the Marathon? The Boston Marathon is a good representation of who we are as a New England community.

It can be grueling (as often our winters are), people are passionate about it (have you ever met a Boston sports fan?), it’s fast (like we talk and walk), it can be unpredictable (the race only works when everyone does their job), and lastly most of the participants are running in the name of a charity (because deep down we are good people). With that all being true, the main reason I am talking about the Marathon in my principal’s message is that recently I have discussed with the staff at Beckwith how I feel like we are at Heartbreak Hill with the virus. As a person who is not a runner, I reached out to one for his thoughts on this analogy. My brotherin-law has run the Marathon a few times. This is his perspective on the race and arriving at Heartbreak Hill.

“Heartbreak Hill begins around mile 17 and goes to mile 21.

What we don’t realize is that Heartbreak Hill is not one hill but three hills with no rest. Running up the hills your legs are burning, your chest is getting tight, you have no energy to climb the hill, and when you finally feel like you’ve gotten over the last hill there’s another one in front of you. At that third hill I thought to myself “I can’t do it. I have to stop and walk for a short time.” Then out of the crowd came a man in a suit and started to cheer for me and said, “You can’t stop now. You’re almost there. You can do it.” He ran beside me and it was just what I needed to continue to push on to the top.”

“Right now we are at the bottom of that third hill of coronavirus.

We can see the top. We can hold on a little longer. There’s hope in sight (the vaccines are going to be pushed out to the public soon). Numbers will start to decrease. We have a better handle on transmission and reducing risk factors. If we can just hold on for a little longer, we will crest this wave and conquer this last hill together, not as individuals but as a team. We need to both be ready to give and receive help as we need to finish this race, this time, this pandemic. And when this race is over and we can begin to return to our normal life, we will look back at our own challenges and we will look back at that stranger in the crowd who stepped up when we needed him most. That's the day we will celebrate together.”

Throughout the course of the next few months, we will be changing the hats we wear between being the runner and being the man in the suit. Some days will be challenging and harder than ever before, and after the hills we will have some tough miles ahead of us that eventually will lead us to Copley Square. What will get us through this is knowing the role we need to play. Either lift the people up around you or take the support when you need it most.

At Beckwith Middle School, we believe it takes everyone to help a student grow. As a community we will continue to be the loudest fan, prepared runners, and run up hills alongside our students.

Remember please be safe, smart, and kind.

Ryan Shea

February 2021

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Snapshots of Palmer River: Working together and Reaching Higher

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The Reporter February 2021

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Local Residents Named to Honor Roll at the Providence Country Day School

Congratulations to the following Providence Country Day School students, who have been named to the honor roll for first trimester:

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Braxtyn Andrade, Class of 2025, Honors Landyn Andrade, Class of 2025, High Honors Emerson Bates, Class of 2025, Honors Isaac Bates, Class of 2023, Honors Pilar Beerman-Rodriguez, Class of 2022, Honors Macenna Furtado, Class of 2021, Honors Eleanor Karl, Class of 2025, High Honors Maisie McLaughlin, Class of 2024, High Honors Victoria Vieira, Class of 2026, Honors Vivian Vieira, Class of 2023, Honors

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Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Honor Roll Students from Seekonk:

Grade 9 High Honors: Peyton Griffin, Jace Silva Grade 9 Honors: Will Carlson, Dylan Lajoie, Samuel Marcotte, Hope Thibault, Ethan Waugh, Ian Wilson, Alexander Wrightington Grade 10 High Honors: Nicholas Aguiar, Laura Birch, Faith Boutin, Ava Smart Grade 10 Honors: Abigail Calamar, Jenna Contois, Cory George, Emmaline Lafleur, Nyah Ramos, Emma Veader Grade 11 High Honors: Shriya Sivakumar Grade 11 Honors: Jontia Casto, Matthew Gorton, Hannah Luz, Aryn McDonald, Abigail Sousa Grade 12 High Honors: Gerard Ayotte, Trey Ramos Grade 12 Honors: Alicia Feeney, Paige Griffin, Megan Norris, Tyler Pimental, Karicia Pimentel, Max Tiplady, Ciara Walsh

The Taunton Civic Chorus Accepting Applications for its Annual Bob Keith Memorial Scholarship

The $500 scholarship is open to graduating seniors from greater Taunton area high schools: Taunton High School, BridgewaterRaynham Regional High School, West Bridgewater High School, East Bridgewater High School, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, Somerset-Berkley Regional High School, Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School, Bristol County Agricultural High School, Apponequet Regional High School, Middleborough High School, Norton High School, Oliver Ames High School. An additional scholarship may be awarded to a runner-up applicant.

The student must be a participant in an organized musical activity (chorus, band, orchestra, private voice or instrumental lessons, drama club, dance lessons), and be accepted into a 2 or 4-year college degree program, pursuing any major.

Applications are available through high school guidance/music departments, tauntoncivicchorus63@gmail.com, or tauntoncivicchorus.com. They are due on Monday, March 22, 2021.

Because of changing Covid-19 guidelines, the winner of the scholarship may receive the award and participate in the Taunton Civic Chorus Holiday ’21concert. For more information, contact tauntoncivicchorus63@gmail.com.

February 2021

The Reporter

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Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School News Freshman Interactive Career Exploration Gaming Experience

Students assemble a story about themselves through interactive gameplay to help determine a career path This year, first-year students have an exciting opportunity to participate in an interactive career-based game designed by our Library Media Specialist, Ariel Dagan, in collaboration with guidance. This “game” empowers Freshmen to navigate a career quest that draws upon their personal experiences and preferences to illustrate how they relate to their future career goals.

