The Rehoboth
Reporter
JANUARY 2022 Volume 34, no. 1
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2 The Reporter January 2022
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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!
CHRISTMAS
----- Fall gives way to winter, and the ice and bitter cold The youthful year that we once knew now grows so pale and old The snow mounts in mighty drifts, and blocks the streets and ways The sun is seen but few and seldom in these dark and dreary days But hold, in truth all is not lost. Indeed, we have a reason to celebrate among the chill of this dim and frosty season For there is a day, the greatest day, one single moment for cheer One pure, pure day that lets us know that God is with us here It is the holiday called Christmas. It is known throughout the land It is the day when troubles fade, and hand is held in hand It is a time for giving. It is a time for love A celebration of the birth of the One who sits above A happy time. A joyous time. A time for smiles and fun A time to step back and give thanks for all the good that’s done Don’t fret, and don’t be sad, despite all your hardships or pain Keep the faith in your heart and soul, and blissful thoughts you’ll gain Know well that you are loved. Know well that someone cares Look for God in kindly eyes, for through these He thus stares Don’t get down, don’t give up. Don’t let the darkness win Open yourself up to God, and let His greatness in And suddenly, you’ll feel no cold. You’ll feel no snow or storm The rays of heaven will shine on you and keep you always warm So celebrate with laughter, this time so good and true Celebrate when God was born, on Earth, and yes, in you. BEST WISHES AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS, VINCENT SPADA 2021
SO LONG, LONG AGO
----- With twists and turns and deep concerns the year faded somehow It’s not the missed the then the when but rather, just the now. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Vincent Spada 2022
Running for Seekonk School Committee
I wanted to take the time to introduce myself as I have decided to run for one of the two School Committee positions available come April due to concerns I have with the direction Government Schools are going. I have lived in Seekonk most of my adult life & raised my family here. I have a background in business management and floral design however I am now happily retired. I am a well informed freethinker. I have come to realize the extraordinary power a small number of elected local school leaders possess over students, teachers & parents yet devoid of loyalty to & a partnership with them. This has me very concerned as I believe it is essential to have School Committee members who are committed & loyal to all students, parents or caretakers not the teachers unions and other non-elected people appointed to powerful positions. We must have a strong & welcoming transparent partnership between our School Committee along with parents, students & teachers to embrace a diverse, inclusive & safe learning environment for all. I feel a more transparent approach to policy making is necessary to an open honest debate of the issues that concern students & parents with facts and not subjective opinions by those who are not good listeners. The curriculum offered to our students should be focused on History, Science, English & Arithmetic and absent Social Emotional learning & the sexualization & indoctrination of our students. If elected as a School Committee member I will make decisions that align with our Bill of Rights & Constitution & which embrace our American culture, traditions & virtues with consideration for the facts & the benefit of all students and town of Seekonk as a community. Sincerely, Lori Saudade Seekonk MA
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SNOW NEIGHBOR He’s standing Still. No bus To ride. The kids Have left Him here Outside. Their busy Hands Helped him Be formed From what Was left By winter Storm. His smile Wears a Sheepish grin, Because there Are no Clothes On him.
Don Gardner, Seekonk, MA
Inside This Issue
Business Directory......................68 Church News..............................35 Classifieds...............................67 Club Announcements.................46 Events....................................34 Food & Dining..............................61 Healthy Living.............................36 Letters...................................5 Library...................................... Blanding........................39 Seekonk.......................40 Obituaries................................64 People...................................44 Rehoboth COA............................51 Rehoboth Ramblings..................24 Rehoboth Town News..................8 School News..............................55 Seekonk Human Services..........52 Seekonk Town News...................25 Sour Grapes...............................36 State House................................49
6 The Reporter January 2022
The Rehoboth/Seekonk
Reporter P.O. Box 377 Rehoboth, MA 02769
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Rehoboth: The Year in Review
By Joe Siegel 2021 was notable for some major building purchases, including Francis Farm, which will serve as the new home for the Rehoboth Council on Aging. Voters at last May’s town meeting approved the purchase of the 47 acre property at a cost of $2.8 million. Francis Hall will be used for the COA. The kitchen has been upgraded and new woodwork and doors were installed. The “white building” will be designated for community health. It will serve as the home for the Public Health Nurse, the SHINE coordinator, and Jake Kramer, the Veterans Service Officer. The COA staff have been working out of offices on Winthrop Street following a devastating fire last year at the former facility at 55 Bay State Road. The 7200 square foot building was a total loss and the insurance proceeds are being used to purchase materials and equipment for the new COA. There is also a new Town Hall. The land and building at 340 Anawan Street was purchased for $995,000 after voters approved a warrant article at the May Town Meeting. The Board of Assessors and the Planning and Conservation offices are located on the first floor. The Selectmen and Town Administrator’s office are located on the building’s second floor. There were some big changes on the Board of Selectmen. George Solas, a longtime member of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee, and Michael Deignan, the chairman of the Finance Committee, were elected to the board in the April town election. The legendary Anawan School was deemed unsafe after a June 3 inspection revealed that 90 percent of the building’s ceilings had collapsed and all of the hardwood floors were completely buckled and rotted. The building at 53 Bay State Road was also impacted by extensive water damage. Members of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) and the Historical Commission hoped to save the building. They alleged the selectmen were solely responsible for “neglecting” the Anawan School for years. “If you want to lay blame on the selectmen, there’s plenty of blame to go around,” Selectman Michael Deignan said. “Because (the CPC and Historical Commission) have been just as negligent as the town residents who let this building go and the Board of Selectmen who did nothing. It’s sad, it’s unfortunate, but at some point, you have to pull the plug.” “There is not a stable piece of wood in that building,” Selectman Dave Perry said. “The building is ready to collapse. Nothing is salvageable.” Chairman Skip Vadnais said the cost of refurbishing the Anawan School would be close to $2 million. The board later voted to demolish the building upon the recommendation of Building Commissioner William McDonough. Vadnais added that the board will solicit feedback from residents about what should be done with the site once the building is demolished. A playground or a community garden are possibilities. The conflict between the town and the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District escalated when both entities took legal action against each other. The town’s civil lawsuit alleged the School District and School Committee violated the terms of its regional agreement with the town by undertaking and funding two capital projects costing $15 million which occurred without the approval of town meeting. Those funds were used for the purchase and installation of solar arrays and heating and air conditioning in and on the grounds of various schools operated by the district. In October, attorneys for the School District retaliated by filing seven counterclaims, alleging Rehoboth “knowingly, maliciously, and falsely alleged” that the district is in default of the TD Equipment Finance, Inc. May 2016 contract, Rehoboth has tortiously interfered with the August 2017 contract between the District and Bank of America, and as a result of “Rehoboth’s intentional, malicious interference with the District’s contract, the District has suffered harm.” In addition, the attorneys requested a declaratory judgment stating the court has “no authority or jurisdiction to de-regionalize the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District.” “I believe the counterclaims speak for themselves and I wholeheartedly agree with them, Dighton-Rehoboth School Superintendent Anthony Azar said. “It’s unfortunate that the Town of Rehoboth has taken this path again which will cost the school district (taxpayers) and the municipality (taxpayers) thousands of dollars to litigate.” The Reporter reached out to attorney Eric Brainsky, who is representing the Town of Rehoboth. “Knowing the case and having seen the district’s records I cannot fathom that any counterclaim alleged will be meritorious,” Brainsky said. “We will vigorously defend any claims pursued.”
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8 The Reporter January 2022
Rehoboth Town News From the Clerk
Hello All ~ Happy New Year ~ I wish you all a safe, HEALTHY, happy, peaceful, and prosperous New Year. By now you should have received your 2022 Annual Census forms. If you did not receive your 2022 census during the first week of January, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office (508) 252-6502 x-3109, 3112 or 3110. The 2022 census mailing includes a 2022 town calendar Laura Schwall and town services directory. This is the ninth year the Clerk’s Office has provided a calendar in the
census mailer. Over the past few years, we have received many compliments on how helpful the calendar has been during the year. In fact, residents have already called our office to see if the 2022 calendar was available yet. If you would like another copy of the calendar, please let us know; we will gladly share an extra copy, while supplies last. Thank you all for your kind comments and appreciation of the yearly town calendar. We hope you find the 2022 Town calendar addition to your census mailing a beneficial and time saving tool ~ Happy New Year and thank you for sending your completed census forms back to us as soon as possible! Due date is January 31st ~ thank you! Continuing my goal of making town government more accessible to the residents, it is my hope that the calendar provides you with key information right at your fingertips. You will note, the calendar signals residents of upcoming due dates such as real estate tax payments, census forms, and dog license renewals, tentative rabies clinic date (depending on the pandemic situation), which are highlighted in green; upcoming election and town meeting dates, which are highlighted in blue, and town department holidays that are bolded in red (whole day) and purple (half day). On the reverse side of the calendar, you will also find a directory of the Town of Rehoboth’s departments, employees, and phone numbers. Also, included on the directory side of the calendar, you will find information and websites, which residents may find useful such as transfer station hours, burning permit information, school and library phone numbers, etc. This year’s calendar features Rehoboth’s New Town Hall located at 340 Anawan Street (Route 118). It is the beautiful brick building next to the Police and Fire station and across from the Highway Department. As the description on the 2022 Calendar reads, the 148 Peck Street Town Hall was our home for 50 years. We look forward to another 50 years or more at the 340 Anawan Street location. We have a lot of people to thank for our new Town Hall. First, Steve Dorrance for building an amazing building. Steve’s attention to detail, such as beautiful trim and finish work along with a structurally sound building construction, is a welcomed benefit to the Town of Rehoboth. Thank you to the previous and current Board of Selectmen; especially Dave Perry who oversaw the entire 340 Anawan Street project. Thank Providing Orthodontic care in You ~ Priscilla & Earle Dias, son David and the entire staff of Earle Dias Interiors who South Attleboro / / Vineyard Haven installed throughout the entire building the beautiful flooring, which will be able to be (508) 761-5230 / (508) 336-3066 / (508) 693-3766 easily maintained, is durable, and mold resistant. David, you really touched us all with your dedication and attention to detail Read Our Reviews! with this project. You continued Steve Dorrance’s vision ~ thank you all. Speaking * Seekonk location is minutes from our former East Providence location!
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10 The Reporter January 2022 of attention to detail and superior craftsmanship, thank you Jared Levesque and Josh Arruda of Full Scope Contractors for making the offices flow better by removing walls, building walls in other areas and creating service windows that are more handicapped accessible and safe for our employees and residents along with installing various virus mitigating devices such as touchless entry and exits and protective windows. Thank you also, Mike Berwick of Berwick Electric, for running the many electrical and IT drops, Derek Rousseau, IT Director, for getting fiber to the building and to every computer, phone, printer and for moving all our computers, printers, and scanners on a Town Holiday, so we were set up and ready to move in on Monday, December 27th. Thank you, Jason Sidok and staff of Home and Commercial Security, Aaron and staff of M&S Cleaners, and Al’s Quality Oil and staff for your part in making our building safe, secure, clean and warm. Thank you, Mike Costello and the Highway/Maintenance staff, for the many projects you were involved with both at 340 Anawan, Francis Farm Community Center, Police, Fire and Ambulance. Thank you also for your assistance with our move to 340 Anawan on December 27th. Speaking of the
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move, thank you “Two Men and a Truck” for the excellent move from 148 Peck Street to 340 Anawan. It was a pleasure working with the twelve men and four trucks 😉 Thank you Selectman Dave Perry for our pizza lunch on Monday and Selectman Mike Deignan and Anna for the delicious White’s Bakery breakfast Danish on Tuesday. But, most of all – THANK YOU REHOBOTH – for voting at May’s Annual Town Meeting to purchase Sean Kane’s Safety Research & Strategies building in August. Thank you, Sean Kane, for working with Luke Travis and the Board of Selectmen to structure an Agreement, where the town secured a beautiful new Town Hall and did so without increasing taxes to our residents. Thank you all for our New Town Hall. The employees thank you and promise we will take very good care of it for you.
Annual Town Census
As mentioned in last month’s article, the Board of Registrars are required to conduct an annual street listing (Census) of residents as of the first of January each year. In addition to the name, address, date of birth, occupation, veteran status with “war era” noted, and number of dogs, the form includes a section for school information required by the school department. Results of the census are used to prove residency for a variety of reasons. The data is used for state college entrance applications, veterans’ benefits, amending and establishing birth records, locating missing persons, establishing precinct lines, predicting future school enrollment, state and federal funding to the town, police and fire protection, updating the voting list, and other legal purposes. Please remember to add your alternative phone number and e-mail to the census forms so we may contact you if needed ~ thank you! Please review the pre-printed Census Form, make corrections, and return it no later than January 31st. You may choose to return the Census Form via the USPS or utilize Census drop off box at Town Hall – 340 Anawan Street; not 148 Peck Street. Drop off boxes are also located at the Blanding Library, Bristol County Savings Bank, and the newly opened Senior Center located at 27 Francis Farm Road. Additionally, if you prefer, you can scan in your signed and completed census forms and email them to TownClerk@RehobothMA.gov . As a reminder, and as mentioned in last month’s Reporter article, in an effort to save the Town money with the census mailer we chose to use the remaining supply of 148 Peck Street return envelopes knowing the post office will forward to the new 340 Anawan Street address. This year’s census mailer has five inserts: the household census forms, the 2022 Calendar, the Annual Dog Licensing form, an introduction to our new Online Dog licensing program and an informational insert on the decennial Rehoboth Reprecincting requirement of adding a 4th Precinct in 2022. Please note the Annual Rehoboth-Seekonk Rabies Clinic, is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 12th, 2022, pending the current pandemic situation. For more information, please see the bottom of the Dog Licensing Form in the census mailer or under the Dog Licenses and Rabies Clinic sections of this article. Updated information will be shared on the Town Website at www.RehobothMA.gov . Additionally, new residents may receive a blank 2022 census form, which they are asked to complete and return. If you do not receive a Census Form, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office 508-252-6502 X-3112 (Odete or Logan), 3109 (Lynn) or 3110 (Laura). Blank Census forms are also available on the town website @ http://www.town.rehoboth.ma.us/town-clerk/pages/censusinformation Failure to return the completed form may result in voters being placed on an inactive voting list or being removed from the voting list. Residents are requested to please send in their census forms as quickly as possible regardless of whether or not they license their dogs at this time. Census forms are due 1-31-22.
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The Reporter January 2022
2022 Dog Licenses
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The 2022 Dog Licenses are now available and may be purchased through the Town Clerk’s Office. Again in 2022, residents will be able to renew their dog licenses online with a Debit/Credit Card or Electronic Check (ACH/EFT) at https://www.invoicecloud. com/rehobothgovsvcs . OR New in 2022, dog owners will be able to register their dogs online through the new online permitting program on the Town Website @ https://www.rehobothma.gov/ home/pages/online-permitting - please 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 2022 mailer or online at https:// www.rehobothma.gov/town-clerk/pages/dog-licenses . 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 already have your documentation on file in the Clerk’s Office. If you are unsure, please give the office a call and we can tell you how up-to-date our information is. Dog owners should note that the license(s) will not be returned unless a stamped, self-addressed envelope is included (the current postage is 71¢ for one dog tag, 93¢ for two dog tags and 1.15¢ for three or four dog tags). 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 dless Possibilities rabies vaccinations for each dog and proof of the dog owner’s age (70 or older) is re| SEEKONK, MA 02771 quired. As per Town Counsel, the waiving of fees does not include Kennel Fees.
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Every ten years, after each federal census, State law (MGL 54 § 2) requires each city and town to create new precinct boundaries. The law requires that voting precincts established by a city or town must meet the following requirements: Each new precinct must be “composed of compact and contiguous territory”. Precincts must be bounded by the center-line of streets or other well-defined boundaries such as streams or other bodies of water, railroad tracks, power lines or other clearly visible geographic figures. No precinct may contain more than 4,000 residents (not voters). Every precinct’s population must be within five percent of the average precinct population for that town. After the 2020 US Census we learned that Rehoboth would need to move from three to four precincts as all three precincts were over the 4,000-maximum allowed (Precinct 1=4,155; Precinct 2=4,136 and
January 2022 The Reporter Precinct 3=4,678). Precincts can only be changed every ten years and must incorporate future growth projections for the next ten years. Linda Greaves (Assessors) along with Daniel Roach (Planning Board) worked with the Clerk’s Office to update our 2022 precinct lines incorporating future growth. I would personally like to thank both Linda and Daniel along with Lynn and Odete for their help with this tedious, time-consuming process. On October 12, 2021 the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Reprecincting lines and on October 27, 2021 the State also approved our new Precinct 4 Map and Legal Descriptions. Therefore, Rehoboth’s Precincts and Precinct Lines have changed, effective December 31, 2021. The precincts have been manually updated by the Clerk’s Office for the printing of the 2022 Census documents. During the first two weeks of January 2022 State Elections will be updating our State database with the precinct changes and all households effected by the reprecincting changes will be sent a postcard mailer sometime mid-late January. When you receive your 2022 Census forms and calendar, please check your Precinct number on the top right of the form to see which precinct you are now assigned to. If you are interested in reviewing the new precinct lines and legal descriptions we submitted, they can be found on the Town Clerk’s website at: https://www.rehobothma.gov/town-clerk/pages/ reprecincting-2021-2022 To avoid any “precinct” confusion on Election Day, the Board of Selectmen voted on November 1, 2021 to designate the Francis Farm Museum (27 Francis Farm Road - Rehoboth) as Rehoboth’s Centralized Voting Location. State Elections approved the new polling location on December 8, 2021. Therefore, all four precincts will be voting at the same location. The new precinct alignment will be in effect for the next ten years. If you would like to view the new Francis Farm Centralized Polling location, please go to: https://www.rehobothma.gov/home/news/rehoboth-changesits-centralized-polling-location-francis-farm-community-centermuseum
January 29, 2022 Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School District Building Project Vote RESCHEDULED TO Saturday, March 5, 2022
I’m sure you already heard that the Bristol-Plymouth School Committee voted on December 21, 2021 to move the January 29, 2022 B-P District-Wide Ballot Vote to Saturday, March 5, 2022. The polling hours are from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Six hours). If you would like to learn more about the building project, please either visit the Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical School website @ https://www.bptech.org/msba If you were unable to attend the Tuesday, December 14 informational meeting at Francis Farm Community Center (Francis Hall Building). A video of the presentation is available on RehobothTV-On Demand @ https://www.rehobothtv.org/ondemandPlayer?ShowID=3774 More details regarding voter registration, building project, etc. will be posted under “News and Announcements” on the Town of Rehoboth’s website: https://www.rehobothma.gov/ . Please remember to subscribe to news and alerts on the Town Website to receive updates on this very important election.
The Annual Town Election
The Annual Town Election for the Town of Rehoboth will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 with the polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Polling Location has been changed to the 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-location-francisfarm-community-center-museum Depending on the current Pandemic situation, State of Emergency, and State Social Distancing protocols at the time of the election, details will be communicated as we get closer to the election. As always, the Town Website will have updated polling information when available.
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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, 2022 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 15th. Positions to be elected on the ballot for 2022 are Moderator (one for 1 year), Board of Selectmen (one position for 3 years), Assessor (one for 3 years), School Committee (one for 3 years), Housing Authority (one for two years), Planning Board (two for 5 years and one for one year), Park Commission (one for 5 years), Constable (three for 3 years) and Water Commissioner (two for 3 years). When the Democratic and Republican Town Committees decide on a definitive date and location for their Annual Town Election Caucuses, I will print that information in my February Rehoboth Reporter article. The final voter registration date, to be eligible to vote in the Annual Town Election, is scheduled for Wednesday, March 16th from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Town Clerk’s Office. Prospective voters are reminded that they may also register to vote 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 Ballot Requests
Applications for absentee ballots are available as of January 4th and may be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office or online @ https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/absentee/English-AbsenteeBallot-Application.pdf . An absentee ballot may only be obtained by written request and with the voter’s original signature. Filing deadline to apply for a mailed absentee ballot request remains four (4) business days before Election Day-Friday, April 1 at Noon; “inperson” absentee ballot requests for the April 5, 2022 Annual Town Election remain 12:00 p.m. on April 4, 2022, day before the election. Completed ballot requests/applications must be returned to the Town Clerk’s Office no later than Noon on Friday, April 1, 2022. All absentee ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk’s Office/outside Ballot Drop Box by no later than 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.
