September 2020 Rehoboth Reporter

The Rehoboth

Reporter

SEPTEMBER 2020 Volume 32, no. 9

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

School to Begin on September 18th plans on page 54

Fall Home Improvement page 36

Photo by Earle S Dias Photography

2 The Reporter September 2020

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4 The Reporter September 2020

From the Cover...

Rehoboth 494 Coming inTroop OCTOBER

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Troop 494 of Rehoboth bridged over to Cadette’s at the Veteran’s Memorial Gazebo in Rehoboth on August 1st. The girls were Call 508.252.6575 also awarded their Bronze Awards. to The girls met virtually through the pandemic and were Advertise in this Issue! super happy to be able to bridge in person.

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Inside This Issue Business Directory......................69 Church News..............................38 Classifieds...............................68 Club Announcements.................30 Events.......................................25 Food & Dining.............................62 Home Improvement....................36 Letters to the Editor.......................4 Library......................................

Blanding.......................45 Seekonk......................40

Obituaries................................58 People.................................27 Rehoboth COA...........................49 Rehoboth Ramblings.................39 Rehoboth Town News................5

by Laura Calverley

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!

DRRSD Back-to-School Transition

Dear Dighton-Rehoboth Families, Throughout the summer, the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District has been preparing for the 2020-2021 school year. Certainly, the upcoming school year will look very different. The COVID-19 virus has changed many aspects of our educational system.

What has not changed is a commitment to provide an education to our students prioritizing health and safety for our students and staff.

The DRRSD Back-to-School Transition Plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the start of the 2020-2021 school year. This document includes a plan for the delivery of instruction, health and safety protocols and requirements, strategies to support students, and professional learning for staff. In summary, the plan describes an initial remote learning model to begin the school year with a phased plan to transition to hybrid learning beginning in October.

Please note, to help prepare staff for all learning models, the commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has identified the first 10 days of the school year as professional development/training days for staff. Therefore, the first day of remote learning for students is September 18, 2020.

I would like to thank the Phase 4 Planning Committee comprised of teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, community members, and school committee members for their diligence and commitment to following guidance from DESE when developing this plan and for putting the students of Dighton-Rehoboth Regional Schools first.

See drregional.org for the full DRRSD Back-to-School Transition Plan. The mission of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District, in partnership with parents and the community, is to provide students with the tools, including technology, to acquire knowledge, apply skills, critically analyze information and issues, and develop social responsibility.

In closing, thank you for your patience, for responding to our surveys, for your emails, and for providing feedback that helped guide this document. We learned from your experiences during the emergency school closure, and your input has helped to inform this plan.

Thank you for your continued support, Dr. Anthony Azar

Remote Learning is Simply Not Good Enough

So many of us parents have become increasingly disappointed with our current School Committee and Superintendent. Having attended the last several School Committee meetings, it seems clear that they do not consider the welfare of our District’s children a priority.

Nor do they value parent, resident or even expert input. Governor Baker has consistently stated that the numbers and the science overwhelmingly favor a return to in-person schooling. I fail to see why our District leadership will not take direction from these experts. This is a very polarizing issue, and parents should be afforded the opportunity to make the right choice for their families, whether that is full-remote or in-person learning. Each should be made available to our student population at the very start of the school year. Anything less is will further damage our children and cause them to continue to fall behind.

Respectfully, Keri Cote - Rehoboth

Restaurant Guide.......................65 School News...............................54 Seekonk Human Services..........48 Seekonk Town News...................16 State House................................66

Please Note:

• Letters to the Editor MUST be signed and contain a phone number!

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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!

Email: news@rehobothreporter.com

September 2020 The Reporter

Rehoboth Town News

The Rehoboth/Seekonk

Reporter P.O. Box 377 Rehoboth, MA 02769

© 2018 Target Marketing Group, Inc.

From the Town Clerk

Rehoboth Town Clerk September 2020 Article Hello All – Another month has– quickly by,has andquickly I hope flown you have beenI hope enjoying Hello All Anotherflown month by, and youyour have summer. As the summer draws to a close, hope you had been enjoying yourI summer.

As an theenjoyable summerLabor drawsDay to aweekend! close, I hope you had an enjoyable Labor Day weekend!

September1, 1, 2020 2020 –– State September StatePrimary Primary Election Election Oh my goodness . . . what an awesome turnout ~ thank you ALL Oh my goodness !!! . . .The whatMassachusetts an awesome turnout ~ thankprovided you ALL three !!! The Massachusetts Lawmakers options for voters Lawmakers provided three options forinvoters to participate this Statethis Primary year:at to participate this State PrimaryinElection year:Election Vote in this Person Laura Schwall Vote in Person at the Polls, Vote Early in Person or Vote or

by Vote Mail. by AsMail. a result, 2,615 the Polls, Vote Early in Person AsRehoboth a result,had Rehoboth (27%) of the voters come to have their of voice is quite yearsheard! ago hadout 2,615 (27%) theheard! votersThat come out different to havefrom theirfour voice when the September Primary, prior to the 2016 Presidential Election, had a total of 253 (3%) total That is quite different from four years ago when the September Primary, prior to the 2016 voters participating in the Primary highlights in from 9-1-2020 Presidential Election, hadState a total of 253 Election.

(3%) total Below voters are participating the the State Primary Unofficial Election. Results: Below are highlights from the 9-1-2020 Unofficial Results:

9-1-2020 STATE PRIMARY ELECTION HIGHLIGHTS DEMOCRATIC PARTY BALLOT SENATOR IN CONGRESS (Vote 1) BLANKS EDWARD J. MARKEY JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, III WRITE-INS TOTAL REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS (Vote1) BLANKS JAKE AUCHINCLOSS DAVID FRANKLIN CAVELL BECKY GROSSMAN ALAN A. KHAZEI IHSSANE LECKEY NATALIA LINOS JESSE R. MERMELL BENJAMIN R. SIGEL CHRISTOPHER Z. ZANNETOS WRITE-INS TOTAL SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT BLANKS PAUL R. FEENEY WRITE-INS TOTAL REPUBLICAN PARTY BALLOT Town Clerk – September 2020 Article 1 Rehoboth SENATOR IN CONGRESS (Vote 1) BLANKS SHIVA AYYADURAI KEVIN J. O'CONNOR WRITE-INS TOTAL REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS BLANKS JULIE A. HALL

5

UNOFFICIAL TOTALS - ALL THREE PRECINCTS 1 721 1,051 1 1,774

We welcome all ideas, photos, articles, news releases and notices that affect these areas.

We reserve the right to refuse any submission, including classified/display advertising.

All News Items must be submitted by the 25th of the month

It MUST INCLUDE the name and phone number of the sender.

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88 327 33 308 112 285 292 260 16 49 4 1,774 392 1,378 4 1,774 15 337 478 0 830 Continued on next page...

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Target Marketing Group, Inc. Dick Georgia - Executive Editor

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

PHONE 508-252-6575 Fax 252-6320 news@rehobothreporter.com Visit Our Website at... www.ReporterToday.com

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.

KEVIN J. O'CONNOR WRITE-INS TOTAL

6 The Reporter September 2020

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REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS BLANKS JULIE A. HALL DAVID ROSA WRITE-INS TOTAL

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REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT BLANKS STEVEN S. HOWITT WRITE-INS TOTAL

79 749 2 830

C.O.D. OIL

Asyou you know, thisourwas firstsince election, since 2004, we River As all all know, this was first our election, 2004, that we voted backthat at Palmer Elementary School.

This required of thought andSchool. planning to This safely required social distance our voters voted back at Palmer Rivera lot Elementary a lot and election workers during the 9-1-2020 Election. As a result, there are several people I really of thought and planning to safely social distance our voters and need to thank for their help, guidance and expertise. First – Arlene Miguel, Principal Palmer River election during theHead 9-1-2020 a result, are us to Elementaryworkers School, Joe Cordeiro, CustodianElection. and his staffAs Mary and Josethere for allowing utilize thepeople Palmer River Elementary 9-1-2020 State Primary. Using several I really needGymnasium to thankfor forthetheir help, guidance andPalmer River for our First election was the only way wePrincipal could socially distance votersElementary and election workers expertise. – Arlene Miguel, Palmer River safely during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Second, the Town Clerk Staff – Odete Lacourse, Lynn School, Joe Cordeiro, Head Custodian and his staff Mary and Jose and Logan Shaker have truly gone above and beyond helping process the over 2,500 early vote for allowing usearly to utilize Palmerballot River Elementary mail-in, in-person voting the and absentee requests.

I cannot Gymnasium personally thank them enough they have been awesome throughout the Palmer entire election process.

A huge thank you to for the –9-1-2020 State Primary.

Using River for our election my husband Gerry, for securing all the PPE and Social Distancing materials we needed to pull this was the only way we could socially distance voters and election election off successfully; loading, moving, setting up and taking down all the election equipment, workers safely during and thefloor COVID-19 Pandemic. social distancing delineators markings for this election. Second, Gerry spent the days Town setting up and taking down polling location at Palmer Riverand – I cannot thank him enough!

Clerk Staffthe – Odete Lacourse, Lynn Logan Shaker haveGerry trulyalso had assistance from Jenn Derek Rousseau, Bill process Pray, Frank the Gouveia and 2,500 Caden Brown gone above andandbeyond helping over earlyand my election workers ~ thank you all so so much! vote mail-in, in-person early voting and absentee ballot requests.

I cannot personally thank them theytohave been awesome For those of you who don’t know, we enough had to rent a–truck move the election equipment from Town Hall and the the COA to set up in the process.

Palmer River A Gymnasium.

A heartfelt thanks throughout entire election huge thank you to myto Gary Mello of the Mello Group – Seekonk Office for donating the truck: http://www.rentalbff.com/ husband Gerry, for securing all the PPE and Social Distancing (https://web.facebook.com/rentalbff or https://www.facebook.com/rentalbff/ ). Oh my goodness materials wethe needed pullPostmaster this election off successfully; loading, – I cannot thank Rehobothto Staff, Derek Melanson and his amazing staff for the way they expeditiously handled all ourtaking ballot mail.

You are and the Rehoboth voters and moving, setting up and down alltruly theamazing election equipment, the Clerk’s Office thankdelineators you all for all you do floor for so many.

Thank,for youthis Rehoboth Highway, for social distancing and markings election.

Gerry spent days setting up and taking 2 Rehoboth Town Clerk – September 2020 Article down the polling location at Palmer River – I cannot thank him enough! Gerry also had assistance from Jenn and Derek Rousseau, Bill Pray, Frank Gouveia and Caden Brown and my election workers ~ thank you all so so much!

For those of you who don’t know, we had to rent a truck to move the election equipment from Town Hall and the COA to set up in the Palmer River Gymnasium. A heartfelt thanks to Gary Mello of the Mello Group – Seekonk Office for donating the truck: http://www.rentalbff.com/ (https://web. facebook.com/rentalbff or https://www.facebook.com/rentalbff/ ). Oh my goodness – I cannot thank the Rehoboth Staff, Postmaster Derek Melanson and his amazing staff for the way they expeditiously handled all our ballot mail. You are truly amazing and the Rehoboth voters and the Clerk’s Office thank you all for all you do for so many. Thank, you Rehoboth Highway, for your help with signage at Palmer River. Thank you to Sara

and Billy, from VINOS, for our delicious election meals – you gave us energy to endure a very long day. Finally, last but not least, I thank all my amazing election workers for your help before, during and after the election. It takes so many people to pull off a successful election – especially at a location where the election equipment is not stored.

I thank you all – because of your efforts, Seekonk, MA we were able to be successful in our goal

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to keep everyone healthy and safe while allowing voters to vote either In-Person at early voting sessions at Town Hall, In-Person on Election Day at Palmer River or voting by mail ~ you all are truly amazing and appreciated for all you do ~ thank you!

Reminders for November 3, 2020 Election

Weekends – also Town Offices – 148 Peck Street – Rear Entrance –

Day Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Date 10/17 10/18 10/19 10/20 10/21 10/22 10/23 10/24 10/25 10/26 10/27 10/28 10/29 10/30

Times 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location Town Hall * Town Hall * Town Hall * Town Hall * Town Hall * Town Hall * Town Hall * Town Hall * Town Hall * Town Hall * Town Hall * Town Hall * Town Hall * Town Hall *

For those voters who requested only November 3, 2020 mail in ballots, as you know, we needed to hold and certify the September 1, 2020 State Primary before the State is able to print the 11-3-2020 ballots. Since the Representative in Congress in the Fourth District race, Democratic Ballot, is so close, there may be a delay in printing the ballots due to a possible Recount. Therefore, originally the State anticipated our receiving the 11-3-2020 ballots in Rehoboth during *Please note that the number of voters allowed in Town Hall/polling location will b *Please note that the number of voters allowed in Town Hall/ the first week of October, but if we have a recount, that timeline will polling location will be limited due to social distancing protocols. be delayed. I will keep you posted on the Town Website when we Entry to Town Hall will be from the rear of the building, handicapped receive the ballots.

Rehoboth Town Clerk – September 2020 Article Last Day to Register to Vote for the upcoming 11-3-2020 Presi- 3 entrance. dential & State Election is, Saturday, October 24, 2020. In-Person Don’t forget you can also vote by mail: registration at Town Hall, 148 Peck Street, will take place from 2-4 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. on Saturday, 10-24-2020. You may also register to vote online at www.RegisterToVoteMA.com Vote by Mail For those of you who would like to early vote in person. Here For those of you who already filed a postcard application for a is the schedule for October: mail-in ballot, you may check the status of your request on the State Elections website at Track Your Ballot below. If your record states “Pending” that means we have received your application, but are Presidential Election Early Voting in Person waiting for the State to print and ship the ballots to us. Once we Period: October 17th - 30th receive the ballots, we will mail out your ballots and have the data Location: Weekdays - Town Offices– 148 Peck Street – Selectupdated on Track Your Ballot updated. If you did not request a men’s Meeting Room* mail-in ballot, and would like to, please download an application @ Weekends – also Town Offices – 148 Peck Street – Rear Enhttps://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/2020-Vote-by-Mailtrance – Meeting Room* Application.pdf. continued on page 10...

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10 The Reporter September 2020 Please complete the application, sign with a handwritten, not typed signature and either scan and e-mail to us at TownClerk@ RehobothMA.gov, drop off in the drop box outside of Town Hall, 148 Peck Street, or mail to the Town Clerk’s Office, 148 Peck Street.

VERY IMPORTANT - APPLY EARLY - to allow ample time for processing your application and for the postal services to deliver your ballot to you. For your information, any voter that has returned a vote by mail ballot (or voted early in person) cannot vote on Election Day. Best way to return your ballot is to place it in the Drop Box outside of Town Offices (148 Peck Street).

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Voters who have applied for a vote by mail ballot may use this link: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/wheredoivotema//track/trackmyballot.aspx to track the status of their application as well as their ballot status (mailed / received back in our office). Please note that we anticipate a large volume of applications (there are over 9,500 voters in Rehoboth) and request you allow at least a week or so before checking the status of your application and allow a minimum of 7 business days to receive your ballot from the status date of mailing.

The Rehoboth Post Office has been very good about expediting ballots mailed at the Rehoboth Post Office; however, if you do not mail your ballot from Rehoboth, it can take 7 or more days for us to receive your mailed ballot from outside of Rehoboth. Please DO NOT contact the Clerk’s Office to check on your status until the recommended amount of time listed above has passed. Inquiries should be sent via e-mail to TownClerk@RehobothMA.gov or call 508-252-6502.

Return of Vote by Mail Ballots

Mailed Ballots include a postage pre-paid return ballot envelope that is addressed to the Town Clerk’s Office. You may return your ballot by mail (please see deadlines below) or hand deliver your ballot by placing it in the drop box outside of the Town Offices (deadline is close of polls on Election Day). Ballots CANNOT be returned to the polling location on Election Day - they must be returned to the Town Clerk’s Office for processing.

More information on the November 3, 2020 Election to come in my October Reporter Article.

Finally, Lynn, Odete and I wish you all a safe and healthy end to your summer vacations. Please have a most enjoyable September.

Thank You ~ Laura

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Rehoboth Land Trust News The Sounds of Summer’s End

Rehoboth Animal Shelter News

In early spring the frogs own the air waves. In late spring and Cats and kittens have been comearly summer, bird songs fill our neighborhoods. However, come ing and going at the Rehoboth Animal August, when birds are quietly feeding their young and fattening Shelter. One really sweet young adult up for fall migration, the deafening choruses of cicadas, katydids, cat is Mocha. She is a petite black crickets, and other insects cannot be missed. Many of their songs female with an impressively loud purr, can be heard until frost. All these six-legged creatures play a crucial very fond of attention. part in the food web of life. The cicadas are an exciting find for chilFor more information about Modren who might spot these clear-winged, plump insects on a tree cha or other adoptable pets at the trunk. It is the males who sing during the day to attract females.

Rehoboth Shelter, check Petfinder.

Bright green common katydids sing their name loudly at night often com or call the shelter at 508-252in one section of the woods, high in the tops of deciduous trees.

5421 ext. 126 and leave a message.

Grasshoppers sing during the day although for some of us older You can also contact us to report a folks, their voices might be too high a frequency to hear. The trails lost or found pet.

Mocha through fields and woods of the Rehoboth Land Trust properties are great places to see and hear many kinds of fascinating insects. But, not all of our insects are noisy! You might spot the bright orange monarch butterfly that will soon make its incredible migration to the mountains of Mexico. Look for butterflies around milkweed DR. FRANK CASARELLA & DR. LURI LEE plants and late season flowers. Watch for colorful dragonflies hovering in the fields and wetland borders guarding territories and feasting on mosquitos. The Rehoboth Land Trust provides excellent habitat for our native insects. You too can provide healthy homes for them by planting native plants that bloom throughout the growing season and by avoiding the use of chemicals. Every small patch of native flowers and open space can provide important feeding and stopover habitat. In stressful times, family and friends will enjoy the calm beauty nature offers us.

Free Outdoor Program Katy-Did or Katy-Didn’t?! Would you like to begin to separate which insects produce which song in the fall evenings? On Saturday, September 12, from 7 pm to 9 pm, join Carol Entin, insect lover since age 6, for a field night of listening at the Ephraim Hunt Ministerial Land property. We will use the “Songs of Insects” website as a learning OUR NAME HAS CHANGED – BUT IT’S STILL US! tool. Group size will be limited to 6 for safety DR. FRANK CASARELLA, DMD IS NOW SEEKONK DENTAL reasons, and you must register in advance.

Wear a mask, pants, sturdy shoes and bring a headlamp or flashlight. If you have a cell phone or tablet to connect to the website, bring that along, too. Contact Carol Entin at 508-415-6065 or carolentin@comcast.net for more information and to sign up. This is a free program sponsored by the Rehoboth Land Trust.

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12

The Reporter September 2020

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September 2020 The Reporter

Rehoboth Town Meeting Postponed Indefinitely

By Joe Siegel Rehoboth’s Annual Spring Town Meeting has been postponed indefinitely. In a discussion with Town Moderator William Cute, Finance Committee Chairman Michael Deignan, and Town Clerk Laura Schwall, the Board of Selectmen said the meeting will not be held until there is a vaccine for the deadly coronavirus.

The meeting, which had been slated for May, was delayed when it became clear the state budget would not be determined before June 30. The new fiscal year began on July 1. “There’s no advantage to having a town meeting until something changes,” selectman Jim Muri said.

One of the items to have been voted on is a proposal to dissolve the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Agreement. Selectmen estimated the interest in that warrant article would draw well over 1000 residents to the meeting. The threat of COVID-19 requires social distancing and there is no venue able to safely accommodate that number of people. “I wish there was a way to remove that article,” said selectman Michael Costello, noting it wasn’t the right time to be debating the issue of de-regionalization when there were more pressing problems to deal with.

Cute called the idea of an indoor meeting “ludicrous” because of a lack of seating in the auditorium at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School and said the school’s athletic field would have to be used instead. However, attendees would still have to be spread far apart outdoors. “Logistically it’s going to be a nightmare,” Cute noted. Cute explained senior citizens would be putting themselves at risk of catching Covid-19. “I don’t want to put one citizen in this town in jeopardy,” Cute added. “I don’t want that on my conscience.”

Deignan warned the board they would be putting the town in “financial jeopardy” by holding the meeting due to the continued uncertainty surrounding the state budget.

Selectman Gerry Schwall explained Massachusetts was dealing with a potential $6 Billion shortfall as a result of the economy being shutdown in the spring due to the spread of Covid-19. Schwall said state legislators are counting on acquiring $3 Billion from the federal government to plug the fiscal hole. $2 million would be appropriated from the state “rainy day” fund and the remaining $1 million would be cuts in aid to cities and towns. However, that plan is subject to change.

Deignan noted the state has a 17 percent unemployment rate and the revenue from the town’s motor vehicle excise tax was short $60,000. He told selectmen to enact spending controls over town department budgets. Schwall warned those budgets may have to be reevaluated in the near future.

Another reason why selectmen believe a town meeting is not needed is because they have been approving spending on a monthly basis. The board approved $2.6 million for the month of September at their weekly meeting.

Good News for Dighton-Rehoboth Schools

By Joe Siegel The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District has restored 13 positions for the 2020-2021 school year which will begin on September 18. Superintendent Anthony Azar said the district’s Chapter 70 funds were being level funded from Fiscal Year 2020. Azar noted there is a reduction in Chapter 70 funds of approximately $84,000.

“There were some positions that were reduced and not restored,” Azar said Friday. “Those totaled approximately six positions.” At the August 18 meeting, a part-time chorus teacher position at Dighton Middle School was also restored. The district opted to go with remote learning before transitioning to a hybrid model in October. Last June, the school committee voted to cut $1 million from their 2021 budget. continued on next page...

