Rehoboth Animal Shelter News

Annual Rabies Clinic

March 11th ~ 8 AM to 12 PM at Seekonk Fire Department

We have a couple dogs at the shelter. One is a fila type and the other is an American bulldog. The American bulldog‘s name is River. She is a one and a half year old dog, very friendly and loyal, but does not like other animals.

As an added feature on the 2023 Census form, if you are a registered voter, you will note an (A) or (I) under the first column of the census “Voter Status”. Your political party is listed in the last column “Political Party”. Under Voter Status, “A” represents an active voter; “I” represents an inactive voter. Please contact our office as soon as possible if you have an “I” after your Voter Status. Also, many people seem to be confused with a political party of “U” by their name. The State considers all “Independent” voters as “Unenrolled”; therefore, the letter “U” appearing in the political party column. Independent is the same as Unenrolled. An Unenrolled or Independent voter has the opportunity to choose the Party ballot they wish to vote during a Primary Election.

Just a reminder, the census form does not register you to vote or allow you to change your political designation. We’ve come across many census forms in the past with the party designations crossed out and replaced with something else or a designation added to individuals who are not currently registered to vote. If you would like to register to vote or make a change to party designation, you must complete the appropriate forms as we need your signature to either register you to vote, change your political party affiliation, or remove you from our voter rolls. This can be done in person, by mail, or online. Simply call us at 508-252-6502 x-3109, x-3112 or x-3110 or e-mail us at LSchwall@RehobothMA.gov. If you prefer to register or change your political affiliation online, please go to www.RegisterToVoteMA.com. Mail-in voter registration applications are also available @ https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/ Voter-reg-mail-in.pdf - please complete the application, save it, and e-mail, drop off or mail the signed form to us. In order to be eligible to vote in the upcoming Annual Town Election on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, all voter registrations and/or political party changes must be made no later than 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 25, 2023 for the 4-4-2023 Annual Town Election.

The Annual Town Election

The Annual Town Election for the Town of Rehoboth will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 with the polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. – All four (4) precincts will be voting at one Polling Location: Francis Farm Community Center (27 Francis Farm Road) – Museum building. If you would like to review the facility and layout of the polling location, please visit the Town Website at: https://www.rehobothma. gov/home/news/rehoboth-changes-its-centralized-polling-locationfrancis-farm-community-center-museum

Nomination papers are now available for any registered voter in Rehoboth wishing to run for election on the Town ballot and who chooses not to seek a nomination through their registered party’s caucus process. Nomination papers may be picked up by prospective candidates, at the Town Clerk’s office (340 Anawan Street/ Route 118) beginning January 4, 2023 and must be returned, signed by a minimum of 50 registered voters. All signed and completed nomination papers are due back to the Board of Registrars at the Town Clerk’s Office by 5 p.m. on, or before, Tuesday, February 14th.

Positions to be elected on the ballot for 2023 are Moderator (one for 1 year), Board of Selectmen (two positions for 3 years), Assessor (one for 3 years), School Committee (two for 3 years), Housing Authority (one for five years), Planning Board (two for 5 years), Park Commission (one for 5 years), Constable (one for 3 years) and Water Commissioner (two for 3 years).

The Republican Town Committee Caucus will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 in the COA-Senior Center (Francis Hall Building) at the Francis Farm Community Center – 27 Francis Farm Road at 7:00 PM. An alternate date/inclement weather date of Wednesday, February 15, 2023 - 7:00 p.m. (Arcade Building), has also been scheduled, at the Francis Farm Complex.

The Democratic Town Committee Caucus will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2022 at the Blanding Public Library – Goff Memorial Hall, 124 Bay State Road, at 10:00 AM.

The final voter registration date, to be eligible to vote in the Annual Town Election, is scheduled for Saturday, March 25th from 8 AM to 5 PM at the Town Clerk’s Office. Prospective voters are reminded that they may also register to vote online at www.RegisterToVoteMA.com , by calling the Town Clerk’s Office to request a Mail-In voter registration form, or download a form @ http://www.sec. state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/Voter-reg-mail-in.pdf

Absentee & Mail-In Ballot Requests

Applications for absentee ballots are available as of January 3rd and may be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office or online @ https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/ absentee/English-Absentee-Ballot-Application.pdf

An absentee ballot may only be obtained by written request and with the voter’s original signature. Most voters do not qualify to receive an absentee ballot to be sent to them. Massachusetts allows voters that QUALIFY to vote by absentee ballot if the voter is one of the following:

• Will be absent from your city or town on election day.