Through the interactive online game quests and challenges, the students will assemble a story about themselves to help determine a career path that reflects their personality and interests. They will earn a better understanding of their strengths and character and who they would like to become in the future.

“The year 2020, of all years, was perfect timing to roll out this game! It allowed students to combine their career interests and skills into a fun activity that students completed at home. Student reflections revealed their unique personalities by the way they responded to the questions. In addition, I found that the remote camera setting was a tool utilized that helped boost confidence by giving them space to be themselves,” says Karen Kennedy, 9th Grade Guidance Counselor.

“The Tri-County Guidance Department strives to motivate every student to develop a well thought-out post-secondary goal, and progress in reaching those goals, prior to graduation.

Our guidance team has a long history of success of implementing a goal-oriented career plan starting at day-1. This ‘CareerFocused Game’ developed by Mr. Dagan in collaboration with Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Casey gave the grade 9 students a fantastic start.

It truly is the icing on the cake!” Scott O’Brien, Head of Guidance.

Early Education Program Opening Preschool and Toddler Registration

Hands-on education is a critical part of vocational high schools and while the Children’s Center opening is dependent on the Department of Public Health’s approval, we are hoping to welcome a new group of children at our center.

The Early Education Program prepares high school students for various careers working with young children. The ability to work directly with pre-school children within the oncampus facility allows students to acquire skills and confidence in teaching.

For more information about Tri-County’s Preschool Registration, please visit www.tcchildrenscenter.com.

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The Reporter February 2021

Seekonk Human Services SHS will be closed Monday, February 15, 2021, Presidents Day.

Valentine’s Day Grab & Go Party Wednesday, February 10, 2021

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Nutritional Meals To Go Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Seekonk Human Services will be working with Bristol Elder Services to provide nutritional meals for lunch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to go. Meals come completely cooked and prepackaged. All you need to do is heat it up! Meals need to be ordered the day before by 9:30am. Payment is $2.25 per meal which will be due at the time of pickup.

Pick up will be between 11am— 12pm. If you are unable to pick up at that time or are experiencing financial hardship please reach out to the office to speak with the Outreach Department. February’s menu will be available on our Facebook page or by calling the office at 508-336-8772.

Celebration of Song

Wed, March 10 @ 1pm via Zoom

John Root will sing and play piano, flute, clarinet, and saxophone in an hour-long program of popular songs from the first half of the twentieth century via Zoom at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 10. Please call 508336-8772 to sign up for this event by March 1. When signing up be sure to give your email address to the front desk so the Zoom link can be emailed to you! This program is supported in part by the Seekonk Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Activities

• Chair Yoga: Monday & Wednesday at 10am on Channel 9 Seekonk • Zoom BINGO!: Mon & Thurs at 1pm • Zoom Trivia: Tues at 1:30pm—2:00pm • Zoom Coffee Chat: Wed @ 1:30pm *Note: Zoom activities can be done on a laptop, tablet, and smart phone or by dialing in the specific number for that activity. If you would like to participate but don’t have a tablet, please call the Seekonk Public Library at 508-336-8230. If you are interested in participating in a zoom activity call the office to sign up. If you have a registered email address please inform us so we can send you the log in information for the class!

Free AARP Tax Preparation

We are expecting to run the AARP Tax Preparation Service this year, but at this time we do not have all the details. Please call the office at 508-336-8772 for more information.

Tax-Aide volunteers will prepare returns free of charge for Seekonk residents first. Basic tax returns will be completed for residents with low to moderate income—restrictions apply.

File of Life

File of Life folders are available at the Center. Keep it on your refrigerator or car to alert emergency responders of your medical information during an emergency.

During those times of stress, it is difficult to remember medications and dosages. These files could save your life or the life of a loved one. Pick up yours, fill it out and place it on your refrigerator or car —TODAY!

Fuel Assistance

If you have never had fuel assistance and would like to apply or if you need help filing your application, please call Seekonk Human Services at 508-336-8772 to make an appointment with the Outreach Department. Fuel Assistance begins November 1st.

Income Guidelines: Maximum income for 1 person is $37,360, for 2 people is $48,855, for 3 people is $60,351, and for 4 people is $71,846.

Seekonk Veterans Services

Important Update for Female Veterans: On January 5th 2021, a bill to that reforms support female Veterans was signed into law. HR 7105 includes the Deborah Sampson Act, named in honor of Massachusetts’ first female Veteran. This Act includes the following reforms within the VA system: • Creating an anti-harassment and antisexual assault policy; • Allocating $20M for retrofitting health care facilities to make it easier for women Veterans to receive care; • Establishing care standards at all medical facilities to ensure improvements are made to benefit female patients; • Mandating all VA facilities to have at least one women’s health primary care provider; • Authorizing a new $1M annual program for a women Veteran’s health care residency program; • Allowing women Veterans filing for military sexual trauma benefits claims to request a female medical provider for related exams; • Expanding military sexual trauma counseling at the VA to former members of the National Guard and reserves.

Additionally, HR 7105 includes reforms for our Veterans in medical care; housing and homelessness; general benefits; education benefits; training programs; financial protections; and extending the sunset dates of certain time-limited authorities.

Massachusetts takes pride in leading the way to care for our female Veterans through the Women Veterans Network!

James LaFlame Veterans Services Officer

The Reporter

February 2021

Rehoboth Council on Aging

53

A Municipal Department of the Town

55 Bay State Road, Rehoboth, MA 02769

Phone 508-252-3372 Fax 508-252-4716

The COA remains closed until further notice to the public.

Exceptions by appointment only. For pressing issues please call the Senior Center at 508-252-3372. Please note our new temporary address 183 Winthrop Street, Rehoboth, MA. • Meals on Wheels is still being delivered by our volunteers.