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The Reporter September 2020

Chairman Tom O’ Connor explained the committee had been advised by DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) to expect a drop in Chapter 70 funding estimated from 5 percent to as much as 20 percent.

The 19 positions eliminated included two foreign language teachers, one kindergarten teacher, five librarians, a district nurse, two general education teachers at Beckwith Middle School, two reading specialists, and one pre-kindergarten teacher from Palmer River Elementary School.

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Fall sports programs for Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School will go ahead, but with precautions in place to keep athletes and coaches safe from coronavirus.

The school committee voted to reinstate sports for the high school only as the district begins the school year with remote learning.

“Our school trainer, on site nurses, and our consistent contact with our local Boards of Health of both Dighton and Rehoboth will be overseeing our student athletes, coaches and any concerning medical updates,” explained Doug Kelley, the high school’s Athletic Director.

“We are comfortable that the positive Covid -19 numbers have stayed extremely low in our two towns,” Kelley said, noting the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) guidelines will be followed. “We have every confidence in our athletic department, led

by Doug, and working with our nurses, and our local board of health personnel, to create a safe environment for our athletes,” said Superintendent Anthony Azar. Kelley said his staff has to wait for all the schools in the Southcoast conference to be on board before any season can start. Those schools include Bourne, Fairhaven, Seekonk, Somerset-Berkley, and Wareham.

The seasons will be condensed, with a limited amount of spectators allowed.

Kelley notes there will also be no MIAA tournaments, or Southcoast conference championships.

The schedule is as follows: September 18 through November 20 – Boys and Girls Soccer, Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Field Hockey, and Golf.

November 30 through February 21 – Girls Volleyball, Boys and Girls Basketball, Hockey, Wrestling, Boys and Girls Track and Field, and Winter Cheer.

The “floating” season, designated for football, Fall Cheer, Marching Band, and Unified Basketball, will run from February 22 through April 25.

Baseball/softball, Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Boys and Girls Tennis, Boys volleyball, and Boys and Girls Outdoor Track and Field will run from April 26 through July 3, 2021.

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September 2020 The Reporter

Palmer River Named Town’s New Polling Place

By Joe Siegel The Rehoboth Board of Selectmen voted Monday to make Palmer River Elementary School the town’s only polling location for the September 1 primary and the November 3 general election.

Town Clerk Laura Schwall noted the town’s three polling locations – Town Hall, the Council on Aging, and the South Fire Station, are not able to allow for social distancing. “It’s going to be tight to get all three precincts in there,” Schwall said of Palmer River.

Voters will have to enter and exit the school through separate doors. The parking lot and check-in table will require residents to maintain six feet of distance at all times.

Schwall said 2000 mail-in ballots have already been received ahead of the September primary. The town has 8000 registered voters. “I think most of the (residents) are going to vote by mail,” Schwall said. “We still have to be prepared.”

Selectmen Say Redway Plain Events Can Continue

By Joe Siegel The Rehoboth Board of Selectmen said events at Redway Plain can continue because residents have done an effective job social distancing. The town’s Park Commission had organized a series of concerts at the Veterans Memorial last month.

“We are willing to listen to proposals that fit within the Governor’s standards, which will be reviewed and enforced by our Board of Health,” Selectmen Chairman Skip Vadnais said Monday, noting the town was adhering to state’s Park and Open Space guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Those guidelines are as follows: Visitors must practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet away from others and adhering to all site-specific rules, regulations, and posted signage regarding permitted uses. Face coverings are required for visitors of parks and open spaces in accordance with COVID-19 Order 31: Order Requiring Face Coverings in Public Places Where Social Distancing is Not Possible, to prevent against the transmission of Covid-19.

Permits may be issued for group events and gatherings provided that the activities are consistent with the gatherings order, all relevant sector or activity-specific guidance (including the Indoor and Outdoor Events guidance), and social distancing requirements.

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The Reporter September 2020

The Seekonk Scene From the Clerk

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August was a busy month and it looks like September and October show no signs of slowing down. Nearly 4.5 million registered voters across Massachusetts received a vote-by-mail ballot application. This was sent out by the Secretary of State William Galvin’s office. This allowed registered voters to request ballots for the September 1st primary and the November 3rd general election. Early voting has been offered for other Florice Craig elections but never on such a grand scale.

Seekonk received over 2,300 applications for a state primary ballot and over 3,000 for the November election. This unprecedented process involved a lot of data entry, collating ballot materials, printing mailing labels and stuffing thousands of envelopes with the appropriate ballots. Once people received, fill out and return their ballot the work is still not done. We have to input received ballot information into the state computer. This has been a very busy time as there are many new procedures creating new variables. We have been vigilant with our attention to detail, in order to maintain the integrity of a fair election.

We also offered one week of early voting Facebook! at the Town Hall before the state primary. I’d like to thank all the poll workers, registrars, the Seekonk post office and others who helped get the thousands of ballots out to the citizens of Seekonk in a timely manner.

Vote-by-mail is a new and challenging process but once we got a handle on it, it went smoothly. We now know what to expect for the November election.

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There will be a second round of postcard vote-by-mail applications sent by the state in the beginning of September. They will be sent to all registered voters who have NOT already applied to receive a ballot and sent to people who registered to vote after August 22, 2020. To ensure timely delivery of your ballot, it is recommended that you request a November ballot no later than October 20. Applications received after October 28 cannot be accepted. Apply early in order to have enough time to return your ballot.

If you have already sent in your postcard to receive a ballot and checked off wanting a ballot for both elections, or for November only, your request has been inputted and you will get a November 3, 2020 ballot in the mail. Do not request another one by mail. Please note ballots for the November 3rd election will not be printed by the State until the September 1, 2020 Primary has concluded and the election certified. State Elections have said that we should expect to receive the printed Presidential/State Election ballots, for those who have requested mail-in or absentee ballots by the first week of October. Once we receive these ballots, we will send them out to all voters who requested mail-in ballots or absentee ballots.

September 2020 The Reporter

17

To return your vote-by-mail ballot you can either mail it Safety Protocols for the November Election back, place it in the drop-box in front of Town Hall, or hand deIn the interests of providing a safe environment for people at liver it to the Town Clerk’s office. The deadlines to do this are: our Elections and in concert with the overriding effort to protect Drop-box - 8pm November 3. Mail- postmarked by November 3 and the public and the town employees during the COVID pandemic, received by the Town Clerk by 5PM November 6, 2020. the following protocols and procedures will be implemented.

If you are not a registered voter and would like to register please These plans and operating procedures have been approved by go to www.sec.state.ma.us website youinneed deadline to register for the November this election is Octoberhas 24. everything You can also come to the Town the Seekonk Health Agent. All the usual standards and accomto know about voting in the State of Massachusetts. The deadline modations of our Elections will continue, other than where noted.

Clerk’s office and register to vote in person. to register for the November election is October 24. You can also The Town Clerk’s office primary goal is to assure both safety and come in be tointhe Town Clerk’s office register vote in person.

There will person voting on election day. and All precincts voteto at the Seekonk High School - legitimacy of our Town Election. willPolls be open in person election day. All precincts • A record of attendees/voters will be maintained through the 261 There Arcade Ave. at 7:00AMvoting and closeon at 8:00PM. vote at the Seekonk High School - 261 Arcade Ave. Polls open at voter check- in list should there be a need for contact tracing.

7:00AM and close at 8:00PM. • All staff and volunteers associated with the election will participate in There will also be two weeks of early voting held at the Town Hall – 100 Peck St. Board of There will also be two weeks of early voting held at the Town self-screening/self –certifying process. selectman’s meeting room. See the schedule below.

Hall – 100 Peck St. Board of selectman’s meeting room. See the continued on next page... schedule below.

Presidential Election Early Voting Schedule Early

Presidential Election Early Voting Schedule

Day Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Date October 17 October 18 October 19 October 20 October 21 October 22 October 23 October 24 October 25 October 26 October 27 October 28 October 29 October 30

Time 10:00AM -2:00PM 10:00AM -2:00PM 8:30AM-4:30PM 8:30AM-4:30PM 8:30AM-7:00PM 8:30AM-4:30PM 8:30AM-12:00PM 10:00AM-2:00PM 10:00AM-2:00PM 8:30AM-4:30PM 8:30AM-4:30PM 8:30AM-7:00PM 8:30AM-4:30PM 8:30AM-12:00PM

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Safety Protocols for the November Election In the interests of providing a safe environment for people at our Elections and in concert with the overriding effort to protect the public and the town employees during the COVID pandemic, the following protocols and procedures will be implemented. These plans and operating procedures have been approved by the Seekonk Health Agent. All the usual standards and accommodations of our Elections will continue, other than where noted. The Town Clerk’s office primary goal is to assure both safety and legitimacy of our Town Election.

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The Reporter September 2020

• All residents/voters and staff must wear face coverings or masks in accordance with COVID-19 Order No. 31 and the Department of Public Health’s Guidance while inside and while entering and exiting the location. Exceptions for people that are unable to wear a face covering or mask due to a medical or disabling condition.

• Voting & Social Distancing: Voters must keep a space between them of 6 feet. The floor will be marked with blue tape to allow for sufficient distance between people.

• Poll workers will be 6 feet away from voter when checking people in and out. The poll workers will have gloves on when handing the ballot to a person.

• Voters will receive a new pen to use when voting and will be asked to return it to a basket where it will be sanitized, if it needs to be used again.

• Voting booths will be regularly sanitized throughout the day.

• Voting hours are from 7am – 8pm giving people plenty of time to come to the polls throughout the day hopefully avoid long lines waiting to check-in to vote.

• There will be hand sanitizing stations and a bathroom with running water and soap for handwashing.

• No social gathering will be allowed in any of the common area • Thank you for voting - please stay healthy and safe!

I realize there is a lot of information to absorb concerning all the different ways to vote along with different deadlines so please do not hesitate to call the Town Clerk’s office if you have any questions.

One might think all we do is elections these days but we are also very busy with all our other daily tasks. We have been particularly busy with marriage certificates this year because some of the surrounding towns and cities have opted not to provide this service. We have been happy to help prospective couples fill out the paper work and even marry quite a few here at Town Hall. If you need information on how to go about getting married please go to the Town Clerk’s page on the Town’s web-site www. seekonk-ma.gov Town meeting date has been set for November 9, 2020. It will be held at the High School auditorium starting at 7PM. The Flu vaccine is now available. For more information please contact the Board of Health at 508-336-2950.

Have a wonderful September stay well and remember the Town Clerk’s office welcomes inquiries from all residents seeking assistance, or information in relation to services provided by the Town of Seekonk.

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September 2020 The Reporter

Seekonk Firefighters to Receive Federal Grant

Seekonk, MA Receives $7,381 to Assist Fire Department in Latest Round of Grants The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today $3.1 million in direct assistance grants to 37 fire departments nationwide through the agency’s FY2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant COVID-19 Supplemental program (AFG-S).

Seekonk, MA – Seekonk Fire Department - $7,381 The Fiscal Year 2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program – COVID-19 Supplemental (AFG-S) is a supplemental funding opportunity under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).

AFG is one of three FEMA grant programs that focus on enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. The AFG-S Program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance directly to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations, and State Fire Training Academies for critical Personal Protective Equipment and supplies needed to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The AFG-S Program represents part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by the Department of Homeland Security.

FEMA obligates funding for this project directly to the recipient agencies. It is the recipient agency’s responsibility to manage their grant award within federal guidelines with technical assistance and monitoring provided by FEMA Fire Program Specialists.

Additional information about FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters grant program(s) may be found at https://www.fema.gov/firegrants.

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20

The Reporter September 2020

Seekonk Recycling Committee Co-Sponsors Shredding Event October 3rd

The Seekonk Recycling Committee has teamed up with the Public Library to co-sponsor a paper shredding event, which will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2020, from 9am- 12 noon, in the parking lot of the Library. The event is for Seekonk residents with valid library cards and registration will be required to comply with current social distancing requirements. Please see the Library section of this Reporter for additional details.

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On August 18th, Jonathan Sun, the Taiwanese Director General of the New England Economic and Cultural Office as well as a representative of the Taiwanese Brookline Chamber of Commerce donated 10,000 disposable masks to be evenly meted out among the four towns of the 4th Bristol District.

On hand were colleagues: Reps. Pat Haddad, Jay Barrows, Donald Wong, Senator Paul Feeney, Seekonk BOS Chairman Justin Sullivan and Human Resource Directors for the towns of the 4th Bristol District, Norton, Rehoboth, Seekonk and Swansea.

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September 2020 The Reporter

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The Reporter September 2020

Saving Yaghjian Farm Seekonk Land Conservation Trust The history of the Yaghjian Farm dates back to 1901 when Andras Yaghjian, concerned by the political unrest that eventually led to the Armenian Genocide in 1915, emigrated with about 40,000 of his countrymen from Turkey to Providence, R.I. His grandson, Arthur, recalls that he worked as a gold refiner for the Waite-Thresher Company in Providence. Andras married and had 10 children -- 5 girls and 5 boys. Feeding such a large family was a challenge, and this challenge led him to purchase a 4-acre farm at 1655 Fall River Avenue in Seekonk. With the help of his 10 children, he grew mainly small vegetables (radishes, beets, lettuce, squash, tomatoes etc.) and sold them at his Wayside Gardens farmstand on Fall River Avenue. Of the 10 children, only 2 sons retained their interest in farming: Anthony, who continued to farm the family homestead and Nubar, Arthur’s father.

After Nubar married Lilly, a Swedish woman who lived 2 houses away, he became a skilled carpenter. In 1949, at the age of 38, Nubar was offered 30 acres of land on South Wheaton Avenue across from his father’s farm on Fall River Avenue. He bought the property and proceeded with his own hands to build a house and barn for his family. The family would successively occupy more rooms as Nubar completed them. Eventually, there were 4 children -- 2 boys (Arthur and Ronald) and then 2 girls (Marilyn and Linda).

Nubar continued to work as a carpenter during the day, but after work would return home to farm 12 of the 30 acres with his brother Anthony. To make this possible, the 4 children and their mother joined with their father to plant and bring in the crops in the evenings, after school, and during the summers. Reflecting on those days, Arthur writes “We children worked from a very young age on the farm because much of the planting, weeding, hoeing, fertilizing, and harvesting was done by hand. We seldom complained because it was the natural thing to do seeing how hard my mother and father worked every day”. As the kids grew up and left the roost, they would return to help their parents on the weekends. Eventually, a farmer from outside rented and farmed the land after Nubar died in 1996, and Lilly became too old to live alone on the farm.

Around 2007, Arthur, the eldest child, approached the Seekonk Land Conservation Trust about finding ways to protect the farm from development. Arthur and his siblings loved the farm and wanted it to survive as a testimonial to their parent’s vision and hard work.

Such was Arthur’s love for farming and the house and farm at Wheaton Avenue that he considered moving from Concord, MA, but in the end he decided it was not practical. Arthur’s life had taken a completely different direction from farming. He is now a research electromagnetic physicist.

In 2007 the land trust did not have the resources to help the family, but in 2010, with the adoption of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) by Seekonk, it became possible for the family to apply to the APR program, knowing the town could now contribute financially towards its protection. The APR Program (Agricultural Preservation Restriction) is a Massachusetts program that buys the development rights of farmland so that the land can be farmed perpetually. In 2012, the program was paying $10,000 per acre for farmland preservation with the expectation that any additional costs would be covered by the town.

Historically, the town selectpersons have never bought property to protect open space or farmland. Therefore, it had not been possible to use the APR program prior to the 2009 passage of the CPA in Seekonk which earmarks money for open space, recreation, historic preservation and affordable housing. The appraised value of the development rights for the 30 acres (not including the house and barn) was $480,000. The APR program paid $300,000 and town CPA funds paid $180,000. The deed on this 30 acres requires ongoing agricultural use of the land (monitored by the APR Program) and prohibits any future development of the land.

Currently, the house and barn built by Nubar back in the 1950’s are owned by a Yaghjian cousin and the restricted 30 acres of farmland is owned by a neighbor who continues to grow corn and some other vegetables.

The Yaghjian Farm was protected in 2013. Since then, with the Seekonk Land Conservation Trust’s guidance, two more farms totaling 100 acres have been protected using the State of Massachusetts’s APR Program as well as the financial support of the town through the CPA Program.

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September 2020 The Reporter

Seekonk Appoints New Fire Chief

By Joe Siegel David Rave will serve as the town’s new Fire Chief beginning on August 31. Rave was appointed at the August 5 Board of Selectmen meeting. Rave is a Battalion Chief from East Providence with 35 years experience. There were 29 applicants for the position.

“He is an exceptional candidate for us,” noted Chairman Justin Sullivan, who was a member of the search committee. Former Fire Chief Michael Healy retired in May 2019 but has remained in the position during the search process for a replacement.

“I consider it a great privilege,” Rave said.

Seekonk Mourns Former Selectman

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By Joe Siegel The town is mourning the loss of former selectman Dave Parker, who died August 11.

Parker, 75, served three terms on the Board of Selectmen. He also served as Town Moderator for 12 years and was one of the founders of the Save A Pet Society.

Parker was a graduate of Presque Isle High School and Husson College, both in Maine.

LUNDCO PAINTING He was the owner & operator of the former Oscars Hardware in Seekonk for many years.

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508-761-6556 Parker was also a member of the town’s original charter commission and served as chair of the Personnel Board for three years. Parker had “a lot of wisdom,” said Selectwww.LundcoPainting.com man David Andrade. “Overall, it was a great experience working with him. I think he will be remembered for all the hard work that he put in for the benefit of the town.”

“Dave Parker was dedicated to making Seekonk a better place to live and raise a family,” said former selectwoman Michelle Hines.

“It was nice to have a Board member who was able to tell us how things were started and the reason behind decisions. You could depend on Dave when he told you something and he would help anyone.”

Former Selectman Nelson Almeida said Parker was “a big advocate for the Town of Seekonk.” “He was a wealth of knowledge Pumpkins & Scarecrows * Witches & Ghosts and will be truly missed always,” Almeida added.

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By Joe Siegel Town officials are planning a memorial to honor past members of the Board of Selectmen. The discussion was held following the news that former selectman Dave Parker had passed away.

Selectman David Andrade proposed using the land between Town Hall and the new animal shelter for the memorial, which would feature the names of all the former members of the board.

“I think it’s an excellent idea,” said selectman David Viera, lamenting the fact that once selectmen leave the board, they are often forgotten by residents despite their contributions to the town.

Selectmen will have another discussion on the memorial at their Wednesday meeting.

Seekonk School Officials Will Monitor Covid-19 Data

By Joe Siegel The Seekonk School Department plans to monitor the number of Covid-19 cases being reported on a weekly basis and will use that data to determine whether or not the schools can return to full classroom instruction, Superintendent Rich Drolet explained Monday.

Schools will open on September 15 with a hybrid learning model. The 75 page Comprehensive Return to School Plan is on the school department’s website: http://www.seekonk.k12.ma.us/ Continued next page...

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The Reporter September 2020

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), along with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, has provided school districts with a rolling 14-day metric to assist in setting transitions between learning models for the 2020-2021 school year. The guidelines are meant to supplement local decisionmaking policy by the School Committee and Board of Health.

Drolet explained the school department will review all locally applicable data, in coordination with the town’s Board of Health Agent Jessica Horsman, to determine the phase of learning model or if there is a need to transition between learning models, including to a fully remote model. The School Committee will review the data each Friday to determine any necessary changes in the learning model so families, faculty, and staff can plan appropriately.

According to DESE: “While average daily cases per 100,000 is the metric that determines the color coding for each community, districts/schools should also monitor whether cases are increasing or decreasing vs. the prior period. Monitoring positive testing also remains an important metric.” “The local cases per 100,000 and the state positivity rate will be as reported in the DPH “COVID-19 Weekly Public Health Report” https://www.mass.gov/info-details/ community-level-covid-19-datareporting.”

“If we need to go fully remote if numbers spike, then we would need to move quickly,” Drolet said, also noting if there was a period of several weeks or months with declining Covid-19 local and state rates, then a decision could be made to move to full inperson learning.

“I also appreciate the data-driven decision-making here,” said Chairperson Kim Sluter. “I think it’s flexible enough that as we as a committee look at this data every week, we’ll be able to be flexible in making the decision.” “70 percent of all districts in Massachusetts are going with the hybrid model,” Sluter noted. “Seekonk remains

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focused on the safety of families and staff. Please continue to take in this information with an open mind. It is no doubt an emotionally charged issue. The plan is designed for long term and short term change. We, and this plan must continue to be flexible.”

However, there is still concern among teachers about returning to the classroom during a pandemic. “We’re worried about causing an outbreak in this community,” said Sharon Ahern, President of the Seekonk Educators Association. “We love, care for, and miss our students,” Ahern continued. “We will always advocate for their safety and their best interests.” Maryellen Lane was upset about derogatory comments being made about teachers on social media.

“The Seekonk teachers are top-notch and we will bring it this year as best we can but to imply that we are lazy, unwilling to work or only concerned about our own health is by far the farthest thing from the truth,” Lane added.

Selectmen Put Tighter Restrictions on Seekonk Speedway

By Joe Siegel The Seekonk Board of Selectmen have added some restrictions to the entertainment license for the Seekonk Speedway as a result of Governor Charlie Baker’s new travel orders for out of state visitors. The facility has been closed to the public due to the coronavirus. However, there have been practice runs allowed for race car drivers.

This message was posted on the Speedway’s Facebook page: “As most of you are aware, the State of Massachusetts had implemented a travel ban on residents of Rhode Island starting Friday August 7th. 40 percent of the teams that compete at the Speedway come from Rhode Island. This travel ban was implemented by the state and the Town of Seekonk added some additional directives.

These added restrictions make it impossible for (us) to operate fairly.”

