Seekonk Town News

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week April 12 – 18, 2020 The 911 Dispatchers of Seekonk are considered public safety telecommunicators. Every year during the second week of April, telecommunications personnel in the public safety community are honored. This is a week-long event to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public. They are largely unseen, but are every bit as vital to the safety of the public and responders. Often working long hours, late nights, holiday, and weekends they are occasionally overlooked for all that they do.

These telecommunicators are not sworn personnel, but civilians and work alongside firefighters and police officers. This department dispatches police, fire, and emergency medical services while also answering 911 and all non-emergency business lines. The telecommunicators handle thousands of calls for service each year, maintain several certifications, and maintain 24-hour coverage. The communications center is staffed with two personnel at all times and is operational 365 days a year. These men and women serve as the first point of contact for citizens and are the link which connects the community to public safety services.

Please take a moment to recognize the efforts of these selfless individuals and the years of service they have provided to the town of Seekonk.

Ronald Rickey – 19 years of service Roberto Costa – 13 years of service Katherine Cardoza – 12 years of service Jodi Pacheco – 10 years of service Nicholas Rondeau – 8 years of service Melissa asowksi – 5 years of service Thomas Desserres – 4 years of service Taylor Cordeiro – 1 year of service

Local Grants Awarded for Seekonk Representative Steven Howitt and the Seekonk Cultural Council have announced the award of fifteen grants totaling $7409 for cultural programs in Seekonk. A complete list of 2020 recipients and grant amounts can be found below.

Previous grant recipients include “Creating a Mosaic Mandala,” “Big Nazo Performance and Sculpture Workshop,” and “Walking the Graveyard! Touring Seekonk’s Cemeteries.”

The Seekonk Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities every year. The State legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

Decisions about which activities to support are made at the community level by a board of municipally appointed volunteers. The members of the Seekonk Cultural Council are: Deborah Baldizar, William Clark, Patti Dalton, Christine DeCesare, Alex Dunwoodie, Stuart Montgomery, Tim Tolman, and Wendy Wagner.

“In August 2019,” said Representative Steven Howitt (R - Seekonk) “I encouraged applications for this important cultural council resource - its grants. There were applications for exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies, performances in schools, workshops, lectures, and more. I am happy today to join with the Seekonk Cultural Council in congratulating the 2020 grant recipients. Their contributions enrich our community and we thank them for their creativity, talents, and efforts.”

Statewide, more than $3.3 million will be distributed by local cultural councils in 2019. Grants will support an enormous range of grass-roots activities: concerts, exhibitions, radio and video

March 2020 The Reporter 29 productions, field trips for schoolchildren, after-school youth programs, writing workshops, historical preservation efforts, lectures, First Night celebrations, nature and science education programs for families and town festivals. Nearly half of LCC funds support educational activities for young people.

The Seekonk Cultural Council will seek applications again in the fall. For guidelines and complete information contact Bill Clark at 508-761-6482, email: brotherb2@comcast.net. Applications and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program are available online at www.mass-culture.org. Applications are due October 15. We invite you to follow Seekonk Cultural Council on Facebook for event announcements. This year’s grants include: • MUSIC Dance.edu, From JA to Hip Hop • Philip Campbell, Music Series • John Root, A Celebration of Song • Attleboro Community Theatre, Lighting/Audio Equipment Performance Enhancement • Seekonk High School Drama Club, Seekonk High School Drama Club Microphone Purchase • Andrew Giles Buckley, Stephano: The True Story of Shakespeare’s Shipwreck • Angela Cunard, Butterfly Initiative • Attleboro Arts Museum, High Art 2020: DREAMSCAPES • David Maloof, Music + Education event • Dyer Maker Studio, “Dyeing to Wear it Again”: Creating Community • Ed the Wizard (Ed Cope), Alchemy Laboratory • Francis Hart, A Cultural and Historical Reflection of the 1960s • Gregory Maichack, Pastel Paint Your Georgia O’Keeffe Miracle Flowers • Jacqueline Glum, Tape Art • Joanna Rioux, Storycrafters • Keri Thivierge, Building Empathy through “Refugee” • Kira Seamon, Art in Bloom at the Seekonk Public Library • Mass Audubon’s Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary, Fascinating Frogs, Terrific Toads • Seekonk Cultural Council, SCC Celebrating the Arts in Seekonk