• Has a physical disability that prevents voting at the polling place.

• Cannot vote at the polls due to religious beliefs.

If you do not qualify for an “Absentee Ballot”, you can vote by mail by completing the “No Excuse” Vote by Mail ballot application detailed below this paragraph. The filing deadline to apply for a mailed absentee ballot request is five (5) business days before Election Day-Thursday, March 30th at 5:00 PM; “in-person” absentee ballot requests for the April 4, 2023 Annual Town Election remain 12:00 p.m. on April 3, 2023, day before the election. Completed ballot requests/applications must be returned to the Town Clerk’s Office no later than 5:00

PM on Thursday, March 30, 2023. All absentee ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk’s Office by mail or dropping off in the outside Ballot Drop Box (located at Town Hall) no later than 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

No Excuse Early Voting By Mail

Due to the 2022-Votes Act legislation approved in June of 2022, those voters who do not qualify for an Absentee Ballot may vote by mail by completing the “Vote by Mail” application @ https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/Vote-by-Mail-PaperApplication-2023.pdf

Applications for ballots to be mailed to a voter must be received by the Town Clerk by 5PM on the 5th business day before an election. We recommend applying earlier than the deadline as the US Postal delivery services outside of Rehoboth are not consistent and can range from 2 to 11 days.

Town Clerk Online Payments

As a reminder, we continue to offer the option of a Credit/Debit card or EFT/ACH payment system, available on the town website under online payments and then clicking on “Town Clerk Payments”. This feature enables you to conduct several town business functions online, such as requesting copies of birth-marriage-death certificates, business certificates, etc. through the town website @ https://www.rehobothma.gov/ (Click on Online Payments then Town Clerk Payments) or go directly to town clerk online payments page by going to https://www.invoicecloud.com/rehobothgovsvcs. Paying by Debit/Credit Cards or EFT/ACH payments is also available when visiting the Town Clerk’s office. We hope this added feature makes our town services more accessible and convenient for the residents. In 2022 we had a total of 648 individuals take advantage of our credit card/EFT payment system, which is up 18 transactions from 2021. The online activity this past year (2022) generated receipts of $12,197.58. The reported revenue for 2022 represents receipts for items such as genealogy fees, business certificates, raffle permits, dog licenses, birth/death/marriage certificates, street listings and various miscellaneous items related to the clerk’s office.

2023 Dog Licenses

The 2023 Dog Licenses are now available and may be purchased through the Town Clerk’s Office. Again in 2023, residents will be able to renew their dog licenses online with a Debit/Credit Card or Electronic Check (ACH/EFT). Those dog owners who registered their dogs on our new online dog licensing program “Permiteyes” in 2022, know they were able to register their dogs online through the town’s permitting program on the Town Website @ https://www.rehobothma.gov/home/pages/online-permittingplease look for the Green “Dog Licensing” button and search for your dog’s record. Instructions on how to use the new online permitting program can be found on the flyer included in the Census 2023 mailer or online at: https://www.rehobothma.gov/town-clerk/pages/dog-licenses . already have your documentation on file in the Clerk’s Office. If you are unsure, please give our office a call and we can tell you how up-to-date our information is or you can simply search the information on the Permiteyes Dog Licensing program located on the town website: https://www.rehobothma.gov/home/pages/ online-permitting .

REMEMBER – when trying to locate your dog’s record online keep the search simple – choose “single dog” from the dropdown menu as your field #1, street name only not RD or ST as field #2 and either your last name only or dog’s name as your field #3. The more detailed your search the less likely you will be able to find the dog’s record. If you know you registered your dog last year and cannot find him/her this year, please call our office. Please do not create a new application for your dog. Thank you!

Whether renewing online, via mail, in person, through the outside drop box or census drops around town, dog license applications must be accompanied by a current year rabies certificate (with a vaccination date covering the current licensing year) and proof of spay or neuter [if applying for the $10 licensing fee] unless we Continued on next page...