“The Town of Seekonk is now mandating that the Speedway would be responsible for collecting valid negative covid tests before entering the Speedway while this travel ban is in place if you are a resident of Rhode Island. This is a severe economic hit for teams from Rhode Island since each asymptotic test could cost $100-$150 per test /per week. This is not fair to the competitors from RI that have done the work to compete not to be able to while others can for something that is outside their area of control.”

‘This is a temporary amendment to the license for Covid-19,” Town Administrator Shawn Cadime explained on Wednesday. “I think there’s a lot of grey area,” said selectman David Viera. “I don’t have a problem with modifying the license. We need to have some stipulations that are going to be adhered to. I think we need some numbers as to how many people we are going to allow per car and I think we need to stick to that.”

The town will now have a fire/ambulance detail and a police detail of two officers at the Speedway for events with up to 500 people in attendance. Acting Police Chief David Enos will have the discretion to add officers if necessary. “I think one ambulance is more than sufficient there,” said Fire Chief Michael Healy.

The Speedway management has opened up the stands to allow for social distancing. “You have a 15,000 person capacity with 300 to 400 people in it,” explained Ed St. Germain, who was representing the Speedway. “The people are pretty spread out.” Anyone who travels to Massachusetts from another state must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours or else they will be required to self-quarantine for a 14 day period.

“The state’s leaving it up to them to police themselves,” said selectman David Andrade. “There’s no one regulating it.” Jessica Horsman, the town’s Health Agent, said the Board of Health could work on a weekly basis with the Speedway management regarding lists of drivers who had tested positive for Covid-19. Cadime said the Speedway’s license would revert back to the way it was pre-Covid if Baker lifted the travel orders.

Events & Activities Community Sale for Local Residents Angels’ Care Closet, Inc., to Open Store to Everyone – Pay What You Can

Angels’ Care Closet Inc. of Seekonk, MA will be hosting an in-store and in-parking lot shopping opportunity for residents September 12, 2020 from 9 AM – 2 PM at our location in Briarwood Plaza, 28 Olney Street, Seekonk, MA. We will have clothing, shoes, school supplies, toys, toiletries, etc. and other items available. Items are available for a monetary donation of your choice.

Our clients should all have private appointments scheduled for their needs the week of August 25th. Clients can take what they need for free as always. If you’d like to register as a client please email angelscarecloset@gmail.com to find out how to qualify.

Any questions, please email angelscarecloset@gmail.com or contact our Facebook Page Angels’ Care Closet.

VIRTUAL Walk/5K Run for Autism and Family Fun Day

Community Autism Resources, an Autism Support Center serving 82 cities and town from the Greater Fall River area, to the South shore, Cape & Islands, will host the 17th annual Hearts and Hands Walk/5K Run for Autism and Family Fun Day, virtually, Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 9:30 AM until 1:30 PM via Facebook event. The Hearts and Hands Walk/5K run is the signature fundraiser for Community Autism Resources. All the money raised through this event stays in the local communities and helps provide free services, supports and resources to children, teens, adults, and their families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

There will be: Slime making & story time with Elsa on Facebook Live, virtual Zookeeper Chat with Buttonwood Park Zoo Live on Zoom, 3 Amazing Raffle Items, Contests, our online Autism Store and more! You can create your own fundraising team, make a donation, sponsor this event and/or join our Facebook event by visiting our website for all event details http://www.communityautism-resources.com Community Autism Resources provides free programs and services for children, teens and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. During the pandemic we have continued to provide our services and supports virtually, as well as design and develop resources related to COVID-19 such as social stories, videos, visual systems and so much more! We’ve created fun weekly interactive activities such as Make it Monday, Try it Tuesday and Find it Friday, which have been archived on our website to give individuals and families a break from remote learning and telehealth, as well as the flexibility to participate at a time that is convenient for them! We have hosted a series of online paint events, virtual Zookeeper chats, Sip & Chat events for caregivers and Fun Friday events for teens and adults with ASD! In addition, the Gottschall Access Program (GAP), a 3-year Certificate Program at Bristol Community College and Peers® For Young Adults Social Skills Group for Young Adults with ASD, have continued to take place remotely during this time. We encourage you to check our website and Facebook page and website for complete details on all that we have been doing!

For more information on the Hearts and Hands Walk/5K Run, Contact Crystal Medeiros at 508-379-0371 X. 22 or 1-800-588-9239 X. 22 or e-mail CMedeiros@Community-Autism-Resources.com or you can go to our Website at: http://www.community-autismresources.com.

September 2020 The Reporter

25

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The Reporter September 2020

Remembering Joseph Harrington

By Joe Siegel

Joseph Copley Harrington, a former Superintendent of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District, passed away on July 21. He was 92. His career in education spanned over 50 years.

When Harrington was named Principal of Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School in 1959, he and his wife Helen moved their family to Rehoboth.

Upon his retirement, he continued his career in education as the Executive Director at Project Contemporary Competitiveness.

Harrington served in the Navy during World War II. “He was one of the youngest high school principals in this area,” said Nancy Goulart, a former student of Harrington’s who serves on the Dighton Board of Selectmen.

Harrington was hired by the D-R School Committee upon the recommendation of Superintendent Robert T. Roy. “He worked on curriculum, scheduling, the layout of classrooms how each wing would open, and all the other things that principals did back then,” Goulart noted.

The new building for Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School opened in 1960. “Not all of the wings or classrooms were ready for students,” Goulart said. “We began in “D” Wing which eventually became the vocational high school on the east side of the building.

As the school year progressed, we moved into C, B, and A wings.

(Harrington’s) mobile office was a wooden apple box full of folders.”

Harrington was later appointed Administrator of Secondary Education and worked with Dorothy Beckwith, Administrator of Elementary Education, for whom the D. L. Beckwith School was

named, Russell F. Latham, Director of Special Education, and James Horton, Business Manager. Those four individuals and the superintendent were central office administrators.

“As Administrator of Secondary Education, he worked with Dighton, Rehoboth and Berkley principals in the upper grades to make sure that students in those schools received comparable education because those students would enter D-R after completion of grade eight. Berkley students were tuition students at Joseph Harrington D-R for many years,” Goulart explained.

Rehoboth Selectmen Chairman Skip Vadnais was a member of the finance committee when Harrington was Superintendent.

Harrington was “a fine man, a gentleman,” Vadnais said. “He was always willing to listen.”

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27

People In The News Local Residents to Participate in Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk: Your Way Presented by Hyundai

Four residents from Seekonk and one from Rehoboth will choose their own route on October 4th for the annual Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented

by Hyundai. Participants are encouraged to walk wherever they choose: around their neighborhood, a local hiking trail, a treadmill, or anywhere else they are comfortable.

Sherry DaRocha, Julie Robinson, Rachel Haddad, and Olive Sturtevant of Seekonk, along with Paul Chaves of Rehoboth, and thousands of other walkers, will participate in virtual programming during the Walk that aims to recreate the most inspiring elements of Walk day. While the event will not physically bring walkers together along the famed Boston Marathon® course, it will unite the community to raise funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric care and cancer research at the nation’s premier cancer center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The event has raised more than $145 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in its 30+ year history.

“While we can’t see everyone in person this year, we are excited for the virtual programing which will give participants the opportunity to support breakthroughs in cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,” said Zack Blackburn, Director of the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. “Together, from a safe distance, we will take critical strides in the journey to conquer cancer.”

This year’s event will have a lower fundraising requirement ($100 for adults and $25 for those 12 years old and younger) and everyone will pay just a $5 registration fee. Each walker who registers will receive a bib, and medal and the first 5,000 walkers to register will receive a commemorative Jimmy Fund Walk T-shirt.

Anyone interested in additional information can reference the Jimmy Fund Walk: Your Way frequently asked questions or can send an email to JimmyFundWalk@DFCI. Harvard.edu. Funds raised from the Jimmy Fund Walk support all forms of adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at the nation’s premier cancer center, DanaFarber Cancer Institute. The Boston Athletic Association has supported the Jimmy Fund Walk since 1989, and Hyundai has been the presenting sponsor since 2002. continued on next page...

There’s a New Business in Town!

Chibi’s Choice Pet Grooming & Supply

For those of you who like stories, here’s ours. I moved here from the Dominican Republic with a background in graphic design and sales. When it came time to look for a job I would love, my wife, born and raised here in RI, thought since I love animals and have an artistic eye, I should try grooming. It turns out she was right and here we are!

Now, what is a chibi? Just as here in the United States, one may say, “Kitty Kitty” when calling after a cat one doesn’t know the name of, it is common in the Dominican Republic to say, “Chibi Chibi” when calling after a dog one doesn’t know the name of. So, there you have it!

Chibi’s Choice has found a home at 141 Newport Ave, Rumford, RI 02916.

02861. We look forward to serving each of the families who enter our doors with genuine and individual care. Chibi’s Choice will provide a selection of food and snacks. Accessories from local entrepreneurs will also be available. As construction is winding down, we do not yet have an exact opening date. Send us an email to contact@ chibischoice.com with your name and number to be contacted when we open! To stay updated, you can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, @chibischoice.

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28

The Reporter September 2020 To register to walk (#JimmyFundWalk) or to support a walker visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call (866) 531-9255. You can also download The Jimmy Fund Walk App in Charity Miles. The app will allow you to track the miles you walk leading up to, and on Walk day, create a team and walk with your friends, family, and teammates, share your miles and activities via social media to boost fundraising, and see important Walk day news, content, training and fundraising challenges.

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Providence Country Day Adds Rehoboth Resident to Board of Trustees

Providence Country Day is pleased to announce that Sara Read Cote of Rehoboth will be joining their board of trustees this year.

She is alum of PCD, with backgrounds in business, finance, or law.

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Evan Gendreau of Seekonk Wins InvestWrite Competition

Evan Gendreau just made history. The diligent seventh grader defied the challenges of distance learning and cinched an exhilarating springtime win in the SIFMA Foundation’s 2020 InvestWrite competition.

Gendreau researched and composed an impressive investment plan promising a bright financial future and now he’s being recognized as the best in Rhode Island. In his essay, Gendreau tapped research tools that financial professionals use to make good decisions for their clients and created a high-performance portfolio that climbed to first place in Rhode Island.

September 2020 The Reporter

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University of Maine Dean’s List Students from Massachusetts

The University of Maine recognized 4,210 students for achieving Dean’s List honors in the Spring 2020 semester. Of the students who made the Dean’s List, 2,769 are from Maine, 1,333 are from 41 other states and 108 are from 43 countries other than the U.S. From Rehoboth: Austin Caruthers, Jack McCann

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Bristol County Student Receives Scholarship to Attend UT Martin

Martin, Tenn. – A Bristol County student has been awarded a scholarship to attend the University of Tennessee at Martin for the 2020-2021 academic year, according to Dr. James Mantooth, executive director, Office of Enrollment Services and Student Engagement.

Abigail Hopkins, of Seekonk, daughter of John and Lisa Hopkins, will be a senior. She received the Giles/Gearin Women’s Athletic Scholarship.

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Dr. Polly Warren, Owner

Ed Tessier, Jr., Auctioneer

For more info on the web: www.americana-auction.com

For info or consignment call 508-771-1722

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The Reporter September 2020

Club News & ANNOUNCEMENTS

RE-UPHOLSTER We’ve moved...

Come see us in our new location!

64 Water Street, Attleboro

FREE REMOVAL & Free DELIVERY

Stop by and see our new line of Amish Recliners Available for immediate delivery!

Shop at Home • Free Estimates • Over 70 Years Experience Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat. 9-2

Furniture and Upholstery

64 Water Street, Attleboro, MA

e r 508-761-6700 y w mastersonupholstery.com • mastersonupholstery@gmail.com

PAYING CASH FOR GOLD, SILVER & STERLING U.S. and Foreign Coins Old Comics and Sports Cards Old Watches and Collectibles Diamonds and Jewelry

508-336-9103 113 Taunton Ave Seekonk, MA Same Location for 40 Years

WEXLER'S

e y

Certified

Town W.B.E. Sanitation Inc.

Commercial Pumping

Residential Pumping

Rehoboth Anawan Lions News

Rehoboth Anawan Lions will be having a pick up clam boil on September 18th at the South Seekonk Rod & Gun Club, 61 Reed Street. Pick up time is 5:30 to 6:30 meal for two all cooked ready to go home and enjoy.

Cost of a ticket is $60.00 which is a meal for two. Please call Kathy for tickets at 508 208 9748. Tickets are limited to 100 (200 meals).

Rehoboth Anawan Lions Club held its annual Gatlin Show at Hillside and it was a success. John Ferreira donated the cost of the fabulous fire work display at the end of the evening. Thank you Sue, Hillside Country Club and a special Thank You to John Ferreira.

The Club is also planning a few other Drive-By and Pick-Up events this fall; we will keep you updated. Don’t forget the monthly breakfast at the Legion; second Sunday of the month. September 13th is the next breakfast. Hope to see you there!! As always, we are here for you!

Rehoboth Antiquarian Society Announces September Lectures at the Carpenter Museum

The Untold Story of the Sowams Heritage Area: A Presentation by David Weed, Project Coordinator for the Sowams Heritage Area Project. Tuesday, September 15th 7pm Free Carpenter Museum, 4 Locust Ave, Rehoboth Join us as David Weed describes over fifty historic sites from the 17th century, including houses and churches from the 1600s and burial sites and open spaces from the time of the early colonists.

Tickets are free and audience size will be limited to 20. Registration is required. Please visit rehobothantiquarian.org/events to sign up. This event will be held in the Museum Barn with barn doors open for ventilation.

Turbulent Times in Early Rehoboth: Obadiah Holmes and His Baptist Friends. ~ Online Event ~ Saturday, September 20th 2pm via Zoom Free A Presentation by Cherry Fletcher Bamburg, Author and Historian with the RI Genealogical Society Cherry Fletcher Bamburg will introduce you to Obadiah Holmes, the stubborn glassblower from Salem, the elderly and eccentric John Hazell, young John Torrey, the Smiths, and the Manns. What did they do? What happened to them? Come and find out!

This program is free. Please visit rehobothantiquarian.org/ events to sign up and you will receive a zoom link before the lecture.

Rehoboth Garden Club News

Family Owned & Operated • We Accept Competitor Coupons ($20 Limit)

508-336-3555 508-252-9430 400R Taunton Ave., Seekonk MA

Annex Office 51 Maple Ln., Rehoboth

www.townsanitation.com

Our scholarship committee continues to work diligently on processing the scholarships, and will be able to announce the scholarship recipients soon.

The club has been persistent with using Zoom for our business and social meetings. We will continue to not meet in person in October. During our next business meeting, we will discuss meeting in person in November and December.

September 2020 The Reporter

Southeastern MA Paws of Comfort Lions Yard Sale

The Southeastern MA Paws of Comfort Lions is officially a standalone club. Our mission is to provide comfort & love 4 paws at a time. We are hosting a Community Yard Sale, Saturday September 19th, rain date September 20th at Reinbold Ins 860 Landry Ave, No. Attleboro, MA from 9am to 2pm. If interested in renting a socially distanced 10 ft. space for $15 email us at semasspawsofcomfort@gmail.com or contact Lion Deb (508-889-2185) or Lion Sabrina (774-282-0255) for more information.

Contact us at semasspawsofcomfort@gmail.com for more information about our club.

The Southeastern MA Paws of Comfort Lions collect returnable bottles and cans, can tabs, used eyeglasses and hearing aids, as well as discarded cell phones. All profits are donated to the community or to Lions programs. Contact Monique @508-431-0282 or AnnMarie @508-223-6039 to arrange drop off or pickup.

The Southeastern MA Paws of Comfort Lions Club is the first of its kind worldwide. If you would like to become a member of this historic and unique club; either with a dog, or without, please contact Deb @508-889-2185 or Monique @508-431-0282.

Kiwanis of Greater Seekonk Still Active

Kiwanis of Greater Seekonk was very fortunate to have been able to host The 24th Annual Taste of the Towns on March 3rd, 2020.

Any later, it would have been cancelled due to the pandemic. The Taste of the Towns is our only fundraiser and without it we would not be able to contribute as much to our community.

With the schools closed we were not able to host the 100 Hour breakfast for the Seekonk High School seniors. We offer breakfast and the seniors with a pin for their 100 hours or more of community service during their time at the High School.

The Key Club at the Seekonk High School, part of Kiwanis, is dedicated to helping our community through the efforts of volunteers. The members are involved with so many activities throughout the year. In 2019 Kiwanis of Greater Seekonk donated the money for 4 members to go to a Key Club Conference, DECON, in Springfield, MA. They learned so much on a district level and different ways form other Key Clubs to become more active in community service. But this year, it was cancelled.

We usually donate to the Summer Work Program for some of the students receiving Special Education services. Their objective is to offer paid work experiences to students in Special Education programs at the Seekonk High School in order to help them develop foundational skills for future employment. The program is very necessary for these Special Education students so that they have the experience and skills they need for their future. Sadly, it to was cancelled.

Fortunately, we were able to donate to two of our yearly offerings. The first was to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund. The second was to award two Morris Goldberg scholarships, our founder, each of $1000, to two Key Club members. We made a video for the two recipients to be viewed at their virtual class night.

Now more than ever, the need for money and food is dire.

When Kiwanis found out about Doorways, our local food pantry, having trouble getting enough food for those in need, Kiwanis donated $1000 to try to help them.

Please stay safe and well especially during these troubled times.

If you are interested in joining Kiwanis of Greater Seekonk or learning more, please contact Susan Chaisty, president, at Sue52525@comcast.net or at (508)-557-1363.

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David J. Ledoux

Hardwood Floors Seekonk, MA

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32

The Reporter September 2020

Northeastern Auto Supply, Inc. 1095 Newman Avenue, Seekonk MA 02771 508-761-6400 • www.neastauto.com Knowledgeable, Professional Service Deal directly with 2nd generation owners, each with over 30 years experience!

• Home Delivery Available • Most Parts in 24 Hrs • Parts for Older Cars • Hydraulic Hoses Made • Free Check Engine Scan

Right Part, Right Price, Right Now!

Get valuable insight to help deal with your anxiety!

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American Legion Post 302 2020 Scholarship Award

Congratulations on a job well done Nicholas Borrello. You are a recipient of the 2020 American Legion Scholarship & the American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship Award.

Nicholas Borrello is a member of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School class of 2020. He dedicated many years of his life to playing baseball and was a pitcher for the Dighton-Rehoboth Varsity Baseball Team. He will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute and studying computer science. His goal is to earn a degree specializing in cyber security.

Through your hard work and determination, you have proven to be a student that your community wants to recognize and encourage to continue your educational effort.

This scholarship was presented to on August 8th to you by the Adjutant of the American Legion and a American Legion Auxiliary representative indicating that it can be used for tuition, fees, or books, and should be treated as a scholarship of additional funds to you, not simply to “replace” other college funds given in your financial packet.

The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and the community wishes you continued success throughout your college career.

Thank you Sincerely, John “Jake” D. Kramer

ANXCALM.COM RD Chimney Sweep Free Inspections • Licensed & Insured

Sweep & Inspect Chimneys Chimneys Rebuilt / Repointing Crown Coating • Water Proofing Stainless Steel Liners Installed Chimney Caps & Gutter Cleanings

(401) 647-3845 • Roland J. Duhamel

• PVC • Custom Cedar • Farm Fencing • Dog Runs • Chain Link • Ornamental Aluminum • Arbors

Specializing in a Variety of Fencing Styles

Photo left to right, Lisa Lamborghini representative for the American Legion Auxiliary Handing a check to Nicholas Borrello (center) and the Adjutant Jake Kramer from the American Legion.

September 2020 The Reporter

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

Monthly Breakfast

Sunday October, 11th • 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

SCOUT NEWS American Heritage Girls MA3712 to Transfer Charter Organizations

It is with both sadness and joy that AHG MA3712 will be transferring from its charter location at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Seekonk to All Nations Worship Center in Walpole.

The troop has enjoyed nine years of faith, service, and fun and thanks Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and the community for all their support!

Any girls ages 5-18 interested in joining AHG, please visit http://www.americanheritagegirlsoine.org for more information and PastorG@allnationsworship.org to sign up.

TRI-STAR AUTO BODY, INC. MA RS. # 1367

Towing Foreign & Domestic Free Estimates GO GREEN

Annual Pig Roast

Sunday October 11th, 2020 4:00-6:00 P.M.

• Applesauce, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Beans & Rolls • $15.00 suggested donation per person • RSVP NOW - Tickets Only – No Walk-Ins • DEADLINE DATE FOR TICKETS IS OCT 5th!!

• John DuVally is cooking the pig with his famous jucies

33

WATER BASED PAINT

We handle all insurance claims Complete auto collision repair

Serving our community for 35 years 1849 Fall River Ave. (Rt 6), Seekonk, MA • 508-336-6475

Visit our website www.tristarautobodyma.com Robert Coelho Jr. - Owner • tristarab3@comcast.net

The Sweet Song The sweet song Of the katydid, Whirls around When evening bids.

They fill the night With one long note, After the silent Daylight vote, To be quiet Until the night, Comes back to lead Their choir right.

We hear it till The cooler nights, Put the summer Out of sight.

Don Gardner Seekonk, MA

Residential and Commercial Carpet Cleaning Tile and Grout Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning 2 Rooms & Hallway $125 minimum size room 12x12-144sf

Call 774-265-7111 Free Estimates / Fully Insured

34

The Reporter September 2020

Womxn’s Alliance of Southeastern Massachusetts The Womxn’s Alliance of Southeastern Massachusetts is a coalition of community members, dedicated to antiracism and intersectional feminism, committed to fostering solidarity between our social justice interests, and engaging the community through accessible and inclusive programming. Through collaboration we will lead the way to a stronger sense of solidarity, civic engagement, and collective action towards systemic change. As an alliance, we value collaboration, compassion, integrity, perseverance, inclusion and respect the dignity of all through recognizing intersectionality.