Business Certificates
Business owners whose business certificate will expire during January through June of 2022 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: The Town of Rehoboth. If you prefer to renew online, you may use the debit/credit card/ ACH/EFT payment method on the town website. However, your signature must be notarized on the business certificate renewal form then scanned and e-mailed to the Town Clerk’s office. Free notary services are available in various offices at Town Hall (Board of Selectmen, Building, Assessors, Planning/Conservation Treasurer/ Collector and Town Clerk’s). Debit/Credit Card or Electronic Check (ACH/EFT) transactions may also be processed through the Town Clerk’s office, in addition to online. Questions or suggestions regarding any of the above topics may be directed to the Town Clerk’s Office, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, 508-252-6502, X3109 (Lynn), X3112 (Odete) or X3110 (Laura). In closing, Lynn, Odete, Logan and I wish all of our town residents a happy, safe, peaceful, healthy, and prosperous New Year. Please all stay healthy and prayerfully our 2022 will be a happier and healthier year without the pandemic. Final reminders, Town Offices will be closed on Monday, January 17th in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Real Estate Taxes are due February 1, 2022 ~ thank you. Please stay safe and I look forward to talking with you in February. Sincerely- Laura, Lynn, Logan and Odete
January 2022 The Reporter
News from the Rehoboth Food Pantry
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Rehoboth Animal Shelter News
It’s hard to believe that we are already in 2022! I know many are anxious to say The shelter has had goodbye to last year, though we at the Pantry are incredibly thankful for how this quite a few cats and kitcommunity banded together once again throughout 2021 to keep our neighbors tens, and a few dogs, come fed and warm. Rehoboth is a wonderful town, with a giant heart, and we are all in this year, and we are blessed to be a part of it. happy that most of them There are so very many to thank for last year. It is the residents and businesses have found homes. At this of this (and nearby!) town(s) that have provided the Rehoboth Food Pantry with writing, there are a few what is needed to keep helping our neighbors, and there are countless people to cats in residence, includthank. So, in an attempt to say thank you to as many of you as we can - THANK YOU ing a mother and some ALL OF REHOBOTH!! Personal donations, food drives, even holiday lightshow four-month-old kittens. For food drop offs - each and every act of kindness has helped - both great and small! more information, see our In no particular order or significance - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! pet listings on Petfinder. • Rehoboth folks for the outpouring of food and monetary gifts, and gift cards com or call 508-252-5421 - Thank You! and leave a message. That number may also be • To the Rehoboth Reporter Team for donating space in both print and your used to report a lost or found pet. website, ensuring our messages go out to the community - Thank You! • To DR and PR Schools for outstanding food drives at Thanksgiving and at music concerts at Christmas - Thank You! • Heather Baldassi for the food drive at Personal Best - Thank You! • RCC Mission Committee for the extras from their food baskets - Thank You! • Rehoboth Police for the food drive within their Toy Drive - Thank You! • Bristol Plymouth Reg. Tech. for including the pantry in their food drive - Thank You! • Confectionary Designs for their food drive - Thank You! • Holy Ghost Brotherhood for the turkeys and produce from the turkey raffle On Betty White’s 100th birthday, January 17th, Thank You! everyone should pick your local rescue or animal • Our generous donors for the many turkeys from Willow Tree and food donashelter and donate just $5 in Betty White’s name. tions at Thanksgiving and Christmas - Thank You! Make her 100th birthday the movement she de• Our generous donors of the pies and rolls for both Thanksgiving and Christmas serves! for all our bags given out - Thank You! Checks can be made out to the town of Re• Blanding Library for their wonderful Holiday ToileTree - Thank You! hoboth for the animal welfare account and sent to • Lorna for all the paper goods, toiletry items, household items and gift card Rehoboth Animal Control at 340 Anawan St. Thank You! • John and Jane for the jewelry gifts Thank You! • Hannaford Supermarket for helping us to have the produce we needed for Thanksgiving and Christmas - Thank You! • Monroe Feed and Grain, Land Tek, Blanding Library, and Harvest Tap and Grill for being our drop off locations Thank You! • The great volunteers who pick up the DEER, TICK & MOSQUITO CONTROL donations and bring them back to the pantry already dated - Thank You! • The volunteers who help out at the panDeer Taking a Toll on Your Plantings? try and have come to date, sort and put Our All-Natural Deer Repellent Has away food from all the drives, and those that come on Wednesdays to help out Saved Many a Garden! and/or on Thursdays when the pantry is open - Thank You! • The Rehoboth Garden Club for the beautiful wreath for our door -Thank You! Last, but most certainly not least - a huge THANK YOU to the generosity of so many of you that have requested anonymity! You have brought so much to the pantry this (and many previous!) years, and we are First time customers only, ever so grateful. One coupon per property. In closing, it amazes me to continue to say just how wonderful this town really is! Let’s keep doing what we do as 2022 comes upon us, and we will continue to be a blessed town filled with wonderful people! Call or Text 774.266.7995 for a quote Happy New Year! southeasternma@oh-deer.com • oh-deer.com Scott Lacourse Rehoboth Food Pantry
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The Reporter January 2022
Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving News
The Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Inc. is incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Rehoboth community once again! It truly was a “Blizzard of Giving”! May God bless you for all your support! It takes each and every individual snowflake to create the “Blizzard” of Giving! Thank you all for being a beautiful, unrepeatable, snowflake! You help us continue to be available for those Rehoboth families in need. Please visit our website www.rehobothblizzardofgiving.org as we continue to provide birthday support throughout the year for those in need. Questions may be directed through the website, mrs.mbrawley@gmail.com or by calling Maureen Brawley at (508)252-4867. All personal information will be kept confidential. God bless you all in 2022! Maureen Brawley, Cathy Edington, & Colleen Mc Bride
New Rehoboth Recreation Committee
The Select Board appointed five Rehoboth residents this fall to the new committee. At their first meeting in November they elected Otter Brown as Chair, Rose Amaral as Assistant Chair and Jason Sidok as Clerk. Doc Mello and Jose Baltazasr fill out the committee. Dave Perry is the Liason to the Select Board. The mission of the committee is to make a directory of passive and active recreation in Rehoboth and have it be accessible thru the Town’s website and a hard copy in the library. It will include what the recreation is, where and when it is practiced, and who is a contact. We are starting with what recreations could happen at Francis Farm, both at the New Senior Center and elsewhere on the campus. Our first priority is to focus on a walking path around the property. Other recreation venues at Francis Farm include three bocce courts, ten horseshoe pits, two volleyball courts, a kick/softball field, a kids fishing pond and two open athletic fields. Indoor spaces could house ping-pong, corn holes and other game rooms. There is a town demand for more outdoor regulation Pickleball courts. In order for the venues to be renovated, we will need folks in town with an interest in these recreations to volunteer their interest and time. Please email otterob@yahoo.com with your interest. We also could use any cross-country skis, poles and boots you have, but don’t use, to start a cross-country ski program. We hope to plan a work weekend in April, followed by a Recreation Fair, showcasing the different recreational uses of Francis Farm. We meet the second Thursday of the month from 6:30-7:30 pm at the new Annex to Goff Hall at Blanding Library. Because of COVID, we are asking the public to attend our meetings via a town zoom link posted with the meeting AGENDA on the Town of Rehoboth website. Don’t forget to mute your mic and raise a hand if you have a question. We look forward to hearing from you with this exciting new potential for the town.
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Keep Massachusetts Beautiful Municipal Partner of The Year: Mr. Costello
The Keep Rehoboth Beautiful Committee would like to congratulate Michael Costello and the Rehoboth Highway Department for being named Keep Massachusetts Beautiful Municipal Partner of The Year! Mr. Costello was honored at The Keep Massachusetts Beautiful Clean Community Awards Presentation held December 2nd. Mr. Costello and his crew do so much in this town all year. Yet there has always been time carved out to help KRB, especially during the annual town-wide spring pickup when the Highway Department picks up all the bags the KRB members and volunteers collect throughout the town. In addition, they make a point of picking up the Keep Rehoboth Beautiful receptacles that have been placed at a few key locations in town. The Keep Rehoboth Beautiful Committee would also like to thank Mike personally for all of his assistance throughout the year! Sincerely, Jennifer LeComte Clerk Keep Rehoboth Beautiful Committee
A Good Place to Walk
Laura Dias Samsel Last Spring, in an attempt to escape the business of the world and the discord regarding the Covid pandemic, I found myself exploring the Danforth Street Conservation property for the first time. I made my way slowly through the low bush blueberry and over the mounded earth left from perk tests. The uneven earth was a reminder of what could have been and what was preserved. The path followed narrowly up a little hill and was littered with ancient signs of glaciation. Connected to the end of the property is private conservation in which there is a perennial stream. With the sun coming down, I took a pause to sit myself down on a little bridge going over the stream. It was during the time of day I like most; it is often referred to as twilight. When the sun has just barely sunk below the horizon and the world is cast in sepia tones. Having grown up in a farming community, and had my share of animals, I know this is the time of day that livestock often seek shelter for the night. On the other hand, some wildlife find it a time of safety or a period of opportunity. As I listened to the stream, and laid on the small wooden bridge, I began effectively meditating away all of the thoughts cluttering my brain. As I laid there with my eyes closed, I heard the rustling of leaves in the near distance. Afraid I had intruded upon someone’s space, I opened my eyes only to see a young doe and her friend looking for some browse. The doe, being only a few feet in front of me, locked eyes in recognition. If you have ever seen a deer in person they are much bigger than you would expect. Healthy and strong with an air of mischief. I vowed to myself not to move because I wanted to watch her for as long as possible. My refusal to move perplexed her and wanting to know whether I was friend or foe she began to paw at the ground to get me to do something. I did not budge. We shared this exchange for quite some time. Her continually urging me to give her some acknowledgment, and me just sitting like a state. I thought it might be selfish not to scare her, because a deer ought to have a healthy distrust of humans. After all, we are predators. However, I could not bring myself to scare her away, she was just too innocent and beautiful. I thought how lucky she and her friend were that it was not hunting season. This experience, in a time when I felt burdened by the business of the world, made me realize how lucky we are in Rehoboth to have places to interact with nature. My father used to tell me stories when I was young about how there were no deer in the area when he was growing due to overhunting. Through the implementation of conservation and science based hunting regulation, we saw a
January 2022 The Reporter reemergence of the White Tailed Deer population that many of us enjoy today. They made a comeback. I am a big proponent of hunting, hunters are some of the best conservation advocates and stewards of the environment. We want to enjoy nature, but we also seek to conquer, to build and expand. It just simply is human nature to do this. But it’s important to find balance. One of my most favorite books was introduced to me during undergraduate school at Emmanuel College, the class was on Environmentalism. The book was titled “A Sand County Almanac” by Aldo Leopold. Leopold was a very strong advocate of hunting, but he also introduced the concept of “Land Ethic”. His concept was that we are all interconnected, and that our dependence upon the land and what it has to offer is a form of mutualism. Immersion in nature helps us extend our ethics beyond ourselves. That experience with the deer gave me more than money could buy, and in that moment I realized how fortunate we are to have this natural medicine in such a busy world. If you haven’t had the opportunity I urge folks to take a walk in some of our conservation property in Rehoboth, and take from a visit the gift of natural experience. My thanks to the many community members who make invaluable experiences like this possible. It was certainly a team effort to accomplish these victories. I will be doing a New Year’s Walk in Attleboro this year with Friends of Ten Mile and Bucklin Brook, but I urge you to explore some of our local conservation where you can front the essential facts of life.
Here is a short list of some of our property:
• Rehoboth State Forest- (Parking is on Peck St near the corner of Francis St.) • Ephraim Hunt- Pond St. (Parking available) • Danforth St. (Parking Available) • Oak Hill Beagle Club (Parking Available)
• River Run Conservation (Picnic Table/ Pastoral views) • Miller Bird Sanctuary- Lake St. Rehoboth • Savoie Conservation- Parking available 27-31 Water St. • Munroe Conservation- (Access is through an easement beginning at 63 Plain Street. The recreation land begins once you have walked beyond Horton. There is a small parking area at the beginning of the easement.) There are many more properties being added to this list, through Community Preservation, and Rehoboth Land Trust efforts, and all those who work behind the scene. Happy New Year! 2022
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The Reporter January 2022
Rehoboth’s 1st Christmas Tree Lighting
Photo taken by Lisa Halajko, President of the Anawan Lions; From Left to Right the Park Commission; Kathy Amaral, Sandy Parris, From the North Pole Mrs. Santa Clause, Santa Clause aka (Patty & Rusty Richmond) & Jake Kramer & Ken Abrams also from the Park Commission.
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December 12, 2021, the Rehoboth Park Commission conducted their First Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in celebration of the “Holiday Season”. The original earmark was for December 11th from 3 o’clock to 4:30 PM at the Rehoboth Veterans Memorial but due to the wind and rain on Saturday, it was pushed to Sunday December 13th. The Park Commission was surprised and very proud of the overwhelming support from the local businesses, Bill Higby who provided the hayride around the field of the Redway Plain and the music provided by Bill Maiorano along with hot chocolate and cookies. But to top it all off, we had a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Clause what is the highlight of the afternoon. We would like to also give credit to Rob Johnson and the Christmas tree business on Tremont Street known as Chris’s Christmas Trees for his donation of 6 of the Christmas Trees and on a sidenote, the Anawan Lions had a Christmas Tree donated by Steve and Tammy Nunes from the Harvest Tap and Table which took centerstage in the middle of the gazebo and was decorated by the Anawan Lions.
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Winners of the 2021 Fall Porch Decorating Contest
The Town Events Committee would like to congratulate the winners of the 2021 Fall Porch Decorating Contest. This year’s best Halloween award went to 11 Valeda Rd for their amazing haunted graveyard. The best traditional Fall themed award went to 171 Bay State Rd. Their display incorporated many antiques increasing its visual appeal. We’d like to thank all of the participants of this year’s contest. It was a very close race and we could have gone a number of ways. Kudos to all! We look forward to the upcoming Light Up Rehoboth Outdoor Decorating Contest. We are sure the competition will be fierce this year! Stay tuned for more details. The Rehoboth Town Events Committee. Best Traditional Fall Decor - 171 Bay State Road Best Halloween Decor - 11 Valeda Road
January 2022 The Reporter
Rehoboth Council on Aging Settles In at Francis Farm
By Joe Siegel More than 15 months after a devastating fire destroyed the Senior Center at 55 Bay State Road, the Council on Aging have a new home at Francis Farm. A welcoming reception was held Monday at Francis Hall. The kitchen has been upgraded and new woodwork and doors were installed. Historic photographs line the walls inside. “This is a welcoming of our seniors back to socialization,” Chairman Skip Vadnais said, noting the construction at Francis Farm was not complete. “It was nice to see a lot of the seniors,” said Selectman George Solas. “It was a wonderful experience and I’m looking forward to going back and serving breakfast.”The COA staff had been working out of offices on Winthrop Street. The limited space was a hindrance to providing the type of programs and services which had been offered to the senior population. “Today is a beginning,” Vadnais added. Selectman Michael Deignan acknowledged former selectman Gerry Schwall, who he credits for proposing the use of Francis Farm as a location for the COA. “He had the vision to see something that had the potential to be more than what it was,” Deignan said, adding former selectman Michael Costello and his team had spent “countless hours” refurbishing Francis Hall. Voters at last May’s town meeting approved the purchase of the 47 acre property at a cost of $2.8 million. The building which had been used as a museum will now serve as the town’s new polling location. The “white building” will serve as the facility for health services and the Veterans Service Officer. The second floor will be used for meetings for town employees and various officials. Francis Farm also features many opportunities for recreation, including a volleyball pit, softball field, hiking trails, and a basketball court. Political and civic organizations will be able to hold their events at pavilions on the property. Some of the buildings, including the Arcade, will remain vacant for the foreseeable future.
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Presenting….the New Rehoboth Town Hall
By Joe Siegel Rehoboth town employees have settled into their new offices at Town Hall, which opened on Tuesday, January 4th. The Town Clerk, Tax Collector, Board of Assessors and the Planning and Conservation offices are located on the first floor. The Selectmen, Town accountant, and Town Administrator’s office are located on the building’s second floor. The Board of Health and Zoning offices are in the basement, along with storage. The land and 7300 square foot building at 340 Anawan Street was purchased for $995,000 after voters approved a warrant article at the May 2021 Town Meeting. “I think it’s absolutely beautiful,” Selectmen Chairman Skip Vadnais said. “Everybody’s very pleased, especially the people who work there.” For now, the Board of Selectmen and other town committees will continue meeting at the former Town Hall on Peck Street until the communications equipment is secured for use at Francis Farm. Vadnais notes the future of the building is still up in the air. It was built in 1956 as a Nike missile site. In 1971, the property was acquired for use as the Rehoboth Town Hall at a sales price of $5900. “We still have (materials) in there we have to take care of, documents and things of that nature,” Vadnais said. “As far as the usage of it, we will be asking for ideas from everyone.” Rehoboth cover photo by David Andrade of W.Parmentier Photography (see ad on page 67)
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January 2022 The Reporter
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Details Shared about $305 Million School Project
By Joe Siegel Rehoboth Selectman Michael Deignan discussed the financial Voters will be heading to the polls on March 5 to decide on fundimpact on residents if the project was approved. The tax rate for ing for a $305 Million building project for Bristol-Plymouth Regional fiscal year 2022 is $12.67 per $1000 of assessed value. The average Technical School. The funding for the Bristol-Plymouth building single family home value is $402,808. The average single family project has to win a two-thirds vote from all of the member comhome tax bill is $5,103. munities including Berkley, Bridgewater, Dighton, Middleborough, Deignan said the town’s annual payment for the project would Raynham, Rehoboth and Taunton. Even if the majority of Rehoboth be $549,000 a year. This is based on level debt service over a 30 voters reject the article, the funding could still be approved as long year period. The figure is based on the town’s current enrollment as a two-thirds vote is reached by the other towns. numbers (5.33 percent). “Based on this fiscal year’s data and curRehoboth taxpayers would be required to contribute to the projrent enrollment figures, the impact for the average homeowner ect funding if the ballot item passed. Rehoboth Selectman George is $99.81,” Deignan noted. Deignan explained a debt exclusion, Solas met with representatives of Bristol-Plymouth on December which is a temporary tax increase, would be needed to pay the 14 to discuss the project. The discussion was taped for broadcast town’s share. on Rehoboth Community Television. More information, including architectural drawings and con“The building is a 50 year old building and it has shown its age,” struction estimates, can be accessed at https://www.bptech.org/ explained Bristol-Plymouth Superintendent Alex Magalhaes. “It’s msba. going to need extensive repair.” The Massachusetts School Building Authority recently provided FULLY authorization for a Project Funding Agreement for the BristolLICENSED INSURED ARBORIST Plymouth project. The agreement includes reimbursement of 62.25 percent of eligible project costs up to a maximum reimbursement amount of $125, 569, 759 toward construction of a modern BristolPlymouth school facility. A multi-year feasibility study had been conducted. “Repairs that include new HVAC systems, new roof, new windows, steel upgrades, ADA upgrades, and plumbing repairs Stump Grinding ~ Large Tree Removal are all needed to bring the schools up to code and will cost the district millions of dollars without adding any educational upgrades Ornamental Pruning or additional square footage,” said Tina Stanislaski from HMFH Architects, the firm working on the project. Seasoned Firewood ~ Cord Wood There are also security issues due to the construction of outLarge Crane for Difficult Removals! No Damage to Lawn! buildings on the campus. “There’s not one main building,” Stanislaski noted. “Basically to do a repair of everything wrong with the building and bring it to today’s codes, we’re looking at a project that’s well over $100 million.” Plantings, Mulch Bed, Loam & Seed In addition, the school is severely overcrowded and lacks the technology and equipment needed for today’s learning environJim Marcello Seekonk, MA ments, there are inadequate numbers of science labs and special education classrooms, and vocational shops and labs are severely (508) 336-4869 ~ (401) 723-6128 undersized, according to Stanislaski. The original cost for the project was substantially more, said Chad Crittenden, the owner’s project manager with Boston-based PMA Consultants. The preliminary design cost was $325 million. The final submission to the MSBA was $305 million. “The (school) committee is motivated to do whatever they can to keep pushing these costs down to reduce the burden on the communities,” Crittenden noted. The MSBA grant is $125 million, which means the member communities need to come up with $179.5 million. “We realize it’s a huge cost. It’s a big ask. The opportunity here is take advantage of those MSBA funds and move the project forward,” Crittenden added. “Even if we don’t take advantage of the MSBA funds, we’re still looking at maintaining that building for the next 30 years.” If the funds are approved, there would Kitchen Design be a bidding process, followed by a two Bathroom Design year construction window. Phase two would consist of abatement and demolition Finish Selections Bonnie Johnson, Kitchen Designer of the existing building as well as final site Cabinet & Product & Interior Designer improvements. Sales The building would be ready for student
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The Reporter January 2022
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Rehoboth Officials Claim Legal Victory
By Joe Siegel The Rehoboth Board of Selectmen praised a court decision which they said will grant the town access to the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District’s financial records. However, DightonRehoboth Superintendent Anthony Azar said the court ruled in favor of the school district, not the town. “Last Friday the Superior Court issued a decision granting summary judgment in favor of the Town of Rehoboth in the first of two lawsuits brought by the Town against the Dighton-Rehoboth school district in the Bristol County Superior Court,” Chairman Skip Vadnais said Monday. Vadnais was critical of comments made on December 17 by Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Superintendent Anthony Azar. “This is a bittersweet victory for our school district due to the resources that have been expended,” stated Azar. “The school district spent approximately $140,000 to defend against this unfortunate lawsuit, and we now await the figure of how much the town spent in its pursuit of their false narrative”. “A fundamental question that one would ask is how the Rehoboth BOS can continue to attack its own school district, when the actual decision rendered by Justice Jackie Cowin states, “the district has a duty to act in the best interests and the benefits of its students, not the town’s Board of Selectmen.” “In its decision, the Court rejected all arguments advanced by the District and ruled that the Town is entitled to inspect all financial records of the District on an annual basis upon written request by the Board of Selectmen. The Court’s decision ensures the Town complete access to the District’s financial records, which is something the District had fought to prevent in years past. The Court’s ruling now enables the Town to review, scrutinize, and audit the financial practices of the District on an annual basis if it so chooses,” Vadnais said. Azar maintains the decision said that the Regional Agreement does not vest any right in the Town’s Board of Selectmen to obtain the District’s records. “The district is obligated to continue to provide records each year through the production of the annual report, which the district never disputed,” Azar said, noting that during
January 2022 The Reporter his tenure, he, along with his administrative team, have always presented to the public the budget and the towns’ assessment according to the regional agreement. Azar added “the District will continue to reach out to the Rehoboth Board of Selectmen in order to work collaboratively with them in the future. Despite this bittersweet victory, we are committed to present our budget in a timely manner as we have done in the past years.” “The Board of Selectmen has reviewed a written statement issued by Dr. Azar on Friday, which falsely claims that the District was successful in this lawsuit,” Vadnais said. “It is our understanding that Dr. Azar’s statement was made without vetting by, or approval of the School Committee. Dr. Azar’s statement appears to be nothing more than an attempt to gaslight the citizens of Rehoboth into believing that the Court’s ruling was anything less than a total victory for the Town.” “The superintendent is duty bound to report on information to the school district and community at his/her discretion without vetting or permission from the school committee,” Azar said Tuesday. “The (school committee) can put out their own news release. Since the committee was not meeting again until January, I thought a response was timely to share out to our school district and community.” Vadnais also said: “It is now clear why the District had fought so ardently to preclude the Town from reviewing and scrutinizing its financial records because the records produced by the District as a result of the first lawsuit have revealed, among many other things, that the District has grossly mismanaged its finances, misclassified capital improvements as ordinary budget items in violation of State Law, entered into multi-million dollar contracts for solar and HVAC conversion contracts without notice to, or approval of Town meeting as required by the Regional Agreement, and comingled/ utilized student activity funds with its operating funds. The Town will not tolerate the District’s unlawful conduct and will continue to pursue the District in the second lawsuit for all remedies available to it in law and equity.” “The Town was successful on its principal and core count in the complaint and was awarded all relief it sought therein by the Court,” added attorney Eric Brainsky, who represented the town of Rehoboth. The ancillary counts were denied, but the result is the same. Arguing otherwise, is akin to arguing the difference between a game winning homerun that goes into the first deck or one that travels to the upper deck either way, that homerun has nevertheless won the game.” Last September, the town filed a lawsuit alleging the School District and School Committee violated the terms of its regional agreement with the town by undertaking and funding two capital projects costing $15 million which occurred without the approval of town meeting. Those funds were used for the purchase and installation of solar arrays and heating and air conditioning in and on the grounds of various schools operated by the district. In October, attorneys for the School District retaliated by filing seven counterclaims, alleging Rehoboth “knowingly, maliciously, and falsely alleged” that the district is in default of the TD Equipment Finance, Inc. May 2016 contract, Rehoboth has tortiously interfered with the August 2017 contract between the District and Bank of America, and as a result of “Rehoboth’s intentional, malicious interference with the District’s contract, the District has suffered harm.” In addition, the attorneys requested a declaratory judgment stating the court has “no authority or jurisdiction to de-regionalize the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District.”