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

2023 – Annual Rabies Clinic

Keep them safe . . . inoculate! The Annual Rehoboth-Seekonk $12 Dog and Cat Rabies Clinic is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 11, 2023. Again, this year the rabies clinic will be held at the Seekonk Public Safety Complex, Route 44 (500 Taunton Avenue), rather than the Seekonk Public Works Department Garage. The Rehoboth Town Clerk’s Office Staff will be there to renew your 2023 Dog Licenses. If you would like to help us register the residents for their dog and cat rabies shots, please let us know. Please check the Town Website for up-to-date Rabies Clinic information at https:// www.rehobothma.gov/town-clerk/pages/dog-licenses. For more details either on the rabies clinic or helping us staff the event, please call 508-252-6502 X-3112, 3109 or 3110 ~ thank you.

Town Hall Mail & Online Payments

Very Important – Please, it is requested that when you send correspondence to any office at the Town Hall, you only include information specific to the department you want to communicate with. As an example, residents might send in their tax payment along with their census form or dog license. Tax payments go to the Tax Collector whereas census forms or dog licenses go to the Town Clerk’s Office. By including multiple offices in one envelope, it may delay processing your requests or payments. Also, there are two separate “Online Payment” accounts on the Town Website: Tax Payments and Town Clerk Payments. Please make sure if you are processing your taxes online you are selecting Tax Payments and for all Town Clerk payments online (Business Certificates, Birth – Marriage – Death Certificates, Genealogy Fees, Raffle Permits, Street Listings and Voter Lists) that you are selecting “Town Clerk Payments” and not Tax Payments. Please Note: Effective 1-1-2022 all Dog Licensing online payments, now appears under “Online Permitting” located on homepage of the website @ www.RehobothMA. gov , not Invoice Cloud. Thank you for your assistance.

Business Certificates

Business owners whose business certificate will expire January through June of 2023 should have received a reminder for renewal. The renewal fee is $50.00 (certificate renewal is good for four years) and checks should be made payable to Town of Rehoboth. You may now renew online using a debit/credit card or electronic check at http://www.town.rehoboth.ma.us/town-clerk/pages/businesscertificates .

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

As a reminder, the Town Offices will be closed on Monday, February 20th in honor of President’s Day. We hope you enjoy the President’s Day holiday. Also, a Happy Valentine’s Day to all from the Town Clerk’s Office.

Even though recent weather has been cool, we have been blessed with a warmer than normal winter, with plenty of rain and it is encouraging that the days are getting longer. Spring cannot be too far behind. Thank you all – please stay healthy and safe!! I look forward to talking with you in March ~ Laura

News from the Town Nurse

Hello all,

Welcome to February! The month most commonly associated with reaching our hearts out to our secret, or not so secret, love! In this spirit, I wanted to encourage you all to become the keeper of heart health, specifically by becoming CPR certified. The town offers free CPR classes on the third Thursday of each month at the town library. When football player, Damar Hanlin suffered his cardiac arrest during a recent football game, it brought to the forefront of my mind how important CPR and most specifically the AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) use saves so many lives. So, how better to demonstrate our commitment to our loved ones and their heart health than to be certified in the most important resource we have during a cardiac arrest.

Just a brief update on our ‘flu and winter COVID incidence: though we had a significant rise in the incidence in both, along with a significant rise in RSV, particularly in age groups 0 years -4 years, we are now seeing a downward trend in all 3 infections. Just prior to the holidays we decided to closed the Senior Center to large gathering, particularily those involving food and beverages, because of this very concerning trend. This decision was so hard to make as we had just begun to really enjoy our gathering, socializing and comradery. But our commitment to keeping our town residents safe and healthy outweighed our genuine hope to have stayed open. I still urge that you consider getting vaccinated against the ‘flu and COVID. It is, along with handwashing, masking and social distancing the best way to protect yourself, your family and others in your community from getting sick.

But to our immense relief, the decreasing trend of the 3 infections at this time, we; myself and the 2 medical advisor to our town, Dr. Lambe and Dr. Thayer, are meeting again as I write, with the sincerest hope that we can safely re-open the Senior Center to our Monday Luncheon and our Wednesday cake and coffee gathering.

Though many of the activities at the Senior Center continued with indoor masking, we are so looking forward to returning to full participation in all activities!!