• We are continuing to make masks for Seniors. Please call if you need one or two masks. We are in need of cotton fabric and elastic for masks. We are accepting yarn donations for hats. If you can donate, please call and we will set up a safe and secure drop off.

Please Note:

Due to Covid-19 Pandemic, all classes are canceled. We will resume when possible. Thank you for understanding.

• Gert’s Café: Lunch is served at Gert’s Café Mondays at 12 Noon. $3.00 Donation • Tuesday Lunch: Tuesdays from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM • The COA Breakfast: Wednesdays from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM • Tasty Thursdays Lunch: Held on the last Thursday of the Month at 12 noon. Cost $3.00 donation.

Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon

Kitchen hours: Monday – Thursdays 8:00AM to 12 noon

S.H.I.N.E / OUTREACH

The COA’s Outreach/SHINE worker Bradley Marshall is available Mondays thru Wednesdays 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM and Thursdays 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM to assist you with Social Service needs from Fuel, Food, housing, Medical Insurance, and intervention help.

Please call for an appointment at 508-252-3372.

The Rehoboth Council on Aging A Municipal Department of the Town

Mission: The Rehoboth Council on Aging shall coordinate and carry out programs designed to meet the needs, problems and benefits for the aging population of Rehoboth, and shall do so in coordination with the Programs of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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, inter-generational activities, crafting programs and other programs beneficial to our seniors. c. Provide information on health care plans from the Health Connector, Medicare, MassHealth (Medicaid) and other State and Federal Assistance programs.

• Men’s Morning Coffee: Fridays 9:00 AM • Card Games: Mondays at 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Cribbage

$20

• Wednesdays at 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM Hi-Lo Jack • Art Classes: Michelle’s Art Classes Wednesdays at 10:30. Cost $4.00 Donation

OFF

• Knitting and Crochet Group: Fridays at 10:00 AM • Ladies Sewing and Quilting: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM.

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• Blood Pressures & Glucose Screenings: Please contact the COA 508-252-3372 for more information.

• Podiatry Clinic with Dr. Marian Markowitz: Please call 508252-3372 to schedule your appointment.

• Cardio Drums: Mondays @ 2:00 pm • Tai Chi Classes: Tuesdays at 9:00 AM. Cost $3.00 Donation • Line Dancing Classes: Tuesdays at 10:00 AM. Cost is $3.00 Donation • Chair Yoga: Thursdays at 9:00 Cost $3.00 Donation • Zumba: Thursdays at 10:00 AM. Cost of $3.00 Donation • Meals on Wheels: Please contact Bristol Elders, Inc. at (508) 675-2101 for information on the Meals on Wheels program.

• Senior Citizens Club: 1st Thursday @ 12:30 & 3rd Thursday @ 12 Noon • Friends of the Rehoboth Elderly meets at 10:30 AM on the 3rd Monday of the month.

Veteran’s Information and Benefits:

Veterans Service Officer – Jake Kramer . Call 508-252-4467 for an Appointment(s) as needed. Office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday—8:00 AM to – 4:00 PM; Friday – 8:00 AM to Noon

SANITATION PUMPING, INC 508-824-8370 • 1-800-464-8370 exclusions may apply

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54

The Reporter February 2021

Love is in the Air Red Velvet for Your Valentine

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Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6am-2pm, Sat. 7am-11am, Sun. 8am-12pm

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See you in the Spring!

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(Culinary.net) On the sweetest day of the year, a day full of flowers, love and sweets, Valentine’s Day is the ultimate opportunity to try a different dessert meant for two.

It’s hard to resist a perfectly blended, rose-red, luscious Red Velvet Mug Cake.

It’s the perfect size, with just a handful of instructions, and it’s easily cooked before your eyes in the microwave. That’s right, the microwave.

This mug cake is a simple way to make something delicious and keep the portions small. Whether you have a small party, just you and your loved one or just simply want something easy and small, this quick treat is designed just for you.

Start by mixing all the dry ingredients into a large mug, including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.

Then add milk, melted butter, vanilla and red food coloring. Use a spoon and stir the ingredients together until blended.

Mix powdered sugar and cream cheese then drop the mixture into the cake batter and mix once more. Microwave the mug for up to 3 minutes until your cake is baked.

Valentine’s Day means sharing with someone how much you care, and it’s difficult to find a better way than to share something sweet.

This dessert has Valentine’s Day written all over it, however, it can be enjoyed anytime throughout the year and is perfect for a late-night snack if you’re craving something sugary-sweet.

Find more recipes and dessert ideas for every celebration at Culinary.net.

Red Velvet Mug Cake

Servings: 1 • 2 tablespoons butter, melted • 6 tablespoons flour • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder • 30 drops red food coloring • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar • 1 tablespoon cream cheese, • 1/8 teaspoon salt softened • 1/3 cup milk

Directions

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Visit the farm on Sundays 12-4PM or call for more info

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• In 12-ounce mug, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add milk, butter, vanilla and food coloring; mix until blended.

• In small bowl, mix powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth.

• Drop cream cheese mixture into cake batter. Press into batter until covered.

• Microwave up to 3 minutes until cake is done.

Cranberry Raspberry Vanilla Punch

Servings: 6-12 • 8 cups cranberry-raspberry juice • 8 1/2 cups cranberry ginger ale • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract • 1 pint raspberry sorbet • frozen cranberries, for garnish

Directions

• In large punch bowl, add juice, ginger ale and vanilla extract.

Stir until combined.

• Add frozen cranberries and scoops of frozen sorbet.

• Stir slightly then serve immediately.