We are an antiracist organization committed to racial justice, equity, equality, and human decency. We conscientiously use “womxn” to signify our inclusion of cis- and transgender women, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming individuals.

“Feminism,” according to Black feminist scholar bell hooks, “is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression.”

Years earlier, Black feminist scholar and activist Angela Davis proclaimed “in a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be antiracist,” which calls on each of us to actively participate in combating racism in all forms. hooks reiterates this commitment to intersectionality and antiracism: “There could be no real sisterhood between white women and women of color if white women were not able to divest of white supremacy, if [they] were not fundamentally anti-racist.” The Womxn’s Alliance of Southeastern

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Full Service Septic & Drain Cleaning Company Pumping • Repairs • Title V Inspections

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Price Match Guaranteed Service Special $50.00 Off Drain Cleaning & Jetting Expires 12/31/2020 (Not to be combined with any other drain cleaning/ jetting offers. One coupon per service.)

508-822-0766 508-947-2636 Taunton Lakeville Toll Free 888-822-0766 • www.baystatesewage.com Call us or book online today!

Massachusetts is a part of the continued development of an antiracist feminist movement; to become “stronger,” at hooks’ urging, by commiting to “a vision of sisterhood where all our realities could be spoken.”

August 18, 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote, following decades of agitation and protest by the women’s suffrage movement; one that was comprised of Black, Indigenous, White, poor, working class, middle class, and wealthy women. Yet the ratification of the 19th Amendment was, in practice, a right reserved for White women only. States constructed voter suppression tactics such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and outright intimidation to prevent Black women from voting, and Indigenous women were not considered US citizens until 1924. Furthermore, many of the White suffragists held racist, White supremacist views; worked against the enfranchisement and freedom of Black women, and played a powerful role in maintaining White supremacy. The 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment provides us a critical opportunity for reckoning with the women’s suffrage movement’s racist past, and the battle for equality and equity that persists to this day. This reckoning requires an intersectional framework, one that recognizes multiple systems of oppression. As Audre Lorde proclaimed, “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” The 19th Amendment Suffrage Centennial prompts us to reconsider this cherished history, to unlearn the whitewashed history of the women’s suffrage movement, to critically examine our strategies for achieving equity and equality today, and to commit ourselves to intersectionality and its refusal to treat race, class, gender, sexuality, country of origin, age, and ability as mutually exclusive.

As August 18th marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, it is also a stark reminder that voting rights are still far from equal, particularly as voter suppression tactics spread across the country. This anniversary is part of a larger “wake up call” to recognize and address this growing trend of systemic voter suppression and to commit ourselves to protecting democracy. Massachusetts has emerged as a leader in the movement for Vote By Mail; a tested, secure process which is shown to improve voter turnout by 9% and, at this current moment, to protect the health of those most at risk of COVID-19. With the MA Vote By Mail Bill, each Massachusetts registered voter was mailed a ballot application (with return postage) on July 15th and will again on September 14th.

• To register/update your registration: registertovotema.com • Deadline to Register to Vote for the State Primary Election is August 22, 2020 • Download a mail ballot application: mailmyballotma.com • Deadline to apply for a mailed ballot for the primary election August 26, 2020 • State Primary Election September 1, 2020 Of equal importance this year is the 2020 United States Census.

From how people are represented in government to the distribution of over $675 billion annual in federal funding for schools, hospitals, and roads, federal census data undergirds critical decisions and policies that impact our community each year for ten years. Everybody benefits from a complete count because everybody relies on the funding and policies determined by the Census. The Census is a matter of racial justice, economic justice, and political equality in the United States. Complete your Census today at https:// my2020census.gov/login The Womxn’s Alliance of Southeastern Massachusetts is a coalition of community members -- individuals and individuals representing organizations and businesses --dedicated to antiracism and intersectional feminism. Individuals committed to social justice interests are welcome and encouraged to join. For more information and/or to join, please contact womxnsalliancesema@gmail.com.

September 2020 The Reporter

35

Christopher Heights™ Assisted Living offers new living option packages for every season of your life.

Christopher Heights now offers packages that cater to the individual needs of our residents with the following options: SOCIAL Created for the individual who is independent with personal care needs but would benefit from a vibrant social setting, daily chef prepared meals, and the security of 24-hour onsite staffing.

ASSURANCE Developed for the individual who would benefit from assistance with personal care needs and a vibrant social setting, daily chef prepared meals, a private apartment and peace of mind knowing their residency with us is secure.

PREMIUM Designed for the individual that requires assistance with personal care and benefits from a vibrant social setting, individualized service plans, and understands the need for financial assistance and planning while aging in place in a private apartment.

CONCIERGE Fashioned for the individual that needs assistance with personal care and services such as transportation and escorts to appointments or shopping. This individualized plan offers catering on all levels for those residents that may have limited access to outside support therefore needing additional attention to optimize independence.

To learn more about our Senior Lifestyle Plans, please contact Lynda Henry at 508-222-2868.

www.christopherheights.com

45 South Main Street • Attleboro, MA 02703 • Tel: 508 -222-2868

36

The Reporter September 2020

FALL HOME Energy-Efficient Ideas to Upgrade Your Home (Family Features) Energy bills are likely among the largest expenses for homeowners, but you can take action to lower those costs. During a remodel, a certified contractor can help you make smart decisions when it comes to selecting appliances, windows and insulation for your projects.

Though upgrades made with efficiency in mind can vary depending on the climate you live in, the biggest energy users are typically the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and water heater, all of which make up about 60% of a typical home’s energy budget.

Learn how you can reduce your home’s energy reliance and environmental impact with these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry:

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

• Fully insured • Residential and Commercial • Technical Tree Removal • Shade Tree Pruning • Ornamental Pruning Call us today for a free estimate

(508) 964-3397

Custom Designed Homes & Additions

General Contract, Entire Project or Any Phase Remodeling...

Contractor: RI Reg. #7576 MA Reg. #115080 Contractor Supervisor Lic. #024214 • Insured

Kitchens, Baths, etc.

• Decks • Garages • Roofing • Siding • Replacement Doors & Windows

We work with insurance companies on storm damage

Call 401-290-8895

Tom Nerney - Licensed Construction Supervisor Licensed Home Inprovement Contractor

LANDSCAPING SERVICES Call Matt at 508-431-7444

Lawn Cutting / Trimming Yard Cleanups • Bobcat Services Backhoe Services • Small Demo Jobs Free Estimates Landmaint2018@gmail.com

Mention this ad and get $10.00 off first job

IACHETTI PAINTING COMPANY Interior and Exterior Painting - Wall covering Powerwashing Quality Materials, Reasonable Prices Full Insurance Coverage Family Business for 87 years 14 Jones Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02861 401-722-4174 Lic # 7657

September 2020 The Reporter

37

IMPROVEMENT Heating and Cooling

Climate control is one of the largest home energy users. A programmable thermostat is a simple starting point and can save up to one-third of heating and cooling costs. Cutting-edge models can even learn your family’s behaviors and tweak usage for maximum savings. Additional ways to save energy include sealing leaky ducts, cleaning or changing air filters regularly and replacing your furnace or air conditioner with an energy-efficient model, particularly if your heating and cooling systems are more than 15 years old.

Insulation

Studies show that only 20% of homes built before 1980 were well-insulated. Depending on when your home was built, adding insulation in the attic and walls can be one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy waste. Not only does better insulation reduce energy loss and improve comfort, it’s an upgrade that generally adds to the value of your home with an estimated 95% return on your investment.

Windows

High-performance windows not only lower heating and cooling bills, they also reduce heat gain during warmer months and add a layer of insulation when you need to keep the heat inside.

Triple-pane, Low-E insulated frame windows can save 33% of the heating cost for a typical home in cooler climates, and in hotter environments, double-pane, low solar-gain windows can reduce cooling costs by up to 32%.

Valter Rego Masonry Basement Waterproofing, Patios, Outdoor Kitchens, Retaining Walls, Stonewalls, Driveways, Steps, Walkways, Foundation Repairs, All Types of Cement Work Residential and Commercial Free estimates, no job too small

Call 401-781-2262 or 774-565-0579 www.valterregomasonry.net Licensed & Insured

Lighting

The average house dedicates 5-10% of its energy budget to lighting. To cut your use, switch to LED lights, turn off unneeded lights and, where possible, use natural light. Other measures, like relying on task lights and installing motion detectors, can help further limit your lighting-related energy usage.

Appliances

The refrigerator is a major energy drain, accounting for up to 15% of the energy bill in some homes, particularly models that are 15 years old or older. Design plays a major role in a refrigerator’s efficiency; it needs adequate air flow for optimal function. Be realistic about your needs and only buy as big a unit as you require. Be aware that icemakers and dispensers not only add to the up-front cost, they’re also less efficient. As with any appliance, shop for a model that offers as many energy-saving features as you can afford.

Landscaping

Trees positioned to reduce summer sun and winter wind can reduce a household’s energy use by 25% or more. In summer, trees can lower air temperature as much as 9 F through shading and evapotranspiration. In winter, a well-designed landscape can cut heating bills by about one-third.

Find more tips for creating a more energy-efficient home at remodelingdoneright.com. #15161 Source: National Association of the Remodeling Industry

LANDSCAPE LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE AND • WALKWAYS • WALKWAYS • LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION ANDMAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE • FENCING LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE • WALKWAYS RETAINING RETAINING WALLS WALLS • STAIRS • STAIRS • PATIOS • PATIOS • OUTDOOR • OUTDOOR KITCHENS KITCHENS • WALKWAYS • STAIRS • RETAINING WALLS • PATIOS • STAIRS •• Pools PATIOS • •OUTDOOR KITCHENS RETAINING WALLS • OUTDOOR KITCHENS Waterscapes

185 SUMMER 185 SUMMER ST. ST. 185 SUMMER ST. REHOBOTH, REHOBOTH, MA 02769 REHOBOTH,MA MA 02769 02769 508-252-4554 508-252-4554 508-252-4554 SUPERIORLCINC.COM SUPERIORLCINC.COM SUPERIORLCINC.COM WE OFFER WEWEOFFER FREE FREE OFFERESTIMATES FREE ESTIMATES ESTIMATES

38

The Reporter September 2020

Church News & Events What Does a Church Do During a Pandemic?

Well, if that church is Newman UCC, we create new programming... programming you may have been looking for.

Launching on September 20 is a new Faith Formation program for those between the ages of 13 and 113. (Although honestly, if someone who is 114 wants to join in... we will let them) We are calling it Faith-FULL Affirmations, though some may call it “Confirmation For All Ages.” Others may even call it “Membership Classes.” And you know what? They would all be right.

Our new program, Faith-Full Affirmations is a “Confirmation”style program for adults AND youth. It is for anyone seeking

Over 20 Years Experience in the Local EST. 1994

membership into the church as well as those who are looking to strengthen their knowledge of the Bible, faith practices and what it means to belong.

Faith-FULL Affirmations is a three-module program which will be offered on Sunday mornings at 9am using the Zoom platform.

You are invited to participate in one module, two modules, or all three if you’d like. ~ The first module is Bible Boot Camp, a great place for beginners as well as for those who wish to brush up on their Bible skills. ~The second module is Belief & Belongings, and this is where we get into what it means to be part of a faith community. We’ll discuss theology, church history, and learn more about our denomination, the United Church of Christ.

Community ~The third module is Faith Practices, an opportunity to look at many of the traditional Christian practices and discover new ways to deepen our faith If you’ve read this far... great! Stay with me... this stuff is exciting! ~ For those in our faith community who have sought a “Confirmation” program, this is it! ~ For those who have been worshiping with us for some time and would like to take the next step and become a formal “member” of the church, this is it! ~ For those who are seeking to deepen your connection in our faith community while learning more about this thing called faith, this is it!

This program is for you!

Each module is scheduled for five (5) consecutive Sunday mornings. Here›s the schedule: Bible Boot Camp - September 20 - October 18 Beliefs & Belongings - November 1 - 29 Faith Practices - January 3 – 31 If you would like to participate, contact Pastor Timoth Sylvia at 401-434-4742 ext. 11.

Line Striping • Residential Driveways • Commercial Repair

Be one of our satisfied clients: Private roads • Excavation Paver driveways, walkways, and patios Parking lots • Tennis and basketball courts We are licensed and insured for your protection.

Contact All-Phase Asphalt Paving today at 508-336-0064 for a FREE estimate!

Email: allphaseasphalt@gmail.com

Roger Beausoleil - Owner

Shepherd’s Pie Take Out Dinner

The First Christian Congregational Church, UCC located at 1113 GAR Highway, Swansea, MA is holding a Shepherd’s Pie Take Out Dinner on Saturday, September 26, 2020 with small and large sizes available from a drive-by contact-free pick-up station in the Church parking lot between 1 - 5 pm.

Dinners MUST be reserved in advance by calling our church office at 508-673-7179, emailing the church office at churchoffice@ uccswansea.org, or by calling Bob Paige at 508-514-0840. This is a free will donation event open to All. After reserving a dinner, you will be given a scheduled contact-free pick-up time in the parking lot at 1113 GAR Highway, Swansea at the pick-up station.

September 2020 The Reporter

39

Rehoboth Ramblings

by Leslie Patterson

Daring to Hope for Better Days Ahead

Dr. Seuss’s book title “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” should be “Oh, the Places You Won’t Go” this year. Does it make you feel better or worse to dwell on fond memories of vacations past? I suppose you could always think of all the things you don’t (or didn’t) like about going on vacation – hotels or rentals that were disappointing, airline travel (from going through security to overcrowded planes), various minor things that went wrong, as things often do. But it’s more fun to look at the photos of things you loved on past vacations, even if you won’t be returning there any time soon.

I’m feeling glad that we visited California when we did (the Bay area south to Carmel, plus Napa in 2016, and Southern California up to San Simeon in 2017). It seems like wildfires have been raging out there this time of year ever since, becoming even more destructive than usual. We cancelled our Florida vacation in March and I was missing it at the time, but you could not pay me to visit Florida this time of year, even without hurricanes.

Then there’s Arizona (I’ve only been to the Phoenix airport long enough to change planes). How can people stand to live where the temperature rises to the teens (as in 113 and up) and it usually gets to the triple digits day after summer day? Why would you want to spend summer like a vampire, only coming out after dark for fear of the sun? Yes, it is dry heat, just like an oven. I’ll take New England.

Some people are traveling these days, but I’m not ready for that yet. Thank heavens we live in a part of the country that offers a wide variety of outdoor day trips. It’s not quite a vacation, but it is getting away from the house of bit. On one of our late afternoon trips to Horseneck Beach, a storm came up, though not suddenly.

The long rumbling thunder gave everyone ample warning to scurry off the beach in an orderly fashion.

We got in the car and turned out of the parking lot just as the storm hit and the heavens opened. This was a coastal storm that we quickly drove out of, enjoying the beautiful rainbow it left behind.

When we got home, we saw a deceased groundhog/woodchuck lying in the road. So much for the rainbow. It had obviously been killed instantly when hit by a car or truck and it would not be raiding anyone’s garden again. Still, I felt sorry for it and also felt that the poor creature lying belly up was some sort of metaphor for this miserable year.

September, usually one of the most beautiful months of the year, is not the same this year with all the controversy and concern about students going back to school amidst a pandemic. What difficult decisions parents, teachers, and everyone involved in education face these days. It’s so hard when there are no easy answers. My sympathies to all students too, from kindergarten through college.

I’ve especially felt bad for seniors who were graduating this year, deprived of the usual rites of passage.

To counteract all the bad news everywhere you look these days, you can find numerous links to stories of hope at this difficult time just by Googling “finding hope during pandemic.” There are messages from everyone from psychologists to religious organizations to Time.com. There are too many to list here, but these various articles are worth checking out.

Messages of encouragement are very welcome when our nerves are so frayed from all the disturbing news around us. We know that these dark times won’t last forever; it just feels that way sometimes.

It’s hard when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, a tunnel that is longer than we thought.

The folks at the Blanding Library will be offering little flags for people to decorate with messages of hope. Since I’m not very artistic (and I’m all thumbs), I’m not sure how I’ll do with such a craft project. But here is my simple message: “Dare to hope for better days ahead.”

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40

The Reporter September 2020

Seekonk Public Library Goodbye and Thank You from the Director of the Seekonk Public Library Dear Friends, As many of you know, I am retiring as director of the Seekonk Public Library on August 29th. It has been my great pleasure to serve the people of Seekonk for almost 24 years—the last nine of those as the director of your library. I am grateful for the consistent

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and generous support that you, the residents of Seekonk, have provided the library. I am also grateful to our exceptional staff and dedicated trustees whose commitment to the Library has been especially evident the past few months as we persevere through the COVID19 crisis.

During my 40 years of public service, Seekonk has been the best community to work for. Becoming part of your community, the gracious way you all invited me to participate, have been a tremendous highlight of my tenure here. It was an honor to be part of the informal coalition of local organizations and government agencies that are diligently working to improve the quality of life in Seekonk.

I will miss working with all those truly concerned citizens who have contributed in so many ways to making a Seekonk a great place to live. I will be leaving with gratitude and appreciation, and a rewarding sense of accomplishment. But, I will also be leaving with one important piece of unfinished business.

Seekonk Public Library has evolved and improved considerably during the last 24 years. Use of the library has steadily increased and many new services have been introduced. In recent years, however, our progress has been stifled by a lack of space. The existing library was designed and constructed in the late 1970s, and the current building does not fully support 21st century library service. For the last two decades, the library administration and staff have struggled to optimize the level of service that it can offer in this inadequate space. We exhausted those options early in my tenure as library director. In recent years, we have had to curtail some services in order to expand or add other services.

There is hope for a brighter future for our library. Several years ago, the library trustees initiated a process to design and build a new library. The state has provisionally awarded a $7.3 million construction grant to the Town of Seekonk based on the design approved at the 2018 Town Meeting. Next year, we anticipate moving this project forward. With your continuing support, we hope to begin construction in 2022.

Although I am retiring, I remain committed to helping Seekonk get the library you need and deserve. My family and I will continue to support the building project by making a pledge and donating to the Seekonk Library Trust. The Library Trust is a tax exempt 501 (c) (3) charitable foundation that exists to support the Seekonk Public Library. If you share that commitment to a better library, we urge you to join us by making a donation to the Seekonk Library Trust. Just go to www.seekonklibrarytrust.org and click on the donate button.

I also invite you to join the Friends of Seekonk Public Library. The Friends is also a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization and its primary purpose is to advocate for the library. The Friends represent the collective voice of all of us who value the library as a community resource.

I’ve met and worked with many wonderful people during my tenure at the library. I’m grateful for their advice, assistance, and advocacy. I thank all of you for your support and wish you all well.

Sincerely, Peter F. Fuller

Enchanted Evening Revue in Seekonk Meadows September 16

Exotic travel and Broadway shows may not be in your plans for the rest of 2020, but maybe we can offer something close to it? And if we’re lucky we’ll be treated to a beautiful sunset to top it all off!

Join us at Seekonk Public Library for Some Enchanted Evening: A South Pacific Revue on Wednesday, September 16 at 6 PM (rain date September 17).

September 2020 The Reporter

41

This program will be held at the gazebo in Seekonk Meadows, just outside the library parking lot. This unique program, presented by local resident Philip Campbell, will bring songs from this classic production to life. For public health and safety, masks and social distancing are required for all participants. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the show. Registration is required in the library Events Calendar at seekonkpl.org.

This program is free and open to the public through a grant from the Seekonk Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

When Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific premiered on Broadway in 1949, it instantly became - and remains - one of the world’s most beloved musicals. Many of its songs, including “Bali Ha’I,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” and others are classics. Join Phil, accompanied by a digitally remastered CD, as he walks through the musical and movie, sharing anecdotes from this favorite show.

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

that are available to them to further explore the species that have been seen in their local area.

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

Virtual Improv Workshop at the Library!

Rehoboth Mass

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 6:00 PM

You’ve seen it on TV – comedians and actors who can create a scene without a script, resulting in hilarity. Now you can learn the techniques and exercises great improvisers use to stay funny and creative! Theatre educator Meredith Charles will present this playful workshop virtually. After registration participants will receive an invitation to join the class via Zoom. Space is limited, so register soon!

For more information and to register visit our website.

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

Paper Shred Day with the Recycling Committee at Seekonk Library

Seekonk residents, join us at the Seekonk Public Library for a Seekonk Paper Shred rescheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2020 from 9 am to 12 noon. This event is for Seekonk Library cardholders and Seekonk residents only and is co-sponsored by the Town of Seekonk Recycling Committee. Participants will need to present their id or Seekonk library card at the event. continued on next page...

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Online Book Discussion: Small Fry

Join us for a lively discussion of Small Fry by Lisa BrennanJobs through Zoom on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 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 Hoopla and Overdrive, or you may pick up a print copy at the library.

This memoir, written by the daughter of Steve Jobs, was named a Best Book of 2018 by The New York Times, NPR, and many others. It details the disparate way the author grew up in Silicon Valley, living hand-to-mouth with her mother while her distant father grew into an iconic figure. At turns sad and amusing, this beautifully written memoir shows the hidden side of the genius behind Apple.

This program is free and open to all.

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September and October are the middle of our local bird migration season, the best times to look for birds. Learn more about this natural phenomenon happening right outside our windows in the Zoom presentation Oak Knoll Virtual State of the Birds and Backyard Birding on September 30th at 6 PM. This program is free and open to the public. Register in the Events Calendar at www. seekonkpl.org to receive the login information appx 1 hour before the program. If you’re not familiar with Zoom, contact the library at library@seekonkpl.org for assistance.