And, of course, the wellness screening clinics will resume on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12n-1p along with the caregiver support group on Monday 1p-2p and the bereavement support group on Wednesdays from 1p-2p. Check in on the town website for further information. I try to update the nurse’s page daily �� https://www.rehobothma.gov/publichealth-nurse

In keeping with our infectious disease monitoring, I am receiving a number of alerts related to a new strain of the sexually transmitted infection, gonorrhea, which is resistant to the usual antibiotic treatment. The information I am receiving is of concern, so I am advising going to the following link for more information: https://www.mass.gov/news/ department-of-public-health-announcesfirst-cases-of-concerning-gonorrhea-strain

And lastly for this month, but most definitely not least, I’d like to re-iterate that Lt. Randy Larrivee is available for fire and smoke detector installation and checks, along with home safety inspection, personal safety evaluation, vandalism and burglary prevention. He is a mandatory reporter for elder abuse, so if you have ANY concerns

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Looking Back… to Old-Fashioned Thanksgivings

By Phyllis Dupere

Many of us heard the story about the First Thanksgiving from family members and in the lower grades at school. The Pilgrims and the Native Americans dined together on wild turkey, fish, ducks and geese, venison, corn, onions and chestnuts. Fruits and berries were a tasty dessert. It wasn’t a quick run to the grocery store for this meal to come to fruition. After a successful 1621 growing season, all gathered for a three day “festival” of sorts, knowing that they had a sufficient harvest, large enough to celebrate and still have ample provisions to last through the following spring. It did take a community to prepare the foods. Was it a feast or just a simple meal shared by many thankful people? I think it was a little of each.

Karen E. Frazao

Moving ahead to 1863, President Abraham Lincoln announced that the first “official” Thanksgiving holiday would be celebrated on Thursday, November 26, 1863. On Thanksgiving Day 1924, Macy’s Christmas Parade (now known as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade) offered marching bands, floats, and animals. Santa was in the last float, symbolically bringing in the Christmas season. The parade has grown in size and its route has been altered slightly since its beginning. Currently, the route is approximately two and one-half miles long, terminating in front of Macy’s flagship department store on 34th Street at Herald Square. Santa, now with a bit more fanfare and confetti, still brings in the Christmas season.

Scalp Micropigmentation is a permanent cosmetic procedure where micro needles deposit pigment into the scalp creating the appearance of fuller hair.

about abuse happening with anyone in your life, please call him, or the police department directly. Lt. Larrivee’s contact information for this or any of the other services listed here is, e-mail: ltrandylarrivee@gmail.com and/or phone number: 508 838 7547

And now, back to this month devoted to reaching out to your Valentine! Though I have to be cautious with my traditional invitation to reach out and hug the people you love, remember a kind word can carry a loved one through many days……….and if your house is like ours, a card expressing your love and devotion can sit on the kitchen window from now, until your card to that loved one arrives next year!

So, be kind, be loving and be safe, Sincerely, Geri and Stephanie

Rehoboth DTC Caucus Announcement

Rehoboth - The Rehoboth Democratic Town Committee (RDTC) will hold its annual caucus on Saturday February 11, 2023 at the Blanding Public Library 124 Bay State Road at 10:00 AM to nominate candidates for the April 4, 2023 Town Election.

The list of Offices to be filled include: (Please see attached below)

Anyone interested in seeking these Offices, as a Democratic candidate, please contact the Chairman of the Rehoboth Democratic Town Committee, Paul Jacques, at (508) 922-4394 or via email DemCommittee02769@gmail.com

As always, registered Rehoboth Democrats and un-enrolled voters are invited to attend the upcoming Caucus and other regular scheduled meetings. For more details visit our FB page at @ RehobothDTC.

Rehoboth Police Department’s K9 Team Participate in National Calendar to Help Protect Law Enforcement Dogs

Officer David Aguiar and K9 Edo appear in the 2023 Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. nationwide fundraising calendar. Officer Aguiar and K9 Edo are also featured on the cover. Each year, twelve Law Enforcement K9’s who are recipients of vests provided by the nonprofit organization are highlighted in the publication along with a memorial page paying tribute to the four-legged heroes who have passed.

Calendars are available for purchase online for $18 via the Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. website at www.vik9s.org. For additional information or mail orders contact 508-824-6978.

All proceeds from the 2023 calendars will be used to provide equipment and services for law enforcement K9s nationwide. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has donated over 4,900 bullet and stab protective vests to law enforcement K9s in all 50 states at a value of over $6.9 million dollars.