February 2021

The Reporter

55

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Mon: Closed • Tues-Fri: 11am-7pm • Sat: 10am-6pm • Sun: 10-3 319 Tremont Street, Rehoboth, MA 02769 NOW OPEN IN REHOBOTH AT CHARTLEY’S PLAZA!

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56

The Reporter February 2021

IN MEMORIAM Norman Spring

Remembering Norman Spring

By Joe Siegel

Norman Loring Spring, 79, Passed away on January 20th at St Anne’s hospital in Fall River. Born in Boston MA on December 6th 1941, Norm was the son of Norman Loring Spring and his mother’s name was Rita Teresa Reynolds Spring. Norm was predeceased by his parents and his younger sister, Norma Spring Brayton.

After high school in Boston, Norm was employed by Texas Instruments in Attleboro as an engineer and mechanic. Norm also worked for the town of Rehoboth as official photographer. He also served as Official photographer and Videographer for Rehoboth’s 350th Anniversary Celebration.

Norm is survived by 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 6 greatgrandchildren: daughter Suzanne Spring Wilson, husband Richard and children, Samantha, and Richard Jr.; Daniel, son Akila Ravi Spring and daughter, Laila Nor Spring; Edward Spring, wife Paula, daughter Brittany and daughter Karissa; Michael L. Spring, wife Debbie, daughter Amanda and daughter Emily.

A Memorial service will be private with family only.

Rehoboth is mourning the loss of Norman Spring, who was a staple at several town events through the years. Spring was a photographer for the Reporter and captured the people and places in town with his camera.

He was also a husband and father and had a deep love for his community. Spring was born in Boston on December 6, 1941.

He moved to Rehoboth more than 50 years ago. “He loved the people,” said Spring’s son Michael. “He loved the country part of it, he loved the history of it.”

Spring was employed at Texas Instruments as a mechanic and an engineer. “He would tweak the machines to make them work,” Spring said. “My Dad would just go in and change the design a little bit.” A memorial service for Spring has not yet been scheduled.

Richard Georgia, Publisher of the Reporter, met Spring when he was serving as chairman of the town’s 350th Anniversary Committee. Spring had volunteered to shoot video and take photos of the various events happening for the celebration. Georgia said Spring was a “hard-working guy” who used all his own equipment.

“He would help anybody who needed help,” Georgia added. “He helped the Council on Aging, he helped the Police Department, he helped everybody.” “Norm was a close friend and I will miss him.”

“Norm was always just a good guy, he was a great photographer,” said former selectman John Ferreira, who considered Spring a friend. “He made a lot of memories for a lot of people with his photos,” Fereira said. “It’s a great loss for the town.”

Spring also served on the Cable Television Advisory Committee. Selectmen Chairman Skip Vadnais explained Spring was the head of RePAC (Rehoboth Public Access Corporation) for a period.

“He did a lot of good work for us,” Vadnais noted. “He was a man who was everywhere, if there was something going on, Norm was there documenting it, he was a really good guy, he’s going to be missed a lot.”

This candle burns in loving memory of those who are forever present in our hearts Competent Concern When the Need Arises Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services regardless of financial circumstance Pre-Planning Specialists Proudly serving Rehoboth & Seekonk families since 1898 Andrew J. Correia, MBIE; President/Funeral Director & Embalmer

210 Taunton Ave., ROUTE 44 • East Providence RI 02914 (401) 434-2600 • www.jhwilliamsfuneralhome.com

February 2021

George Cardono

A true renaissance man was lost on January 26, 2021.

George Cardono passed at the age of 88. George was the 9th of 11 children born to Beatrice (Laurenza) and Angelo Cardono on January 3, 1933. George grew up on a produce farm in Riverside, RI. He was the oldest child at home during WWII and took a responsible role of bringing food to market at the age of 15. Later, George served as a medic in a MASH unit at Fort Hood, Texas during the Korean conflict.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Desire Palmer with whom he shared many wonderful years. They enjoyed traveling to many locations, one of the most favorite being short trips to Plymouth, MA. He loved his children and their spouses: daughter Angela Cardono Cunard and her husband Edward Cunard of Rehoboth; son Mark Cardono and his wife Tracy Sioussat of Andover. He was very proud of his three grandchildren: Sean David McBride, Seth Matthew McBride and Riley Merritt Cardono. He is survived by brothers, Norman Cardono of Cumberland, RI and Angelo Cardono of Downey, CA. He is predeceased by his siblings: Daniel Cardono, Joseif Cardono, James Cardono, Angela Kennedy, Theresa Sherrod, Joan Saxer, Catherine Cardono and Marianna Cardono.

George was an extremely creative and talented man. He thrived on challenge, work and purpose. George started out in the outdoor sign industry and went on to start his own advertising agencies in Providence and New York. During this time, he ran many local political campaigns. He was the owner of the Pawtucket Indians baseball team at McCoy Stadium in the 1960s. George went back to the farm life in the 1970’s and 80’s, owning and operating an equestrian facility. He was equally comfortable in jeans on his tractor or in a business suit flying to New York for a meeting. George created and constructed the iconic Big Blue Bug. Upon “retiring”, he took on the challenge of Hillside Country Club in Rehoboth. He designed and built 9 additional holes at the course. His resilience and tenacity were truly displayed as he rebuilt after a devasting clubhouse fire. After selling the country club, George “retired” to yet another career. He earned his real estate and broker’s licenses and founded Blu Sky Real Estate. He was still working part time in real estate up until his death.

George enjoyed golfing. He had a standing golf date for many years with his brothers on Thursdays. He traveled often to Bermuda to play. He was an excellent cook and was a member of the “Gourmet 7” club in the 1970s. George was active in the Rehoboth Business Association, the Rehoboth Republican Committee and the Rehoboth Veteran’s Committee. He served on the Park Commission and Housing Authority in Rehoboth as well. George truly enjoyed going out to lunch with his friends and grandsons on a regular basis.