Teacher Naturalist Jeremy Mombourquette of the Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary will lead this presentation. In this virtual program, participants will learn about Mass Audubon’s “State of the Birds” report; what can we learn from studying bird populations, why should we care, and how can we help? We will take time to explore the most common backyard birds and how we can create habitats for them to thrive. Participants will also explore resources

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42

The Reporter September 2020

In order to address spacing and health concerns for COVID-19, reservations are required for participation. Reservations must be made in the library’s Events Calendar on our website, seekonkpl. org. Masks will also be required during the event.

Bring your confidential paper items to the ProShred mobile shredding truck in the library parking lot for secure, on-site destruction and recycling. Participants will personally bring material to the shredding truck, see materials loaded into the shredder, and carry away your own empty bags or boxes.

There is a limit of two bags or boxes per trip.

This is a rain or shine event.

Call the Adult Services department at (508) 336-8230 or email library@seekonkpl.org for more information.

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Programs for Children and Families

Piecing it Together: A Community Art Project Tuesday, September 8 - Tuesday, September 22

Families are invited to join us for a collaborative art project. As we continue to practice social distancing for the safety of our community, it’s important to remember that we are all in this together, even if we are separate. Join Seekonk families in creating a large 23” x 33” wall puzzle to be displayed in the library. Register to receive a blank 3.5” x 3.5” puzzle piece for each member of your household and decorate the pieces in whichever way that represents you as an individual. Pieces may be picked up starting September 8 and need to be returned by September 22. The library will then put the puzzle together and prepare it for display starting October 1. This year has certainly been a time of “piecing it together” and as we continue to face new challenges, our hope is that this community art project will serve as a reminder that together, we can do anything, even make art. Register at seekonkpl.org

Free Comic Books

Starting September 16

In celebration of Free Comic Book Day, stop by Seekonk Library starting September 16 and select a new, free comic book to take home and keep. Titles include InvestiGATORS, Power Rangers, My Little Pony, Lumberjanes, Donald Duck, Super Mercado, The Loud House, Spiderman and more. Available as supplies last.

Read an Ebook Day

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Whether you’ve never read an Ebook or if you’re a seasoned pro at borrowing and reading them, September 18th is a day to celebrate electronic books!

The advantages of Ebooks include the ability to take the stories and authors you love with you anytime, anywhere. To browse Seekonk Library’s collections of Ebooks, visit seekonkpl.org and scroll down to Overdrive and Hoopla. Browse the collections then have SAILS Library Card ready to borrow your Ebook titles. Need assistance? Contact us at 508-336-8230 or at library#@seekonkpl. org. And remember, although we celebrate Ebooks on September 18, know that the library’s collection of electronic books is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Babies & Books Storytime

Monday, September 21, 10 AM

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Join Miss Sharon for a live storytime for children ages 2 and under. There’ll be books, fingerplays, music, dancing and yes, even bubbles! Preregistration is required using the registration form below. One hour before the event you will receive a program invite and password to log in. This program requires registration and is limited to 12 families. It will be held virtually and a Zoom account is necessary.

What to expect: Gentle music will begin playing a few minutes before 10 AM to give everyone a few mintues to log in and gather before the program starts. At 10 am we’ll say hello and then start with bubbles, followed by a story, fingerplays, music and singing.

We’ll end with goodbye routine and then music will play as we log off. For September’s storytime, please have a small toy or shaker type instrument available for your child can use during our shaker songs.

This storytime focuses talking, singing, reading, and playingimportant principles for YOUR child’s language development and reading readiness Remember you’re always invited to stop by Seekonk Library to select books to take home for YOUR child. You may also browse our collection of eBooks for young children available through OverDrive, Hoopla and Tumblebooks. Visit seekonkpl.org and scroll down to the bottom of the homepage for links.

September 2020 The Reporter “Why Zoom? Why not FaceBook Live?” We use Zoom because we can see and interact with you! (With FaceBook Live, you can see us, but we can’t see you.)

All About Owls!

Tuesday, September 29 at 4 PM

Owl season is upon us! In this virtual presentation children will learn about the local owl species who live in our communities. The program will introduce everyone to the adaptations, sounds, behaviors, and some of the most common species of owls found locally. Also during the program children will virtually explore some natural artifacts, listen and learn how to identify different owl calls, and watch a demonstration of an owl pellet dissection. Best suited to children ages 6 and up. Registration required at seekonkpl.org Calendar of events. The Zoom invite will be sent to registrants one hour before the start of the presentation. Presented by Jeremy Mombourquette from Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary.

Little Blue Truck Storytime on the Go Starts Tuesday, September 22

It’s “Storytime on the Go” with The Little Blue Truck! Parents and caregivers of toddlers and preschoolers are invited to register for this special “Storytime on the Go” packet. Preregister then pick up a packet at Seekonk Library anytime between Tuesday, September 22 and Saturday, September 26. Read the library books at home and enjoy Little Blue Truck activity sheets and a craft. Storytime on the Go includes three library books from The Little Blue Truck series, activity sheets and a Little Blue Truck early literacy craft, “Beep, beep!”

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

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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.

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To participate, parents register for the self-paced program then keep track of the books that are read by using either the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten app or by tracking the www.ReporterToday.com books on paper reading logs available through the library. Incentives are earned after each 100 books including special achievement stickers, a tote bag, a lunch bag and even a tshirt after reading 1,000 books.

By reading three books a day, the program can be completed in one year. By reading one book a day, families will reach the goal in three years. The program is educational, free of charge and children ages birth through age 5 may participate. Registration is on-going Termite & Pest Services and requires a SAILS Library card. For more information, call the Woodboring Inspections Youth Services Librarians, Sharon Clarke and Sandie Gauthier at (508) 336-8230 x56140, or visit seekonkpl.org/kids Residential • Commercial

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Kindness Rocks Ongoing

Kindness continues to rock in September. Children and families may stop by the Library starting September 15 to pick up a package of rocks that can be painted with simple messages of kindness or love. Rocks may then be left in the Kindness Rocks Garden at Seekonk Library, given to someone you know, or placed in a visible location in Seekonk to spread the idea of kindness throughout town. Seekonk Library will supply the rocks but paints or permanent markers are not provided. This program is open to everyone, even those who have previously received rocks from the Library. Simply stop into the library to pick up one or more packages of rocks.

Curbside pick up may also be arranged. The need for kindness is great and communities across the world are making a difference!

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. Our latest boxes are Disney Classics, Family Classics, Storytime (animated readalouds), and Preschool Education (Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers, PBS etc). All materials are in DVD format and are rated G or PG. Come into the library to browse the collection and select a box that’s just right for your family. Binge Boxes circulate for two weeks at a time.

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The Reporter September 2020

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School is Starting, Seekonk Library Can Help

Whether you’ve selected the Virtual Learning Academy, hybrid model or the homeschooling option for educating your children, know that Seekonk Library is here to help.

We have programs and services that will support your family through this upcoming school year. To support your child’s education we offer curriculum support, enrichment programs, and online educational services such as Britannica Library. Our Adult and Youth Services librarians are available to answer your questions and find the resources you need for teaching and learning, now and throughout the school year. Contact the Adult Services Department at (508) 336-8230 library@seekonkpl.org or the Youth Services Department at x56140 childrens@seekonkpl.org. Let us know how we can help your family.

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 OverDrive: Your child’s source for e-Books and audio books for every device. Discover picture books, chapter books, graphic novels and more. Explore Libby, the ‘user-friendly’ OverDrive app. seekonkpl.org. No monthly limit on checkouts.

Hoopla: Instantly borrow eBooks, audiobooks, comics, movies, music and more for your child, 24/7 with your library card. Monthly limit on checkouts.

TumbleBooks: Encourage reading with interactive, books and activities. Something for every age child! Featuring picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, National Geographic videos, games, puzzles & more. No app needed, nothing to download, no borrowing, just click and read. Visit seekonkpl.org and scroll to bottom of homepage for link To search our main catalog of hardcover and paperback books (not eBooks) visit the SAILS online catalog at seekonkpl.org Visit seekonkpl.org or call (508) 336-8230 for details about placing any type of materials on hold, about curbside pick-up and for updated Seekonk Library news. Follow us on FaceBook and Instagram.

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Summer Reading Wrap Up

This year’s summer reading program was a wonderful success!

By registering for the summer challenge and tracking the amount of time spent reading, children took part in creative activities, accumulated digital badges, received coupons for free ice cream cones, and they earned flamingos to decorate and display. The children also met the community challenge and collectively read over 200,000 minutes. As a result, Seekonk Library staff spray painted their hair pink in honor of this great accomplishment. Thank you to all the children who read and to the parents who supported their children’s reading efforts. Please be sure to complete our end-of-summer survey that was emailed to all parents. If you did not receive a survey, please contact us at (508) 336-8230 x56140 or stop in for a paper copy. We rely on your feedback to plan future programs and we thank you very much.

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September 2020 The Reporter

45

News and Notes from Blanding Library

By Leslie Patterson

Welcome Back to the Blanding

The library is open to visitors again! There are computers and printers for your use and books waiting for you. In order to protect the health and safety of our community and reduce transmission of the virus, the library is requiring mask use for everyone in the building. Please continue to return items into the outside book drop instead of to staff members. Group meeting space remains unavailable at this time.

To make sure a space is reserved for you when you arrive at the library, please call (508) 252-4236 to schedule a one-hour computer session or 1/2 hour browsing session. Or, you may drop by the library and see if space if available.

The library’s online services continue to be available any time from www.sailsinc.org, as well as the Overdrive and Libby eBook apps. You may also sign up for an e-card with Boston Public Library to access additional online resources, https://www.bpl.org/ecard/ Library director Whitney Pape says, “Thank you for your patience and understanding while our building was closed, and please come see us when you’re comfortable doing so.”

For a listening treat on video, the Storytime Quintet, five women musicians from Massachusetts, perform the musical adaption of “Ferdinand the Bull” with music from Georges Bizet’s opera “Carmen”.

The Boston Public Library, as well as the New York Public Library, often share free programs including art and music on the library’s Facebook page. Check often for new postings to enjoy.

The Library often posts Face book links from the Mass. Library Association of recommended reading for young readers, along with postings from the NASA Science Center.

Special thanks to Jennie who brings Kindness Rocks to the library’s garden. These rocks are painted with simple inspirational messages and pictures to share.

The Blanding Public Library, 124 Bay State Rd., is open Mon. through Thurs. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays and holidays. Phone 508252-4236. www.blandinglibrary.net.

Flags of Hope Project

Laurie P. Mullen

The Blanding Library has small blank flags that can be decorated by our patrons with images or texts that have a special meaning to them, as part of a community project at the Blanding. Themes can be universal such as hope, peace, love, strength and courage.

During these difficult times, it is hoped that these images of hope will express everyone’s wish for better times to come.

Fabric ink and flags will be available at the library; you may also may take them home to decorate. Words, drawings or symbols can be used. An outside display at the library will showcase the completed flags, which will hang outside for a period of time, hopefully as an inspiration to all who pass by. To find out more about this project, stop by or call 508-252-4236.

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Ongoing Used Book Sale

We regret that we will not be able to hold our annual used book sale as a special event this fall, but there are lots of great used books for sale on tables in the hall at the library. Feel free to browse any time the library is open.

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Virtual Programs for Children

You can find children’s programs to watch for free on the library’s website (www. blandinglibrary.net) under Program and Events Calendar. Just click on the program you want to watch.

Miss Joyce: the Blanding’s own Miss Joyce presents special story times featuring books, songs, activities and visiting nature outdoors. Join in anytime!

Nancy Cote, local author and illustrator, continues to share her collection of picture book stories, such as “Leonard’s Beard” and “Mrs. Frickle’s Pickles”.

Puppeteer Leigh Baltzer has added new titles to Newton’s Puppet Stories. You can watch her puppets read stories like “The Little Engine that Could” or “Augustus and His Smile.”

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The Reporter September 2020

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AARP Massachusetts Monthly Fraud Watch Update for September 2020

BACKGROUND: Did you know that someone’s identity gets stolen every two seconds? The AARP Fraud Watch Network provides you with tips and resources to help you spot and avoid identity theft and fraud so you can protect yourself and your family. Our watchdog alerts will keep you up to date on con artists’ latest tricks. It’s free of charge for everyone: AARP members, non-members, and people of all ages. Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Report scams to local law enforcement. Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for more information on fraud prevention.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network is: • An Educator: Get real-time alerts about the latest scams, tips on how to spot them, and the inside scoop on how con artists think so you can outsmart them before they strike.

• A Watchdog: Our nationwide scam tracking map gives you access to a network of people who’ve spotted scams and the opportunity to pass along your own experiences, so together we can beat con artists at their own game.

• A Resource: Get connected to a real live person trained in how to avoid fraud and advise you if you or a loved one has been scammed by calling our fraud hotline or attending a forum in your community.

• Free for Everyone: Anyone, of any age, can access our resources at no cost.

SCAM ALERT #1: Diet scams - COVID Nearly half of US adults say they are trying to lose weight, and with many people worried about weight gain while stuck at home during the pandemic, that number may very well rise. Unfortunately, scammers know this and are trying to take advantage for their own financial gain. In fact, diet scams are the most common types of health care fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission.

Be leery of websites that offer results that seem too good to be true, even if they include celebrity endorsements – which are often fake. When signing up for a free trial, read the terms and conditions closely. Often hidden in the fine print of even legitimate free trial offers is that your free trial becomes a paid subscription, and you’re on the hook for a monthly fee. Also, check with your health care provider before starting any new weight loss supplements.

SCAM ALERT #2: Lottery scams One of the most resilient scams we know about is the lottery scam. In 2019 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received nearly 125,000 reports of scams involving prizes, sweepstakes and lotteries that cost victims $121 million.

When someone calls or mails (or e-mails or texts…) to congratulate you for winning a big lottery, engage your inner skeptic.

Remember, you can’t win a lottery you’ve never entered. And, know that legitimate sweepstakes and lotteries will NEVER require you to pay an upfront fee.

SCAM ALERT #3: Social Security scams - COVID Scammers are always looking to capture people’s personal information, and Social Security numbers are highly valuable.

Because of that, scammers often impersonate the Social Security Administration. They may pose as a friendly Social Security official who just needs to confirm your information – including your Social Security number. Or, they use fear tactics to force the target’s hand out of fear their Social Security number will be suspended (something the Social Security Administration never does). They may even call with good news – you are eligible for a special cost of living adjustment; all you need to do is confirm your Social Security number.

September 2020 Know this: the Social Security Administration will not call you out of the blue. You may get a legitimate call if you have an existing issue that you have been working on with the Social Security Administration. If you aren’t expecting a call, when “Social Security” calls, hang up.

SCAM ALERT #4: Elder financial abuse When it comes to scams and fraud, we are often looking out for the unknown con artists. But most financial crimes against older adults are perpetrated by someone they know. Financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse in the US, and the average victim loses $120,000. We also know this crime is severely underreported.

Social isolation is a significant risk factor for financial abuse, and one of the best ways to combat it is maintaining regular contact with your older loved ones. Some telling signs of financial abuse include sudden changes in mood or behavior, or new financial issues like overdue bills or maxed out credit cards.

If you suspect your older loved one is suffering from financial exploitation, contact Adult Protective Services in your area for guidance and support. If you fear your loved one is in danger, call 911.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www. aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

AARP Mass to Mobilize Older Voters Ahead of 2020 Elections

Campaign to Focus on Protecting 50-plus Voters and Making Their Voices Heard Boston—Today, AARP Massachusetts launched “Protect Voters 50+,” a comprehensive voter engagement campaign to support and protect Bay State residents age 50 and up as they vote in the 2020 elections. The campaign will provide information on where candidates stand on issues that matter to Massachusetts residents 50-plus and help them cast their votes safely from home or in-person.

A centerpiece of the campaign will focus on providing information about voting options in Massachusetts this fall at www.aarp. org/ma, the AARP Bulletin, direct mail, digital communications and paid media.

“AARP is demanding action to make sure that Americans 50-plus – whether they are working parents, family caregivers, or seniors in nursing homes – can vote and make their voices heard,” said John Hishta, AARP Senior Vice President of Campaigns. “Politicians need to protect the health and financial security of voters 50+, especially during this pandemic.”

The “Protect Voters 50+” campaign will provide people with the information they need about this year’s elections, including: • Video voters’ guides • Polling • Issue briefings • Direct mail, text messaging, social media and paid media Election information will be provided through a full-scale digital effort. Visit aarp.org/election2020 and download the AARP Now app for the latest news alerts.

AARP has a proud 34-year history of non-partisan voter engagement and does not endorse or oppose candidates, nor does AARP make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. We encourage all Bay Staters to ask questions, so they understand where the candidates stand on important issues and make their own decisions on Election Day.

The Reporter

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The Reporter September 2020

Seekonk Human Services Seekonk Human Services will be closed Monday, Sept 7, 2020 Activities

Guided Meditation: Monday, September 21, 2020 @ 11am Zumba: Mondays @ 10am Chair Yoga: Wednesdays @ 10am Tai Chi: Fridays at 10:15am Podiatry Clinic: Wednesday, September 9 @ 10am Blood Pressure & Glucose Clinic: Wed, Sept 16 @ 9:30am

Activities and Clinics Guidelines

• Advanced sign up is REQUIRED for all activities and health clinics.

• Activities will take place outdoors at the Senior Center.

Outdoor activities will be capped at 15 people. Masks are not required for outdoor activities as long as proper social distancing is taking place. Please note: Outdoor Activities are weather pending. Health Clinics will take place in the Senior Center. Appointments will be required for Health Clinics. Only one person is allowed in the center at a time.

All participants will be required to fill out a COVID-19 selfassessment upon arrival. Facing coverings are required to enter the facility.

For all appointments and health clinics, please call, 508336-8772 upon arrival to check in. *Sign ups required 24 hour in advance for all Outdoor Activities & Health Clinics.

Medicare Open Enrollment

It’s that time of year again! If you are enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO/ PPO), expect an information packet from your plan by the end of September. It is important to understand and save this information: it explains the changes in your plan for 2021. Premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and the drugs covered by your plan can change significantly!

During Medicare Open Enrollment, you can adjust your plan for next year. SHINE Counselors help you understand your plan

We are an independent agency dedicated to providing a simple solution to the complex DAVID GERING Retirement Specialist Medicare marketplace. We offer a FREE consultation that explains in simple terms how Medicare works. We provide answers to your Medicare questions, offer all the major insurance carriers in MA and RI, and will provide a plan recommendation specific to your needs. Understanding the complex Medicare system and where you are vulnerable is important. Appointments available in-person, in office ,by phone and now virtual conference calls. Schedule your appointment today! I look forward to helping you! Save time, money and a lot of frustration by scheduling your free consultation today!”

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changes as well as other options you may have. Call now to discuss your insurance questions, schedule your SHINE phone appointment by calling 508-336-8772. Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7! *Please note all clients will be required to fill out a Medicare prescreening form to help us better serve you by looking up your current plan and comparing it to the future plans, if changes are necessary.

Fuel Assistance

If you had fuel assistance last year, be on the look-out for your application. File the application as soon as you get it. 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. Income includes your social security, pensions and any interest income. Needed Documents: • Proof of income: - 4 consecutive pay stubs - Social Security Award Letter or 1099 - Pension (Current 1099) - Interest Dividends (1099) - List of everyone in household plus their income - Food Stamps—copy of verification • Homeowner’s must include: - Mortgage statement - Real estate tax bill - Insurance bill - Recent copy of electric bill and gas/oil bill • Renters Include: - Rent receipt - Recent copy of electric bill and gas/oil bills • Other Documents Needed - License - Social Security Cards for all members in household - Birth certificates for members under the age of 18

Attorney: Overview of Legal Services

Elizabeth Elmasian will be available for phone consults to discuss the following topics.

1. Power of Attorney - A description of the legal document, what it consists of and when such a document is necessary.

2. The explanation and description of a Health Care Proxy and Living Will; the difference between both documents and which is recognized in Massachusetts 3. A brief overview, purpose and need for a Will. Explanation of intestacy laws without a will. *Please call to set up your phone appointment at 508-336-877

Farmers’ Market Coupons

Farmers’ Market Coupons are available for low income elders age 60 or older who have a monthly income less than $1,968 or annual income less than $23,606. Participants must reside in Seekonk.

The coupons have a total value of $25 and may be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. A limited number of coupons are available.

If you fit in these guidelines call 508-336-8772 to schedule a time for pick up.

September 2020

Rehoboth Council on Aging

The Reporter

49

A Municipal Department of the Town

55 Bay State Road, Rehoboth, MA 02769

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

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

Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon

The COA remains closed to the public until further notice.

Exceptions by appointment only.

For pressing issues please call the Senior Center at 508-252-3372.

Knitting and Crochet Group: Fridays at 10:00 AM

• Remember September 7th is Labor Day • Meals on Wheels is still being delivered by our volunteers.

• We are continuing to make masks for Seniors. We are in need of cotton fabric. We are accepting yarn donations for hats. will set up a safe and secure drop off

Podiatry Clinic with Dr. Marian Markowitz: Please call 508-252-3372 to schedule your appointment.

Tuesday Grab (Toss) and Go Lunch

Please call on Monday to reserve a timeslot. Pick up begins at 11:30. Number of meals are limited.

Thank You

We would like to thank all of our volunteers that have stayed with us during this pandemic.

Thank you to our Rehoboth Community Garden and all the others that donated their extra garden produce. This produce is used to cook meals and handed out to Seniors.

Thank you!

Gert’s Café: Lunch is served at Gert’s Cafe` 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.

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

Ladies Sewing and Quilting: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM. Blood Pressures & Glucose Screenings: Please contact the COA 508-252-3372 for more information.

Cardio Drums: Mondays @ 2:00 pm

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

needed. Office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday—8:00 AM to – 4:00 PM; Friday – 8:00 AM to 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.

Continued on next page ...

Tai Chi Classes: Tuesdays at 9:00 AM. Cost $3.00 Donation

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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 .