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The Reporter January 2022
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Rehoboth Ramblings by Leslie Patterson
Some New Year’s Resolutions
This time of year I like to make New Year’s resolutions – for other people, that is. The Quality Workmanship thought of my own failings at keeping resolutions (cutting back on baked goods, sorting out paper clutter, etc.) keeps me from making my own. Last January I mentioned looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. But by now it feels like we had started to leave the tunnel (how I wish we had gone more places last June and July) and then along came another tunnel. We’re all completely tired of riding the Covid train by now. First the joke was about every day being “blursday” but by now all of 2021 seems like a blur. Wood & Vinyl Siding The first resolution I would urge is that those who are still not vaccinated do so and Roofing • Decks those who need booster shots get them soon. Statistics have shown overwhelmingly that Cement Work the risk is not in getting the vaccine; the risk is in getting the virus when you don’t have the that the vaccine can give you. Many thanks again to all those who volunteered Additions & Restorations protection for clinical trials back in 2020 to help scientists develop safe vaccines. And words cannot New Construction express my admiration for all the medical people who have been on the frontlines of the pandemic for almost two years now. Remodeling Let us hope that things start to look up soon on the virus/variant front. I have long since resolved not to travel at the holidays. I’ve had some bad travel experiences at Christmas over the years myself, but nothing like this recent pandemic-caused chaos. My greatest Rehoboth, MA sympathy to all those who got caught in the miserable experience of all those flight cancelLICENSED & INSURED lations the past few weeks. MA #058544 Reg # 111902 RI# 7169 Thinking of travel reminds me: how about a resolution for all those reckless drivers out there? (Yes, a reckless driver is seldom wreckless. English is a funny language.) I have seen more overly aggressive driving recently, including but not limited to weaving erratically in and out of the fast lane on the highway while doing 80. I have also seen a smash-up at the side of the road somewhere on nearly every car trip lately. This is in addition to reading about cars plowing into the front of houses (texting while driving, anyone?) on a surprisingly frequent basis. Getting back to cleaning out clutter, when decorating the tree this year, I noticed that I was still hanging on to a few broken Christmas ornaments. Why? It’s easy to be sentimental about the holidays, but this is ridiculous. Here’s a thought to get you started clearing out your closets. The Victorian writer and critic John Ruskin $225 per cord once observed: “Every increased possession loads us with new weariness.” If you have old clothes you’d like to donate, both Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Epilepsy Foundation are now picking up used clothes and household goods again. You can find out more and arrange a pickup through their websites: www.bbbsfoundation. org or https://epilepsynewengland.org. The one resolution I am likely to keep is getting outdoors for a walk somewhere picturesque on a regular basis, as long as the weather isn’t completely miserable. We need the sunlight in the winter and God knows we need to get out of the house. It finally *Delivery free first 5 miles additional charge after. dawned on me that one can walk along the bike path at Colt State seekonktreeservice@gmail.com Park to downtown Bristol; just make space for the bicycles whizzing by. It’s a straight stretch of pavement that’s an easy walk with nice water views and it doesn’t involve stumbling over tree roots on woodland paths. Since I never watch movies or TV shows that I find too disturbing, lurid or just trashy, I don’t have to make a resolution about this. (No, I don’t use Netflix all that much.) But sometimes it seems that the only choice in 2 Burnside Ave. • Seekonk, MA 02771 • https://www.facebook.com/tmland/ entertainment is between the violent/ugly and the overly sappy. The newer Disney animated movies can usually be counted on for Tom Moreshead clever family films that adults can enjoy too Over 20 Years (508) 399-5399 (think of that hilarious scene at the DMV in Experience! (508) 878-8012 “Zootopia”). The new animated feature “Encanto” now streaming on Disney Plus is such a movie. Some adults might recognize it as Services Latin American magical realism for children. There’s something for everyone, including Bobcat, Backhoe Service, Land Clearing, Walkways, Retainer Walls, music by the prolific Lin-Manuel Miranda. As Underground Sprinklers, Lawn Seed or Sod, Design Plantings we head into another bleak and challenging winter, we could all use a little magic now.
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INSURANCE YOU CA DESIGN TO MEET Y The Seekonk Scene INSURANCE YOU CAN N EVER CHANGING From the Clerk DESIGN TO MEETYOU YOUR INSURANCE CA EVER CHANGING NEEDS INSURANCE YOU DESIGN TOCAN MEET YO DESIGN TO MEET YOUR EVER CHANGING EVER CHANGING NEEDS NE January 2022 The Reporter
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■ Automobile insurance
The annual ringing in of the New Year is always a cause ■ Home insurance for celebration. It’s a time to raise a glass and toast to friends and family that are with us and remembering those who have passed. 2021, was certainly challenging. Just when we thought things were getting better, setbacks hit and a return to normal ■ Automobile insurance is further delayed. January is a time to look forward with hopes ■ Home insurance that we can return to a less stressful way of life. The Town Clerk’s office wishes everyone a happy, healthy and safe 2022. Florice Craig
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2022 Town Census Information
■ Home insurance
Tammy Weaver Your Local Agent
The 2022 Annual Town census will be mailed to all households in Seekonk due to 65 FALL RIVER AVE STE B arrive by mid-January. Please update the information provided by adding, deleting, Tammy Weaver REHOBOTH, MA 02769 or making changes directly on the form. Please sign and return the census within 30 Tammy Weaver TWEAVER2@FARMERSAGENT.COM days. You CANNOT REGISTER TO VOTE ON THIS FORM. On the census you will Your Local Agent Your Local Agent http://agents.farmers.com/tweav notice a letter next to your name. The letter indicates your political party affiliation. 65 RIVER AVE 65 FALL FALL RIVER AVE STE B STE B For instance, an “R” indicates Republican party, a “D” indicates Democratic party, REHOBOTH, MA 02769 REHOBOTH, MATammy 02769 Weaver TWEAVER2@FARMERSAGENT.COM a “U” indicates Unenrolled (Independent) party, etc. TWEAVER2@FARMERSAGENT.COM http://agents.farmers.com/tweaver2 If you don’t have a party designation next to your name you can register to vote http://agents.farmers.com/tweaver2 Your Local Agent by going online to www.sec.state.ma.us. When responding back you can either 65 FALL RIVER AVE STE B mail it back with the provided envelope, or drop it in the Town Hall drop-box (outside REHOBOTH, MA 02769 Town Hall’s front door), or you can scan it, and email it to: fcraig@seekonk-ma.gov Call 508.372.9534 today!TWEAVER2@FARMERSAGENT.COM Call 508.372.9534 today! or lsorel@seekonk-ma.gov Failure to return your census may result in the removal Let helphelp you getyou smart about your coverage options. Letmeme get smart about your coverage options. http://agents.farmers.com/tweave from the active voting list. (MGL ch51 sec. 4c) The data collected from the census is used to prove residency, update the town’s voter rolls, veteran’s benefits, birth Call 508.372.9534 today! records, locating missing persons, estimating future school enrollment, establishing Let me help you get smart about your coverage options. precinct lines, state and federal funding for the town, police and fire. We received the final information on the Massachusetts 2020 Census and we can report that Seekonk has a population of apCall 508.372.9534 today! proximately 15,500. We did not have a significant enough increase Let me help you get smart about your coverage options. to add another precinct so we will remain at four (4) precincts. The state did however change a few precincts lines in order to even up the population in some precincts. This happened with Precinct 1 and 2. It only effects a small portion and this office will be in touch by mail with the neighborhoods and streets that will be changing precincts. Included in the town census mailing is a dog license form. This gives dog owners the opportunity to license their dogs by mail, or drop-box before the March 31st due date. Mail to: Seekonk Town Hall, Town Clerk’s Office 100 Peck St, Seekonk, MA 02771 or drop it in the Town Hall drop-box (outside Town Hall’s front door). Please include a copy of each dog’s current rabies certificate issued by your veterinarian and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The license fees are $10 for spayed and neutered dogs and $20 for un-spayed or un-neutered dogs. Checks are to be made out to the Town of Seekonk. Mass General Law requires that all dogs be licensed annually, with proof of current rabies vaccinations. Failure to comply will result in a by-law citation fine. If you have any questions about dog licensing, please do not hesitate to call our office. 508-336-2920. Also please note that at the Spring town meeting the town voted to accept Mass. General Law - Chapter 140 section 139 (c) which says that: No fee shall be charged for a license for a dog owned by a person aged 70 years or over. If you are 70 years an older you still must license your dog(s) you just do not have to pay the fee. The rabies clinic has tentatively, been set for Saturday March 12, 2022. Hours will be 9AM-12PM. It will be held at the Seekonk Public Safety Building Fire division. The attending veterinarian will be Dr. Truesdale and the fee will be $15.00 cash. The town of Rehoboth and possibly Dighton will be joining us. Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states.
Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states.
Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states.
Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states.
continued on next page...
The Reporter January 2022
26
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Absentee Ballot Applications Absentee ballot applications are available in our office, or on our web-site. If you wa put on the permanent absentee ballot mailing list, please fill out the form and check Absentee Ballot Applications elections". If you knowapplications you will be out Town forina our certain election Absentee ballot areofavailable office, or onyou ourcan reques web-site. If youseveral want weeks to be put on an theelection. permanent absentee ballot absentee ballot before
mailing list, please fill out the form and check off “for all elections”. If you know you will be out of Town for a certain election you can request an Seekonk absentee ballot several weeks an election. The Annual Town Election 2022 will bebefore held Monday April 4, 2022. Nomin The Annual Seekonk Town Election 2022 will be held Monday for offices are available in the Town Clerk’s office. Deadline to submit nomination p April 4, 2022. Nomination papers for offices are available in the Town Clerk’s office. Deadline to 2022 submit nomination papers to the Town Clerk is Monday February 14, at 5PM. Town Clerk is Monday February 14, 2022 at 5PM. obtain a minimum of 50 signatures fromregistered voters regisYou You mustmust obtain a minimum of 50 signatures from voters in Seekonk. A s tered in Seekonk. A street address not a P.O. Box is required from address not a P.O. Box is required from each person signing your papers. Please ma each person signing your papers. Please make sure signatures signatures we be willable not be to certify are legibleare orlegible we willornot toable certify them.them.
The Elected positions available in 2022 are listed below: BOARD Board of Assessors Board of Selectmen Library Board of Trustees Planning Board Planning Board Housing Authority School Committee Water Commission
NUMBER OF POSITIONS One One Three One One One Two One
TERM 3-year 3-year 3-year 5-year 3-year 5-year 3-year 3-year
A friendly reminder the third quarterly real-estate tax bills will A friendly the1,third quarterly real-estate tax bills will be due on February 1 be due onreminder February 2022. Monday January 17, 2022 Town Hall will be closed for appointMondayand January 17, calls 2022 in Town Hall will beofclosed forLuther appointments and phone call ments phone observance Martin King Day. Have a of wonderful month. observance Martin Luther King As Day.always thank you for taking the time to read my monthly updates and remember the Town Clerk’s office inquiries from all citizens seeking assistance, or my month Have awelcomes wonderful month. As always thank you for taking the time to read information in relation to services provided by the Town of Seekonk.
and remember the Town Clerk’s office welcomes inquiries from all citizens seeking a or information in relation to services provided by the Town of Seekonk.
Seekonk Recycling Committee Christmas Tree Pickup in Seekonk
The town DPW will be picking up natural Christmas trees curbside from January 3- January 28, 2022. The pickup days will correspond to the days of your normal trash and recycling collection. As usual, it will be weather permitting.
Recycling Reminder for Seekonk Residents
Here is a recycling reminder for the Holiday season. Christmas wrapping paper is not recyclable and is to be put in your trash bag. Wrapping paper is too thin and full of color dyes to be recycled. Have a happy Holiday season.
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27
Seekonk: The Year in Review By Joe Siegel
2021 was notable for a big change in leadership for the Seekonk Fire Department. Sandra Lowery made history when she was appointed as the town’s first female Fire Chief. Lowery had been serving as Interim Chief following the departure of David Rave last August. Rave’s employment contract was rescinded following the dismissal of domestic assault charges last July in Warwick District Court. He had served in the position since August 2020. Former Fire Chief Michael Healy was elected to the Board of Selectmen. Chris Zorra won a second term on the board in the annual town election. The long awaited addition to the Aitken Elementary School was opened in September. Voters approved $10.5 million at a 2019 town meeting for the project. “I am thrilled to soon be able to have an opportunity to showcase our beautiful, brand new, state-of-theart 10-classroom addition at the Aitken Elementary School here in Seekonk,” Seekonk Superintendent Rich Drolet said in June, noting there was an increasing need for more space in the town’s two elementary schools. Coronavirus hit Seekonk especially hard, which resulted in its being given the designation of red, which is reserved for cities and towns with the highest average of new infections. The School Committee voted to adopt a mask policy for the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year. The vote was 3-1. Chairperson Kim Sluter, Erin Brouillette, and Beth Eklund were in favor, with Noah Escaler opposed. “Vaccines are a private medical procedure”, said Escaler. “Our schools should never cross a line to distinguish those who are and who aren’t vaccinated to determine who should have face coverings. I urge the committee to challenge DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) in their mandates through litigation. DESE is not a legislative body.” Education Commissioner Jeff Riley extended the statewide mask mandate through January, a decision which further stoked the anger of parents and students opposed to the policy. The Seekonk Public Schools also held vaccination clinics for students. Voters at the Fall Town Meeting approved a zoning bylaw amendment which prohibits asphalt plants from operating in the town of Seekonk. Last January, the Planning Board voted to allow International Paving Corporation to redevelop a warehouse/garage site at 45 Industrial Court for the project. The plant, which would have been located in an Industrial Zoning District just a few hundred feet from a residential neighborhood, had drawn concerns over the potential health impact from emissions. The Board of Health said the plant would be a threat to public safety. A Facebook group, Stop the Seekonk Asphalt Plant, accumulated more than 2000 members, including residents from Barrington and East Providence, Rhode Island. Members of the Board of Selectmen also vowed to stop the plant from going forward. The owner of the proposed plant had claimed the site would be subject to environmental oversight by state and federal regulators. Voters at the Spring Town Meeting rejected an expansion of the Seekonk Public Library. The $19.6 million in funds were to be used for the construction, renovation, and expansion of the current facility at 410 Newman Avenue. The money would also have covered the costs for demolition, landscaping, paving, utility, and architectural and engineering services. The library had been awarded a Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners capital grant of $7.3 Million to offset the costs of the project. The grant would have paid for 37 percent of the total project costs. The Seekonk Library Trust had pledged to raise $1,000,000 to further offset costs. Michael Durkay, the chairperson of the Library’s Board of Trustees, said the library had “outlived the needs of its patrons.” The $63 Million budget for the 2022 fiscal year was approved, along with the appropriation of $1.5 million to pay for the cost of
designing, planning, and construction of a new Department of Public Works facility on land owned by the town at 351 Fall River Avenue. Voters also approved $2.7 million to fund the construction and renovation of the Seekonk Connolly Field and Mooney Track at Seekonk High School.
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The Reporter January 2022
Meet Victoria Shields, Seekonk’s Project 351 Representative
Victoria Shields, a student at Seekonk High School, was selected as Seekonk’s Ambassador for Project 351 for 2021. Project 351 is a grassroots, youth-led, schoolbased movement for positive change. Victoria’s fall service project was to organize a food drive for Doorways food pantry, collecting donations from Newman YMCA, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs church, Seekonk High School and the public library. Victoria collected over 600 food items, filling several shopping carts to overflowing. The food collected here will grace the dinner tables of homes in our community for weeks to come. Doorways is grateful to Victoria and to everyone who contributed to this food drive.
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Girl Scout Troop 707 Collects Toys for Doorways
Members of Girl Scout Troop 707 present dozens of beautiful toys to Diane Fox of Doorways. The toys were given to local families for Christmas. To help celebrate the holidays, the young women of Girl Scout Troop 707 conducted a toy drive for the benefit of the children of Doorways’ client families. The Scouts set up several collection points and collected a large number of beautiful toys for boys and girls of all ages; these toys that would become the Christmas delights for many local children. “This was a wonderful thing the Girl Scouts did” said Diane Fox of Doorways. “You know, it is not only the children who benefit from this act of giving. The parents, too, are gladdened; no one wants to see their kid go without at Christmas, and the joy and relief on their faces is a wonder to behold.” The past year has been a difficult one for Doorways Food Pantry, with increases in the number of clients served and even sharper increases in the cost of feeding those clients.
January 2022 The Reporter
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Girl Scout Troop 707 Collects Toys for Doorways But this community has responded in our time of need, supporting us at levels not seen before, with donations of both food and funds. Your gifts support many Seekonk residents in need of a helping hand, and the food thus provided will fill the cupboards of homes throughout our community during the long winter season. More than seventy local families rely on Doorways on a regular basis, and Doorways, in turn, relies on people like you. As Doorways closes out their twentieth year of providing food support for Seekonk families, we look back on many hundreds of families who have received necessary support, and over one and a half million pounds of food that has been distributed – all at no cost to our clients, and all made possible by the generosity of the people of Seekonk. Our gratitude is boundless - we are humbled by your support, awed by your generosity, and hopeful for the future. We give thanks for all you do. May God bless us all as we close out the Christmas season and look forward in hope to the New Year. We long for the day when this cursed pandemic is behind us. Thank you again. We are very grateful for your support.
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The Reporter January 2022
Seekonk Town Hall, Library Closed Due to Covid
By Joe Siegel Seekonk Town Hall and the Public Safety building will be closed for the rest of the month due to the high rate of Covid infections among employees and residents. The following message was posted on the town website on Monday: “Due to COVID related staffing shortages, all municipal buildings will be closed to the public for the month of January. Those needing to do business with town offices should contact the appropriate office by phone or email. For high priority and emergency business with the Town, in-person visits will be accommodated via appointments. The Seekonk Public Library is also closed to the public. Curbside services will continue. For more information, visit Seekonk-ma.gov.
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Seekonk Zoning Board Continues Hearing on Condos
By Joe Siegel The Zoning Board of Appeals voted to continue a public hearing on a proposed condominium development for to January 24. RI Seekonk Holdings LLC, located at 44 Davis St., and RI Seekonk Holdings, LLC, Trustee of the Greenbrier Village II Primary Condominium Trust, based in Providence, sought a comprehensive permit pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B to construct seven buildings with a total of 240 multi-family residential units, which will include 60 affordable units. The project will be located at 800 Fall River Avenue on approximately 15.2 acres of land. The board also voted on December 21 to extend the time agreement for the petition until January 31. Attorney Eric Brainsky, representing the petitioner, said his client would be working on a landscaping and lighting plan for the project. According to an October 2020 letter from Town Planner John Aubin to the Massachusetts Housing Partnership in Boston, there were numerous concerns about Greenbrier I including “ongoing issues with trash disposal and on-site debris/litter as well as stormwater maintenance in Greenbrier I that should be resolved prior to allowing for further capacity via Greenbrier II.” Aubin said the Seekonk Board of Health “has received numerous complaints and has addressed issues with overflowing dumpster. It appears that more dumpsters and increase of service need to be added to the facility. Adequate provisions for trash collection points and removal should be made for the proposed Greenbrier II expansion.” Aubin stated there needs to be a traffic study to “be conducted to determine the operational impacts from the development especially during the morning and evening peak hours at the intersections of Greenbrier Drive at Fall River Avenue and Cole Street at Fall River Avenue. These will be critical intersections with the combined traffic from the current use and proposed use of Greenbrier.” A report from the transportation and engineering firm Vanasse and Associates was submitted to Zoning Board Chairman Keith Rondeau on December 17. For more information, visit the town website at: https://www.seekonk-ma.gov/zoning-board-appeals/pages/ greenbrier-ii-40b-project
January 2022 The Reporter
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Audubon Society Of Rhode Island
A complete listing of activities and programs are detailed in the Audubon Nature Tours and Programs, a free guide to connecting with the natural world. Register online at www.asri.org or call (401) 949-5454.