For George, the adventure is over. Hopefully the sadness this brings can be replaced with the joy of many wonderful memories.

Due to Covid restrictions, the service will be private.

Arrangements are in the care of Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, Swansea.

For online condolences, www.waring-sullivan.com

The Reporter

57

Edmond Emile Tessier

On Christmas morning, 2020, Edmond Emile Tessier, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather of Rehoboth, MA passed away, one day short of his 88th birthday.

Edmond, also know as “Ed” and “Soup,” was a lifelong Rehoboth resident, and active member in the community. He had a passion for his hometown, spending time with his family, and traveling – having visited all 50 states and many countries. He was predeceased by his parents, Edmond Tessier of Montreal, Canada, and Doris Desrochers of Acushnet, Massachusetts; his brothers Robert Tessier of Westchester, Illinois, and George Tessier of Greenville, Rhode Island; and his sister, Claire Tessier, of Rehoboth, Massachusetts. He is survived by his two children, Edmond Tessier and Susan Taylor; his grandchildren, Jesse Taylor, and Tessa Taylor and her husband Riccardo Binetti; and his great-grandchildren Jolie Binetti and Emilio Binetti. He is also survived by his former wife, Pauline Warren, of Chatham, Massachusetts, and Elaine Amaral, of Rehoboth, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his sister, Louise Borges. Edmond will be remembered for his kindness and generosity. In keeping with his giving spirit, he wished for his remains to be donated to Brown University Medical School in lieu of a funeral.

William W. Tripp & Cheetham Funeral Homes Compassionately serving the families of Rehoboth and Seekonk for generations

Jason K. Landry of Rehoboth

Sandra M. Reis Daniel A. Laneres Fala Português

Michael S. Sladen

1008 – 1012 Newport Ave, Pawtucket, RI 401-722-2140 | www.trippfuneralhome.com

58

The Reporter February 2021

Eleanor Borden Wattie

We are very sad to announce the passing of Eleanor Borden Wattie, passed away at the age of 99 on December 3. Known in Rehoboth as Eleanor Borden, she was a loving mother to three children and their spouses, adoring grandmother, and proud great-grandmother. She loved her family and told everyone about them whenever and wherever she could.

Eleanor was born and lived in Fall River until 1951, when she and her husband Gardner Borden moved to Rehoboth, where they raised three children – Christine (Jennings), Priscilla (Sibley), and Jonathan Borden. She lived in Rehoboth until Gardner’s death in 1980. Many in Rehoboth may remember her as very active in the Rehoboth Congregational Church as a junior and senior choir director, soloist. She could often be found preparing church and Lion Club suppers in the kitchen of Goff Hall, and was active in the Rehoboth Garden Club, the Second Thursday Activity Club, and Pack 1 of the Cub Scouts as a Den Mother. During the 1970’s, together with Gardner, she joined other Rehoboth residents as founding members of the volunteer Rehoboth Counseling Center, where they took great satisfaction in helping families in crisis. Most of all, just the ever active Mrs. Borden, helping out wherever her kids were.

After the death of her husband Gardner in 1980, Eleanor remarried to Robert Wattie and lived her last 25 years in a retirement community in West Melbourne, Florida, where she was President of the residents’ association, was active in raising scholarship money and serving in a local soup kitchen, sang in the Eastminster Presbyterian Church choir, planned weekly Vesper services, planned memorial services for residents, and was always baking something for someone.

Eleanor will be sorely missed - by her family and her many friends, and by so many whose lives she touched in Rehoboth and in Florida. Her strong faith in God sustained her to her very last hours.

Barbara Ann Sousa Barbara Ann Sousa, 75, of Seekonk, passed away at home Friday morning, December 4, 2020.

She was the wife of Richard Sousa.

Born Dec. 14, 1944, in Providence, she was the daughter of Guadino and Marion (Suarse) Barbosa.

In addition to her husband, she leaves 3 children, Ronald Souto Jr. and his companion Debbie Reed, David Souto and his wife Karlene, and Keri Podgorski and her husband Mike, all of Seekonk; and 4 grandchildren, Ronald III, Sydney, David and Jacob.

She was the sister of the late Mary Barrett, Alice Cote, Marion Shields, James Barbosa, Daniel Barbosa and Guadino Barbosa Jr. Following Barbara’s expressed wishes there will be no public services.

Memorial donations are greatly appreciated to the American Liver Foundation New England, 88 Needham St, Newton, MA 02461.

Kathryn Zilla Thomas Kathryn Zilla Thomas, 90, of Seekonk, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 12, 2021.

She was the wife of the late Richard F. Thomas. Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late Harry D. Brice and Kathryn (Knight) Brice.

Mrs. Thomas was a talented artist specializing in watercolor landscapes. She was a member of the RI Watercolor Society, the Wickford Art Association, the Providence Art Club, and member of Newman Congregational Church. She also enjoyed gardening, sewing and working on her family’s genealogy.

She leaves her loving daughters: Marjorie T. Nozzi & her husband Nino of Wakefield and Elizabeth T. Marulis & her husband Michael of Seekonk. Cherished grandmother of Nicole Nozzi, Benjamin Nozzi, Josh Marulis, & Brian Marulis. She was the sister of Barbara Menke of Reno, NV and the late Virginia Corwin & Natalie Antonio.

Her funeral and burial will be private. Calling hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory to the Friends of the Seekonk Public Library, 410 Newman Avenue,, Seekonk, MA 02771 will be appreciated.

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.