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The Reporter September 2020

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Fall Reflections on Staying Safe

By Dorothea Vafiadis, MS | 7.30.2020 (Edited by Bradley Marshall for this COA edition) The situation around the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing rapidly. Here is the latest advice from public health experts about the best way to protect yourself and to reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Some of these tips will be familiar to you and some are new.

It’s still true that the best way to stay safe is to limit your interactions with other people as much as possible and take precautions

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to prevent getting COVID-19 when you do interact with others.

Here are 4 things to remember.

1. Remember the rest of your health.

• Many older adults have one or more chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or hypertension. For managing these conditions, consider seeing your doctor using a telehealth.

Check with your provider.

• Many health care providers are now encouraging some patients to schedule the routine visits they may have been putting off. Speak to your doctor about whether vaccinations and other preventive services are up to date to help prevent disease.

• Do not delay emergency care, especially if you are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, or discomfort in your arms, back, or neck. These could be symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Acting fast can save your life.

2. Practice physical distancing and stay at least 6 feet apart.

• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) still suggests you wear a cloth face covering or mask when you are around people who don’t live in your household. Town of Rehoboth and the State of Massachusetts is require this necessary precaution.

• It’s still best to limit your physical interactions with other people as much as possible. If you decide to go out or visit with family or friends, the safest approach is staying outdoors for optimal ventilation and keeping 6 feet apart. The closer you are to other people who may be infected, the greater your risk of getting sick.

• Indoor spaces are more risky than outdoor spaces where it is harder to keep people apart and there’s less ventilation.

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3. Use common-sense actions to stay safe.

• Stock up on cleaning supplies. You should clean frequently-touched surfaces in your home such as light switches or doorknobs at least once per day.

• Manage stress, get enough sleep, and wash your hands often (and for at least 20 seconds) with soap and water. If soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, be careful of fraudulent ones containing Methyl.

• Stock up on healthful foods, have 30 days of medication on hand, and try to stay physically and socially active. .

Regular physical activity benefits your mind and body! Go for a walk or try chair exercises with such programs as NIH’s Go4Life .

4. Ask for help if you need it.

• If you are at high-risk of complications from COVID-19 or are unable to get items you need, consider contacting family or friends to lend a hand. Call the COA Director, Linda Sherman or the Outreach worker Bradley Marshall at 508-252-3372.

• If you’re having trouble paying your bills, please contact Bradley Marshall, Outreach Coordinator for Rehoboth at the Council of Aging, to see if you qualify for the hundreds of programs that help older adults pay for food, housing, utilities, medication, and more. Stay connected to family, friends and neighbors with phone calls, letters, e-mail, and through social media.

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, intergenerational 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.

September 2020

The Reporter

51

Hawks & Hoots!

September 2020 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

New! Audubon is offering small group nature explorations designed with safety in mind. Get up close with some amazing raptors, meet some interesting insects, or head out on a nature walk with an Audubon guide!

Rhode Island COVID-19 safety guidelines will be followed for all programs. Small groups are led by Audubon naturalists. Family units are encouraged to participate together. Masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks.

Advance registration is required. Visit the events calendar at www. asri.org for safety guidelines and to register.

Wednesday Morning Bird Walks

Audubon offers small-group Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Face masks and social distancing are required.

Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required. Location will be sent to registered participants in advance.

Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2021; 9:00-11:00 am; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+.

Late Summer Insects September 6; 6:00 – 7:30 pm

The evenings of late summer are full of insect sounds and songs. Join Audubon and explore the forest, pond, and field of Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge. Search for dragonflies, katydids, grasshoppers, crickets, and large garden spiders. Wear protective clothing and bug spray to make the evening more comfortable.

Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 3 and up.

Hawks & Hoots: A Celebration of Birds of Prey September 12 & 13

Hawks and Owls are a force in nature. With long sharp talons, amazing strength, and highly developed eyesight and hearing, these astounding birds are superior hunters of the avian world.

New for 2020, Audubon hosts Hawks & Hoots, a celebration of birds of prey! Get up-close to hawks and owls in small-group stations. Talk with Audubon educators who care for these birds, learn about their amazing adaptations, and discover the various habitats that they call home. Children will receive a special Hawks & Hoots fun pack to take home.

Fun Ferns of Caratunk September 13; 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Come discover the different ferns that grow at Caratunk and learn how to tell them apart. Then take a short walk in the woods to search for ferns along the trail. This is entry level and family friendly.

Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $8/member adult, $4/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 9 and up. continued on next page...

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Audubon Educator Tracey Hall introduces a Great Horned Owl to visitors at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium. Courtesy Audubon Society of Rhode Island.

Designed with safety in mind, each two-hour session is limited to 40 guests, divided into “flocks” of ten people that are guided by an Audubon staff member as they move through the owl and hawk stations.

Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required, tickets will not be sold at the door. Register early as each session is limited to 40 guests.

Purchase tickets through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Three Hawks & Hoots Sessions Offered: September 12, 2020; 9:45 am to 11:45 pm.

September 12, 2020; 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm September 13, 2020; 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Admission: Adult: $12/member, $16/non-member Child (ages 4 - 12): $8/member, $11/non-member Children age 3 and under are free Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street (Route 114), Bristol, RI.

52

The Reporter September 2020

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Li’l Peeps Sept 17, 14, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22; 10:00 – 10:45 am

This popular program introduces children ages 18 months to 2 years to the delights of nature through age-appropriate, hands-on activities. Along with a nature lesson, activities may include nature walks, crafts, songs and stories. This is also a wonderful opportunity to make new friends with the other children and parents. Advance registration is required as space is limited and fills very quickly.

Adults must accompany children and there are no refunds for missed classes. In order to maintain an age-appropriate program we ask that older siblings not accompany the parent/child team.

Face masks for adults and social distancing are required. Adults must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee for six week series: $60/member child, $76/two member siblings; $65/non-member child, $82/two non-member siblings. Ages: 18 to 36 Months.

Birdfeeding 101 September 17; 6:30 – 8:00 pm

If you are fascinated by your feathered backyard visitors and want to learn how to get started feeding the birds, this is the class for you. Come discuss types of feeders, types of seed and feeder placement as well as some tips and tricks for attracting the critters you want and deterring the ones you don’t. We will also discuss other factors for attracting birds to your yard such as water and landscape plantings. Face masks and social distancing are required.

Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult.

Raptor Photo Shoot September 19; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Take advantage of this special opportunity to get up close with a Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Red Tailed Hawk, and Barred Owl. Each bird will be placed in a natural setting for that perfect shot. No tents. No crowds. No jostling for position. While you click, hear about each species, their natural history and their ecological place in Rhode Island. Space is limited. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; September 19, 2020; 10:00 am-12:00 pm; Fee: $65/ member; $75/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult.

Audubon Raptor Drawing and Watercolor Workshops Sept 20, Oct 4, 18, Nov 1; 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Join local artist Elizabeth O’Connell to discuss, observe, draw and paint different kinds of raptors. Take one class or all! No experience needed, and all materials are included. Elizabeth has been teaching art for ten years and is a member of the Made in Warren Artist Cooperative. Her work is sold in shops and galleries across New England. Face masks and social distancing are required.

Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.

September 20: Owls; October 4: Hawks; October 18: Falcons; November 1: Ospreys and Eagles Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; September 20, October 4, October 18, November 1, 2020; 1:00-4:00 pm; Fee per class: $40/member; $45/non-member.

Ages: 13 and up.

Search for Nocturnal Animals with Audubon Sept 25; 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Why do some animals only come out at night? Where do they go and what do they do in the dark? Dive into the world of noc-

September 2020 turnal animals at Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge. Start inside with a presentation on who’s who of nocturnal critters and meet a live animal. Then go for a short evening walk to search of signs of nocturnal animal activity. Dress warmly and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots. This program is designed for families, but is also appropriate for adults attending without children. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $5/member, $7/non-member. Ages: 7 and up.

Author Meet and Greet: Providence Raptors: Documenting the Lives of Urban Birds of Prey Photography Show, Lecture and Book Signing September 26; 12:00 – 1:15 pm

Peter Green is a photographer and graphic designer living and working in downtown Providence. He walks the city documenting Peregrine Falcons and more urban wildlife from Red-Tailed Hawks nesting on rooftops to American Kestrels hunting in graffiti-covered alleys. Join Peter for a lecture about his work. Immediately after he will be available to sign copies of his recently published book PROVIDENCE RAPTORS: Documenting the Lives of Urban Birds of Prey.

Photography: Sept 1 - Oct 31, 2020. Free with Admission.

Lecture: Sept 26; 12:00-12:45 pm. Fee: $10/member; $12/ non-member.

Book signing: Sept 26; 12:45 – 1:15 pm. Free with Admission.

Lecture Space will be limited due to COVID safety restrictions.

Face masks and social distancing are required for all events. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required for lecture. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Ages: Teen to Adult.

The Reporter

Prudence Island Private Adventure with Friends and Family

Spend the day safely exploring beautiful and charming Prudence Island with education staff from the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve. With over three-quarters of the island protected, and a variety of habitats to explore, there are endless options for an outdoor friends and family private adventure! For more details and to schedule contact: Maureen Dewire, Maureen.Dewire@dem. ri.gov or 401.683.1478. Limited availability: book this program well in advance. Ages: All. Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee*: Half Day: $8/member adult, $5/member child; $10/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Full Day: $12/member adult, $8/member child; $15/non-member adult, $10 non-member child. *Cost does not include round-trip ferry travel ($11/person ages 12-adult and $5/person for children).

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Beeswax Wraps Workshop September 26; 2:00 – 3:30 pm

Single-use plastics are filling up our oceans and landfills. Be part of the solution by making your own re-usable, eco-friendly lunch wraps! We’ll be using cotton fabric, bees wax, buttons, and string to create a flexible wrap that can be used to transport food, cover bowls, and protect your leftovers. Its washable, keeps your food fresh, and it smells great. No prior sewing or crafting skills needed. All the materials supplied to make two wraps per person, but if you have a favorite fabric or button you would like to use, bring it along! Skip the plastic wrap and sandwich bags—use your sustainable and stylish bees wax wrap instead. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; September 26, 2020; 2:00-3:30 pm; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 16 and up.

Whooo Wants to Meet an Owl? September 27; 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Meet a live owl and learn about the species that make Caratunk their home. As a bonus, dissect an owl pellet and find out what an owl eats! This is a great family program. Each adult/child pair will receive one pellet to dissect, additional pellets will be available for sale (please bring cash). Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $15/Member adult/child pair, $5/additional member child; $20/Non-member adult/child pair, $7/additional non-member child.

Additional pellets are $7. Ages: 9 and up.

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The Reporter September 2020

SCHOOL NEWS Dighton-Rehoboth Reopening Plans

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By Joe Siegel The 2020-2021 school year will begin on September 18 with remote learning. The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District plans to transition to hybrid learning and ultimately in-person instruction depending on the rate of Covid-19 infections in Massachusetts.

Teachers will return on September 2 for 10 days of professional development in accordance with the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary (DESE) guidance.

Superintendent Anthony Azar sent parents and families a full summary of the district’s return to school plans last Friday.

The document reads, in part: In addition to classroom time where both teachers and students are present, structured learning time may include directed study, independent study, technology-assisted learning, presentations by persons other than teachers, school-to-work programs, and statewide student performance assessments.

Direct instruction will happen daily, but without time minimum or maximums. DRRSD recommends 15 minute mini lessons with the opportunity for additional discussion using Google Meet as a platform.

Hybrid learning will be a combination of in person learning and remote learning as defined in this document. In a hybrid model, grades 1-12 students will report to school 2 days per week and will work remotely from home 3 days per week. Staff will report 5 days per week. Staff will work a half day on Wednesdays to give custodians an opportunity to clean the building.

All students are required to wear a mask/face covering that covers their nose and mouth.

Face shields may be an option for those students with medical, behavioral, or other challenges who are unable to wear masks/ face coverings.

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Vaccination Reminders for Families

Dear Dighton-Rehoboth Families, We hope you are well and have enjoyed your summer as best as possible. Our staff is preparing for the opening of the 2020-2021 school year. We have been working extremely hard to prepare students and staff for a year of learning regardless of a remote model or a hybrid model. To support whichever model we are in, we have planned a comprehensive professional development schedule for staff beginning on 9/2 and continuing until 9/17.

As a reminder the first day for students is 9/18/2020. We will be starting the year in a remote learning model with a goal to transition to hybrid learning beginning on 10/13/2020. Building principals will be providing information regarding specific student schedules as well as additional information regarding the start of the school year.

A distance learning website will be used to provide students access to teacher webpages, programs and applications, as well as student and parent technical support resources. High priority students, as identified by the DESE guidance, will also be starting on 9/18/2020 with direct in person instruction and services. For students, who meet this criteria, families and guardians will be receiving additional correspondence from the District Special Education office.

This year, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is requiring an influenza immunization for all children 6 months of age or older who are attending Massachusetts child care, pre-school, kindergarten, K-12, and colleges and universities. Students will be expected to have received a flu vaccine by 12/31/2020 unless either a medical or religious exemption is provided.

September 2020 It is becoming very clear that during the 2020-2021 school year we will again be presented with many questions and few answers.

We will continue to work with all stakeholders to answer these difficult questions with the health and safety of our students and staff foremost in mind. Our goal is to provide the best education for our students regardless of the model so as to prepare them to be productive, successful citizens in an ever changing world.

Please continue to monitor email for updates from district and building administration. We are looking forward to working together to provide the best possible education for our students during this difficult time.

Sincerely, Dr. Anthony Azar Please see ReporterToday.com for more information on the Massachusetts guidelines for vaccinations.

Seekonk Schools Begin with Hybrid Model on September 15th

By Joe Siegel Seekonk Schools will begin the school year with a hybrid learning model. A preliminary reopening plan was submitted to the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) last month. A comprehensive plan is due to DESE on Friday.

“We need to have a positive attitude and a growth mindset that we can do this working together,” Superintendent Rich Drolet said at Monday’s school committee meeting. “Starting the year in a hybrid model is I firmly believe in the best interest of students.”

School officials acknowledge sticking to a hybrid learning model will be challenging due to the continual fluctuation in infection rates in Massachusetts.

“I think we’re at the mercy of the virus,” Drolet said. “One thing we’ve learned is that things change if not weekly, daily. If not daily, hourly, so if the rates were to spike in the matter of a day or two, things could change.”

“If rates continue to drop then yes, I believe full classroom instruction is possible as long as it is safe for students and staff,” Drolet told the Reporter. “Per DESE guidance, adults (and students) are not required to undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing. If they are symptomatic, then our school-based COVID-19 point-of-contacts (school nurses) would recommend for staff or families to work with and consult with their doctors/pediatricians to determine if COVID-19 testing was recommended/needed.”

Drolet said the district is looking into adopting mask-wearing policies (with increased mask-wearing expectations), that the school committee may adopt.

“Under these policies, students would typically be excluded from school if they decline or refuse to wear a mask and parents/ guardians would be called to pick their students up if they refused to wear a mask,” Drolet noted.

Drolet added that the majority of teachers that were surveyed preferred a hybrid or full in-person return-to-school as opposed to a full remote model.

On July 27, Education Commissioner Jeff Riley announced the start of school in Massachusetts will be delayed by 10 days to allow for more educator training.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade will start in the middle of September, and the school year will be reduced to 170 days.

The 75 page Comprehensive Return to School Plan is on the school department’s website: http://www.seekonk.k12.ma.us/ Some highlights: • The PK-12 student population will be divided into two cohorts: Cohort A and Cohort B; • Cohort A (last names A-K) will include about 50 percent of the PK-12 student population who will attend school in-person 2 continued on next page...

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55

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The Reporter September 2020

days per week (usually Tuesday/Wednesday); • Cohort B will include the other 50% of students (last names L-Z) who will attend school in-person 2 other days per week (usually Thursday/Friday); • In this hybrid learning environment and remote learning, each group will learn remotely the other three days per week. Some synchronous learning with Cohorts A & B combined may be able to take place on the district-wide remote learning day (usually Monday) • “Virtual Learning Academy” as a Choice: In a survey to our families, 10-15% indicated they would choose a 100% virtual learning option for their student if offered this choice. Parents/guardians

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have the option to choose a Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) if they prefer - with the understanding that the Virtual Learning Academy may not provide as robust offerings as, or replace the full benefits of, learning in-person • Social distancing will be implemented as much as possible; under the hybrid model below, in-class social distancing will be possible

Industriousness & Creative Sustainability:

How Bristol Aggie is facing reopening challenges

Dighton, MA: As the school re-opening guidance from MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) trickles down, schools across the commonwealth are employing unique and creative methods to develop the three required plans for the start of school. All schools are submitting three distinct learning plans to the DESE for approval: in school learning, hybrid (in and out of school), and entirely remote learning.

Bristol County Agricultural High School is faced with the unique challenge of being in the midst of a $1.3 million Massachusetts School Building Authority construction and renovation project.

“As you can imagine, this is a challenging time for all schools, but compounding the pandemic restrictions with a new campus layout that includes new structures and the renovation of established buildings, magnifies these challenges immensely,” said Bristol Aggie Superintendent, Adele Sands, “ However, where there is challenge, there is opportunity.”

The school’s new Student Commons building, which will house the new cafeteria, media center, offices and public meeting space, is post and beam structure. When Gilbane Inc., the construction company executing the build, had spare pieces of large beam, they approached Facility Director, Ryan Miranda, to see if there was a use anywhere else on campus. Immediately, Miranda and the school’s dedicated foremen and custodians took action. Miranda said that with the new spacing guidance, a major challenge was in the food service area. “We just don’t have enough room in the existing building.” Pre-pandemic, Bristol Aggie students could be seen enjoying lunch outdoors, even in weather that might seem questionable to some. “Our kids love to be outside and these extra beam sections seemed like an incredible opportunity to build additional outdoor seating for our students”. The facilities team installed short sections of telephone poles into the ground to serve as the post supports for the long pieces of beam. The finished product is a wide, long, family style table for students to enjoy their meals, socially distanced.

Superintendent Sands said, “Today, creativity in schools is not stopping at schedules, curricula, classroom setups and technology. Today’s educators have to think way outside of the box. Bristol Aggie is so fortunate to have the most industrious, resourceful, and creative faculty and staff and that’s critical in order for this school year to be a success.”

Tri-County Regional Return to School Plan September 2020-Executive Summary

“A Better Beginning”

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There were two key factors from our feasibility study that played a part in our planning and decision making for the re-opening.

Through our parent survey comments, we realized the first key factor was the primary emphasis for in–person learning needed to be on our vocational program. Our parents felt that the reason their student attended our school was because of the technical education we offer. It is what differentiates us from their local school district.

Our practice of alternating weeks for vocational and academic instruction, with underclassmen and upperclassmen assigned to each, provides a natural cohort model for our vocational and academic programs.

September 2020 The second key factor was transportation. The district has a large geographical footprint that measures 25 plus miles from the towns of Seekonk to Millis and east to Walpole.

Considering these two key factors, we feel that the best plan for us would be a Hybrid phased reopening with one grade level of students attending their vocational program each day and all academic instruction remote. Each grade level is about 250 students. We would provide in-person vocational instruction two and one half days for underclassmen and two days for upperclassmen each week. On the other two days for underclassmen and two and one half days for upperclassmen students would receive remote vocational instruction. Under Phase I we would run this schedule for one A week (grades 9 & 11) and one B week (grades 10 & 12) cycle in their vocational program. This would provide live instruction to 25% of our total student enrollment. If the logistics and safety protocols work out, we would expand this to Phase II with both grades in a particular vocational program attending together or 50% of our total enrollment. Under Phase I and II, vocational in-person instruction only, there would be no passing in the corridors and students would eat lunch in their shops, eliminating the need for students to pass in the corridors.

In order for us to consider in person academic instruction under the Hybrid Phased Reopening Plan, we felt we needed to develop a six-foot (Phase III) and a three-foot (Phase IV) model to have flexible options in dealing with passing between classes and lunch in the cafeteria. To ensure minimal class sizes, under the six-foot model, students would be grouped into cohorts according to last name. On B week, Mondays and Thursdays 9/11th graders with last names A – N will be in the building for instruction, while last names O – Z work remotely. On Tuesdays and Fridays, they will switch modes of instruction. On A week the same pattern holds true for 10/12th graders in academics. On Wednesdays, all students work remotely, while staff is in the building.

In the three-foot model, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9th graders will receive in-person instruction while 11th graders are working remotely. On Tuesdays and Thursdays 11th graders will receive in-person instruction while 9th graders are working remotely. On A weeks the same pattern will hold true for 10/12th graders in academics. Wednesdays will follow the one-half day in-person schedule.

During remote learning, economically disadvantaged students are ensured nutritional assistance through their sending district. We will provide all students with Chromebooks and are actively working on providing hotspots to ensure that every Tri-County student has reliable internet access.

While the first two phases of reopening call for remote learning for academics, a small cohort of sub-separate students will attend school in-person along with designated vocational students with all safety protocols followed. In order to establish the cohort, we reviewed the IEPs of all students, and determined their need for significant intervention during both in-person instruction and remote learning.

Our goal is to safely get to Phase V, a 100% in-person model, that will require students to receive instruction full time in the school setting according to the three-feet distancing guidelines and will follow the traditional school schedule of week on/week off. All students will be issued their own Chromebook. We have built a half-day at mid-week for students to allow for the implementation of extensive cleaning protocols, as well as professional development opportunities and collaboration time for faculty and staff. We have removed excess furniture from the academic classrooms to accommodate a 24-student maximum. On-site remote learning labs will be utilized for classes that exceed the 24-student maximum and to address students who are unable to attend school.

Counseling needs will be addressed by counselors remotely or in person as appropriate to phasing for existing caseload students as well as new wellness referrals. Students with 504 plans will have accommodations ensured by guidance counselors.