January Highlights
Join the Audubon experts and search for animal tracks in the snow, join a winter beach walk, or head out on an evening on an Owl Prowl! Nature is simply beautiful in winter, head out and explore with Audubon! Masks are required during Audubon indoor programs and van trips for those who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19, including children. Visit the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar register for programs.
Happy New Year!
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across Rhode Island Audubon offers small-group Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Advance registration is required. Location will be sent to registered participants in advance. Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2022; 9:00-11:00 am; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
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Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI Visit Fort Wildlife Refuge on a winter night to search for owls. An Audubon naturalist will call for different species as you walk through the forest. We never know if we'll hear or see an owl, but participants will learn a lot and have a great night hike. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. Hike will be canceled in the event of inclement weather or icy trails. Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/ member; $14/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri. org/calendar.
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Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 13, 20, 27, February 2, 10; 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. Registration is required as space is limited and fills quickly. Adults must accompany children and there are no refunds for missed classes. To maintain an age-appropriate program, we ask that older siblings not accompany the parent/child team. 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. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Family Winter Walk
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
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January 15, 2022; 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Bundle up and join Audubon for a wild and wooly winter walk at Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge. We'll look for animal tracks and signs of the season on this easy hike. Please wear warm shoes/ boots, warm gloves or mittens and a hat for this outdoor program. Advance registration is required. Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/ non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 4 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
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The Reporter January 2022
Owls and Ales
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 15 & February 26, 2022; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Owling at Fisherville Brook
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
January 21, 2022; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Meet some of Audubon’s amazing owls in person! Come to the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium for a presentation on these fascinating birds of prey and enjoy some locally brewed beers. Then take a guided walk through the refuge at night to look and listen for owls and other signs of animal life. Come prepared to go outside on a chilly evening. For ages 21+. Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
In a small group setting, spend time with one of Audubon's live owls and review what makes these birds so special. Then head out on the trails in search of these amazing birds in their natural habitat. Fisherville is home to Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls and Eastern Screech-Owls. Pre-registration is a must. Dress warmly, meet in the Nature Center and bring a flashlight. Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Winter Beach Walk
Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
Join naturalist Bob Kenney for a mid-day winter walk along Moonstone Beach, without the summer crowds or closed piping plover nesting areas. Our visit is timed to the low tide at around 1:15 PM, perfect for some leisurely beach combing and birdwatching. Even though Moonstone is known as a “clothing optional” beach, the only option today is likely to be whether to wear three, four, or five layers. Bring your binoculars; we’ll have a spotting scope available. Expect to walk one or two miles in soft sand. Moonstone Beach Road, South Kingstown, RI; Fee: $10/ member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/nonmember child. Ages: All. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
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January 22, 2022; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Walk the trails and visit the pond area at Fort Wildlife Refuge to look for signs of winter birds. Bundle up for the weather and wear sturdy, warm footwear. Program will be canceled in the event of inclement weather or icy trails. Advance registration is required. Fort Wildlife Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Tenacious Women: A History of Preservation in New England
Lecture at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 23, 2022; 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Women were at the forefront of New England's preservation movement. These women brought a passion for preservation
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Winter Birding at Fort Refuge
January 2022 The Reporter to the communities where they lived. Yet their history has often been overlooked or lost from the record. Leigh Schoberth, Senior Preservation Services Manager at Historic New England, will trace women's participation in historic preservation and related disciplines through the late 19th and early 20th centuries and elevate their contributions in preserving New England's history. Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Felting Workshop: Make an Owl!
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a variety of habitats to explore, there are endless options for an outdoor friends and family adventure! The experience can be designed with your group’s interests and ages in mind – activities could include birding, viewing harbor seals hauled out on nearshore rocks, beachcombing, hiking the woodland trails, learning about island history – you get to choose! Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee*: $12/member adult, $6/member child; $18/ non-member adult, $9 non-member child. Contact: Maureen Dewire at Maureen.Dewire@dem.ri.gov or by phone at 401-683-1478 *Cost does not include round-trip ferry travel.
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 23, 2022; 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Join fiber artist Michelle Hirsch-Solis and learn how to make an owl from wool. Participants will sculpt their piece with the technique of needle felting, using a notched needle to “stab” fluffy, colorful wool until it become solid. Beginners are welcome - no felting experience or artistic skills necessary. All materials provided. Advance registration required. Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Muskrat, Otter and More!
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 23, 2022; 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Quietly watch wildlife as the sun sets on Muskrat Pond. Look for resident muskrat, otter and more! This program requires quiet and patience while waiting in the cold, so is best for children ages 12 and up. Dress for cold weather and wear warm boots. Bring a flashlight. Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Prowl for Owls at Caratunk
Two Dates Offered Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 28, February 25, 2022; 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Visit Caratunk Wildlife Refuge on a winter night to search for owls. An Audubon naturalist will call for different species as you walk through mixed and pine woods. While we never know if we'll hear or see an owl, participants will learn a lot and have a great night hike. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. Hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Trivia Night
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 29, 2022; 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Join Audubon for an evening of bird-themed trivia! Play alone or with a team, win prizes, and enjoy adult beverages and light refreshments. For ages 21+. Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Prudence Island
Private Adventure with Friends and Family Spend the day exploring beautiful and charming Prudence Island with education staff from the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve. With over three-quarters of the island protected, and
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The Reporter January 2022
Events & Activities Winter Tracking with the Friends of the Palmer River
Free Community guided walk from the State Park on Peck Street to the East Branch of the Palmer River on Otis Dyer’s land on Saturday, January 15th from 10 am to noon. We are hoping for snow, but will go snow or rain or shine, so no rain date. If interested, please either call or email trip leader Otter Brown at 508-252-6288/ otterob@ yahoo.com with your contact info and number of people in your party. Parking will be tight, since the parking lot is small. We will help people park. Wear weather appropriate clothing.
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“The Chorus Of East Providence New Member Open Sing Schedule
Do you like to sing? The Chorus of East Providence invites you to attend our Open Sing rehearsals on Tuesday, January 11 and January 18 and decide if joining a chorus is something you would enjoy. New members do not audition, only a love of singing and a willingness to commit to weekly rehearsals is required. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays at 7 pm in the lower hall of St. Martha’s Church, 2595 Pawtucket Ave., East Providence. All participants must show proof of COVID vaccinations and wearing masks is strongly recommended.”
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9th Annual Blood Drive in Memory of Bob McKenna
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Americana Auction ANTIQUE AUCTION
Sunday, January 16th at 11am Preview Fri & Sat 10am-4pm LIVE Antique Auction ~ LIVE Bidding
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For info or consignment call 508-771-1722
The 9th annual RIBC blood drive in memory of Bob McKenna will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022 from 9:00 3:00 at Seekonk High School. The turnout has been wonderful every year and hopefully that trend continues. Blood donations are desperately needed. Please take advantage of this opportunity to donate close to home. Appointments can be Bob McKenna made on the RI Blood Center website (ribc.org) or by contacting Karen McKenna at kmckenna10@aol.com. Bob was an active member of the Seekonk community during the 20+ years that he lived there. He was also a lifelong blood donor. His family is certain that he would be thrilled that this event is held in his honor. They look forward to seeing everyone on the 29th.
January 2022 The Reporter
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CHURCH NEWS & EVENTS Seekonk Congregational Church In Person Sunday Services
Seekonk Congregational Church UCC is open for in-person services Sundays at 9:30 AM in the Sanctuary at 600 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA. Advance registration is suggested but you can also attend if not pre-registered and register at the door. Masks are required. You can find the link on our facebook page. Please come if you feel comfortable, all are welcome. We will continue to provide a weekly virtual service at Seekonk Congregational Church YouTube.
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Haven United Methodist Church News 1. Haven Free Music School - Second semester begins January 15, 2022. If you are interested in taking free violin lessons, contact our office for an application or with questions. Once the application is received, your name will be placed on a wait list. 2. Haven Youth Basketball - Open to anyone in the community! Ages 8-12 practice from 5:00 to 6:30pm; Ages 13-14 practice from 6:30 to 8:00pm; Ages 15-17 practice from 8:00 to 9:30pm. Call if you have any questions. 3. Volunteer Opportunities - We are a Certifying Organization that has been granted authority to give out the President’s Volunteer Service Award to volunteers assisting with programs at Haven UMC. Currently, we are looking for volunteers to assist the teacher of the Free Music School with young violin students in regards to form, technique, and method. The Haven Chamber Orchestra participants will be eligible for volunteer hours as well. Also, the Thrift Store is looking for people interested in helping out on Saturdays to run the store. If you are interested in any of the above, contact the Haven UMC office. 4. Thrift Store - OPEN 1st, 2nd, and 3rd SATURDAYS of the month. LOTS of new items! Donations are accepted and can be brought in when we are open, or during church office hours. Pickup is available if needed. 5. In-Person Worship - Sunday @ 9:30 am. Come join us!! COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Services are livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/havenumchurch. 6. Do you or your group/organization need a place to hold meetings? Sporting events? Activities? Conferences? We have Office Space Available as well! We have a variety of spaces available from small to large, including a gym. We have an elevator and chair lift for accessibility. Contact the office for room sizes, availability, and suggested donations. Haven United Methodist Church, 200 Taunton Ave., E. Providence, RI. Call 401-438-4911 or email havenumchurch@yahoo.com for more information. Pastor’s Office Hours are Monday, Tuesday and Saturday from 9am to 12pm and by appointment. Church Office hours are Monday thru Wednesday from 9:30am to 4:30pm and Thursday from 9:30am to 2:30pm. Visit our website at www. havenumchurch.com.
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The Reporter January 2022
Healthy Living
HEALTHY LIV
Shifting Wellness Attitudes Shape 2022 Fitness Trends
(Family Features) In adjusting to the constraints of the pandemic, many Americans had to improvise where and how they work out. After months of adapting to a “gym anywhere” mentality and learning to accommodate more flexible workout schedules, this new fitness mindset is inspiring some larger trends for healthier living. “We’ve learned that wellness is not one-size fits all, and that it’s achieved by small habits like regular hydration that can really impact how you feel throughout the day,” said celebrity fitness trainer Harley Pasternak, MsC. “Collectively, nourishing both body and mind together as one makes holistic health a sustainable lifestyle.” Pasternak and the experts at Propel Fitness Water are forecasting five fitness and wellness trends to watch for in 2022:
Accountability Buddies
When gym closures ran rampant, folks leaned on others for inspiration to get moving, so it’s no surprise working out in pairs (or more) is a continued way to focus on fitness. Feelings of burnout may be common heading into 2022, so having a partner who gives you a healthy sense of camaraderie and competition can help push you to show up on days when you’d rather rest and stay committed to your goals. It also provides a sounding board when you need suggestions for nutritious recipes or fresh at-home cardio ideas.
Versatility in Gym Spaces and Schedules
When a large segment of the workforce started working from home, the rituals of before- and after-work gym visits fell by the wayside. People grew more accustomed to improvising where they work out, whether it was their neighbor’s garage, their living room or a running path in the city. As exercisers are less beholden to studio or gym schedules, the “gym anywhere” mentality is a level of flexibility many are holding on to, even as they ease back into more normal work routines.
Health in Small, Achievable Doses
This trend is all about recognizing health transformations don’t happen overnight, and even modest steps can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day. One example is paying more attention to your hydration. If you aren’t properly hydrated, few other things tend to go right either. Small habits like throwing
January 2022 The Reporter
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Low-Impact Workouts
This year, walking treadmill challenges gained virality on social media, marking the increasing popularity of workouts that are low impact yet effective. Getting moving is the key, even if it means taking your tempo down. You don’t need to do hours of HIIT every day to see results. In fact, less time- and energy-intensive workouts are easier to sustain and can often yield the same, or better, results. Find more hydration options and wellness tips at propelwater.com.
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Wellness Goals vs. Fitness
Committing to overall wellness is more about lifestyle changes than numbers like weight loss or muscle mass. People embracing this trend are forgoing numeric goals based on performance in the gym or on the scale and instead emphasizing outcomes that affect life, nourishing both body and mind together as one. Fitness goals are an essential component, but so is supporting your mental health as well as being cognizant of what you’re putting into your body. When each piece is well taken care of, your body is better able to work like a well-oiled machine.
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(Family Features) Your financial health is just as important as your physical and mental health. Money affects almost every aspect of your life and can be the determining factor in many of your day-to-day decisions. Being financially healthy isn’t just about how much money you have in the bank. It also encompasses your financial capability and how you feel about money or how money makes you feel. Start by doing a self-check to determine your financial health. Look at where your ac345 Taunton Ave, E. Providence RI counts currently stand, including the statuses and balances. The balances in your accounts can be used to calculate your net worth, which is a numerical indicator of your overall financial health from an accounting standpoint. Also consider your feelings and relationship with money, including the emotions you experience when someone brings up topics involving money. Then determine if you are a saver or spender. Understanding how you feel about your finances and why you have these feelings can help you improve your overall financial health along with these tips from the financial experts at kinly, a financial services company helping Black America Personal training safely in your own home build generational wealth.
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To improve your financial health, start by setting short-term, mid-term and long-term financial S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time bound) goals. continued on next page...
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The Reporter January 2022
S.M.A.R.T. goal setting can help you be more specific, provide a way to measure your progress, allow you to create a plan to make things more achievable, ensure your goals are in line with other objectives and provide deadlines, so your financial goals don’t get lost in the shuffle of day-to-day life.
Create a Money Plan
A money plan is a guide that details how you want to use your income monthly. This plan should consider the money you want to save and the money you want to spend. As you add your list
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Still enrolling throughout January to be a part of our 2022 season.
Classes in all styles: dance, acro, & cheer for all ages boys & girls 16 months old to adult. All boys classes offered.
empowerdanceindustry@gmail.com • 508-496-2993 319 Tremont St. Rehoboth MA (Chartley’s Plaza) www.EmpowerDanceIndustry.com
of expenses, use this opportunity to review where your money is going and if your spending is in line with the financial goals you’ve set. This is also an opportunity to look for ways to reduce or eliminate spending so your money can be used for things that are important to you, like saving for a down payment on a car or home, or purchasing an item from your wish list.
Expand Your Financial Knowledge
Explore ways to become more comfortable with money and take control of your financial future. Your relationship with money and how you feel about it make up your money story. Money stories involve emotions, beliefs and experiences with money from childhood to adulthood. Start by spending 10-20 minutes each day exploring topics around money or personal finances to help build your knowledge base. You can do this by listening to podcasts, reading books, browsing reputable personal finance websites or exploring financial education resources provided by your financial institution. If you need a more personalized approach to developing a better relationship with your finances, explore working with a financial coach. Your financial coach can work with you on a range of fundamental money management skills. For example, a financial coach can help you overcome financial anxiety or come up with a debt repayment strategy. The coach can help guide, teach, empower and challenge you to grow into a savvy money user. When determining your financial health, remember personal finance is personal. The financial decisions you make today impact your overall financial health. Determine what financial success looks like for you and incorporate mindfulness, resources and other financially beneficial strategies to help improve your relationship with your finances. Find additional advice and resources to help you manage your money at bekinly.com.
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January 2022 The Reporter
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News and Notes from Blanding Library By Leslie Patterson
Coming up at the Blanding
The Blanding Library staff is busy planning events for 2022. (In these uncertain times, it’s always best to check with the library first to see if any changes have been made to our schedule). “I Spy” will be a fun activity for all ages during the month of January. See what hidden items you can locate around the Blanding. Looking ahead, the library will once again offer A Blind Date with a Book Feb. 1-14. Come and pick out a gift-wrapped library book to borrow. The cover will be hidden but you can find a hint on the wrapped package. In March, the Blanding will be having another used jewelry sale. We need donations for this event. All types of jewelry are welcome, so now is good time to clean out your jewelry box and donate unused items. Date and time to be announced soon.
Great Book Hunt & Town-wide Read
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Artists are needed to create images of book covers for our “Great Book Hunt” event. Any medium, any size is acceptable. The art work will be transferred to panels that will be placed throughout Rehoboth for people to locate. This promises to be a fun event for all ages. For more information or to contribute art to this event, call the library at 508-252-4236. Our town-wide read, “Rehoboth on the Same Page”, will return this year with the featured book being Michael Blanding’s “The Map Thief”. More information to follow soon.
Nature Talk on Amphibians in Feb.
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The Friends of the Blanding Library will present a talk by Rehoboth resident Carol Entin on “At-Risk Amphibians of Rehoboth” on Wed. Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. During this slideshow presentation, learn about some of our common species and also two state-listed threatened species, the Blue-spotted Salamander and the Eastern Spadefoot, a toad-like amphibian. Using photos acquired from the last six seasons of her citizen scientist field work for MassWildlife, our speaker will introduce you to amphibian behaviors, life cycles, habitats and challenges. Carol says, “Learn about captive-rearing efforts and habitat restoration work happening right here in Rehoboth. Amphibians become active as early as the last week of February, so get to know these Rehoboth Mass fascinating animals, and if you spot some in Rehoboth, you can contribute your data to our survey work!” The Friends of the Blanding Library would also like to thank everyone who renewed their membership in this volunteer organization for the coming year, with special thanks to those who donated at the contributing and supporting level, and to those who made Electric Services additional donations. Your donations help us fund a number of library programs, so that the Blanding can then offer them for free to our community.
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• Story Time for little ones continues on Tuesday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30. Children and caregivers are invited to come to the hall for a fun interactive program of movement, books, music and games. For children through age 4; siblings are welcome. Registration is required for these programs. • There is a Winter Wonderland theme going on in the children’s library. Young visitors are encouraged to choose or create their own snowflake to add to the “snowy wall” alongside a large polar bear. Supplies will be at tables along with instructions to make a snowflake. • Winter Take & Make crafts will be available as well. • A New Year brings a new ‘StickTogether’ bulletin board activity for children and parents to work together, one sticker at a time, to create a surprise pixel picture. The Blanding Public Library (www.blandinglibrary.net) is located in Goff Hall, 124 Bay State Rd., (phone: 508-252-4236). It is open Monday through Thursday from 10 until 8, and on Friday and Saturday from 10 to 4. Closed Sundays and holidays. The library will be closed on Monday Jan. 17 for Martin Luther King Day.
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Winter Fun for Children
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The Reporter January 2022
Seekonk Public Library Crochet for a Cause
Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 6:00 PM
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Crocheters can put their skills to good use during the month of January by crocheting hats to give to Seekonk seniors. Directions for stitches and the pattern for a simple beanie are on our website at seekonkpl.org/crochet2022. After downloading the pattern participants can work on the hats at their own pace. Finished hats can be dropped off at the library throughout the month of January. For information, visit seekonkpl.org, email agreil@seekonkpl.org, or call the library at 508-336-8230 x56141.
Spice Club
Biweekly, starting Jan. 10, 2022
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There are so many spices available to us today, but it’s hard to know which ones you’ll like. Now there’s a way to try before you buy: Spice Club! Participants will register to receive take-home kits featuring a small amount of a new spice, a recipe chosen as an introduction to that spice, background and history and reading lists to explore the cultures the spices come from. The following spices are available: Jan. 10 – Tajin Jan 24 – Chinese 5 Spice Feb 7 – Za’atar Feb 22 – Sesame On Tuesday, March 1 at 6 PM there will be a Zoom meeting to discuss our culinary adventures! Register in advance for each week in the program. For information, visit seekonkpl.org, email agreil@seekonkpl.org, or call the library at 508-336-8230 x56141.
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Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 6:00 PM
Is one of your 2022 goals to finally de-clutter and organize your stuff? Join organizer Jenna Elliot in this virtual program to help you do just that. This fun and interactive virtual workshop will get you focused on your organizing goals. She will share tips on: 1. New ways to think about your stuff 2. Create better habits to help you tackle the clutter 3. Utilizing your calendar and to-do list more effectively 4. Where to start the purging process Jenna Elliott is the founder of The Naked Flower, Professional Organizers. She has been an organizer and re-designer for more than 18 years and works with a variety of clients, both in the office and in the home. Prior to starting The Naked Flower Jenna was a master floral designer and project manager for a fortune 500 company. This is a virtual program. Participants will receive the link in an email before the program. For information, visit seekonkpl.org, email agreil@seekonkpl.org, or call the library at 508-336-8230 x56141.
Nonfiction Book Club: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
by Barbara Kingsolver MA – Join us for a lively discussion of Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver on Tuesday, January 25th, at 6:00 pm. The title is available digitally from Hoopla, the Boston Public Library as an audiobook and ebook through Libby, or you may place a hold and pick up a print copy at the library.
January 2022 The Reporter
www.seekonkpl.org • library@seekonkpl.org • 508.336.8230 The Friends of the Seekonk Public Library Official Notice Of Annual Meeting
Lic# 11348B
January 26th, 2022 By Zoom
If interested in attending, please respond to frechetteathome@comcast.net by 1/21/22. The Friends of the Seekonk Public Library is a 501c3 Non-Profit that raises funds to provide materials & programs not included in the Town budget for patrons of the Seekonk Library.