Dorothy L. Merrill (Abbott) Dorothy L. Merrill (Abbott), age 93, of Rehoboth, passed from this life on Wednesday, January 27th with family by her side. She had resided in Warwick for about 18 yrs. She was the daughter of Olive and Louis Abbott. She was the wife of the late Lloyd W. Merrill.

She is survived by 3 children, Lloyd B. (Gail), Gary (Sherri), and Kimberly Merrill, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

She had been an assembler at Forte in East Providence. She enjoyed knitting, painting, gardening, and watching her hummingbirds every summer. She had a keen interest in the genealogy of her family and spent countless hours tracing her family roots always with her beloved cat by her side.

Her funeral and burial in Rehoboth Village Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

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.

February 2021

Richard A. Estrella, Sr. Richard A. Estrella, Sr., 76, of Warren, formerly of Rehoboth, died at home on January 29, 2021. Born in Pawtucket, RI on April 16, 1944, he was a son of the late Antone Estrella and Georgianna (Mello) Estrella.

Richard was a 1962 graduate of East Providence High School. He was employed at Rhode Island Insulated Wire Company for many years and the Town of Rehoboth Highway Department until his retirement. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Mulzer) Estrella and his children, Sherri-Ann Estrella-Ferro of Bristol, RI, Richard A. Estrella, Jr. and his wife Iveta of New Market, TN, and Kerri L. Lombardo of Bristol, RI. Cherished grandfather of seven grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. He was the brother of Anthony Estrella and his wife Michelle of Ormond Beach, FL. His funeral and burial in Rehoboth Village Cemetery will be private. Calling hours are respectfully omitted.

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.

Jewell H. Primeau Jewell H. Primeau, 91, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2021 at Rhode Island Hospital.

Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late Albert and Bertha (Fernandes) Swallow.

Mrs. Primeau was an avid reader who loved animals.

Her biggest joy was spending time with her grandchildren.

She leaves three daughters, Darlene Tomasso and her husband Steven of New Hampshire, Linda Bralewski and her husband Robert of Seekonk and Barbara Tassone of Foster, one son, Stephen Primeau and his wife Sonya of Wisconsin, six grandchildren, Jennifer Xavier, Richard Tomasso, Tracy Hall, Nicole Tassone, Michael Tassone and Samantha Bralewski, four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was the grandmother of the late Danielle Kerbe.

Her funeral services will be private.

The Reporter

59

Death Notices Rehoboth Jeanne M. (Yelle) Gentes, 67, of Rehoboth, MA, passed away peacefully at home Sunday, December 27th with her husband Marc by her side.

Saverio Rocco “Sam” Rupolo, age 90, of Rehoboth, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, January 4, 2021.

John Record, aged 76, died unexpectedly at home in Rehoboth MA on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

Scott S. Pennoyer, age 53, of Rehoboth, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

David H. Stevens, 77, affectionately known as “Bamp”, of Rehoboth, passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at his home with his devoted wife, Kathleen (Larocque) Stevens by his side.

Seekonk Gregory A. Goudreau, 33, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2020.

Helen H. Simmons, “The Best Irish Nana,” 94, of Seekonk, MA passed away on December 30, 2020 at Hope Health Hospice Center.

Preston J. Schultz, 96, of Seekonk passed away on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at his home after a yearlong battle with cancer.

William (Bill) Jacob, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2021 from natural causes.

Edward F. Olean, 91, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at the Hattie Ide Chaffee Nursing Home.

60

The Reporter February 2021

Place Classified ads at www.ReporterToday.com

CLASSIFIEDS

HELP WANTED

Home health care. CNAs and Homemakers in high demand to care for the elderly and disabled population in their home. Join our team for flexible hours, new starting rates and a sign on bonus. Apply at www.healthcareconnectionsri.com, email human resources at sue@healthcareconnectionsri.com or simply call 401437-3515 for more information. If you love helping people; Don't hesitate!

Apply now!

Handyman helper needed for small odd jobs. Someone I can count on when I need things done. Also when I need a ride somewhere. This is for someone who needs the extra income and available during the day - more like a retired person who has the time. Call Ana at 401-431-0306.

WANTED

Buying old coin collections, stamp collections, and jewelry.

Email The Golden Goose at learningfinancehelp@gmail.com Looking for Christmas decorations. Please donate. Call 401632-3602.

Civil War, WW1, WW2, Anything to do with military; helmets, knives, uniforms, guns, HAVE (license), anything related to wartime, will pay cash for items, ask for Charles, call 508-2306444; call anytime thanks.

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

FOR RENT

ROOM FOR RENT: East Providence, PRIVATE, nice set up for ONE mature male. Furnished, cable TV, sink, frig, storage, parking, bus, utilities, nice yard. $145 weekly. Call 401-434-1372.

REAL ESTATE

Wanted, estate lot for single family home in Rehoboth, Attleboro, Dighton, Seekonk. If you have a large property or farm and would like to sell and want it kept undeveloped and natural, please email pd86044@gmail.com.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Cell Phones for Soldiers Collection at Liberty Tax – East Providence: The Liberty Tax office in East Providence will open at 9 AM, Six Days a Week, Monday through Saturday, from January 2021 Through April 15, 2021, to Collect Cell Phones for Soldiers. Cell Phones for Soldiers helps make contact with home a reality for troops who are stationed overseas and face expensive phone calling charges. Neighbors can drop-off their cell phones, in any condition, at 2775 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence.

PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE at (401) 572-3644, if you have any questions, or need driving directions to our office. For more information about the wide range of services that Cell Phones for Soldiers provides to soldiers and veterans, please visit https://www.