Seekonk Animal Shelter News

Thelma is a beautiful short haired, female tiger cat who is about 4 1/2 years old. This full figured gal is looking for a home where she can be the only child as she does not like other cats or dogs. She likes to be pet and play with her toys . We are still getting to know her but have found she is quiet, yet curious, such as when she relaxes on the copy machine in the office while observing all the shelter activities. But curiosity gets the best of her once the printer starts up as she peeks over the side to investigate what’s going on! Maybe we can teach her how to make the copies! She is up to date on vaccines, spayed and microchipped.

Get to know Thelma… stop by to visit her at the Seekonk Animal Shelter, 100 Peck Street. Questions? 1-508-336-6663

Profiling Local Businesses Who’s Who & What They Do

Thank You From RDL

Moving lawnmowers was hard work for a kid, but I did not care because I was alongside my Dad. My little hands were grease-stained just like his. More important than grease was the integrity I saw in my father and the business he poured his heart into. He would do just about anything for people. He offered a place to go that his customers trusted, and I saw it.

Thirty years later, it is my goal to carry those same values to RDL Equipment Sales & Service, 514 Winthrop Street/Route 44, Rehoboth. By expanding and rebranding of the family business five years ago, RDL has obtained the rights to carry commercialgrade lines such as WRIGHT, REDMA , LITTLE WONDER, ARIENS, MAKITA, BADBOY MOWERS, GREENWORKS COMMERCIAL, and GENERAC, along with the dependable lines we have always carried. I am honored that our customers from Rehoboth and it’s surrounding communities still value our up-front, honest, and reliable service. We are not only a place to trust for repairs, but a place to buy parts and equipment. We appreciate the people and businesses who recognize RDL as their go-to sales and service shop. As a result of our continuing expansion and our increased visibility throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, our customer base now includes residential, commercial, industrial and municipal parks and recreation departments. This is exciting and at the same time we found our shop too small to service the needs of our customers and staff.

We are thrilled to announce that we have purchased a new facility 2.2 miles down Route 44 at 514 Winthrop Street in Rehoboth. For the past 50 years, the building has been the home of a Yamaha/ Kawasaki/Sea-Doo motorsports dealership. This building will enable us to have a beautiful showroom, more storage, and repair space to better serve our customers. We opened on February 4 and will be having grand opening on Saturday, March 28, 2020, from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. with food and beverages.

As my two young daughters watch this transition and now even “work” alongside me in the shop, I am reminded of the legacy we are building that started with my Dad. A legacy not only about family, but about serving our community through our customers and through the upkeep of the areas like the Veteran’s Memorial (Redway Plain corner of Bay State Road and Route 44). A legacy about finding our strengths and abilities and helping others discover theirs. A legacy about learning and serving and growing.

From all of us at RDL, we humbly and graciously thank you for your continued support. We hope to provide you with the best equipment and customer service for many years to come! Gratefully, Ryan Leffort, RDL Equipment Sales & Service

Seekonk American Legion Post 311 St. Patrick’s Breakfast on Sunday, March 15th Come on down to the Seekonk American Legion for an all you can eat St. Patrick’s breakfast on Sunday, March 15th put on by the Sons of the American Legion. The $8.00 donation per person breakfast includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, toast, orange juice and coffee. Tickets are available in advance at the Legion and at the door. Serving from 8 am to 11 am. The Legion Post is located at 351 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA. For additional information please call 508-336-9822.

Spring Psychic Fair on Saturday, March 28th We will be holding our Spring Psychic Fair on Saturday, March 28th. Admission is free. 15 minute readings are $20.00 each. There will also be several Vendors. The hours are from 10 am to 4 pm. The Psychic Fair will be take place at the Seekonk American Legion Post located at 351 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA. Proceeds to benefit the American Legion Auxiliary programs for our Veterans, community and children. For more information please call 508-336- 9822 or send email to auxiliary311@yahoo.com.