Museum Mayhem Escape Room
Sat, Jan 29th at 10AM, 11:15AM, 1PM and 2:15PM
Looking for a fun adventure with family and friends? This one of a kind activity gets your brain in problem-solving mode. You’ll enter the Museum of Art and Culture, where a famous tiara has been stolen and you and your teammates are the suspects! You’ll have 45 minutes to solve puzzles, untangle clues and tackle tricky locks. Can you find the tiara and clear your names? This program is primarily for adults but families with older children (11+) are welcome to participate together. There are 4 timeslots: 10 am, 11:15 am, 1 pm and 2:15 pm. Please register online. For information, visit seekonkpl.org, email agreil@seekonkpl.org, or call the library at 508336-8230 x56141.
Adults Winter Reading: Read for a Better World
Cozy up with some winter reading in the Seekonk Public Library Adults Winter Reading Challenge 2022: Read for a Better World. Online registration is open for the challenge which runs January 3 – February 28. After registering you can participate by: - Logging your time spent reading - Writing book reviews to share about the titles you discovered - Completing activities related to the theme goal of Read for a Better World, developing empathy, diversity, and action through reading The more you participate, the more entries you will have for bi-monthly prize drawings. When you log 1,200 minutes of reading (appx 3 books) and write one review you’ve officially completed the challenge! Adult Services Librarian Michelle Gario says, “We had so much fun in the summer reading challenge that we knew we wanted to do it again for the winter. The theme “Read for a Better World” and the activities exploring online collections provide the perfect opportunity to branch out from our typical reading choices. By taking advantage of online ebook, audiobook, and magazine borrowing, readers will discover fresh reading options conveniently at home when dark days and winter weather make driving to the library undesirable. You can even use the free Beanstack app to track reading and participate on your phone or tablet.” Find out more information and register on the challenge website: seeekonkpl.beanstack.org
Adult Craft: Valentine’s Coasters Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 6 PM
It’s almost Valentine’s Day! Get together and create a sweet Valentine with cork coasters and paint. Participants will learn different painting techniques to create a set of 4 coasters to give away or keep. All materials are provided. For information, visit seekonkpl.org, email agreil@seekonkpl.org, or call the library at 508-336-8230 x56141. continued on next page...
CircuitWay@hotmail.com
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The Reporter January 2022
Seekonk Library Teen Activities
David Laurino
Interior Painting Serving Rehoboth & Surrounding Areas for Over 30 Years Free Estimates
Students entering grades 6-12 can participate in free activities after school:
*Teen Advisory Board
Thursday, January 6 at 4 PM
TAB is for teens who want to volunteer at the library on a regular basis. Members have a snack and play a game and then get down to business planning upcoming activities. An application is on our website: seekonkpl.org/teens
*Get Organized with DIY
Thursday, January 13 at 3 PM
It’s a new year! Time to get organized with DIY projects that can help you stay on track. We will have notebooks, folders and containers to decorate with duct tape, washi tape, stickers and markers.
Teen STEAM Drop-In
Fully Insured
Thursday, Jan 20 at 3:00 PM
All Work Guaranteed Call David 508-252-4773
Teens can drop in after school to check out our portable maker space. The library has art supplies, science activities, building toys and more to get creative.
*Teen Oreo Challenge
Thursday, January 27 at 3 PM
Back by popular demand! Can you recognize the flavors of these cookies while blindfolded? Let’s taste and rank 10 different kinds of Oreos! *RSVP online to reserve a space in this program. For information, visit seekonkpl.org/teens, email teens@seekonkpl.org, or call the library at 508-336-8230 x56141.
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Programs for Children and Families Children’s Winter Reading Challenge 2022 “Read for a Better World” January 1 - February 28, 2022
Join our Winter Reading Challenge for children from birth through grade 5. Log your reading minutes, write reviews, and complete activities to earn virtual badges and raffle tickets towards fantastic prizes! Register at Seekonkpl.beanstack.com
Minecraft Education Edition
Tuesdays, January 4, 11, 18, 25, 6:30-7:30PM
Join Ms. Sandie on a Minecraft adventure! This 4 week session is for grades 3-5 and the lesson plans will be at that grade level. No prior Minecraft experience necessary, but it’s helpful! This is a live, virtual program that meets virtually via Zoom while simultaneously meeting in Minecraft. Students will need access to their own device compatible with Minecraft Education Edition. Note: This is a different version of Minecraft than what is commercially available. We will be utilizing Minecraft for Education Edition. Registration required.
Homeschool Parents Get-Together Thursday, January 6, 6 PM
Local homeschooling families (adults) are invited to drop in for a casual get together in the library’s meeting room. The meeting is an opportunity to meet-up with others, offer support, plan programs or just have a night out. There will not be a presentationjust conversation and resource sharing. This particular program is limited to adults. Light refreshments included. Drop by anytime between 6 - 7:30 PM. Registration is not required but is appreciated for planning purposes. If you are unable to attend but would like information on various library programs and services that support homeschooling, please email sclarke@seekonkpl.org.
Sensory Friendly Family Movie Saturday, January 8, 1 PM
The event will include sensory-friendly features such as lights up, sound down, relaxed rules, and subtitles. Everyone is invited
January 2022 The Reporter to this all-inclusive, welcoming, movie event. Visit the library’s calendar of events at seekonkpl.org for the exact title. Please feel free to bring your own fidgets, comfort items, and snacks. Rated PG, run time 1 hour 50 minutes. Drop in.
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Lego Mania!
Wednesday, January 19, 4:30 PM
Come to the library for a new, unique way to build! Everyone will start with a small box filled with assorted Legos. A challenge will be announced and then, all at the same time, everyone will open up their boxes and start to build! The mania continues with timed competitions and boxes being switched! The last builds of the day will remain on display in the Children’s Room for one week. Suitable for all ages. Registration required.
STORYTIMES
Seekonk Library storytimes focus on talking, singing, reading, writing and playing- important principles for your child’s reading readiness. Please bring your SAILS library card so your child can browse and select books to take home. Siblings are always welcome.
Babies & Books
Monday, January 10, 24, 10 AM
Join Miss Sharon for a weekly storytime that includes a book or two followed by music, fingerplays, movement and yes, even bubbles! Please bring your SAILS Library Card so your child may browse and select books to take home. Ages birth - 2. Siblings always welcome! No registration required, just drop in.
Toddler/Preschool Storytime
Wednesday, January 12, 19, 26, 2 PM
Join Ms. Sandie for storytimes filled with books and activities for ages 2-5. Siblings always welcome! Bring your library card to check out some great books. Drop in. No registration required.
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Thanks to the most recent advances in laser dentistry, many dental procedures can now be completed without the need for anesthetics, vibration or the disconcerting whine of the dental drill. Dr. Alan Merchanthouse employs just such technology in a relaxing country setting in Rehoboth. For the highest quality dental care – furnished by a highly trained and friendly staff of dental www. .com professionals – call (508) 252-6121 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Alan Merchanthouse. ● ●
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Saturday, January 15, 11 AM
Join Miss Sharon for a Saturday storytime featuring Pete the Cat stories, activities and a take-home activity. Ages 2-5. Drop-in. Dr. Gabriel Wassouf Dr. Alicia Tavares
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The Reporter January 2022
People
in the
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From the Seekonk Cover...
The McGovern Family’s Fourth Annual Toy Drive for Doorways
The McGovern family
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
The McGovern family collected hundreds of toys for distribution to needy families in Seekonk. This was their fourth year collecting toys for the clients of Doorways food pantry. (L to R: Kaylen, Marley, Brian, Jennifer and Kerrin McGovern.) The McGovern family’s tradition of giving continues. It all started four years ago when daughter Kaylen was a seventh grade student at Hurley Middle School. Kaylen decided to organize a toy drive for the benefit of families with children who are clients at the Doorways food pantry. Kaylen enlisted the help of sisters Kerrin and Marley, and they collected over one hundred items for needy children in Seekonk. The following year, she organized a toy drive again, yielding more than two hundred toys that brought joy to dozens of homes in our little town. The toys brought smiles to the face of parent and child alike. This year, the toy drive amassed hundreds of toys which were distributed to dozens of local children whose families are living through lean times. The toy drive has become a Christmas tradition involving the entire McGovern clan, their extended family, their neighbors and friends. Kaylen’s mom, Jennifer, says the effort has added richness to the family’s celebration of Christmas. As Charles Dickens observed “It is at Christmas time that ‘want’ is most keenly felt, and abundance rejoices”. On behalf of our clients, Doorways thanks the McGovern family and all the generous people who donated to the toy drive. And may God bless us all, every one.
Fitchburg State University Hosts Winter Commencement Ceremony
Fitchburg–Fitchburg State University held the winter ceremony of its 125th commencement exercises on Friday, Dec. 17, conferring more than 400 degrees at the first in-person ceremony since the start of the pandemic.
Graduates from Rehoboth:
Alexandra Cordero, MBA Business Administration MED Shannon C. Saumweber Curriculum and Teaching
Graduates from Seekonk:
Do You Love Literary Fiction? Check out The Comedian, a tense, character-driven novella by Stacy Parenteau about a peaceful suburban neighborhood in Massachusetts crippled by the 2008 national recession but revived by the establishment of a comedy club, only to be torn apart by a yearlong contest started at the club.
The Comedian may be purchased through Amazon and other major book retailers.
Nadine B. Rieben, BS Nursing, RN to BS David G. Murgo, MBA Business Administration
Seekonk Resident Named to International Honor Society
Manchester, NH - Seekonk resident, Kate Lanzi, is among select students from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., who have been inducted into the Epsilon Tau-at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing. This fall Sigma Theta Tau inducted Lanzi among 31 students for the 2021-2022 academic year. Lanzi is expected to graduate in May 2022 from Saint Anselm College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
January 2022
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Bags of Hope this Holiday Season This holiday season our 14U Thunder girls are trying to support a worthy cause in Swansea helping out Bags of Hope. Shopping and stuffing bags for under privilege children from 2 months to 18+ years old. This program started in 2011 monogramming duffel bags and filling them with comfort items. They serve over 22,000 children and is growing each year. The website is www.bagofhopene.org.
Engaged? Just Married? Have a new bundle of joy? Send your announcements to news@reportertoday.com.
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The Reporter January 2022
Club
News & ANNOUNCEMENTS
East Providence/Seekonk Rotary Club Teams Up With Bridgepointe Church For “Operation Valentine” Project
Event January 18, 2022 to create greeting cards for elderly; All ages welcome
The Rotary Club of East Providence/Seekonk and BridgePointe Christian Church will hold an event to create greeting cards for senior citizens living in elderly housing throughout East Providence. The “Operation Valentine” event will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at BridgePointe Christian Church, 855 Waterman Avenue in East Providence. All ages are welcome to attend, and physical distancing can be accommodated. Pizza and beverages will be served and all art supplies provided. Blank printed cards will be on-hand for volunteers to decorate colorfully and sign and/or write greeting phrases. “Community members who wish to help join us on the 18th in person, come by BridgePointe in advance to pick up a supply of cards to decorate on their own, or they can drop off cards that they have already created,” explains William Francis, president of The Rotary Club of East Providence/Seekonk. “All cards will be collected so we can begin the process of delivering to senior housing communities before Valentine’s Day on February 14th.” The Rotary Club has teamed up with BridgePointe as part of the church’s “Give Love Away Campaign” that happens each February. In addition to providing service opportunities in the community, the church encourages people to make an act of kindness, show love to a neighbor, and share God’s love through actions. “We started the campaign in 2015 and each year it’s grown to include additional initiatives like this one with Rotary. It’s a great way for people to put love into action and make a difference in the lives of those around us,” states BridgePointe’s Outreach Administrator Taylor Perkins. Established in 1946, The Rotary Club of East Providence/ Seekonk is an organization made up of ‘people of action’ who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace locally and in the world. The motto is “Service Above Self.”
East Providence/Seekonk Rotary Club Donates To Food Pantry Doorways Food Pantry in Seekonk Receives 800 pounds of food
The Rotary Club of East Providence/Seekonk held a Food Drive in the parking lot of BayCoast Bank in Seekonk, collecting 800 pounds of food and cash donations for Doorways Food Pantry in Seekonk. Club organizers held a “contactless” drop-off so that the public could drive up to donate conveniently from their vehicles. Rotary Club members and volunteers were on-hand to offload the donation. Non-perishable grocery items as well as cash donations were accepted. All contributions were brought to the Doorways Food Pantry in Seekonk immediately following the event. “Thanks to the generosity of the community who brought food items to our event, we were able to help people in need who are facing challenging times,” stated William Francis, 2021-22 president of The Rotary Club of East Providence/Seekonk. Doorways Food Pantry of Seekonk started in 2001 with just seven clients. Today, the pantry serves over 70 families each week and has more than 100 volunteers who have given out over 1.5 million pounds of food.
Members and volunteers collected food items donated from the community at the Club’s “contactless” Food Drive held at BayCoast Bank
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800 pounds of food items was delivered to Doorways. From left: Betty Galligan (East Providence), William Francis (Raynham, MA), Elise Strom (North Attleboro, MA), Bart Axelrod (Barrington), Valerie Perry (East Providence), Sue Axelrod (Barrington).
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American Legion Post 302 Public Events 84 Bay State Road, P.O. Box 1, Rehoboth, Ma. 02769 e-mail speedyjake@aol.com or call #508-252-9079 • January 9th, 2022 – Sunday -7:30-10:30 A.M. American Legion & Anawan Lions Monthly Breakfast, Second Sunday of every month $10.00 donation - All you can Eat! https:// www.facebook.com/groups/657024961125913/ • “NEW” January 21st, 2022 – Friday - 7:00-10:00 P.M. – Live Music performed by Notorious Jones Entertainment with Classical Rock Music - No Cover Charge! – Food – Drinks – Dancing & having a GREAT TIME! BY DEMAND! https:// www.facebook.com/groups/657024961125913/ • January 28th, 2022 – Friday - 7:00-8:00 P.M., Sons of the American Legion’s Monthly Meat Raffle followed by Metta’s Karaoke Night 8:30 P.M. till 11:00 P.M. https://www.facebook. com/groups/657024961125913/ • “NEW” February 11th, 2022 - Friday - 6:00-10:00 P.M., Jim Powers Entertainment presents Old Time Rock “N” Roll, Classical Rock & County - No Cover Charge! – Food – Drinks – Dancing - https://www.facebook.com/ groups/657024961125913/ • February 13th, 2022 – Sunday -7:30-10:30 A.M. American Legion & Anawan Lions Monthly Breakfast, Second Sunday of every month $10.00 donation - All you can Eat! https:// www.facebook.com/groups/657024961125913/ • “NEW” February 18th, 2022 – Friday - 7:00-10:00 P.M. – Live Music performed by Notorious Jones Entertainment with Classical Rock Music - No Cover Charge! – Food – Drinks – Dancing & having a GREAT TIME! BY DEMAND! https:// www.facebook.com/groups/657024961125913/ • February 25th, 2022 – Friday - 7:00-8:00 P.M., Sons of the American Legion’s Monthly Meat Raffle followed by Metta’s Karaoke Night 8:30 P.M. till 11:00 P.M. https://www.facebook. com/groups/657024961125913/
Friends of the Palmer River - A River Runs through Us, the Palmer
It has been an exciting first year for the Friends of the Palmer River and I’d like to thank everyone who joined us in 2021. There were many highlights, but the meeting between Mr. John Ferreira and the Friends at the Anawan Grange was the most meaningful for me because it highlighted the Rehoboth my husband and I moved back from Maui to raise our kids in: a Rehoboth where everyone’s voice is respectfully listened to; a Rehoboth where yard signs are not necessary because we know our neighbors; a Rehoboth that comes together to discuss the challenges we face and brainstorm the best way to move forward; a town that values it’s important role as the “Birthplace of Public Education.” The river and its wetlands are the primary reason people settled and lived here throughout human history and is what connects us all to the history of this place. After watching the various Planning Board and Conservation Commission meetings that took place around “The Fairways” subdivision at the old Rehoboth Country Club recently, I can tell you that Rehoboth lacks the legal backbone to protect our greatest natural resource. While our neighbors in Attleboro fight to increase their “No-touch Zone” to 75 feet, Rehoboth has a 0 foot “No-touch Zone”. The protection of our greatest asset, the only reason any of us can live here at all, is not a partisan issue. No clean water = no life. We cannot tell a home or business owner with private access to the river not to put fertilizers, oil, animal excrement etc. into our water and yet that private choice affects the future of us all. Denying that we are all connected and that we collectively rely on the shared natural resources is to the detriment of us all. Continued on next page ...
American Legion Post 302 *Hall Rentals are open to the Public *no cost - funeral collation rentals *Legion/Lions All you can Eat Breakfast 2nd Sunday of Every Month Only $10.00!
7:30-10:30 AM
*Monthly Meat Raffle @ 7:00 PM & *Metta’s Karaoke on the last Friday of the Month @ 8:00 PM * bar / lounge open to "all! guests" Mon-Fri 3:00 PM to Close, Sat 12:00 PM to Close Sun 1:00 PM to Close Located at 84 Bay State Road, Rehoboth, MA Telephone # 508-252-9079 or E-mail Jake @ Speedyjake@aol.com
All You Can Eat
Bre a kf a st 7:30 to 10:30
$10 per person donation
pay at the door
Scrambled Eggs . Pancakes . Bacon . Sausage SOS . Home Fries . Fruit Cup . Juice . Coffee
Second Sunday JANUARY 9 MARCH 13 MAY 8 JULY 10 SEPTEMBER 11 NOVEMBER 13
Post 302
Anawan lions
FEBRUARY 13 APRIL 10 JUNE 12 AUGUST 14 OCTOBER 9 DECEMBER 11
American Legion Post 302 . 84 Bay State Road . Rehoboth, MA
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The Reporter January 2022
Valter Rego Masonry Basement Cement Stucco, Fireplace Surround Stonework, Patios, Retaining Walls, Stonewalls, Driveways, Steps, Walkways, Foundation Repairs, All Types of Cement Work Residential and Commercial Free estimates, no job too small
Last summer preliminary testing indicated that there were places on the River that would not support any fish and certainly not the minimum Dissolved Oxygen of 6 ppm that cold water trout need to live. Since Mass Fish and Wildlife has been releasing trout into the Palmer, it would be really valuable to know if any of you readers have caught a trout in the Palmer over the last couple of years and the location, which the Friends would keep confidential. If so, please email any relative info to palmerriverfriends@gmail. com or call us at 774-565-4767. We intend to ramp up our testing next year. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us. We have reached a great precipice in the history of our town. Do you want your children’s great-grandchildren to grow up in this magical forested agricultural town we have all enjoyed? If so, the time to start supporting the creation of by-laws that reflect that concern is right now. Come join us for a walk by the river in 2022! No time for hate! Time to INNOVATE!
Call 401-781-2262 or 774-565-0579 www.valterregomasonry.net Licensed & Insured
Rehoboth Garden Club News
The Rehoboth Garden Club wishes everyone a healthy, happy 2022. We are looking forward to a year of lively, interesting meetings, civic projects and learning from each other. We always welcome new members. For club information please call Judy at 508567-5276. great start with
Get your puppy off to a safe socialization and training!
Join us for small classes and Puppy Socials. Our Puppy Academy and Puppy Kindergarten classes are open in a safe and sanitized environment!
How can we help? Poochpawsitive.com • 401-714-5652 Located in East Providence, RI Heidi Palmer McNeil, CTC, CPDT-KA
Gardener’s Tip
If you haven’t already done so, gather all your garden tools for a good cleaning. Sharpening and oiling blades is a good idea. Repair or replace any broken tools. When Spring comes, you’ll be ready to get planting.
Seekonk Lions Club News
The holiday season is here with a New Year approaching. 2021, was a successful year for the Seekonk Lions Club with 2022 looking to be just as fruitful. Our Annual Oktoberfest raised over $4,000. Our annual Golf Tournament at Wannamoisett Country Club brought in close to $10,000. And, of course our world famous clam boils adding to our kitty. On December 11, President Gary Sagar presented a check totaling $1500 to the Doorways Food Pantry at the old North School. “Every year we donate $1000 to Doorways, but his year we added $500 more due to shortage of food at the pantry”. “The Seekonk Lions are will be donating $10,000 to LCIF ( Lions International) providing aid to communities affected by severe weather and deadly tornadoes across the Midwest recently,” said Sagar. “Our thoughts for our fellow Americans in these communities could not be more giving and strong”. The Seekonk Lions enjoyed a special end of the year get together and dinner with entertainment by Bomb Shell Betty. Betty has been a hit on the local circuit playing the American Legions in Rehoboth, Seekonk and other RI Venues. Betty has a voice with energy and tenacity. Make sure to see Betty when she is in town!
January 2022 Please save the date. Taste of the Town presented by the Seekonk Lions will be held on Monday evening April 18, 2022. Stay Tuned to the next edition of the Seekonk Reporter for more details! Also, do not forget our Annual Doug Allan Fishing Derby. A fun time every year. Moreover, our world famous clam boils will be looking good and tasty as always! Wishing everyone a healthy and happy New Year from the Seekonk Lions Club, see you soon!