CellPhonesForSoldiers.com/

FOR SALE

1969 Chevy C10 Pickup truck for sale: This truck is being sold as is. The intent would be for this truck to be a restoration project. Not available to be sold in parts. All offers considered. Please contact Joe at 401-644-5495 for all inquiries.

Paying CASH for Coins, Gold & Silver Jewelry, Flatware, Costume Jewelry, Antiques, Smalls, Old Toys, Gift Cards,Fishing Lures, Pre 1964 Coins, Oddities. Warren Exchange 175 Main Street in Warren (401)245-5001. Off Street Parking, Fair & Friendly :)

HOME & GARDEN

Plants for Sale: Beautiful plants for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and every special occasion. Inside and outside; hanging plants, perennials, annuals, herbs, bushes, coleus, ground cover, angel trumpets, begonias, citronella plants & forsythia. Extra large pots available. Everything from $3 to $10. Call 401-433-2922 for an appointment to see my plants in glass containers and unique pots.

Free small plant with visit.

GENERAL SERVICES

Housecleaning: Are you moving? Is your home in need of a really good cleaning? Whether you want regular or a one time cleaning. Years of experience! (oven/fridge included). Call Gil for details 508-840-6611.

FREE SCRAP REMOVAL: all appliances, fridges, washers/ dryers, A/Cs, etc. Call/text 401-368-3706 or email scrapabilities@ outlook.com.

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

Wash Dry Fold service by Erica! Drop off Monday - Friday 6am to 9am at 257 Bullocks Point Ave., Riverside or by appointment.

Call (401) 578-6366.

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. Call Tony 508-226-1295; www.BigBlueRemoval.com.

February 2021 The Reporter

61

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COMPANY NAME

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Art Supplies/Framing Gregory D. Dorrance, Co. Attorney Laurie P. Mullen, Attorney Attorney Law Office of Luke P. Travis Attorney Stephen E. Navega Auto Body A-1 Custom Auto Body Auto Body Sousa’s Auto Body Auto Body Tri Star Autobody Auto Dealers Bristol Toyota Auto Parts NorthEastern Auto Supply Auto Repairs New England Tire Building Contractor A.M. Carpentry Building Contractor M.G. Salois Construction Building Contractor Nerney Construction Candidate - Seekonk Nelson Almeida Carpet Cleaning M & S Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Child Care Twin Oaks Farm Learning Center Chimney Cleaning RD Chimney Sweep Chimney Services Kenny’s Masonry & Chimney Sweep Church Holy Cross Church Cleaning Service Debbie’s Cleaning Service Cleaning Service Elite Cleaning Collectibles Wexler’s Collectibles Country Club Hillside Country Club Dentist David C. Zaluski, D.D.S. Dentist Dr. Wassouf D.D.S. Dentist George Family Orthodontics Dentist Lisa Daft DMD & Associates, PC Dentist Seekonk Dental Dog Training Pooch Pawsitive Duct Cleaning Think Green, Think Clean Air Electrician Bleau Electric Electrician Greaves Electric Electrician Neal Bellavance Electric Estate Cleanouts Clean Slate Estate, Inc Farm - Apparel Kave Rock Farm Fence Installation Fence Tech Fire Restoration Providence Fire Restoration Firewood Seekonk Tree Service Flooring - Wood David J. Ledoux Hardwood Floors Fuel - Electric & Gas National Grid Fuel - Oil Al’s Quality Oil Co. Fuel - Oil COD OIL Fuel - Oil E & V Oil Co. Funeral Home Hathaway Funeral Home Funeral Home J.H. Williams & Co. Funeral Home Funeral Home William W. Tripp Funeral Home Furniture/Upholstery Masterson Furniture Garden Center Under the Sun Farm Gift Shop Casa Ideal Handyman American Eagle Enterprises, LLC Health & Wellness Planta Wellness Heating & Air Taylor Heating and Air Conditioning Hospital Sturdy Memorial Hospital Hotels Hotel Tybee Insurance Agency Frazao Insurance Insurance Agency Smith Insurance Insurance Agency The Agency Paiva Junk Removal AOL Enterprises Kitchen/Bath Design Infinity Kitchens Landscape Service Green Care Landscaping Landscape Service T. Moreshead Landscaping Local Author David DeLuca, author Marble Fabricators Star Marble & Granite Masonry-Construction Valter Rego Masonry Mosquito & Tick Control ohDEER Orthodontics George Family Orthodontics

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CATEGORY

COMPANY NAME

Painting Contractor Painting Contractor Painting Contractor Painting Contractor Painting Contractor Painting Contractor Physical Therapy Plastering & Painting Plumbing & Heating Plumbing & Heating Preschool Real Estate Real Estate Real Estate Real Estate Real Estate Real Estate Real Estate Remodeling Restaurant Restaurant Restaurant Restaurant Restaurant Restaurant Roofing Contractor Roofing Contractor RVs and Campers Seafood Market Seafood Market Septic Inspections Septic Systems Septic Systems Septic Systems Septic Systems Septic Systems Smoke Shop Stump Grinding Tax Preparation Trash/Junk Removal Tree Service Tree Service Tree Service Tree Service Tree Service Tree Service Water Treatment Water Treatment Wells & Sump Pumps