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Incoming and existing EL and FEL students will have their progress and proficiency levels assessed at the start of the school year to determine appropriate direct services and monitoring with our EL specialist. Important family outreach will be translated for language needs.

We have increased passing times between classes as well as during lunch to facilitate one-way traffic in the hallways and appropriate sanitation protocols. The start and end of the day have been adjusted to stagger arrivals and dismissals.

We believe that our Hybrid Phased Reopening Plan will provide the confidence and knowledge of the required protocols to safely allow 100% in-person instruction at some point in time this school year.

Hornbine School Museum Open in September

The Hornbine School Museum will be open between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on September 13 th & 27 th. (2 nd & 4 th Sundays) The Hornbine School Museum is LOCATED at 144 Hornbine Road in Rehoboth. Frances Megan, a past Hornbine School student, will be in attendance when possible. Visitors always find her to be very interesting and informative. Go to our Facebook page at “Hornbine School Museum” to check before you visit and to FOLLOW us. You and your family will have limited access to the building. We ask: 1. Please do not visit if you have symptoms of Covid 19.

2. Wear a mask and maintain a distance of 6 feet.

3. Groups of 4 or less will have restricted access to the Museum.

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The Reporter September 2020

IN MEMORIAM Irene Elizabeth (Roy) Walker Irene Elizabeth (Roy) Walker, 98, of Seekonk, MA since 1970, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at Garden Place Healthcare in Attleboro, MA. She was the beloved wife of the late William W. Walker Jr., and the former wife of the late Laurent E. Beauvais.

Born on May 1, 1922 in Rehoboth, MA, she was the daughter of the late Edward L. Roy and the late Blanche A. (Nadeau) Roy. Irene grew up on her famIrene Elizabeth (Roy) Walker ily’s large chicken farm on Anawan Street in Rehoboth. She was part of a large extended French-Canadian family that included her four siblings, their spouses, and many nieces and nephews. When she was about eight years old, she sang on WJAR radio at the Outlet Store in downtown Providence, RI, as part of a children’s variety show.

Irene was a graduate of Taunton High School. She raised her beloved son, Richard, in Rehoboth, focusing completely on her role as a mother for many years. Later, when she re-married, she worked as a hostess at Eileen Darling’s Restaurant in Seekonk for over twenty-five years, while her husband Bill manned the kitchen.

On the outside, Irene was quiet and private, but she never failed to ensure that her love was felt by her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. In her spare time, Irene enjoyed crocheting, needle point, and most of all gardening. She and her husband spent countless hours in their yard tending to the many beautiful flowers they grew, and their grass was never anything but lush and green. Irene held a special place in her heart for dogs, especially her beloved dogs Missy, Cindy and Suzie.

Irene is survived by her devoted daughter-in-law Deborah Beauvais of Rehoboth, MA; her three granddaughters: Shaunette Nastar and her husband, Victor Nastar; Roshane Beauvais and her husband, Troy Sequeira; and Carly Iafrate and her husband, Greg Iafrate, all of Rehoboth, MA; and her great grandchildren: Wyatt Nastar, Colten Nastar, Dreyla Sequeira, Taylen Sequeira,

80 Broadway, Taunton MA 02780 508.822.0081 www.silvafuneralhome.com

Adrienne Iafrate, Julia Iafrate, Gracelin Iafrate and Cara Iafrate, all of Rehoboth, MA. Irene was predeceased by her beloved son, Richard E. Beauvais, and her siblings: Rose Hunter, with whom she was especially close, and her late husband, Harry Hunter; Beatrice St. Pierre and her late husband, Aime St. Pierre; Eugene Roy, M.D., and his late wife, Gertrude Roy; and Raymond Roy, M.D., and his late wife, Mary Louise Roy. All services for Irene are private at the request of her family.

As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Irene to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 or online at www. dementiasociety.org/donate.

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

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

Duncan E. Hall

Duncan E. Hall, 89, of Seekonk, died peacefully on August 7, 2020 at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the loving husband of Gladys E. (Vermette) Hall for 64 wonderful years. Born in Seekonk, he was the son of the late R. Eugene Hall & Hazel (Johnson) Hall.

Mr. Hall was a banker with First National Bank, Fleet Bank, & Bank of America for 40 years until his retirement. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family, Duncan E. Hall especially his grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Grandpa Duncan Donuts.”

In addition to his wife, he leaves his loving daughter, Deborah J. Keeney of Warren. He was the cherished grandfather of Alexander H. Keeney, Kyeshia Y. Keeney, the late Brett Keeney, & two great-grandchildren. He was the brother of Joyce Stephanopolous of Riverside & the late Lois Crombie & E. Virginia Bryson. He also leaves many nieces & nephews who lovingly referred to him as «Uncle Duncan Donuts.»

His graveside service will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at 12:00 pm in Seekonk Cemetery, Newman Avenue.

Calling hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852 will be appreciated. Arrangements are in the care of the Home of J.H. WILLIAMS & CO., 210 Owners and Directors, Amy Silva Rigtrup, Type 3, Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI. For Lawrence Quintal, Type 3 and online messages of condolence, kindly visit Christine (DeLawrence) Quintal, Typre 3 www.jhwilliamsfuneralhome.com

September 2020

Geraldine M. (Knott) Carpenter Rehoboth – Geraldine M. (Knott) Carpenter, 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 25, 2020. She was the beloved wife of the late Stephen E. Carpenter. Born in Pawtucket, she was a daughter of the late Thomas, Sr. and Margaret (O’Brien) Knott.

Geraldine made her home in Rehoboth for over the past 50 years. She worked as a secretary for the Dighton-Rehoboth School District from which Geraldine M. (Knott) Carpenter she retired several years ago.

Geraldine was also a longtime member of the Rehoboth Ladies Lions Club and the Rehoboth PTSA. She enjoyed bowling and was a former member of several bowling leagues at EP Lanes in East Providence. Above all, Geraldine was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother, who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Geraldine leaves a daughter, Allison J. Boucher and her husband, Kevin, Sr. of Rehoboth; three grandchildren, Brittany-Lee, Noah and Kevin “KJ” Boucher; a brother, Adrian Knott and his wife, Christine; three nephews and one niece. She was the mother of the late Stephen Eric Carpenter and the sister the late Thomas Knott, Jr. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 5th, at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 984 Taunton Ave. Seekonk, followed by interment at Seekonk Cemetery. VISITATION will be Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket.

Due to current State of RI and Health Department restrictions, facial coverings and social distancing will be required. Upon arrival at the funeral home you will be directed to a parking space. Due to current State of RI and Health Department restrictions, facial coverings and social distancing will be required. Upon arrival at the funeral home you will be directed to a parking space. Due to occupancy restrictions, we ask that you remain inside your vehicle until an attendant usher directs you into the funeral home to offer brief condolences. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Hillside Adult Day Health Center, 50 Walton St., Attleboro, MA 02703 would be appreciated. TRIPPFUNERALHOME.com

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David S. Parker David S. Parker, 75, of Seekonk, passed away on Tuesday August 11, 2020 at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center. He was the husband of Janet (Gardner) Parker.

Born in Presque Isle, Maine he was a son of the late Lawrence and Beryl (Cronkite) Parker. David was the owner & operator of the former Oscars Hardware in Seekonk for many years. After retiring he worked in management at Home Depot. He was a graduate of Presque Isle High School and Husson College, both David S. Parker in Maine. David was very active in the Seekonk community. He served as a Seekonk Town Moderator, a Seekonk Selectman, was a member of the High School Band Parents, served on the Boy Scout Council and also coached Little League for many years.

Besides his wife he leaves three children, Jonathan Parker and his wife Lisa of Rehoboth, Scott Parker of North Smithfield and Rachel Roy of Seekonk, two grandchildren, Bailey Roy and Caleb Roy both of Seekonk and his sister in law, Mary Parker of California.

He was the father in law of the late Terrence Roy and brother of the late Patricia Ginn and Lawrence Parker, Jr. His funeral service will be private. Contributions in his memory may be made to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 or Angels Care Closet Inc., 42 Pershing Avenue, Seekonk, Ma 02771 would be appreciated.

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The Reporter September 2020

Raymond P. Medeiros

Alton ”Al” H. Patterson

SWANSEA—Raymond P. Medeiros, 95, passed away on August 6, 2020 at St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River. He was the loving husband of the late Mabel A. (Martin) Medeiros.

Ray was born in Fall River and was the son of the late Joseph Medeiros and Maria (Barboza) Medeiros.

Ray served his country honorably in the US Army during World War II and went on to work as a tool maker for Fram Corp of Providence. Ray was known loRaymond P. Medeiros cally as the owner and operator of Ray’s Saw and Mower Service, a job that he enjoyed for many years into his retirement. Ray held a private pilots license and enjoyed anything to do with planes. He also was an avid reader and loved to go out for a good meal anytime he could. Ray will be remembered as a quiet and kind man who cherished the time he spent with his late wife Mabel, his family and countless lifelong friends.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Lopes-Cummings of Maryland and several nieces and nephews.

Private arrangements are entrusted to the Hathaway Community Home for Funerals, Somerset.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s memory may be made to the MA Alzheimer’s Association, 473 South St. W., #13, Raynham, MA 02767.

To leave a message for Ray’s family, please visit www.hathawayfunerals.com

Alton ”Al” H. Patterson, 91, of Rehoboth ,MA passed away peacefully from complications of dementia on July 29,2020 at the Goldenview Assisted Living Center, Meredith, NH where he resided with his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Patterson.

Born in Providence, RI, the son of the late Charles and Elsie Patterson, he resided in Rehoboth for more than 60 years in the house he built.

Al grew up living in Swansea and Seekonk. Prior to his marriage to Betty, he served in the Army as a member of the 13th Airborne Ranger Company. He raced sports cars for fun at the Seekonk Speedway. He became a carpenter and worked Alton ”Al” H. Patterson many years as a construction superintendent for Campanelli Inc. Al was a charter member of the Riverside Sportsmen’s Club. His hobbies included fishing, golf and gardening. After his retirement, he and Betty spent about 25 years being “snowbirds”, wintering in Margate FL, with many family and friends in the area.

Al was quite the character and was full of entertaining stories of his youth and fun antics. He loved his family, especially the younger generations, who adored their “Papa”.

Al is survived by his wife of 65 years Betty (Larson) Patterson, a son Kenneth Patterson and his wife Donna of Rehoboth, a daughter Donna Harris and her husband Roland of Laconia, NH and a son John Patterson and his wife Lynne of Huntington Beach, CA, a brother Thomas Patterson of Corona, CA, as well as 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his infant daughter Cynthia, and his siblings, Eleanor, Lloyd, Charles and Norma.

The entire Patterson family would like to thank the staff of Goldenview for their compassionate care of Dad during his time in their assisted living facility.

For those who wish, a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in Al’s name is suggested (Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001, https://alzfdn.org/support-us/donate/)

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September 2020

Cornelius L. “Neil” Lynch, III Cornelius L. “Neil” Lynch, III, age 74, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2020 in Charlton Memorial Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Jane (Siedentopf) Lynch to whom he was married for 48 years.

Growing up on Meridian St. in Fall River, he was the son of Cornelius L. Lynch, II. and Ann M. Lynch. He resided in Rehoboth for over 40 years. Neil was a graduate of Bishop Stang High School in 1964 and, after a brief stint at WHDH Boston he graduated from Cornelius L. “Neil” Lynch, III Bristol Community College in its first class. Neil worked for several years at Union Hospital (now Charlton) while in college. A graduate of what is now Bridgewater State University, Class of 1970 he left a teaching career to work in human services. As the Director of the Head Start Program in Fall River, his career spanned over 30 years before retiring in 2014.

In addition to his wife he is survived by two sons, Brendan Lynch and his wife Joanne of Sudbury and Sean T. Lynch of Tuscon, AZ; two grandchildren, Cara Lynch and Liam Lynch and brother-in-law, Bruce Siedentopf and his wife Patty.

Due to current restrictions his funeral service will be private and are in the care of the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, Swansea.

To leave a note of condolence, www.waring-sullivan.com.

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Rehoboth

• Richard A. “Dick” Grenier, 67, formerly of Rehoboth died Friday July 17, 2020 in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.

• Manuel G. Rebello, Jr. 87, of Rehoboth, MA., died Monday August 17, 2020 at home.

Seekonk

• John T. Kelleher, 82, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Sunday, July 26, 2020.

• Louis “Buddy” Propatier Jr., 77, of Cole Street, Seekonk, MA passed away peacefully on Wednesday July 29, 2020 at Rhode Island Hospital surrounded by his family.

• Laura D. (Hyatt) Clary, 59, formerly of Rehoboth, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at Brigham & Women’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

• Thomas A. Rose Sr., 72, of Lincoln St., Seekonk, passed away peacefully at home with his wife and family surrounding him, Saturday evening, Aug. 1, 2020.

• Irene Elizabeth (Roy) Walker, 98, of Seekonk, MA since 1970, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at Garden Place Healthcare in Attleboro, MA. • M. Elaine Berriman, 87, formerly of Seekonk, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at the Steere House Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

• Mary Elizabeth Gamelin, loving wife and mother, dedicated teacher and true friend to all who knew her, passed away at the age of 82, on August 12th.

William W. Tripp & Cheetham Funeral Homes Compassionately serving the families of Rehoboth and Seekonk for generations Conveniently located at 1008 – 1012 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 401-722-2140 | www.trippfuneralhome.com

“United We Stand, Divided We Fall”

Jason K. Landry of Rehoboth

Daniel A. Laneres

Sandra M. Reis Fala Português

Michael S. Sladen

62

The Reporter September 2020

Food & Dining Powerful Pairings

Make taste and nutrition a priority for family meals.

(Family Features) According to the “Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior,” studies have proven that eating meals together as a family can improve communication and relationships, which is especially important during times of uncertainty and life’s more difficult moments.

Great-tasting foods like pork and pulses can be combined to bring families together with quality nutrition, which helps bodies survive and thrive.

Pulses are the nutritionally dense, edible seeds of legumes including dry peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas. Together with pork, this pairing provides critical nutrients to support weight management and immune function, along with plenty of protein - providing all nine essential amino acids - fiber, B vitamins, zinc, iron, potassium, selenium and folate.

As part of the Powerful Pairings initiative, launched by the National Pork Board and USA Pulses in an effort to promote pairing

whole foods to bring taste, balance and nutrition to the center of the plate, these recipes for Green Chili Jack Smash Burgers, Cuban Black Beans and Pork Chops with Smashed Yellow Peas and BlackEyed Pea Gravy encourage a nutritious way to enjoy fresh taste.

Find more information, resources and recipes at powerfulpairings.com. Recipes Courtesy of the National Pork Board and USA Pulses.

Green Chili Jack Smash Burgers

Servings: 4 Burger Patties: Charred Green Chili Mayo: • 1 pound ground pork • 1 can (3 oz) diced green • 4 tbsp red onion, minced chilies • 1 tsp garlic, minced • 2/3 cup mayonnaise • 1 tsp chipotle chili powder • 1 clove garlic, crushed • 2 tsp ancho chili powder • 1 tablespoon lime juice • 1 cup cooked black-eyed • 2 green onions, sliced peas, drained • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped • 1 tsp salt, to taste • 4 slices Jack cheese Put it Together: • 4 hamburger buns Caramelized Onions: • 1 avocado, peeled and sliced • 2 tablespoons butter • 1/2 head lettuce • 1 large onion, sliced thin • 1/2 cup water • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Come Check Out Our Outdoor Dining Area & Food Truck!

Join Us for Indoor or Outdoor Seating Take Out Available

*DAILY SPECIALS

Check our website for daily specials!

www.portsidefish.com 774-331-2057

Mon: Closed Tues-Fri: 11am-7pm Sat-Sun: 10am-6pm 319 Tremont Street, Rehoboth, MA 02769 LOCATED AT CHARTLEY’S PLAZA!

*HOMEMADE DESSERTS Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30-8pm; Fri-Sat 11:30-9pm 431 Winthrop Street, Rte 44,Taunton MA • 508-823-8664 1666 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland RI • 401-305-3916 520 Foundry Street, Easton MA• 508-297-0327 www.lafamiliarestaurants.com

September 2020 The Reporter

In large bowl, mix ground pork, onion, garlic and chili powders.

Add black-eyed peas and salt; mix well. Form into four loosely packed balls and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

To make Caramelized Onions: In large skillet over medium-high heat, warm butter. Add onions, water and salt; cook, stirring, until onions soften and turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

To make Charred Green Chili Mayo: Place green chilies in hot cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, turning, until chilies begin to soften and turn black. Remove from heat and place in small bowl. Add mayonnaise, garlic and lime juice; whisk to blend. Add green onions and cilantro; stir well and refrigerate.

To make burgers: Warm cast iron or nonstick griddle pan over medium-high heat. Place pork balls on hot skillet; flatten with heavy

63

metal spatula. Season with salt, to taste. Cook approximately 3 minutes; flip and cook 2-3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145 F. Lightly toast buns. Place each burger on toasted bun with slice of cheese, Caramelized Onions, Charred Green Chili Mayo, avocado and lettuce.

Pork Chops with Smashed Yellow Peas and Black-Eyed Pea Gravy

Servings: 4 • 2 cups yellow split peas, cooked and drained • 1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, softened butter, divided • 1/4 cup cream continued on next page...

Outdoor Dining Available 7 Days a Week THE FRESHEST SEAFOOD & BEST FRIED CLAMS AROUND! Fresh Seafood Purchased Daily!

Fried Clams-Chowder-Clamcakes Burgers-Steak & Cheese-Chicken Fingers

The Reporter September 2020

Y our

Going Out? Staying In? Find Good Food Right Here.

Ad Here!!!

all 5 08.252.6 5 7

C

5

64

Open 7 Days a Week Kitchen Hours:

Mon & Tues noon-7:30 Wed & Thurs noon-9 Fri & Sat noon-10 • Sun 11-7:30 Live Music Thursday thru Saturday continues thru September Indoor Seating also available!

For complete menu go to www.hillsidecountryclub.com/dine

82 Hillside Ave., Rehoboth MA 508.252.5563 www.hillsidecountryclub.com

• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste • 4 pork chops • pepper, to taste • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 onion, diced • 1 can black-eyed peas with juice • 1/8 cup flour • 1 cup milk In medium bowl, use fork or potato masher to mash peas. Stir in 1/4 cup butter, cream and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Season pork chops with additional salt and pepper, to taste.

In large skillet, warm oil over medium heat. Add pork chops to pan and cook approximately 4 minutes per side, or until they reach internal temperature of 145 F. Remove pork chops from pan; keep warm.

In same pan, add remaining butter, onion and black-eyed peas.

Cook 2-3 minutes until warm throughout, scraping pan. Add flour and season with salt and pepper, to taste. While stirring, slowly add milk.

Serve mashed peas topped with pork chops and black-eyed pea gravy.

Serving: 6 • 1 quart water • 1 green bell pepper, diced, divided • 4 cloves garlic, peeled, divided • 1 cup dried black beans, rinsed and soaked overnight • 1 bay leaf • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 2 slices bacon, diced • 1/2 Spanish onion, diced • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar

Fill large pot with water. Add 1/2 diced green pepper, two garlic cloves, beans and bay leaf. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour.

In skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Add bacon; cook, turning, until bacon starts to brown, about 2 minutes.

Add remaining green pepper and onion; 12 Ft cook, stirring, until slightly softened, about Famous for our 3 minutes.

Wings and Pulled Pork HD TV Chop remaining garlic cloves. Add to Over 80 Flavors of Sauce skillet with oregano, cumin and black pepHuge Salads • 16 Beers on Draft per. Stir 1 minute. Pour in vinegar, scraping browned bits from bottom of pan with wooden spoon.

When beans are cooked, discard bay leaf. Transfer 1 cup beans to blender; blend to make paste. Return blended beans to large pot. Add bacon mixture and sugar.

Stir well; bring to boil over medium heat.

Lower heat, simmer and cook, uncovered, 20 minutes, skimming foam from top.

Source: National Family Meals Month

Open Tuesday-Sunday 11:00am-9:00pm Dine-In or Takeout

540 Central Ave, Rte 152 • Seekonk MA

508-761-6854

Cuban Black Beans

WWW.BONEYARDBARBECUE.COM

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-11pm; Fri & Sat 11am-12am

September 2020 The Reporter

65

Support Local Restaurants Now Open for Dine-In

No Reservations - Masks Required Curbside Take Out Available

401-438-4646

Regular menu, Gluten Free menu & Catering menu all available

uncletonys.com/east-providence/ www.facebook.com/UncleTonysEP/

260 Newport Avenue, Rumford, RI 02916

TAI PAN Chinese Restaurant Delivery Available ($15.00 min., Local Area)

Mon - Thurs - 11:30am-9:00pm Fri. & Sat. - 11:30am - 10:00pm, Sun. - 12:30pm - 9:00pm

1641 Fall River Ave, Rt. 6 Seekonk, MA

- YOUR AD HERE -

We want to help.

Call 508.252.6575 for Details on Advertising in The NEW Restaurant Directory!

508-336-9090

est 1987

*DAILY SPECIALS *HOMEMADE DESSERTS

Indoor or Outdoor Seating Take Out Available Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30-8; Fri-Sat 11:30-9 431 Winthrop Street, Rte 44,Taunton MA • 508-823-8664 1666 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland RI • 401-305-3916 520 Foundry Street, Easton MA• 508-297-0327

www.lafamiliarestaurants.com

Now Open for Indoor & Outdoor Dining Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri & Sat 11am-10pm 736 N Broadway East Providence, RI (401) 434-1505

We l c o m e

To O u r Is l a n d

INDOOR & OUTDOOR NOW OPEN

Call for Reservations Open for Take-Out Daily

11am-7pm Offering curbside pickup. Orders can be placed by calling 401-431-1322 or via online ordering through www.madeirarestaurant.com and click on online ordering tab.