The Rehoboth Police Department would like to take a moment to recognize our K9 Team on their awesome achievement, and give a special thanks to Vested Interest in K9’s for the amazing work they do to protect LE K9’s nationwide.

Coming Soon to Rehoboth Information Highway

E-mail Distribution List

• Get Latest Info on -> Transportation - GATRA

• Get Latest Info on -> Recreation - Events C.O.A. Activities

• Get Latest Info on -> Public Health Services

• Get Latest Info on -> Shine Operations

Coming This Spring, 2023

Council On Aging / Shine / Public Health Nurse / Veteran Services

27 Francis Farm, Rehoboth, MA 02769

Example HHS@Rehobothma.gov website—https://www.rehobothma.gov/

Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Inc. Thank You Rehoboth!

The Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving would like to thank our wonderful community for their generous support during this season’s Blizzard of Giving campaign. Rehoboth is full of caring people who make a positive difference in our town! Together we were able to help numerous families have a Merry Christmas!

Special ‘thank you’ to all the locations that were kind enough to welcome our collection boxes and snowflake boards: Blanding Library, Anawan Cleaners, Chartley Store, Rehoboth Post Office, Vino’s Restaurant, J&J Materials, RDL Equipment, and ReMax.

And big ‘thank you’ to all our special helpers: The Rehoboth Girl Scouts for placing the collection boxes and collecting the many gifts, as well as the thoughtful people who took a ‘snowflake tag’, donated a gift, or adopted a child or a family (or two).

And a special ‘thank you’ to Tim Johnson who provides us with a location for The Blizzard of Giving to call home. Please know that we truly appreciate of all of you! Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving could not have served our community without your support, and you have once again proven that together we can make Rehoboth a better place for all! God Bless you!

The Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Inc. is committed to serving the community by providing Christmas gifts, holiday support, and special occasion needs to Rehoboth residents who are facing challenging times in their lives. Donations can be made out to “Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Inc.” and mailed to: Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Attn: Cathy Edington, 61 Reservoir Ave., Rehoboth, MA 02769

Sincerely ~ Colleen McBride, Cathy Edington, and Cheryl Santos Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Inc. www.rehobothblizzardofgiving.org

It’s A Birthday Blizzard of Giving!

The Blizzard of Giving, Inc. is available all year round to help Rehoboth Children. We are here to help make your child’s birthday even more special! If you would like to include your child(ren) to our Birthday Blizzard list please provide the following information:

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

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

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

This information can be emailed to rehobothblizzard@gmail.com Or mailed to Colleen McBride, 35 Pond Street, Rehoboth, MA 02769.

What to Do with Old Rehoboth Town Hall?

By Joe Siegel

The Board of Selectmen discussed plans for the future of the former town hall. One possibility is selling the property, but that might not be so easy. The facility at 148 Peck Street was constructed in 1956 as a Nike missile site. In 1971, the property was acquired for use as a town hall from the federal government for $5,900. Another $12,000 was spent on renovations, furnishings, and equipment.

“They’re going to look for certain things before you sell it that have been left behind,” Chairman Skip Vadnais said Tuesday. “In order to get that document would be impossible. We may not even have a right to sell the building. That could be totally off the table the way the government does things.”

Vadnais explained research would need to be conducted to determine if the town has to turn over the building to the government when it is no longer being used.

Another problem is the proximity of Nike Park, which is under the control of the Park Commission. Last September, the Board of Selectmen authorized the use of the building for storage for a few town departments. The Highway and Forestry departments have been allowed to keep their materials in the building.

“We’re kind of stuck with that building,” said Selectman Michael Deignan, noting there was still mold and asbestos inside of it.

“I have fixed some of the problems there when the town hall was there,” said Selectman Rob Johnson, who runs the forestry department.

The current Town Hall facility is at 340 Anawan Street. The land and building was purchased for $995,000 after voters approved a warrant article at the May 2021 Town Meeting.

Rehoboth Hires New Town Accountant

By Joe Siegel

Ashley Pires has been hired as the new Town Accountant by the Board of Selectmen. Pires previously served as the City Auditor for Fall River, the Budget and Finance Analyst for the town of Bridgewater, and the Director of Accounts Payable and Payroll at Laurel Ridge Rehab.

Last month, Bruce Alexander, the former finance director for Seekonk, was hired as an interim assistant town accountant.

The Board of Selectmen approved Pires’ appointment. Roberta Oliveira vacated the position of town accountant last October.