Gary Sagar presenting check to Dave Francis of Doorways
The Reporter
Representative Howitt Reflects on Legislative Accomplishments, Shortcomings at Mid-Session BOSTON – State Representative Steven Howitt (R-Seekonk) recently took some time to reflect on some of the major legislative initiatives that were undertaken by the House of Representatives Steven Howitt in 2021, while highlighting some of the missed opportunities and outstanding priorities that will need to be addressed in 2022. The 192nd General Court saw the approval of a comprehensive $4 billion spending plan that puts a portion of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and much of the Fiscal Year 2021 budget surplus to work assisting communities and the Commonwealth with their ongoing COVID-19 recovery efforts. Representative Howitt also cited the passage of a COVID-19 relief package providing a tax break for small businesses and emergency paid sick leave for employees impacted by the pandemic as a top priority. Additional legislation was signed into law this year authorizing $400 million in state bond funding for rebuilding the Holyoke Soldiers Home, a portion of which will be reimbursed by the federal government, and $200 million to expand long-term care services for veterans across the state. Other successful accomplishments recorded in 2021 were the passage of a bill requiring the teaching of genocide education to middle and high school students starting next year and a student nutrition bill that will expand student access to free meals and eliminate “meal shaming” policies that punish students who are unable to pay. Prior to the holiday break, the House also passed legislation that would update the determination of needs process for Massachusetts health care facilities to help protect community hospitals from unfair competition and shield consumers from paying higher prices for health care services.
Despite these accomplishments, Representative Howitt pointed to several missed opportunities on key policy issues that legislators failed to take advantage of, noting there is still a lot of unfinished business awaiting the House and Senate in the new year. He said one of the biggest failures of the past year is that the State House – the “people’s building” – remains closed to the public at a time when every other state capitol and businesses across the state have successfully and safely reopened. Representative Howitt also cited the Legislature’s inconsistent approach to tax policy issues. In June, the House and Senate advanced the “Millionaires Tax” to the 2022 ballot, which would create a graduated income tax by adding a 4% surtax on income in excess of $1 million, beginning in 2023. Less than two months later, both branches blocked Governor Charlie Baker’s efforts to finally implement a charitable giving tax deduction that was overwhelmingly approved by the state’s voters in 2000 but has only been allowed to be claimed just once in the past 21 years. Representative Howitt opposed the Millionaires Tax proposal while standing by Governor Baker and the state’s taxpayers by supporting the charitable giving tax deduction. Although the House approved legislation last summer authorizing sports wagering in Massachusetts, Representative Howitt said the Senate’s failure to take up the bill is causing the state to lose out on an estimated $60 million in annual tax revenues. And while the House and Senate did take steps to shore up the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund this year, Representative Howitt said the job is not finished and much work remains to be done to ensure the system’s long-term solvency in a way that shields employers from excessive rate hikes while also protecting workers’ benefits. The full transcript of this article can be read at www.reportertoday.com.
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Residential - Commercial
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50
The Reporter January 2022
Pack 1 Rehoboth Cub Scouts Divide and Conquer for Community Service This fall the individual dens (grade level groups) of Pack 1 Rehoboth each took on a different community service project. To start, the Lions den (Kindergarten) decorated one of the new Christmas trees at the Redway Plain veteran’s gazebo. They were very enthusiastic about their first community service project and they created their own decorations to hang on the tree. It came out fantastic and represented the Cub Scout Pack well. Next, the Tigers den (1st grade) cleaned up historic cemetery #7 near the intersection of Bay State Rd and Pond St. This involved clearing leaves along with large branches that fell during the many wind storms. This was a large amount of work and many hours and wheelbarrow trips were spent hauling the debris away. The end result was a spectacularly clean cemetery. Not to be outdone, the Wolves den (2nd grade) conducted a landscaping project at the Francis Farm gazebo. This involved removing unwanted bushes around the gazebo walkway and also installing new mulch in the beds. The hard work paid off and the project transformed the look of the gazebo in a great way. Finally, the Bears den (3rd grade) performed a trash cleanup at the Bliss Soccer Field Complex. The entire complex was cleared of trash to include the fields, wood line, along the roads, and parking lot. Many of the Bear scouts are also members of the Rehoboth Youth Soccer Club (RYSC) and were happy to pitch in and keep the site where they play soccer clean. Overall, the Cub Scouts of Pack 1 Rehoboth made a great combined effort to help their community in numerous ways. They are already looking forward to their next projects to support the community they are proud of, and to also say “Thank You” to the community that supports them.
Bears - Bliss Trash Cleanup Result
Tigers - Cemetery Cleanup Result
Reporter Photo Submission Requirements
When submitting photos, please provide captions that coincide with photos. Photos will not run without a caption.
Kave Rock Farm
Lions - Tree Decoration Den Photo
142 Reservoir Ave, Rehoboth
Baby, it’s cold outside! Warm up with toasty alpaca fiber products! Visit the farm on Sundays 12-4PM or call for more information. Closed January 9th.
401-465-7589
Kaverockalpaca.com
Wolves - Francis Farm Result
January 2022
The Reporter
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Rehoboth Council on Aging A Municipal Department of the Town
Our New Address is: Francis Hall 27 Francis Farm Road, Rehoboth
• Art Classes: Michelle’s Art Classes Weds at 10:30. Cost $4.00 Donation
15 Months Later, The COA Flag Is Flying Again
• Ladies Sewing and Quilting: Tues at 10:30AM.
The American Flag is up and flying again at the new C.O.A. location at 27 Frances Farm Road in Rehoboth after being recovered 15 months ago when the C.O.A. burned down to the ground.
• Knitting and Crochet Group: Fris at 10:00AM
• Blood Pressures & Glucose Screenings: Please contact the COA 508252-3372 for more information. • Podiatry Clinic with Dr. Marian Markowitz: Please call 508-252-3372 to schedule your appointment. • Cardio Drums: Mondays @ 2:00 pm • Tai Chi Classes: Tues at 9:00 AM. Cost $3.00 Donation • Line Dancing Classes: Tues at 10:00 AM. Cost is $3.00 Donation • Chair Yoga: Thurs at 9:00 Cost $3.00 Donation • Zumba: Thurs 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.
S.H.I.N.E / OUTREACH
• Stop in and have a cup of coffee. Masks are required. We will slowly but surely resume activities as will be allowed due to the pandemic. • We are in need of cotton fabric for sewing projects. We are accepting yarn donations for hats. If you can donate, please call and we will set up a safe and secure drop off
Please Note:
Due to Covid-19 Pandemic, all classes are canceled. We will resume when possible Thank you for understanding. • Gert’s Café: Lunch is served at Gert’s Café Mondays at 12 Noon. $3.00 Donation • Tuesday Lunch: Tues 11:30AM to 12:30PM • The COA Breakfast: Weds 8:30AM to 10:00AM • Tasty Thursdays Lunch: Last Thursday of the Month at Noon. Cost $3.00 donation. • Men’s Morning Coffee: Fris 9:00 AM • Card Games: Mon at 9:00AM to 11:00 AM - Cribbage. Weds at 12:30PM to 3:00PM Hi-Lo Jack
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.
Reminder: Re-Certification for Fuel assistance from CFC will be arriving in your mail soon – please call the Outreach office for assistance in completing the forms correctly in order to receive the maximum benefits.
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The Reporter January 2022
Seekonk Human Services This office will be closed on January 17, 2022
Holiday Seasons’ Thank You!!!
Seekonk Human Services would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who helped out during the holiday seasons. We would like to thank those who donated food, gifts, adopting families for Christmas and items needed for the holiday season. Without your help we couldn’t make this a successful holiday season!
Fitness Class Fees
Starting January 1, 2022 there will be a $2.00 charge for NonSeekonk Residents for the all instructor paid classes (Strength & Cardio, Drums Alive, Zumba, and Tai Chi). All Seekonk residents will be free of charge. Fees are subject to change.
Library Homebound Delivery
Income Tax Appointment
The AARP Foundation Tax Aide will be here on Thursdays. They will start preparing taxes from February 3, - April 14, 2022. Appointments will be at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00am. AARP requires all people participating in the tax program to wear a mask while they are working with the preparers. Please call our office to set up an appointment at 508-336-8772.
TRIAD - S.A.F.E.
Tues, Jan 11, 2022 at 1:00pm
Lt. Kyle Laprade will be here to talk about FILE of Lifes and their home smoke alarm inspection program. He will briefly talk about taking down Christmas trees, CO poisoning and over loading circuits with space heaters. There will be time left for questions and answers. Preregistration is required by calling our office at 508-336-8772.
Seekonk Public Library’s Homebound Delivery Service is for residents who have no one in their household to go to the library for them. Adult Services staff will coordinate deliveries and can work with participants to choose materials that meet their needs and interests. Volunteers will deliver the materials to the participant’s door contact-free and return borrowed materials to the library. For more information, call Adult Services at the library at (508) 336-8230 or email library@seekonkpl.org.
Preregistration is required for this class. The cost for this class is $5 for Seekonk residents and $7 for Non-Seekonk residents. • January 24 - Dragonfly Décor - Craft has limited availability • January 31 - Message Board •
Valentine’s Day Party
Wed, Jan 12, 2022 10am - 2pm
Wed, Feb 16, 2022 at 11:30am
Tom Quigley will be here to perform for the Valentine’s Day celebration. He sings songs by Neil Diamond, Bobby Vinton, Beach Boys as well as the songs of the 50’s & 60’s. Tom encourages participation and he also has interesting tidbits to share about the songs and the artists. Preregistration is required by calling 508-3368772. Lunch will be Chicken salad sandwiches, chips & dessert. Cost: $5.00 residents & $7.00 non-residents.
Men’s Breakfast
We would like to know if anyone is interested in starting a new Men’s Breakfast. We had a Men’s Breakfast once a month on Thursdays. If anybody has any ideas, please call 508-336-8772.
Greaves Electric
For All Your Electrical Needs Generators • New Construction Remodels • Service Updates Call 508-725-5296 Free Estimates No Job Too Small Licensed in MA & RI
Tom Greaves Rehoboth, Ma email: ttoolmaker@comcast.net
Arts & Crafts
Mondays in January 1:00pm
Podiatry Clinic
Dr. Lechan will provide monthly Podiatry Clinics. Appointment are required. Items needed are insurance cards with your doctor’s names, date of last doctor’s visit, summary of last visit, and list of medications. *Please check with your insurance regarding co-pays.
Blood Pressure & Glucose Clinic
Wed, Jan 19, 2022 9:00am - 11:00am
SHS has partnered with the Seekonk Fire Department to provide free monthly blood pressure & glucose screenings.
Let’s Learn Together!
Tues, Jan 25, 2022 at 2:00pm Zoom Practice Session
If you’ve been holding back on joining Zoom meetings for library programs and more, this session is for you! Librarian Michelle Gario will lead this 90 minute basics session to practice using Zoom. Bring your e-mail ID (and password if not saved) and laptop, tablet or phone. Please make sure your device is fully charged. Contact the SHS to preregister for this activity at 508-336-8772.
Strength and Cardio at 1:00pm Instructed by Kelly Sipe
Strength and Cardio is our newest fitness class to join our schedule. The class is taught by certified instructor, Kelly Sipe. This class helps build strength (fight osteoporosis and muscle loss) using body weight, exercise bands and hand weights. The class will improve strength and cardiovascular fitness with energizing exercise circuits. Lastly, the class will build power and endurance with a mix of functional strength training exercises for everyday activities. The fee for this class is free for Seekonk residents and $2.00 for non-residents. Preregistration is required by calling 508-336-8772. Classes will be on January 3, 2022, January 10, 2022 & January 24, 2022
January 2022
Women’s Brunch
We meet every 3rd Thursday of the month at 10 am supporting our local restaurants. Everything is Dutch treat. These are the restaurants for the next 2 months: • January 20th at Vino’s Family Restaurant - Rehoboth • February 17th at IHOP - East Providence If you are interested in joining our group of women for good food, & good conversation, please call Beverly at 401-749-4841.
PITCH (Hi-Lo-Jack) Tuesdays at 1:00pm
We are revamping our Pitch (Hi-LoJack) game at Seekonk Human Services for January 2022. If you are interested in playing Pitch please call the Seekonk Human Services at 508-336-8772 to preregister.
Basic Beginners Sign Language Class
Community Questions for our Police Liaison
Officer Maria Vicenzo is welcoming community questions to be answered. Questions can be mailed to the center, dropped off in person, or placed in our lock box that is attached to the building at the entrance. We will post answers to the questions in the monthly newsletter and on our Facebook page, if requested. If you prefer to be called, please leave your contact information and we will be in contact.
Email List
Join our email list! Things are changing so quickly these days and we want to be able to get the word out to you quickly. Please give us a call and give us your email address; we want to share fun activities, links to zoon and other virtual programing you may like.
Jan 18, 2022 Tues @ 10:00am
Nutritional Meals To Go
Activities and Programs
Seekonk Human Services will be working with Bristol Elder Services to provide nutritional meals for lunch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to go. Meals come completely cooked and prepackaged. All you need to do is heat it up! Meals need to be ordered the day before by 9:30am. Payment is $2.50 per meal which will be due at the time of pickup. Pick up will be between 11am 12pm. January’s menu is available on our Facebook Page and by calling our office at 508-336-8772.
Sign Language will be starting again at the Seekonk Human Services Center, on Tuesdays, January 18, 2022. For more information and to preregister contact Seekonk Human Services at 508-336-8772.
Mondays
Chair Yoga 10am Knitting 12pm Arts & Crafts 1pm Strength & Cardio 1pm Zoom BINGO 1pm Indoor Cornhole 1pm
Tuesdays
Drums Alive 9am (except 1st Tues) $2 for non- residents Hi Lo Jack 1pm Zoom Trivia 12:30pm
Wednesdays
Drums Alive 9:30am $2 for non-residents Mahjong 1pm Zoom Coffee Chat 1:30pm
Thursdays
Chair Yoga 10am BINGO 1pm Cribbage 1pm
Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Veterans Corner
Seekonk Veterans Services
The Seekonk Veterans Council and Seekonk Department of Veterans Services put together an event where people could sponsor and/or dedicate a tree in our first annual Holiday Festival. We provided the trees, lights and sponsorship signs and sponsors decorated the trees to be displayed for the month of December. Since it is the first year, we started out with a goal of 20 trees. The early response was quite good, so we upped the total to 35 trees.
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We figured that once the trees were up that interest would grow from there. Thanks to all of those who sponsored trees, you will be the first ones contacted for next year. There have been a number of inquiries regarding sponsoring a tree next year. Our goal for next year is a minimum of 50 trees and we may expand on that number if the interest continues to grow. To be put on the contact list for next year’s Holiday Festival, please contact Seekonk Veterans Services at (508)3362940 or via email jlaflame@seekonk-ma.gov. James LaFlame Seekonk Veterans Services Officer Office 508-336-2940 Email: jlaflame@seekonk-ma.gov The center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm, and Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm and Friday 8:30am - 12:00pm. Come and enjoy the activities and companionship at your center.
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Fridays
Zumba 9:30am Tai Chi 10:30am *All activities are subject to pre-registration
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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 $40,951, for 2 people is $53,551, for 3 people is $66,151, and for 4 people is $78,751
Artist Materials Complete Line of Woodcarving Supplies Hours: M-F 9-5 Sat 9-12
1063 Oakhill Ave. Attleboro, MA 02703-7318 • 508-222-6255
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The Reporter January 2022
School News Seekonk Public Schools Recognizes Senior Lucy Codega with Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Scholarship Award Seekonk — Superintendent Rich Drolet and Seekonk High School Principal William Whalen are pleased to announce that senior Lucy Codega has been recognized as a Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S) scholarship award recipient. The M.A.S.S. scholarship award recognizes seniors who have distinguished themselves in the pursuit of excellence during their high school careers. As part of this recognition, Codega was awarded a $1,000 Senior Lucy Codega scholarship sponsored by M.A.S.S. and member districts from the South Coast Educational Collaborative.
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BASKETBALL TRAINING
February Vacation Mini Camp Providence Country Day School 660 Waterman Ave, East Providence RI BOYS and GIRLS Ages 5-14 *Campers are separated by age and ability*
February 22, 23, 24 • 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Cost: $75.00
• Offensive Drills / Shooting Techniques • Individual Skills Competition • Fundamentally Based Scrimmages
We will be following all CDC & RI State Camp Guidelines for the safety of players
For more info call Frank Luca at 401-639-0814 Register @ www.1on1basketball.com Click “Providence”, then click “Camps”
“It’s with great pleasure that we announce Lucy as this year’s recipient of the M.A.S.S. scholarship award in recognition of all of her accomplishments and dedication to her education,” Superintendent Drolet said. “Lucy has truly excelled in her pursuit of knowledge and we greatly look forward to all that she will accomplish in her future.” During Codega’s time at Seekonk High School, she has continuously excelled in her challenging academic coursework and, as such, is currently ranked first in the Class of 2022. She has devoted much of her time to furthering her educational interests in science, specifically in biotechnology, as it’s her goal to be an integral part of the medical world in the future. Throughout her senior year, she has been participating in an independent project, under the supervision of Angela Cunard, in which she plans on creating a video series to express the values of Biotechnology in society and the importance of social awareness. Codega also plans to study biotechnology in college. Outside of the classroom, she is heavily involved in numerous extracurricular activities including the Science Club, Women in Science and more. She is a member of PaperCuts, the school’s literary magazine, and serves as a student advisor for Seekonk High School’s Executive Board, a position she has held for the past three years. Under the mentorship of Linda Horton, she has also been an integral part of Spirit Week, the homecoming pep rally and graduation ceremonies. She also serves as a student leader for the Key Club’s Tutoring program and has completed more than 100 hours of community service. “Lucy is an affable down-to-earth, humble young lady who loves to learn. She is a student in every sense of the word: conscientious, interested, studious,” Principal Whalen said. “She is extremely deserving of this recognition as she understands how to choose just the right mix so that she can give her best self to each activity.’ Codega will be presented the South Coast Scholarship by Superintendent Drolet and Principal Whalen at the South Coast Educational Collaborative’s virtual award ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 16. This year’s ceremony will be the 34th year that the Collaborative Superintendents have made these presentations collectively for the students and their respective high school principals.
St. Luke’s School Announces Honor Roll
The following Seekonk residents have achieved Honor Roll status at St. Luke’s School in Barrington for the recently completed trimester. Grade 6: Second Honors: Cyanna Devaney. Grade 8: First Honors: Lauren Adamonis. The following Rehoboth residents have achieved Honor Roll status at St. Luke’s School in Barrington for the recently completed trimester. Grade 6: First Honors: Joseph Ptaszek. Second Honors: Max Buckley. Grade 8: Honors with Distinction: Emma Chartier, Madison Welch.
No one offers a better deal!
Call 508.252.6575 to Advertise!!!
January 2022
The Reporter
LOOK WHAT WE STARTED! ST. LUKE’S SCHOOL BARRINGTON, RHODE ISLAND
Preschool to Grade 8
High Schools Attended Barrington Barrington Christian Academy Bay View Bishop Connolly Bishop Feehan Bishop Hendricken Bishop Stang
Case Classical Cumberland Dighton-Rehoboth East Providence LaSalle Lincoln School
Met School Moses Brown Mount Hope Northfield Mount Hermon Our Lady of Fatima Phillips Academy Andover Portsmouth Abbey
Providence Country Day School One Seekonk St. Andrew’s St. Ray’s Tabor Academy Wheeler School
Colleges & Universities Arcadia Arizona State Assumption Bentley Boston College Boston University Brandeis Bridgewater State Brown Bryant Catholic University CCRI Clark Clemson Colby Colby Sawyer College of Charleston Columbia Daniel Webster Dayton Duke Duquesne
Emerson Fairfield Furman George Washington Georgetown Georgia Tech Green Mountain Harvard Hofstra Holy Cross Howard Iona James Madison Johnson and Wales Loyola-Maryland Marist Marquette Mass. College Pharmacy Mass. Maritime Merrimack New England College New England Tech
Northeastern Oberlin Ohio State Ohio Wesleyan Penn State Pepperdine Providence College Quinnipiac Rhode Island College RI School of Design Roger Williams Salve Regina St. Anselm’s St. Joseph’s St. Michael’s Stamford School of Medicine Stonehill Trinity Tulane UNC Chapel Hill Univ. Alabama Univ. Connecticut
Univ. Delaware Univ. Kentucky Univ. Mass Amherst Univ. Mass Boston Univ. Mass Dartmouth Univ. New Hampshire Univ. Louvain Univ. New England Univ. Rhode Island Univ. South Carolina Univ. Vermont US Air Force Academy US Military Academy Vanderbilt Vassar Villanova Virginia Tech Washington and Jefferson Western New England Western State WPI Xavier
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PRE-K TO 8AVAILABLE AVAILABLE OPENINGS FALL 2021 K-8 OPENINGS AVAILABLEFOR FORFALL FALL2022 2021 CALL ANDAAATOUR! TOUR! CALLFOR FORINFORMATION INFORMATION AND CALL FOR INFORMATION AND TOUR! 10 Waldron Ave, Barrington • 401.246.0990 • www.StLukesRI.org
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The Reporter January 2022
Beckwith Chronicle www.drregional.org
Messages from Mrs. Mondor
First, to the parents of 7th graders: Students in 7th grade need to provide documentation to the School Nurse of having a physical within the past year as well as proof of having received the Tdap booster, 2nd Varicella vaccine & the Meningitis vaccine. All of these are requirements set forth by the Department of Public Health. Students are subject to exclusion without this proper documentation. Please send in as soon as possible or email to cmondor@ drregional.org Mrs. Mondor also wants you to know that Beckwith Middle School students will be screened for scoliosis soon. This is a requirement under MGL Chapter 71, Section 57. Any parent/guardian who wishes to opt-out of this wellness check for their child must do so in writing. Please send this documentation to the school nurse Mrs. Cathy Mondor.
Perfect Scores
On November 23, the School Committee recognized students in our district for attaining perfect MCAS scores in the spring of 2021. Congratulations to Beckwith students Jordan Arcisz, Patrick McCann, and Zachary McCann for being among the students achieving this great accomplishment.