288 Warren Avenue, East Providence

COUNTRY KITCHEN Serving Breakfast & Lunch

508.336.4361 Updated Dining & Take Out Hours: Monday-Closed Tuesday-Friday 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sunday 7:00 AM -1:00 PM

Check our Vino’s Facebook page & vinosfamilycafe.com for daily specials.

503 Winthrop St. Rehoboth

STEAK & PIZZA 208 Taunton Ave East Providence RI

401-434-3523 www.saxs.biz

COUNTRY KITCHEN

•Fresh Fruit Waffles• •Homemade Pies• •Fish-n-chips• •Daily Specials• •Catering Available•

Offering CATERING Serving Breakfast & Lunch AVAILABLE

Take Out, Take outWaffles• AvailablePickup (508) 336-9807 •Fresh Fruit Curbside 469 Taunton Ave., Rt. 44, Seekonk, MA •Homemade Pies• CATERING and Delivery •Fish-n-chips•

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

AVAILABLE •Daily Specials• Call 508-336-9807 •Catering Available•

To Order Take out Available (508) 336-9807 469 Taunton Ave., Rt. 44, Seekonk, MA

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

66

The Reporter September 2020

From the State House Representative Steven Howitt Supports Economic Development, Jobs Creation Bill Legislation provides for restaurant relief, zoning reform, and sports betting

Boston – State Representative Steven Howitt (R-Seekonk) supported a multimillion dollar economic development bill designed to stimulate job growth and proSteven Howitt vide additional support to cities, towns and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

House Bill 4879, An Act enabling partnerships for growth, was engrossed by the House of Representatives on a vote of 156-3 on July 28 following two days of debate. The bill is a redrafted version of legislation that was originally filed by Governor Charlie Baker on March 4.

In addition to authorizing $456 million in bond funding to support housing production, workforce training initiatives, climate resiliency, small businesses, cultural organizations, and a variety of local earmarks, House Bill 4879 puts forth a number of policy initiatives, including legalized sports betting in Massachusetts and additional protective guidelines governing evictions during COVID-19. The bill also contains local zoning reform language originally included in Governor Baker’s Housing Choice legislation to help address the state’s affordable housing shortage.

Representative Howitt noted that House Bill 4879 sanctions betting on both professional and college sporting events by individuals 21 and older. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission would regulate and license operators to accept wagers, including the state’s casinos, racetracks, and fantasy sports companies.

Wagers can be placed in-person or online, but racetracks will be limited to in-person betting.

Local restaurants impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus stand to benefit from the revenues generated by sports betting.

The House bill would set aside 30% of those revenues for a new Distressed Restaurant Trust Fund, or about $15 million a year based on projections. This fund would provide one-time grants of up to $15,000 to help cover payroll expenses, rent and mortgage, insurance costs, past due payments for supplies, goods or services, and the procurement of personal protective equipment.

During floor debate, Representative Howitt supported an amendment allowing restaurants to delay submitting their meals tax revenues for the remainder of the year without penalties or interest, and capping at 15% of the total purchase price the fees third-party delivery services can charge restaurants for online orders. The amendment allows for meals taxes collected between August 1 and October 31 to be paid by November 20, and meals taxes collected in November and December to be paid by January 20, 2021. It also keeps the delivery fee cap in place until 45 days after the COVID-19 State of Emergency is lifted.

House Bill 4879 builds on prior restaurant relief measures approved by the Legislature. Representative Howitt previously supported legislation allowing restaurants to offer beer and wine with food takeout orders, and recently supported expanding these takeout options to include mixed drinks.

The state’s lack of affordable housing is addressed in the House bill. Between 1960 and 1990, housing production in Massachusetts averaged 900,000 units annually, but since 1990, that number has fallen dramatically, to an average of 430,000 units. To encourage more housing development, House Bill 4879 contains language lowering the threshold for certain local zoning changes from a two-thirds vote to a simple majority. This includes zoning for smart growth zoning districts, mixed-use housing, multi-family housing, and transit-oriented development situated near rapid transit, commuter rail, and bus and ferry terminals.

To help protect renters and homeowners, Governor Baker recently extended the statewide moratorium on evictions and foreclosures, which was due to expire on August 18, which will now run through October 17. House Bill 4879 makes additional changes to the state’s eviction laws by requiring the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development to develop a standard notice of eviction rights and responsibilities form for tenants facing eviction. The bill also requires pre-eviction mediation to take place before an eviction hearing, and prohibits such hearings from proceeding unless the court determines the tenant and landlord have made a good-faith effort to come to a resolution in a pre-eviction mediation. Tenants can prevent the termination of their tenancy by paying the landlord all of the rent that is due including interest and cost of action.

House Bill 4879 would also: • increase the annual cap on the Housing Development Incentive Program from $10 million to $30 million to encourage more multi-unit, market-rate housing; • allow for the establishment of Tourism Destination Marketing Districts; and • create a special legislative commission to make recommendations on addressing the recovery of the state’s cultural and creative sector, including the arts, humanities and sciences.

House Bill 4879 now moves to the Senate for its consideration.

Representative Steven Howitt Supports Bill Expanding Telehealth Options

Boston – State Representative Steven Howitt (R-Seekonk) supported health care legislation that will provide Massachusetts residents with increased access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

House Bill 4888, An Act to promote resilience in our health care system, was engrossed by the House of Representatives on July 29 by a vote of 158-0, following two days of debate. The Senate previously passed its own version of the bill (Senate Bill 2796) on June 25.

Representative Howitt commented that the House bill requires both public and private insurers to treat telehealth services in the same manner as in-person doctor visits, with deductibles, copayments and co-insurance requirements not allowed to exceed the in-person rate. He said these rate parity protections are needed as more residents turn to telehealth as a safer option to help minimize their exposure to the 2019 novel coronavirus.

According to a July 24 CommonWealth Magazine article, 13 percent of medical claims filed nationally in April of 2020 were for telehealth, compared to less than 1 percent in April of 2019. The article also noted that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has processed 2.6 million telehealth claims since March 15.

Representative Howitt said House Bill 4888 will keep rate parity between in-network telehealth services and in-person services in place until July 31, 2021. The bill also establishes a temporary outof-network rate for emergency services, and prohibits cost-sharing requirements for all emergency and inpatient services related to COVID-19 delivered by in-network and out-of-network providers during the same time period.

House Bill 4888 also provides permanent rate parity protections for individuals receiving behavioral health services. These services include the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with mental health or substance use disorders.

September 2020 The Reporter In addition, House Bill 4888 includes language: • directing the Health Policy Commission, in consultation with the Center for Health Information and Analysis, to file a report by December 31, 2022 on telehealth service use in Massachusetts and its effects on health care access and system costs; • prohibiting MassHealth and its contracted carriers from requiring prior authorization for patients to receive services at an urgent care facility; • requiring MassHealth to pay nursing facilities for a 20-day bed hold for any enrollee who is admitted to a hospital for treatment of the 2019 novel coronavirus; • allowing nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists to prescribe certain controlled substances; and • requiring the assistant secretary for MassHealth to provide testimony at the annual Health Policy Commission Cost Trends hearing regarding programs administered by MassHealth and its efforts to redesign these programs to encourage the development of more integrated and efficient heath care delivery services.

Several amendments to the bill were adopted during floor debate, including proposals to: • add inpatient services and cognitive rehabilitation services to the list of services related to the 2019 novel coronavirus that insurers must provide coverage for, through both in-network and out-of-network providers; • increase enrollment, retention and minority participation in cancer clinical trials and eliminate financial barriers to participation by informing trial subjects – as well as family, friends and chaperones who accompany them – of their eligibility to be reimbursed for travel expenses and other ancillary costs through government entities, study sponsors, public and private foundations, corporations and individuals; • allow for greater physician discretion in issuing prescriptions and refills to patients via telehealth without requiring an inperson visit; • establish a rare disease advisory council to focus on diseases that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States, has status as an orphan disease for research purposes, or is known to be substantially under-diagnosed and unrecognized as a result of a lack of adequate diagnostic and research information; • expand the requirement for providers to offer coverage for all emergency and inpatient services related to COVID-19 to include all medically necessary outpatient testing, including testing of asymptomatic individuals; • establish an advisory council on pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) and pediatric acute neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) within the Department of Public Health (DPH); • prohibit acute care hospitals from discontinuing any essential health service while the COVID-19 State of Emergency remains in effect; • require the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to study the feasibility and cost of converting multiple occupancy bedrooms into single occupancy bedrooms within long-term care facilities to comply with infection control standards and to provide private isolation space for residents to protect against the spread of contagious diseases; • expand telehealth access to services while a patient is located in their place of residence as well as any additional originating sites of care as recommended by the HPC, and require the HPC to issue recommendations on telehealth services, which shall be promulgated via regulations by the Division of Insurance and Division of Medical Assistance; • direct the House of Representatives’ Commonwealth Resilience and Recovery Special Committee to hold a hearing to determine the available supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) for acute care hospitals and other entities, and to

67

determine anticipated demand for PPE; • require EOHHS to establish an online PPE exchange for health care and elder care providers; • allow accountable care organizations (ACOs) to provide health care services and determine which providers of health care services and free-standing ancillary services shall be approved to provide services to patients of ACOs; and • require general acute care hospitals, acute care specialty hospitals, and other facilities to establish and develop a health care workforce care planning committee, which will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive care team plan that must be submitted annually to DPH and the Health Policy Commission as a condition of licensure.

The House and the Senate will now appoint a conference committee to work to reconcile the differences between the two bills.

Custom Paving Residential • Commercial • Industrial Driveways • Decorative Stone • Seal Coating

(508)222-0133 Licensed Insured • Free Estimates

E N E RG I E S

Trade name for Al's Quality Oil Co., Inc. HEATFORCE FUEL * AT NO ADDITIONAL COST • Reduces oil consumption • Reduces sludge for fewer breakdowns • Improves fuel quality for a cleaner home & environment

• Discounted “will call” C.O.D. prices • Automatic Deliveries • Burner Service by our own experienced technicians 24/7 • Service Contracts • Budget Plans • Propane Deliveries

We Carry Propane!

Online Ordering Now Available!

Family owned & operated for over 40 years

er

508-222-3187

y

www.qualityenergies.com

68

The Reporter September 2020

CLASSIFIEDS WANTED

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 Looking for free Barbie dolls and accessories for a family in need. Please donate. Call 401-632-3602.

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.

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 :)

Help Wanted

Help Wanted: Looking for a senior citizen to work at Seekonk Flea Market every Sunday from 4:45 am – 12 noon, now through December 2020. Call Linda at 401-263-5737.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

ELECTROLYSIS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY in EAST PROVIDENCE: Turnkey Electrolysis business located in professional office building in prime location for sale. Well established - 25 years.

Move-in ready (equipped and furnished) space available August 1. Suitable for similar personal service business. Serious inquiries only. (401) 316-1890.

HOME & GARDEN

Plants for Sale: Inside and outside; hanging plants, perennials, annuals, herbs, bushes, coleus, strawberry plants, ground cover, angel trumpets, citronella plants & forsythia. Extra large pots available. Everything from $1 to $10. 401-433-2922. Also, you can find me at The Weaver Farmer’s Market on Thursdays July thru September from from 4-7pm.

Sanitation Inc. e m o o r C

Commercial

Quick Dispatch Service

Residential

Family-owned Quality Service Since 1962

Septic Tanks & Cesspools • Title V Inspections Vacuum Cleaned • Sewer Rooter Service

508-252-4668 • 508-336-7024 Rehoboth, MA   www.croomesanitation.com

Place Classified ads at www.ReporterToday.com FOR SALE

ESTATE SALE: 192 Prospect St. Seekonk MA Sunday Sept.

13th. 10:00 AM to 4:00PM furniture, bookcases etc. Cash & carry.

SEASONED FIREWOOD. Cut, split & delivered. $240 per cord.

508-252-4548.

VACATION RENTALS VACATION - HONEYMOON RENTAL: St. Michael, Azores Ponta Graca (Portugal). Pristine 2 bed, 2 bath apartment with kitchen, DR, LR & laundry. Linens provided. Majestic Atlantic and mountain views from spacious deck. Near golf courses, beaches, and more. $525 Weekly.

Time is money, must act now. Call 401-480-0374 or 508-336-8432.

GENERAL SERVICES

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.

Housecleaning. Is your home in need of a great cleaning?

Whether you need a one time or regular cleanings. Years of experience. Fridge and oven included in our service. Call Gil for details 508-840-6611.

BIG BLUE REMOVAL SERVICE: Attic, Cellar, Total House.

We take everything! Furniture, Brush, Appliances, Yard Waste, Construction Debris, Trash…Demolition of Fences, Sheds, Decks, Pools. Let us do the work. Free Estimates. Call Tony 508-226-1295; www.BigBlueRemoval.com.

KIMMELL Landscaping

All Your Landscaping Needs Spring & Fall Clean-ups Lawn Maintainence • Pruning Hardscapes • Bobcat Work Small Excavation Fully Insured

508-222-4686

Located at 310 Tremont St, Rehoboth

September 2020 The Reporter

69

Business Directory CATEGORY

COMPANY NAME

PAGE

CATEGORY

COMPANY NAME

PAGE

Antiques/Cash for Gold Americana Auction

29

Electrician

Greaves Electric

39

Art Supplies/Framing

Gregory D. Dorrance, Co.

50

Electrician

Neal Bellavance Electric

41

Assisted Living

Christopher Heights Asst Living

35

Farm

Souza Family Farm

47

Attorney

Laurie P. Mullen, Attorney

45

Farm - Apparel

Kave Rock Farm

24

Attorney

Law Office of Luke P. Travis

39

Farm Supplies

Spring Garden Farm

42

Auto Body

A-1 Custom Auto Body

8

Feed & Garden Store

Bay State Pet & Garden Supply

7

Auto Body

Sousa’s Auto Body

23

Fence Installation

Fence Tech

32

Auto Body

Tri Star Autobody

33

Firewood

Seekonk Tree Service

31

Auto Parts

NorthEastern Auto Supply

32

Flooring - All Types

Earle Dias Interiors

41

Auto Repairs

Auto Show

17

Flooring - Wood

David J. Ledoux Hardwood Floors

31

Auto Repairs

New England Tire

3

Fuel - Oil

Al’s Quality Oil Co.

67

Building Contractor

A.M. Carpentry

29

Fuel - Oil

COD OIL

6

Building Contractor

Nerney Construction

36

Fuel - Oil

E & V Oil Co.

72

Carpet Cleaning

Earle’s Carpet Cleaning

51

Fuel - Propane

Dupuis Oil

14

Carpet Cleaning

M & S Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning 49

Funeral Home

J.H. Williams & Co. Funeral Home

59

Carpet Cleaning

Spotlezz Carpet Cleaning

33

Funeral Home

Silva Funeral Home

58

Child Care

Citizens For Citizens - Head Start

55

Funeral Home

Smith Funeral & Memorial Services 60

Child Care

Twin Oaks Farm Learning Center

56

Funeral Home

William W. Tripp Funeral Home

61

Chimney Cleaning

RD Chimney Sweep

32

Furniture/Upholstery

Masterson Furniture

30

Chimney Services

Kenny’s Masonry & Chimney Sweep 69

Gifts & Collectibles

Personal Touch

23

Cleaning Service

Debbie’s Cleaning Service

47

Handyman

American Eagle Entertrises, LLC

10

Collectibles

Wexler’s Collectibles

30

Heating & Air

Taylor Heating and Air Conditioning 52

Country Club

Hillside Country Club

13

Hotels

Hotel Tybee

2

Dance Studio

InStep Dance Studio

54

Insurance

Medicare Made Easy

48

Dentist

David C. Zaluski, D.D.S.

56

Insurance

Metlife Auto and Home

16

Dentist

Dr. Wassouf D.D.S.

52

Insurance

South Coast Benefits

10

Dentist

George Family Orthodontics

9

Insurance Agency

Frazao Insurance

15

Dentist

Lisa Daft DMD & Associates, PC

18

Insurance Agency

Smith Insurance

46

Dentist

Seekonk Dental

11

Junk Removal

AOL Enterprises

29

Dog Training

Pooch Pawsitive

13

Kitchen/Bath Design

Infinity Kitchens

14

FREE ESTIMATES

Kenny’s

Masonry & Chimney Sweeps Locally Owned & Operated for 20 Years

Quality, Service & Dependability

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL SUPERVISED BY OWNER

OFFICE (508) 223-0577

• INSPECTIONS • EMERGENCY SERVICE • SWEEPING • CAPS • LINERS • REBUILDS • WATERPROOFING • FLASHING • DRYER VENT CLEANING

Masonry Repair & Restoration: Walkways • Patios • Pavers • Walls • Chimneys 508-649-1938

www.kennysmasonryandchimneysweeps.com

70

The Reporter September 2020

Business Directory CATEGORY

COMPANY NAME

PAGE

CATEGORY

COMPANY NAME

PAGE

Landscape Service

Green Care Landscaping

72

Real Estate

Century 21 - David Smith

19

Landscape Service

Holden’s Landscaping

40

Real Estate

ReMax Rivers Edge Agents

12

Landscape Service

Kimmell Landscaping

68

Real Estate

Robert DaRocha, Realtor

72

Landscape Service

Landscaping Services

36

Real Estate

TK Real Estate Brokerage

17

Landscape Service

Oakhill Landscape

20

Real Estate

Vicki Doran

10

Landscape Service

Superior Lawn Care

37

Remodeling

Batty Construction

49

Landscape Service

T. Moreshead Landscaping

44

Rental Stores

Taunton Rental

54

Marble Fabricators

Star Marble & Granite

40

Restaurant

Boneyard Barbecue & Saloon

64

Masonry-Construction StoneScapes - Mark Carvalho

47

Restaurant

Dicky’s Clam Shack Two

63

Masonry-Construction Valter Rego Masonry

37

Restaurant

El Mariachi

65

Masonry-Construction William Gallant, Jr. Masonry

43

Restaurant

La Collina

64

Mosquito/Tick Control

ohDEER

28

Restaurant

La Familia

62

Music

Ray Mullin Music

55

Restaurant

Madeira Restaurant

65

Orthodontics

George Family Orthodontics

9

Roofing Contractor

B & R Fournier Construction, Inc.

20

Painting Contractor

Advantage Painting

44

Roofing Contractor

Tabeleys Roofing

53

Painting Contractor

Cronan Painting

41

RVs and Campers

Camping World of Berkley

71

Painting Contractor

EZ Painting

70

Seafood Market

Portside Fish Market, LLC

62

Painting Contractor

Iachetti Painting Company

36

Security Systems

Home & Commercial Security

26

Painting Contractor

Lundco Painting LLC.

23

Septic Inspections

Pro Inspection Services

70

Painting Contractor

Val Arruda & Son Painting, Inc.

54

Septic Systems

Bay State Sewage

34

Paving Contractor

All Phase Asphalt Driveways

38

Septic Systems

Croome Sanitation, Inc.

68

Paving Contractor

Custom Paving Company

67

Septic Systems

Fisk Contracting Co.

51

Paving Contractor

Mohegan Seal Coating Co

40

Septic Systems

Soares Sanitation Pumping, Inc.

39

Paving Contractor

Ryan Asphalt Paving

69

Septic Systems

Town Sanitation

30

Paving - Masonry

Blue Stone Driveways & Masonry

21

Stove Shop

Fireplace Showcase

6

Pest Control Services

Bi-State Pest Control

43

Trash/Junk Removal

Big Blue Removal Service

24

Pet Services

Chibi’s Choice

27

Tree Service

Advanced Tree

20

Pharmacy

Simpson’s Pharmacy, Inc

45

Tree Service

Carlson Tree Service

36

Physical Therapy

Personal Best Physical Therapy

46

Tree Service

Choate Tree Service

50

Plastering & Painting

David Laurino - Plastering

44

Tree Service

Heritage Tree & Arborist

42

Plumbing & Heating

Sine Plumbing & Heating

43

Tree Service

Seekonk Tree Service

57

Plumbing & Heating

Vintage Plumbing & Heating

31

Water Treatment

Water Filter Company, Inc.

21

Powerwashing

East Bay Pressure Wash

19

Wells & Sump Pumps

Vintage Plumbing & Heating

31

Real Estate

Aubin Realty

53

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.

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137 Myricks St. in BERKLEY, MA | 877.499.9710 | CampingWorld.com Exclusive of tax, title, license, finance and other fees required or allowed by applicable law; freight and prep, which vary by state, may also be added (except in AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, LA, MS, OH, OK, OR, TX, TN, WA, or UT). ^Based on Statistical Surveys 2019. **Home Delivery must be within 50 miles of participating Camping World or affiliated dealer locations to qualify for free delivery and is $2.25/mile thereafter. Service only available in states where Camping World or affiliated brands have an active dealership. Service not available in the following states: California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Alaska, and Hawaii. All sales and finance paperwork (where applicable) needs to be completed and approved, and all payments for the recreational vehicle received, prior to delivery. Buyer(s) must be present at the time of delivery and present valid ID. Interstate delivery applicable dependent on qualified brands and participating Camping World or affiliated dealer locations. Brand exclusions may apply. Contact your local Camping World or affiliated dealer for details and for a list of qualifying recreational vehicles. Offer(s) valid at any Camping World RV Sales affiliated dealerships. See dealer for details. Void where prohibited. Š 2020 FreedomRoads, LLC. The CAMPING WORLD RV & OUTDOORS logo is a trademark of CWI, Inc. and used with permission. Unauthorized use of any of CWI, Inc.’s trademarks is expressly prohibited. All Offers expire 9/30/2020.

BOS25234-0820

71

72

The Reporter September 2020

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

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