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Advantage Painting Cronan Painting EZ Painting Iachetti Painting Company Lundco Painting LLC. Val Arruda & Son Painting, Inc. Personal Best Physical Therapy David Laurino - Plastering Sine Plumbing & Heating Vintage Plumbing & Heating Covenant Coop Nursery School Century 21 - David Smith Deb Donahue - ReMax River’s Edge Evolution Properties Mateus Realty Robert DaRocha, Realtor TK Real Estate Brokerage Vicki Doran Batty Construction Boneyard Barbecue & Saloon Country Kitchen El Mariachi EP Wieners La Collina Madeira Restaurant B & R Fournier Construction, Inc. Tabeleys Roofing Camping World of Berkley Digger’s Catch Portside Fish Market, LLC Pro Inspection Services Bay State Sewage Croome Sanitation, Inc. Fisk Contracting Co. Soares Sanitation Pumping, Inc. Town Sanitation Wonderland Smoke Shop Heritage Tree & Arborist Services New England Tax Service, Inc. Big Blue Removal Service Advanced Tree Carlson Tree Service Casey Tree Service Choate Tree Service Heritage Tree & Arborist Services Seekonk Tree Service Olde Colony Clean Water. Inc Water Filter Company, Inc. Vintage Plumbing & Heating

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Title 5 Inspection

$25

• Voluntary Assessments * Not affiliated & Consulting Discount with any on Title V • Septic Systems septic system installation or Inspection • Cesspools pumping co.

Professional Inspection Services - Est.1995 -

Call Steven Drew • 508-667-4025 MassDEP Approved Title 5 Inspector

No Mess!

We Hand-Dig

Commercial & Residential

Year-Round Service

62

The Reporter February 2021

! !

K

OO

L

FOR SALE

SO

A message from...

LD

MATEUS Realty

We Need Listings!

A SIGN OF SUCCESS AND A NAME YOU CAN TRUST!!

Thinking about selling your property?

Now Is The Best Time To Sell!

• Low Inventory • Low Interest Rates • Several Buyers • Properties are Selling Over List Price!

East Providence Single Family List Price: $219,900 East Providence Single Family List Price: $259,900 East Providence Single Family List Price: $229,900 East Providence Two Family List Price: $309,900 Pawtucket Single Family List Price: $289,900 Pawtucket Two Family List Price: $269,900 Pawtucket Three Family List Price: $359,900 Cranston Four Family List Price: $349,900 Cranston Single Family List Price: $289,900 East Greenwich Single Family List Price: $379,900 West Warwick Single Family List Price: $239,900

Sold Price: $231,000 Sold Price: $270,000 Sold Price: $255,000 Sold Price: $335,000 Sold Price: $298,000 Sold Price: $285,000 Sold Price: $395,000 Sold Price: $365,000 Sold Price: $315,000 Sold Price: $396,000 Sold Price: $249,000

Sold in 6 Days!

Sold in 2 Days!

Sold in 7 Days!

Soldin10Days!

Sold in 6 Days!

Sold in 4 Days!

Sold in 8 Days!

Soldin10Days!

Sold in 4 Days!

Sold in 8 Days!

Sold in 2 Days!

Free Market Analysis

Serving East Providence and surrounding areas since 1975.

(401) 434-8399 FALAMOS PORTUGUES • FAX # (401) 435-3401 582 Warren Avenue • East Providence, RI 02914

Email sales@mateusrealty.net • MateusRealty.net

February 2021 The Reporter

AMERICA MORE

CAMPING

MORE

ADVENTURE Shop the Nation’s

MORE

MEMORIES

5

LARGEST $ SELECTION OF RVS from only

PER DAY*

137 Myricks St. in BERKLEY, MA | 877.499.9710 | CampingWorldofBerkley.com *Stk# 1835897. Payment based on 15% down at 6.74% APR for 180 months. Daily value is calculated by monthly payment $150.30 multiplied by 12 months divided by 365 days to equal $4.93/day. Camping World RV Sales prices and payments not inclusive of tax, title, license, prep, freight and dealer doc fees. Payments available to qualified buyers based on lender credit qualifications. Advertised inventory available at time of production. New unit photography for illustration purposes only. May not be combined with any other offer and not applicable to prior sales. Offer(s) valid at Camping World in Berkley, MA only. See dealer for details. Void where prohibited. © 2021 FreedomRoads, LLC. The CAMPING WORLD logo is a registered trademark of CWI, Inc. and used with permission. Unauthorized use of any of CWI, Inc.’s trademarks is expressly prohibited. All rights reserved. Offers expire 2/28/2021.

BOS37594-0121

63

64

The Reporter February 2021

The Reporter P.O. Box 170 Rehoboth, MA 02769

24 HOURS

7 D AY S A W E E K

“Ever y Day is Monday ”

Call us today. * FULL SERVICE * Premium heating oil

EFFICIENCY & VALUE Serving the East Bay for over 40 years

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ATTLEBORO, MA PERMIT NO. PI 228

508-336-8851 / 800-515-8003

2500 GAR HIGHWAY, SWANSEA MA MASTER MA RI LICENSED

www.evoilco.com

GreenCare Landscaping,

Inc. “Planting Today for a Better Tomorrow!”

Grounds Care LANDSCAPE SUPPLY & Lawn Care & DESIGN CENTER Seasonal Packages LANDSCAPE PLANTINGS & DESIGN HARDSCAPING (WALLS, PATIOS & WALKWAYS) IRRIGATION, HYDRO-SEEDING & MORE!

227 Plain Street, Route 118 Rehoboth, MA (5 Minitues from Swansea Mall) Email: greencarema@gmail.com Visit Our Website at www.GreenCareMa.com

(508) 252-6912

Trees, Shrubs & Perennials

WHOLESALE DISCOUNT* 20% OFF PLANTS* * if over $100 Open in April We will make it easier for you with over 30 years of experience and knowledge in Landscaping and Plants

Inquire about Our Consultation & Design Services

Bob DaRocha, REALTOR

ABR, SFR, SRES Licensed in RI & MA bobrealtor7@gmail.com Eu Falo Portugues Office: 508-252-6952 Cell: 774-451-4603

www.BobRealtor.com Want to Know the Value of Your Home?

DaRocha Real Estate Group