St. Nicholas” and “Farm Out” for 5th and 6th Grade Combined Band. 7th and 8th Grade Combined Band performed “Jingle Bells” and “Enchantment.” Many students also bravely performed songs on their own and in small groups. Thank you to all students for their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to all band students and Mr. Francese on a wonderful performance!
Thoughts for Winter
With winter right around the corner, you may want to discuss with your child what he/she should do in the case of an unplanned early dismissal from school or if after school activities are canceled. In the event of district-wide early dismissals due to inclement weather, the local radio and television stations will be notified and they will carry the announcement. In this situation, the high school is dismissed first, followed by our middle school and finally the elementary school. If your middle schooler would be the first one home, he/ she should know how to get in the house (with a key pinned in a special section of the backpack that isn’t used often perhaps or knowledge of where a special key is kept for emergencies). You can sign up to receive email or text alerts from WJAR’s website, www.thebostonchannel.com, or WHDH’s website to be notified of a school delay or closing. Our automated system will allow us to notify parents by telephone. Hopefully we will have an uneventful winter, but it is always good to be prepared.
BMS Mock Trial
Students of DRRSD were acknowledged for their perfect Spring 2021 MCAS scores
BMS Library News
We are on SAILS delivery!!! Beckwith students can request to borrow book(s) from libraries in the SAILS Network. This is an amazing resource for our students! Please don’t hesitate to email me with a question: jfernandes@drregional.org. Mrs. Fernandes, Librarian
High Honor Roll and Honor Roll
Congratulations to the 335 students who made the BMS High Honor Roll or Honor Roll for Term 1. The Honor Rolls are posted on the Beckwith website and at reportertoday.com.
Winter Chorus Concert
The Beckwith Middle School Winter Chorus Concert was held on December 13 in Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School’s auditorium. Choral students, under the direction of Ms. Lynnette Lopez and accompanied by Ms. Melissa Grossi, performed a wonderful variety of holiday hits including, “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch,” “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman,” and “Sleigh Ride.” Congratulations to all choral students and Ms. Lopez on a fantastic performance!
Winter Band Concert
The yearly Beckwith Middle School Winter Band Concert was held on Tuesday, December 21st. Under the direction of Mr. Francese, band students performed a variety of selections of different styles of music. Some pieces from the concert included “Jolly Old
Beckwith Middle School student “attorneys” worked hard over the 12-week Discovering Justice Mock Trial Program to analyze a realistic first amendment case. The students were split into teams to represent the Plaintiff and the Defendant and both sides crafted compelling cases that left the volunteer jurors asking for more time to deliberate the facts. Ultimately, the jury decided that the plaintiff, a fictional Taylor Young, had their first amendment rights violated by the school they attend. Congratulations to all of the students who participated in the Mock Trial. Each student played an important role in the building and presentation of the case. We’re grateful for the Beckwith Middle School custodial staff who transformed the cafeteria into a courtroom for the event after plans to use the Providence Federal Courthouse fell through due to COVID-19 concerns. Special thanks to our Assistant Principal Amy Abrams, members of the Dighton-Rehoboth School Committee, District Administration, and Judge Souza for making the event possible. Students on the Mock Trial team are: 8th graders Ben Darling, Josh Auricchio, and Cole Kiselica; 7th graders Walter Ellis, Riley Leduc, Cadence Pham, and Jalissa Raphino; and 6th graders James Holt, Isabelle Sulyma, Emma Rapp, and Bonnie Arrigo
Principal’s Message
Dear Beckwith Families, I hope this newsletter finds you and your family safe, healthy and doing well. I find it very hard to comprehend that we are nearly finished with 2021; how can so many long days make for such a short year? Reminds me of a few lyrics to the Bob Dylan song, “You’re a Big Girl Now” Time is a jet plane, it moves too fast Oh, but what a shame if all we’ve shared can’t last I can change, I swear, oh See what you can do I can make it through You can make it, too We have all certainly shared and changed a great deal over the past year. A great deal of said change was thrust upon us and while it hasn’t always been easy, we have made it through together.
January 2022 I think that is a very important message we must keep reassuring our students about: we have come a long way, faced many challenges, and have made many strides forward together. Together, we can make it through and together, we will continue to do so. The BMS Family would like to wish all of our families the happiest and safest of Holiday Seasons!
Middle School Thoughts
I am often asked (from friends, my own children, and people I meet) why I like working in a middle school and/or why I like middle schoolers? There’s often a tone of disbelief with this question as if to suggest that there must be something off about me to enjoy middle school and middle schoolers. I suppose it could be seen as somewhat offensive if it weren’t so universally and genuinely asked of me. For me, the question is not offensive, but a bit of a challenge to answer succinctly. I like many things about working in middle school and middle schoolers. Here’s a few fun examples and facts as to why: I love how often a middle school student will raise their hand to ask a question that has literally just been answered. There’s actually a very real reason why this happens and it is not just “lack of listening” or a student being a “wise guy/gal.” Often, when a question strikes, a student will raise their hand and really concentrate on not forgetting that question….and actually miss the explanation while “holding on” to the question. It happens a lot. I can remember doing it myself. Sometimes it can be a bit maddening, other times it is amusing, but it is always middle school, and I love it. I’m often truly amazed at watching our students play an instrument or a sport. So many students can complete sophisticated maneuvers, demonstrate such exquisite hand/eye, fine or gross motor skills under the brightest of spotlights and pressure. I am also equally amazed that many of those same students trip over their own locker contents as they excavate their learning materials in an effort to get organized. How can that be, we wonder? It’s a middle school thing. Middle school is marked by the greatest growth in human development outside of infancy. It is the reason why students look like an older sibling version of themselves when they return from summer break. This rapid growth is also why students begin to need more sleep to recover and recharge. It is also critically important that they eat nutritious food and not skip meals. Regular exercise is vital as well. One area that does not grow as fast as other areas is the frontal lobe of the brain. I have learned from research that this area controls impulsivity and also affects mood. Recent studies I have read indicate that human frontal lobes don’t reach maturity until our mid-twenties! In my experience, when you ask a middle schooler “what were you thinking?”, and they answer “I don’t know,” they are most often telling the truth. Some actions or spontaneous utterances are the function of action without thinking or planning ahead. I was part of a presentation about a brain study that tracked brain impulses through MRI images in both adults and adolescents. Subjects were asked to respond to visual and auditory input shared with them. Results were tracked by accuracy and speed and brain impulses were observed. The findings were fascinating: the adolescents responded far faster than the adults yet the adults were far more accurate. The brain impulses of the frontal lobe region for adults lit up with activity and connections during the exercise and in the adolescents that same region was mostly inactive or had singular, disconnected impulse firings. This was basically a scientific example of the impact and development of the frontal lobe; it’s why many of us will note that middle schoolers do not have a “filter” to what they are saying or doing. This is largely true, as their filter is still under construction. This is not to say that middle school students are not capable of thinking or planning ahead; they definitely are! It is only to point out why such forethought is a challenge for them. One of the great challenges we face as parents and educators of middle school students is to support their growth in “stopping to think, plan and consider the consequences” before acting or speaking.
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Thanks for reading and for your collaboration and support. Most of all, thank you for sending us your wonderful child(ren) each day. Sincerely, Frederick A. Randall
Beckwith Students Participate in Discovering Justice Mock Trial
Culminating a ten-week program in which middle schools were partnered with legal mentors from Choate, Hall & Stewart, Rehoboth students presented their cases about the First Amendment at an in-person Mock Trial at Beckwith Middle School. Beckwith Middle School students conducted their hour-long trials in front of Judge Souza from the Bristol County Juvenile Court on the issue of unpopular speech on campuses. The fictional case posed the question of whether a school official could stop a student from bringing a provocative speaker to the school. “We need to prepare our students to steward and engage in our democracy,” said Matt Wilson, Executive Director of Discovering Justice. “Our Mock Trial Program helps students examine the workings of the justice system, learn with lawyers, and explore and question the ideals of justice.” Discovering Justice is a civic education non-profit that provides after-school programs as well as in-school civics and social studies curriculum for K-12 students across Massachusetts. Taught by experienced legal mentors, students in the Mock Trial Program explore the justice system to learn about their First Amendment rights, grapple with real constitutional issues, develop persuasive arguments, and practice questioning and examining witnesses. Although the developing Omicron variant prompted Discovering Justice staff to make adjustments to event procedures, students were still able to gather safely to present their cases and receive certificates in recognition of all their hard work over the fall semester.
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Snapshots of Palmer River: Working Together and Reaching Higher
Whooo- Enjoyed the Owls? – Acorn the Screech owl made a recent visit to see our second grade students. The children enjoyed learning all about Acorn and nine other types of owls. The students were enthusiastic about feeling the feathers and actual owl claws. They examined owl pellets and captured all the facts they learned on an ‘Owl Detective’ sheet; shared here by Evelyn R. and Charlotte C. The teachers were even impressed with how silent the owl feather flapped in comparison to a seagull feather. It was a truly spectacular visit with the Audubon Society handler/educator and Acorn.
Celebrating Some Super Star Students! - We are so happy to celebrate two of our great Palmer River Scholars this month, Madeline Johnson and Hallie Coyne! Both ladies are from our fourth grade and have earned Palmer River recognition in two very different ways. Madeline was recognized by Dr. Azar, Dr. Blaisdell and our school committed with a “DR Difference Award”. Madeline was the only student who scored perfectly on last year’s MCAS. ( Whoo-hoo!) What an amazing accomplishment! An amazing scholar herself, Hallie was recognized by Mr. Feinstein as the lucky recipient of a golden ticket! For finding this ticket, Hallie has won a monetary grant for our school and her classroom. She and her classmates are thinking of some great resources to purchase for their classroom!
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A Whole New Meaning for “Having a Cow!” – This season, the students in Mrs. Cox’s first grade have “adopted” a cow from an animal sanctuary. The kids are so excited to learn more about their new cow “Honey” and the work they do at the sanctuary. The focus of the organization is to teach empathy and character building for students through animals. The class will have the opportunity to do 4 live zoom meetings with a member of the sanctuary to learn more about farm life and the importance of taking care of others. The children can’t wait until their first meeting with “Honey”.
January 2022
Azar Says Omicron a Challenge For DR
By Joe Siegel A growing number of Covid infections statewide has prompted some school districts to delay their openings so teachers and staff can obtain Covid tests. Dighton-Rehoboth schools resumed classes on Monday. “As anticipated the Omicron and Delta variants continue to present challenges to the educational system,” Superintendent Anthony Azar said Monday. “Currently, we are seeing a mild increase in staff absences. The ongoing dedication of our staff has allowed us to continue to maintain appropriate staffing to ensure our buildings are safe and open for in person, face to face, instruction for students.” “The custodial crew continues to work diligently to maintain the cleanliness of our building to help mitigate environmental exposure,” Azar continued. “Cases are reported to the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education on a weekly basis and data is shared with families on a weekly basis regarding the total of cases per building.” Azar noted the elementary and middle school average about 5 cases per week and the high school averages about 8 -10 per week. Dighton Rehoboth Regional School district is participating in the Test and Stay program. Azar said the DESE initiative “has allowed a vendor to collaborate with us so that testing of students is available as it relates to educational access.” “We continue to follow the guidance, and following the protocols students are allowed to participate in extracurricular activities,” Azar added. “In the event a student or staff member feels ill, we are encouraging them to remain home and follow up with the medical experts for further guidance.”
The Reporter
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported an additional 31,184 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Monday, a report which included three days’ worth of data. The state’s seven-day positivity rate is now 19.9 percent, a 3 percent increase since Friday and 8 percent higher than what the rate was one week ago. On Dec. 3, the state’s seven-day positivity rate was 4.8 percent.
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Our Second Century of Developing Ethical Young Scholars
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The Reporter January 2022
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Tri-County Welcomes Panel to Speak to Freshman
Tri-County Freshman Participated in a Discussion with Inspiring Local Speakers with Non-Traditional Careers
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School welcomed a panel of eight speakers, four of which are alum, who are in non-traditional careers on December 1, 2021. A non-traditional career is defined is by the US Department of Labor as an occupation in which individuals from one gender comprise less than 25% of the individuals employed in such occupation. The panel included an early educator, firefighter/paramedic, plumber, police officer, cosmetologist, engineer, salon owner, and dental assistant. Each panelist had the opportunity to speak about what and who inspired them to pursue their careers, what a typical day at work looks like, the positive and negative aspects of having a nontraditional career, and offered advice to students who are interested in pursuing a career in a non-traditional role. Salon owner, Ken Tracy, was encouraged by his high school guidance counselor to attend Malden School for Girls in the 1960s and during the visit his passion was ignited. He noted that in his early days as a hair stylist his friends would ask him why. After he became a salon owner and found success in the profession he loved, his friends apologized for the negative comments they had made. Many of the panelists noted the positives of being in a non-traditional career. For the early childhood educator he has found that male students flock to him as one of the only male teachers and seem to find it easier to make a connection with him. The mechanical engineer noted that she was frequently the only female on a team and was called upon to work on machines because her smaller hands were able to fit into spaces her male counterparts could not. The female police sergeant noted that her communication skills and compassion has allowed her to defuse tension during calls. After the discussion students were able to ask questions of the panel and the freshman had thoughtful queries to help them understand if they would like to pursue a non-traditional career.
T1 Honor Roll for Tri-County
Grade 9 High Honors: William Godfrey, Jack Pardi Grade 9 Honors: Grace Gordon, Seth Varhol Grade 10 High Honors: Peyton Griffin, Samuel Marcotte Grade 10 Honors: Will Carlson, Troy Casto, Dylan Lajoie, Lukas Sobczak, Hope Thibault Grade 11 Honors: Nicholas Aguiar, Laura Birch, Samantha Bourque, Faith Boutin, Abigail Calamar, Jenna Contois, Alexis Correia, Nathan Ferreira, Emmaline Lafleur, Nyah Ramos Grade 12 High Honors: Shriya Sivakumar Grade 12 Honors: Brett Almeida, Rebekah Lafleur, Hannah Luz, Aryn McDonald, Joseph Poirier, Erik Rebelo, Kerry Tracey
Tri-County Inducts NHS Members
Qualified Tri-County Juniors were inducted into the National Honor Society and new officers named
Tri-County held the solemn induction ceremony for the Peter Rickard Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). Forty new members were inducted, thirty-seven juniors and three seniors. To be considered for membership into the NHS students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.85 out of 4.0, voluntarily contribute to their school and/or community, be resourceful and good problem solvers, and uphold a high standard of character including being cooperative, honest, courteous, and reliable. This year’s officers (already members, but new elected position) from Seekonk: Treasurer: Shriya Sivakumar This year’s junior inductees from Seekonk are: Nicholas Jose Aguiar, Faith Christina Boutin, Abigail Elizabeth Calamar, Cory Hunter George New 12th grade inductee from Seekonk: Matthew Mark Gorton The Solemn Induction Ceremony was held on Thursday, December 2nd and included the pledge to NHS, the presentation of the pillars, and a guest speaker, Rich Vitali. Mr. Vitali was voted as guest speaker by the current senior NHS members and spoke to the group about leadership, service, and character. “I witness those students who pick up trash left on the ground… the students who encourage their teammates to push themselves… the students who stay after school to set up decorations so their peers get the full experience of walking into a special event. This night is about recognizing the students who bring honor to the Tri-County community.”
Congratulations to the new inductees! We know you will continue to do wonderful things.
Tri-County Presented with Check from Trane
Representatives of Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and transport refrigeration, presented a check in the sum of $27,327.74 to Superintendent Karen Maguire for the benefit of Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School at their Franklin, MA facility. The $7M project, financed by an independent third party, and completed in 2020, included a roof replacement, new HVAC equipment and controls, and a comprehensive lighting systems upgrade. As part of the Performance Contracting process, Trane will guarantee that Tri-County will realize a reduction in energy consumption equaling $178,000/year over the 20-year term. Trane will also provide ongoing maintenance services to ensure optimal operation of project improvements for the long term.
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Photo (L-R): Harry Takesian, Karen Maguire, Leo McNeil, Morgan Perras, Chris Marshall
January 2022
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Support Our Local Restaurants! Dine In or Take Out & Enjoy at Home! A Hall of Fame Feast for Homegating Fans These crowd-pleasers make game day worth celebrating, especially if you use a salsa with high-quality ingredients like vineripened tomatoes, crisp vegetables, zesty peppers and spices found in Fresh Cravings Salsas. Their flavor-packed, vibrant recipe offers a homemade-tasting alternative to the softer, duller blends of jarred salsa. To find more championship-level game day recipe inspiration, visit FreshCravings. com. (Family Features) Gathering your team to plan for a truly memorable game day at home starts with almost everyone’s favorite part of the festivities: the food. From meaty meals and zesty appetizers to sweet, longlasting snacks, fuel your crowd with recipes that keep them coming back from kickoff to overtime. One superstar of the menu at many homegating parties is salsa, whether it’s used as a finishing touch in recipes or as a standalone snack to enjoy with chips, veggies or other pairings. In fact, according to the Game Day Eats Report from Fresh Cravings, 22% of guests would insist on running out to pick up salsa if it wasn’t available for the feast; 18% would even be devastated and consider leaving. Chef Anthony Serrano recommends these all-American recipes he makes for his family on game day. Pulled Beef and Slaw Sliders are perfect for piling high with delicious toppings before hitting the couch just in time for kickoff. Snacking throughout the action is a preferred approach for many fans, making Cast-Iron Smoked Queso Dip and Hummus Deviled Eggs go-to options for armchair quarterbacks.
Pulled Beef and Slaw Sliders Recipe courtesy of chef Anthony Serrano
Pulled Beef:
• 2 pieces (about 3 pounds each) beef chuck roast • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning or barbecue rub • 1 cup beef bone broth • 16 ounces Fresh Cravings Chunky Salsa
Place meat, beef bone broth and salsa in pressure cooker; seal according to pressure cooker directions. Cook on high 60 minutes. Once pressure cooker is safe to open according to instructions, open and let meat rest in liquid 15 minutes. Remove meat from liquid and place in large bowl. Carefully shred meat. Pour liquid, up to half, over meat while shredding to keep it juicy. To make salsa and queso slaw: In large bowl, mix salsa, slaw blend, green onions, salt, queso fresco, Dijon mustard, mayo, apple cider vinegar and cilantro, if desired. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed. To assemble sliders, place pulled beef and salsa and queso slaw on buns. Top with salsa, barbecue sauce, pickles, jalapenos, sliced cheese, roasted peppers and onions.
Salsa and Queso Slaw:
• 16 ounces Fresh Cravings Chunky Salsa • 16 ounces broccoli slaw blend • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 cup crumbled queso fresco • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 1/2 cup mayo • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar • 2 tablespoons cilantro (optional) • slider buns, Fresh Cravings Salsa, barbecue sauce, pickles, jalapenos, sliced cheese, roasted peppers, onions To make pulled beef: Season both sides of beef with taco seasoning. Wrap with plastic wrap and place in fridge 2-12 hours before cooking.
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Cast-Iron Smoked Queso Dip Recipe courtesy of chef Anthony Serrano
• 2 cups cheddar cheese • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese • 1 teaspoon almond flour • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 cup Fresh Cravings Restaurant Style Salsa • 1 teaspoon paprika • 1 teaspoon sea salt • 1/4 cup cooked chorizo • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke • cilantro, for garnish • diced bell pepper, for garnish In cast-iron pan, mix cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese and almond flour. Pour in heavy cream and salsa; bring to gentle simmer. Whisk while simmering 5-7 minutes, or until queso dip begins to thicken. Add paprika, salt, chorizo and liquid smoke; adjust seasoning as necessary. Garnish with cilantro and bell pepper.
Hummus Deviled Eggs
Recipe courtesy of chef Anthony Serrano • 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled • 1/4 cup Fresh Cravings Classic Hummus • 1/4 cup smoked cheddar cheese • 2 tablespoons bacon, cooked and crumbled • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard • 1 teaspoon salt • smoked Spanish paprika, for garnish • parsley, for garnish Cut hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks and place in bowl. Using fork, mash yolks into fine crumble. Add hummus, cheese, bacon, mustard and salt; mix well. Evenly disperse teaspoons of yolk mixture into egg whites. Sprinkle with any remaining bacon, paprika and parsley. Source: Fresh Cravings
Better-for-You Family Favorites for a Healthier Routine
Visit heart.org/healthyforgood to download more heart-healthy recipes and find more tips for a healthier you in mind, body and heart. Recipes courtesy of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative
Tuna Pasta Casserole
Servings: 4 • 4 ounces dried whole-wheat rotini pasta (about 1 1/2 cups) • nonstick cooking spray • 16 ounces frozen mixed vegetables, thawed • 1 pouch (11 ounces) low-sodium chunk light tuna • 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) low-fat, low-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup • 1/2 cup chopped roasted red bell peppers • 1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half • 1 teaspoon all-purpose, salt-free seasoning blend • 3/4 cup crushed low-sodium, whole-grain crackers • 1/4 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese Prepare pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Using colander, drain well. Transfer to large bowl. Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray 2-quart glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Stir mixed vegetables, tuna, soup, roasted peppers, half-and-half and seasoning blend into pasta until combined. Transfer to baking dish. Top with crackers and Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes, or until casserole is warmed through and topping is golden brown.