Participating at this event are Dawn Lorraine – Medium and Intuitive Card Reader, Kristene Queen of Cups – Paranormal Psychic Medium/Crystal Ball/Psychometry Readings, Beverly Sylvia – Psychic and Spirit Medium, Annalise - Spiritual Medium, Debbie Matthews - Spiritual Psychic Medium/Crystal Reader, Karen Rando - Psychic Medium/Animal Communicator, Anita Wakim – Intuitive Reader and Healer using the unique OH card deck, Astrid – Akashic Records Reader, Georgette Biscari – Certificated Spirit/Psychic Medium over 30 years, Peg Holzemer – Tarot Reader, Sara Angley – Medium/Tarot Reader

Meat Raffles Start April 4th Meat Raffles start Saturday, April 4th and continue until May 16th. The raffles take place each Saturday at 2 pm. There are 3 tables of steaks, chicken, seafood, TV and other prizes. 50/50 raffle. Kitchen opens at noon. The Post is located at 351 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA. Call 508-336-9822 for information. Fish Fry on Friday, April 10th Eat in or take out. 4:30 to 8 pm. Fish Fry - $10.00 donation. White Chowder - $4.00 donation. 351 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA. 508-336-9822.

EP Lions Club Annual Pancake Breakfast April 5, 7:30-11:30 a.m. The East Providence Lions Club will hold its 20th Annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, April 5th, 2020 from 7:30 AM – 11:30 at the East Providence Senior Center, 610 Waterman Avenue, East Providence. The breakfast donation is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12. We will be hosting a craft fair at the same time & place. Please join us for an excellent breakfast to support East Providence Lions Club Charities. We are always looking for great people to increase our membership. Please feel free to ask any East Providence Lion at the Breakfast about membership opportunities. Hope to see you on April 5th.

Anawan Oakton Grange News We had no meetings in February due to vacations. The March 10th meeting will be fun and games with a penny sale for the Grange youth. The new directors for the Youth and Young Adults committee are Mary Jordan from Rutland and Theresa Kane from Marlboro. They are sponsoring the public speaking and sign a song

contests at the Grange extravaganza on March 22, 2PM at Boylston Town House. There is also a pumpkin based dessert contest, call 508-822-4946 for further information. Our March 24th meeting will feature a surprise presentation by Bob Roche. All are welcome to meetings at 7 PM at the Grange hall 243 Winthrop Street Rehoboth. Looking forward to spring; think gardens.

Rehoboth Garden Club Annual Meeting and Luncheon April 6, 11 a.m. The Rehoboth Garden Club members will have their 86th Annual Meeting and Luncheon at Crestwood Country Club on Monday, April 6, 2020 at 11:00 AM. This will include both the Annual Meeting and April business meeting. New officers will be installed. We look forward to announcing our spring and summer activities and hope that members of the community join us. Please look for our announcements monthly in The Reporter.

Seekonk Lions Clam Boils Return and Fishing Derby on the Horizon If you are a long time boiler or someone who wants to sow in luscious clams soaked in butter and savory spices, the Seekonk Lions Club next Clam Boil will be held at the Seekonk Rod & Gun Club 61 Reed St. Rehoboth Thursday March 26th at 7pm. It’s been a few long months and the winter weather could not have been better. Our first clam boil of the season starts with steamers cooked in hot spicy broth! We start off with Sausage, Hot Dogs, Chorizo, onions; potatoes. Then we add Italian bread and melted butter. Then Da Clams!!! And don’t forget about that Ice Cream sandwich to keep your palette clean!

Come down and be a part of the largest boils in the area! The Clam Boils are the Seekonk Lions major fundraising activity. The cost for a ticket to the clam boil is $30. Proceeds go towards funding community projects and Massachusetts Eye Research. Seating is limited and reservations are required. For ticket information please contact Bob Read at 401 965-2749 or David Pitassi at 401 474-1052. Tickets will go fast!

Other Lion news, the Lions held their last meeting February 10, 202 at the Grist Mill Restaurant. Attorney Edward Grouke of the Pawtucket firm Finan and Grouke, gave a brief presentation on legal issues to the members in attendance. After eating a menu tailored for the membership, “Ted” discussed the services he provides and answered questions on the minds of some of the Lion members. Most of the discussion dealt with Probate, Trusts and Estates, Estate Planning and Wills. Ted explained that your goals and needs drive what type of services are warranted. If you are looking for these and other skills including commercial litigation, trial practice, personal injury visit Ted at Finan and Grouke 24 Spring St, Pawtucket, RI 02860

Also on the horizon for the Seekonk Lions is the Eighth Annual Doug Allan Fishing Tournament. This year to be held on Patriots Day Monday, April 20, 2020 at the Old Grist Mill Pond RT 114A in Seekonk 9:00am till 11:00am. Open for all children through high school in the area. The Massachusetts Division of Wildlife will begin stocking the Old Grist Mill Pond with trout during the coming weeks. We would like to see all our fellow anglers back this year with some new eager fishing enthusiasts. George “the fishing guy” will be back running this annual event. Prizes for everyone, special guests and the best derby dinner and banquet in the area! No cost at all. If you are interested in participating or would like to donate to this great event, contact seekonkfishingtournament@yahoo. com and George will reply. More info coming in the April edition of the Reporter.

March 2020 The Reporter 31 Rehoboth Anawan Lions News Happy March!! Spring is close. Thank you to all who came to our Pancake Breakfast at the Legion in February; it was our pleasure to serve you. We will be cooking again on April 12, mark your calendars! We saw our Marion Manor Valentines, always a great time playing Bingo with them. We are in the process of electing our officers for the upcoming year; we are always looking for new members to join our hardworking group of wonderful ladies. If you enjoy volunteering your time for worthwhile causes, please consider joining us. As always, thank you for supporting us so we can support our communities. See you next month!

News from American Legion Post 302 • Hall Rentals Open to the Public • All you can Eat Breakfast, 2nd Sunday of Every Month (April & May 3rd Sunday / Mother’s Day & Easter) for Only $8.00! 7:30-10:30 AM. • Monthly Meat Raffles @ 7:00 PM • Metta’s Karaoke on the last Friday of the Month @ 8:00 PM • Bar & Lounge open to GUESTS Mon-Fri 3:00 PM to Close, Sat & Sun 12:00 PM to Close • Information on events: E-mail Jake at Speedyjake@aol.com or Facebook “American Legion Post 302” • Telephone 508-252-9079

Monthly Breakfast Rehoboth Anawan Lions Club & American Legion Post 302 Sunday March, 8th “NEW HOURS” 7:30-10:30 A.M. The Rehoboth Anawan Lions along with the Rehoboth American Legion Post 302 will now alternate each month giving the public a monthly breakfast at the American Legion on the “Second Sunday” of every month. Except for April and May due to Easter and Mother’s Day. April & May will be on the 3rd Sunday.

All You Can Eat Delicious, Affordable Breakfast Sunday. Wake up for a great country breakfast in Rehoboth. $8 per person suggested donation. Fresh Home Cooked Goodness: Scrambled Eggs – pancakes – Bacon – Sausage – SOS Home Fries – Fruit Cup – Juice – Coffee

Monday Night Pete’s Hi-Lo Jack League Starts April 20th for 10 Weeks & Ends June 22nd Mondays at 7:00 PM. Banquet on June 29th at iAlive. Contact Kathy @ 508-208-9748. Ten-week session held at American Legion Post 302. 84 Bay State Road “At the Cannon” Rehoboth, MA. Pete’s Hi-Lo Jack League Wednesdays, 7:00 PM • Contact: Beverly Michaud @ 508-761-5087 • Fifteen-week session held at American Legion Post 302

WEXLER'S Same Location for 40 Years 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

32 The Reporter March 2020 Corned Beef & Cabbage Saturday March 14th, 3-6 p.m. • Carrots, Potato, Onions & Rolls • $13.00 per person / suggested donation • Tickets Only – No Walk-Ins • DEADLINE DATE FOR TICKETS IS MARCH 7th!!

Monthly Meat Raffle and Metta’s Karaoke Friday, March 27th, 7:00 P.M. • Buy chances to win great meat and seafood • Door Prizes to bring home • Kim’s Kitchen Opens at 6 P.M. • Metta’s Karaoke to Follow after the Meat Raffle at 8 p.m.