Turkey and Bean Tostadas Servings: 5
Salsa:
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 2 medium tomatoes) • 1 medium avocado, halved, pitted and diced • 1 large ear of corn, husks and silk discarded, kernels removed • 1-2 medium fresh jalapenos, seeds and ribs discarded, finely chopped • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Tostadas:
• nonstick cooking spray • 5 corn tortillas (6 inches each) • 8 ounces ground skinless turkey breast • 2 teaspoons chili powder • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1 teaspoon ground coriander • 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained • 2 tablespoons water To make salsa: In small bowl, stir tomatoes, avocado, corn, jalapenos, onions and lime juice. Set aside. Preheat oven to 400 F. To make tostadas: Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Place tortillas on baking sheet. Lightly spray tortillas with nonstick cooking spray. Using fork, pierce tortillas several times to prevent from filling with air. Bake tortillas 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. In medium nonstick saucepan over medium-high heat, cook turkey, chili powder, cumin and coriander 5-6 minutes, or until turkey is no longer pink, stirring occasionally to turn and break up turkey. Add beans and water. Cook 5 minutes, or until beans are heated through. Using potato masher, coarsely mash beans. Remove from heat. To assemble tostadas, spread turkey mixture over each tortilla. Top with salsa.
Ginger Pumpkin Soup
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Servings: 4 • 1 1/2 teaspoons canola or corn oil • 1 medium onion, finely minced • 3/4 tablespoon minced peeled gingerroot or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger • 2 medium garlic cloves, minced, or 1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour • 1 3/4 cups fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth • 1 cup water • 2 cans (15 ounces each) solid-pack pumpkin
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• 1 cup fat-free milk • 1/4 cup fat-free sour cream (optional) • 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional) In large heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat bottom. Cook onion 6-8 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally. Stir in gingerroot, garlic, thyme, cinnamon, pepper and salt. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in flour. Pour in broth and water. Using spatula, scrape bottom of pot to dislodge any browned bits. Stir in pumpkin. Bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in milk. Remove from heat. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with sour cream and chives, if desired.
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IN MEMORIAM Fernando ‘Fred’ Ramos Fernando ‘Fred’ Ramos, 94, of Seekonk, passed away Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at his home with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of the late Madeline (Majalian) Ramos. Born in Central Falls, RI, Fernando was the son of the late Jose and Maria (Vaz) Ramos who immigrated from Lisbon, Portugal to settle first in Central Falls, RI, later relocating to Cumberland, RI. Fred was the last surviving member of ‘The Ramos Clan’ which included his nine siblings Rosa, Alda Antonio, Virginia Fernando ‘Fred’ Ramos Figueirdo, Aida, Albino, Antonio, John, Albert, and Armando Ramos. Fred was proud to be a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II. Drafted out of high school, Fred trained with the 98th Infantry Division for deployment to the Pacific Theater. Before being deployed to active combat, the war came to an end. Instead, Fred and the 98th Division served in Osaka, Japan as part of the occupying force until 1946. Fred returned home to Rhode Island to complete his education while working full time. Fred completed design programs at the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island School of Design. For many years, he worked as a design engineer for several Rhode Island based companies before retiring from Mr. Christmas, Inc. A talented photographer from a young age, Fred was rarely seen without a camera. Whether using an old school film camera, 16 mm movie camera, camcorder, digital camera, or his Smartphone, Fred has recorded decades of momentous and ordinary events of family and friends.
The three most important titles Fred held was Husband, Dad, and Papa. Fred and Madeline (Majalian) were married on June 6, 1954. They settled in Pawtucket, RI and eventually welcomed four children, while Madeline worked as a Registered Nurse at The Memorial Hospital of Pawtucket. With their house bursting at the seams, Fred designed and built a new home for his family. The Ramos Family moved into ‘The House That Dad Built’ in 1967. Family was THE most important thing to Fred. He would drop everything, without the slightest hesitation, to help a family member. Fred and Madeline dedicated their years together raising four children, spending time with their grandchildren, traveling locally, visiting family and friends, playing cards, and sampling the buffet and slot machines at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. After 56 years of marriage, Madeline passed away on October 4, 2011. With his wife’s passing, Fred turned his attention to spoiling ‘his little boy’ and constant furry companion Harley, his 16-year-old cat. Fred loved his family beyond measure; putting the needs of his children and grandchildren first, doting on them, and worrying about their wellbeing until the day he passed away. Fred was known for his quiet demeanor and patience, his sense of humor and corny jokes, trying to make people laugh. Fred possessed a ‘MacGyver-like’ ability to build or fix anything using whatever he had on hand. Of course, no visitor to Fred’s home will ever forget seeing him waving goodbye from the dining room window as they backed their car out of his driveway. Fernando ‘Fred’ Ramos, who would have turned 95 on December 17, 2021, is survived by his son Allen Ramos of Pawtucket, RI, daughter Arlene Dube and her husband Robert of Cumberland, RI, daughter Carol Ann Neider of Rehoboth, MA, son Carl Ramos and his wife Rebecca of Hollywood, FL., grandson Bryan Dube, granddaughter Kathryn Ramos-Hanson and her husband Erik, granddaughter Charlotte Rose Neider, several nieces and nephews, and his loyal companion cat, Harley. A Funeral Service was held on Monday, December 13, 2021 at 10:30 AM in the Costigan-O’Neill Funeral Home, 220 Cottage Street, Pawtucket, RI. Burial followed in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Pawtucket, RI. Visiting hours were Sunday, December 12, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the Costigan-O’Neill Funeral Home. Unvaccinated visitors were kindly requested to wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hope Health Hospice and Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02964. www.oneillfuneralhomes.com
Competent Concern When the Need Arises Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services regardless of financial circumstance Pre-Planning Specialists Proudly serving Rehoboth & Seekonk families since 1898 Andrew J. Correia, MBIE; President/Funeral Director & Embalmer
210 Taunton Ave., ROUTE 44 • East Providence RI 02914 (401) 434-2600 • www.jhwilliamsfuneralhome.com
Obituary Submission Policy
To submit an obituary, please call the Reporter Office at 508-252-6575 for information.
January 2022 The Reporter
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Russell Thomas Janas
Oscar M. “Gus” Hicks
Russell Thomas Janas was born on October, 13, 1970 and died in the early morning hours of December, 10 2021 after a long illness. He was the husband and best friend of Kerry Hyland Janas and father to Joseph and Ann Marie. One son, Landon, died in childbirth. He also leaves behind his dog and closest companion Clancy. Russell had cheated death many times before: such as when he stepped on wasp’s nest, which Russell Thomas Janas left him forever fearful of and allergic to bees, or the many times that he nearly drowned in his beloved Neponset reservoir, or the many times that he and his townie friends got into hijinks and evaded the Foxboro police department. But, as with all people, you can only cheat death so many times until it comes for you. Russell embraced contradiction. He had an adventurous spirit but hated to leave Foxboro. He labeled himself lazy but worked exceptionally hard, took on the most difficult tasks and stayed until the end. He hated groups but was gifted with a wicked sense of humor that drew others, especially children, toward him. He was nearly immune to physical pain but had the softest heart. Most of all, he always wanted to help but possessed a sense of honor that kept him from ever accepting things that he did not personally earn. He hated airplanes, bad drivers, tunnels, bridges, horses, firewood, anything involving plumbing, laziness, and cruelty. He loved nature documentaries, history, fishing, target shooting, old cowboy movies, ridiculous political debates, friends who stuck with him to the last, and his family most of all. Russell is survived by his wife and children, his parents, Joseph Janas and Pat Janas-Scott, as well as his many biological, half, and adopted siblings. He is also survived by his in-laws Tracey and Ed Clarke as well as Christine Lycus and Michael Lycus, his nieces Elizabeth Clarke, Kayla Lycus, Lily Janas and Lauren Brown, and his nephews Sean Clarke and Sam Janas. Relatives and friends were kindly invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 4-7 PM at the Roberts and Sons Funeral Home, 30 South St. in Foxboro. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, December 16th at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 58 Carpenter St. in Foxboro. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, 990 Lagrange St. In West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the good people at the Sturdy Hospital Emergency Department at https://www. sturdymemorial.org/ways-to-give/tributegiving/.
Oscar M. “Gus” Hicks, 89, of Seekonk, passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021, at his home. He was the beloved husband of Marie J. (Burchard) Hicks to whom he would’ve been married for 68 years the day after Christmas. Born in Elizabethton, TN he was a son of Charles and Mary (Williams) Hicks. Mr. Hicks grew up in Bluff City, TN, and began working on the family farm at a very young age where they grew tobacco, vegetables, wheat, Oscar M. “Gus” Hicks and sugarcane. Mr. Hicks was a U.S. Navy veteran and served on the USS Bailey and Markab Destroyers during the Korean war. He was honorably discharged in 1959 in Newport, RI. He was a bakery mixer and worked for A+P Bakery, Bond Bread, and Kavanaugh’s Bakery in Rumford until he retired. Mr. Hicks dedicated a lot of his time to the youth and enjoyed developing and teaching the game of baseball. He was a little league manager for “Seekonk Oil “ for many years in Seekonk, as well as East Providence and Virginia. He liked scratch tickets and was an avid ten-pin bowler. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, playing pool, and loved the game of “Horse Shoes.” He always let everyone know he was an expert in all of these. Mr. Hicks was a hard-working man who loved his family very much. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be missed dearly. Besides his wife, he leaves seven children, William Hicks and his wife, Joyce of North Smithfield, Patricia Rose (Bill Barth) of East Providence, Richard Hicks and his wife Terri of Coventry, Carolyn Eaton of Pawtucket, Anne Burk (Steve Hartwick) of Butler, PA, Robert Hicks and his wife Kristine of Seekonk, James Hicks and his wife Holly of N. Attleboro, one brother Jerald Hicks of TN, 18 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and two great-greatgrandchildren. He was the father of the late, Albert Hicks, Susan Hicks, and Dennis Hicks. He was also the brother of the late, Louise Preston, Anna Mae Ringley, Mary Katherine Johnson, Hattie Alma Seats, Dayton Hicks, Leroy Hicks, Benny Hicks, RJ Hicks, RL Hicks, and Andy Jack Hicks. His funeral service will be private. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any charity. For online condolences visit, www. PERRYMCSTAY.com.
“Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day. No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, you’re always there.” -Author Unknown
80 Broadway, Taunton MA 02780 508.822.0081 www.silvafuneralhome.com
Owners and Directors, Amy Silva Rigtrup, Type 3, Lawrence Quintal, Type 3 and Christine (DeLawrence) Quintal, Type 3
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The Reporter January 2022
Paul D. Hutton
Paul D. Hutton, age 65, of Taunton, Massachusetts, formerly of Seekonk, MA and Pawtucket, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at the Morton Hospital ICU on November 11, 2021. Paul fought several severe health conditions bravely and courageously for 60 years. In spite of his poor health, Paul had a positive outlook on life, liked to play chess, Sudoku and was an avid sports fan. Paul followed the New York Giants, the New England Patriots, the Red Sox Paul D. Hutton and Boston Bruins and did not miss many games on television. Paul also loved to attend the PawSox games with his four brothers and other family members. He was deeply disappointed when they moved to Worcester because he could not make a trip that far. Paul had a big heart and loved to help other people. After the 9/11 attacks, Paul started a fund-raiser for a scholarship fund by selling American Flag badges he designed. The money raised was donated in the name of a friend who died in the World Trade Center bombings. In his later years Paul discovered his artistic talent. Two Taunton area art venues invited Paul to show his impressive art-work. He produced many paintings that were quite good. He gave these paintings to relatives and friends, which they proudly hung in their homes. Paul also developed an interest in gardening. He loved to “show-off” his beautiful flowers, which he grew on a table garden because Paul was limited to a wheelchair for mobility. Paul was much more than the above activities. He was a great friend to many people and, more than words can describe, the best brother one could ask for. Paul was born in Providence, Rhode Island, the son of the late John A. Hutton Sr., and Ernestine (Rott) Hutton. He is survived by his brothers, John A. Hutton of Truro and Seekonk, Massachusetts, Joseph M. Hutton and his wife Susan of Smithfield, Rhode Island, Ernest R. Hutton and his wife Rebekah of Pawtucket, Rhode Island
and David D. Hutton and his wife Faith of Bedford, New Hampshire. He is also survived by 2 nieces and 3 nephews, Jillian Joslyn of Cumberland, Rhode Island and Ashley Medeiros of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Joshua Hutton of East Haven, Connecticut, Doug Hutton of Bedford, New Hampshire and Greg Hutton of Ormond Beach, Florida. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Paul’s memory to People Inc’s residential services division.
Donna L. (Soares) Ventura Donna L. (Soares) Ventura, 74, formerly of Rehoboth, MA passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 26, 2021 at her home in Cumming, GA. Born in Providence, RI, she was the beloved daughter of the late John R. Sousa and Hazel W. (Lewis) Sousa. Donna was a former horse trainer and decorated Champion Gymkhana rider. This Donna L. (Soares) Ventura year Donna was able to see her two daughters compete in the NBHA World Championships. Donna is survived by her two loving daughters, Dawn (Soares) Vieira and her husband Jesse of Rehoboth, MA and Sherri (Soares) Hamilton and her husband Kevin of Dawsonville, GA as well as her three cherished grandchildren, Jessica and Raychel Vieira and Austin Hamilton. She was the sister of Lynn Sousa of Warren, RI and John Sousa of Johnston, RI. Family and friends are welcome to attend a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 15,2022 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 500 Metacom Ave. in Warren, RI. Burial will be at Newport Memorial Park, 123 Howland Ave. in Middletown, RI. South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thescfh.com
Rehoboth
• David Mitchell Stevens, 85, formerly of Rehoboth, passed on November 14, 2021 in Englewood, FL. • Mary-Jo (Bellavance) Campbell, 79, of Rehoboth, passed away on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Rhode Island Hospital. • Janice M. (Staba) Grochmal of Rehoboth, passed away at Boston University Medical Center on Monday, December 20, 2021 at 74 years of age.
Seekonk
• Robert M. Parker, 90, passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Fatima Hospital. • Mary E. Oliver, of Seekonk, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at Hope Hospice and Palliative care. • Anthony J. Strycharz, 83, passed away Sunday December 5, 2021 at Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence, RI. • Guline (Merdinian) Moukhtarian, 74, of Seekonk, MA, passed away peacefully at RI Hospital in Providence on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 with her loving family by her side.
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January 2022 The Reporter
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HALL RENTAL
BOOK YOUR SPECIAL OCCASION PARTY NOW! Riverside Sportsman Assoc. Mohawk Drive off Wampanoag Trail. For all occasions: Birthday, Family Reunions, Club/Organization Meetings. Cash Bar. Monthly Steak Fries and other events. Call the club at 401-433-0209, leave a message.
WANTED
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 508-230-6444; call anytime thanks I buy Old cars, Motorcycle, Bicycles, Scooter and other wheeled vehicle and parts. One piece or a collection. Thank you Joe in Rehoboth 508-558-5129.
EQUINE FOR SALE
Mare for sale. 15 hands. Approximately 16 years old. Not marish. Beginner friendly. Located in Rehoboth. Call Terri for details. 774-284-7600.
GENERAL SERVICES
I am a Personal Care Assistant & Housekeeper willing to help you! Will perform many duties including meal prep, medication reminders, shower assistance, shopping/errands, laundry, light cleaning. Call Terri for information and rates. 774-284-7600. Housecleaning: Is your home in need of a really good cleaning? Whether you need a 1 time cleaning, or regular cleanings. Years of experience! (We include fridge and oven w/ our cleanings) Call Gil for details 508-840-6611. BIG BLUE REMOVAL SERVICE: Attic, Cellar, Total House. We take everything! Furniture, Brush, Appliances, Yard Waste, Construction Debris, Trash…Demolition of Fences, Sheds, Decks, Pools. Let us do the work. Free Estimates. Call Tony 508-226-1295; www.BigBlueRemoval.com.
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The Reporter January 2022
Business Directory CATEGORY Antiques/Cash for Gold Art Supplies/Framing Attorney Attorney Author/Book Auto Body Auto Parts Auto Parts Auto Repairs Building Contractor Building Contractor Camp-Basketball Carpet Cleaning Carpet Cleaning Child Care Chimney Cleaning Chimney Services Cleaning Service Cleaning Service Collectibles Country Club Country Club Credit Union Dance Studio Dentist Dentist Dentist Dentist Dentist Dentist Dentist Dog Training Driveways & Masonry
COMPANY NAME
PAGE
Americana Auction 34 Gregory D. Dorrance, Co. 53 Laurie P. Mullen, Attorney 42 Law Office of Luke P. Travis 40 Stacy Parenteau 44 A-1 Custom Auto Body 72 Grady’s Used Auto Parts 32 NorthEastern Auto Supply 30 New England Tire 3 A.M. Carpentry 24 M.G. Salois Construction 23 One On One Basketball Camp 54 Earle’s Carpet Cleaning 32 M & S Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning 49 Twin Oaks Farm Learning Center 57 RD Chimney Sweep 30 Kenny’s Masonry & Chimney Sweep 27 Ada’s Cleaning Services 29 Debbie’s Cleaning Service 34 Wexler’s Collectibles 44 Hillside Country Club 11 Ledgemont Country Club 4 Community & Teachers Credit Union 10 EDI Empower Dance Industry 38 Coastal Dental Seekonk 14 David C. Zaluski, D.D.S. 60 Dr. Wassouf D.D.S. 43 George Family Orthodontics 8 Lisa Daft DMD & Associates, PC 28 Seekonk Dental 18 Tourister Dental Associates 38 Pooch Pawsitive 48 DeJesus Property Services 26
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Electrician Electrician Electrician Electrician Farm - Apparel Fence Installation Financial Advisor Firewood Flooring - All Types Flooring - Wood Fuel - Oil Fuel - Oil Fuel - Oil Fuel - Propane Funeral Home Funeral Home Funeral Home Handyman Health & Fitness Hospital Insurance Insurance Agency Insurance Agency Interior Design Jewelers Junk Removal Kitchen/Bath Design Kitchen/Bath Design Landscape Materials Landscape Materials Landscape Service Landscaping/Tree Marble Fabricators
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Bleau Electric Greaves Electric James Tavares Electric Neal Bellavance Electric Kave Rock Farm Fence Tech Oasis Financial Services Seekonk Tree Service Earle Dias Interiors David J. Ledoux Hardwood Floors Al’s Quality Oil Co. COD OIL E & V Oil Co. Propane Plus Hathaway Funeral Home J.H. Williams & Co. Funeral Home Silva Funeral Home American Eagle Enterprises, LLC Sheryl Marsland Sturdy Memorial Hospital Tammy Weaver Frazao Insurance Smith Insurance Group, Inc Fabric Gallery Plante Jewelers AOL Enterprises Infinity Kitchens Johnson Design J&J Materials J&J Materials T. Moreshead Landscaping Grey Hat Tree Service Star Marble & Granite
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Rehoboth, MA
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January 2022 The Reporter
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Business Directory CATEGORY
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Martial Arts EP Martial Arts Masonry-Construction StoneScapes - Mark Carvalho Masonry-Construction Valter Rego Masonry Mosquito & Tick Control ohDEER Orthodontics George Family Orthodontics Painting Contractor Advantage Painting Painting Contractor Cronan Painting Painting Contractor EZ Painting Painting Contractor Iachetti Painting Company Painting Contractor Lundco Painting LLC. Painting Services David Laurino Painting Painting Services Prep Smart Painting Paving Contractor Ryan Asphalt Paving Photographer W. Parmentier Photography Physical Therapy Personal Best Physical Therapy Plastering East Coast Plastering Plumbing & Heating Sine Plumbing & Heating Plumbing & Heating Vintage Plumbing & Heating Private School Faith Christian Center Private School Sacred Heart School Private School St. Luke’s School Private School St. Mary Academy - Bay View Property Management DeJesus Property Services Real Estate Aubin Realty Real Estate Century 21 - David Smith Real Estate Keystone Property Group - Casey Real Estate Lisa Halajko - Blu Sky Real Estate Real Estate ReMax Rivers Edge Agents Real Estate TK Real Estate Brokerage Real Estate Vicki Doran Remodeling Batty Construction Restaurant Boneyard Barbecue & Saloon Restaurant El Mariachi Restaurant EP Wieners Restaurant iAlive Restaurant Restaurant La Collina
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Restaurant Restaurant-Pizza Roofing Contractor Roofing Contractor RVs and Campers Seafood Market Security Systems Septic Inspections Septic Systems Septic Systems Septic Systems Septic Systems Stump Grinding Trash/Junk Removal Tree Service Tree Service Tree Service Tree Service Tree Service Water Treatment Wells & Sump Pumps
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Madeira Restaurant Cuzin’s Pizza B & R Fournier Construction, Inc. Tabeleys Roofing Camping World of Berkley Digger’s Catch Home & Commercial Security Pro Inspection Services Bay State Sewage Croome Sanitation, Inc. Soares Sanitation Pumping, Inc. Town Sanitation Heritage Tree & Arborist Services Big Blue Removal Service Advanced Tree Carlson Tree Service Choate Tree Service Heritage Tree & Arborist Services Seekonk Tree Service Water Filter Company, Inc. Vintage Plumbing & Heating
61 61 30 40 71 63 43 69 45 68 29 51 31 22 21 32 39 31 13 20 22
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508-622-5110
Title 5 Inspection
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The Reporter January 2022
Keeping you safe and warm all winter.
Important Winter Safety Tips
• Please keep a clear path shoveled to your propane tank. (Delivery Drivers will be happy!) • Make sure all exhaust vents are clear of snow. (Things will run better!) • Remember to never operate an appliance to heat your home that you shouldn’t. (Grilling in the _ house is not a good idea!) • Make sure you mark underground tank location, if you haven’t already. (Snowplow drivers need _ to see them!) • As always, when in doubt give your hometown propane company a call.
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The Johnson’s Rehoboth
177 Winthrop Street Rehoboth MA 02769 PropanePlus.com | 508.252.3359
January 2022 The Reporter
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The Reporter P.O. Box 170 Rehoboth, MA 02769
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