TRI-STAR AUTO BODY, INC. Towing Foreign & Domestic Free Estimates MA RS. # 1367 We handle all insurance claims Complete auto collision repair GO GR EEN WATER BASED PAINT

Serving our community for 35 years

1849 Fall River Ave. (Rt 6), Seekonk, MA • 508-336-6475

Rhythm 44 Rock ‘N’ Roll Friday, April 3 American Legion Post 302. 84 Bay State Road. “At the Cannon” 8:00 – 11:00 PM. $5 Donation. Cash Bar.

Gary Lait Cummings & Soulmates Blues Band Sunday, May 3rd 3-6 p.m. • Live Music and Dancing • Open to the Public • $5 per person suggested donation

Memorial Day Parade May 25th I would like to thank you all who participated in last year’s Rehoboth Memorial Day Parade. The “Rehoboth” Memorial Day Parade will now be conducted “annually”. If you haven’t participated in the past, the Veterans Office would love to have you in our Memorial Day Parade this May 25th 2020. Please call 508-252-4467 or e-mail Jake at veterans@town.rehoboth.ma.us

The Parade will start at 10:30 AM near the C.O.A. & American Legion on Bay State Road, travel through the village and end up at the Veterans’ Memorial Gazebo, Redway Plain. This year, you’ll see 68 new 3’x 5’ American Flags on the utility poles along the entire parade route from early May through late July. The Memorial Day Ceremony will commence at around 11:15 AM followed by dedication for all of our Fallen Comrades who’ve given the ultimate sacrifice and for those who have fallen since last Memorial Day with a ceremony ending at noon with the lowering and raising of the American Flag.

Rehoboth Lions Club News • March 12th – Pub Crawl – Contact Pres. Don or 2ndVP Henry • March 18th – at 7:00 PM - A Board Meeting @ 41 Elm Street Visit www.AubinCorp.com for More Listings & Details lots available on cameron way REHOBOTH: 54 Cameron Way: Luxury 3.2 acre home site just minutes from Route 6 and I-195. If you are looking for quiet and tranquil look no further! Approved septic design. $245,000 REHOBOTH: 115 Cameron Way: It’s time to build your dream home! This beautiful parcel has been fully cleared, stumped and has a well and septic design. The property sits above the street and has pond views in the rear. This community is built with underground electric, sidewalks for walking and restrictive covenants to preserve the pure beauty of the area. The owners have designed a one-level home they would be proud to share. $298,000 www.AubinCorp.com • 508-336-4000 x 14 Diane Aubin, Principal Broker • 401-524-5877 daubin@aubincorp.com Kelly Hathaway • 774-229-6832 Specializing in RI & MA Commercial & Residential Real Estate EAST PROVIDENCE: 1 Dexter Rd. 7,000SF Industrial Warehouse 2-OHD for lease • March 25th – Regular Meeting at Reh. Cong. Church in the Village. Ray Medeiros and Mike Sullivan will be offering the members a Portuguese Dinner • April 1st - second Spring Clam Boil @ Seekonk Gun Club @ 7:00 PM • The April meetings are board meeting 4/15 with the regular meeting 4/29 ( the 5th Wednesday) @ Village Church • May 6th – Third Spring Clam Boil = All at 7:00 PM @ $30 Each @ Gun Club • May 20TH Is Citizens’ Recognition Night – Watch For Nomination Forms In All Public Buildings, “Today’ and The Next Reporter • May meetings are 5/13 board meeting and 5/27 (also the 5th Wednesday) regular meeting @ Parks Oriental. • June 3 IS The 4TH Spring Clam Boil – then you wait until Sept. for another Clam Treat by the Lions • June 7th – Our Lions Annual “Chet Munroe” Drive Up Sunday Chix BBQ @ The Legion • June 10th is the board meeting and June 24th is the installation meeting date.

Please Note: Our Regular meetings are now once per month! Regular Board Meetings are usually on the 3rd Wed. and Reg. Mtgs. on the 4th Wed. The Rehoboth Lions Are always Happy To Have New Members To Help Us Serve Lions Charities, Eye Research And The Rehoboth Community! “Just ask your guy friends to join us”. Visit our website www.tristarautobodyma.com Robert Coelho Jr. - Owner • tristarab3@comcast.net