October 2024 Seekonk Reporter

NEW ENGLAND TIRE

• Check Tire Wear

• Check Tire Air Pressure

• Vehicle DNA Check: Check Tires, Brakes and Brake Fluid Condition, Belts, Hoses, Transmission Fluid, Power Steering Fluid, Anti-Freeze, Wipers, Battery, Filters.

PLEASE CALL FOR APPOINTMENT

Must present coupon to get this

• Lube, Oil Change & New Filter (up to 5 quarts of a major brand oil)

• Top Off Coolant & Other Fluids Under the Hood

• Complete Tire Rotation*

• Check Tread Depth on All Four Tires

• Adjust Tire Pressure to Manufacturer's Specs

• Evaluate Brake Condition

• Inspect Battery Terminals & Connections

• Examine All Belts & Hoses

Includes:

Lube, where applicable

New oil filter installed

• Up to 5 quarts major brand oil

• Special oils & filter types will result in extra charges

• Most U.S. & Import cars

• Regular price

Mammograms Matter

Rehoboth Town News

From the Rehoboth Town Clerk

Hello All ~ I hope you are enjoying the beautiful Fall weather in Rehoboth! Speaking of the Fall, I would like to remind all town residents that Town Offices will be closed on Monday, October 14th for Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Also, on Friday, November 1st, quarterly real estate taxes are due. Final reminder, In-Person Early Voting begins Saturday, October 19th and runs through Friday, November 1st (No Sunday voting hours). More on the 11-5-2024 State and Presidential Election voting below. Thank you.

Monday – September 30, 2024 Special Town Meeting

Thank you Rehoboth Reporter for allowing me to submit my article a little later to include the results of the Monday, September 30, 2024 Special Town Meeting. Below is a summary of the Articles as voted at Town Meeting.

Francis Farm Community Complex – Francis Hall/COA-Senior Center 7:00 PM ~ 7:51 PM (To refer to the 9-30-2024 STM Warrant, please go to: https://www.rehobothma.gov/ sites/g/files/vyhlif4911/f/uploads/warrant_final_copy_for_print_8-28-2024.pdf ) or to view the meeting: https://www.rehobothtv.org/show/special-town-meeting-09-30-2024/ SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: Town Meeting-Convened 7:00p.m.

• Acceptance of Water Commission Report: Voted unanimously to accept the Water Commission Report as presented.

• Article #1 Funding Collective Bargaining Agreement-Dispatchers: Voted unanimously to transfer from Free Cash $40,246.69

• Article #2 Funding Collective Bargaining Agreement-Police Department Patrolmen’s Association Local #209 and Superior Officer’s Association Local #208: Voted unanimously to transfer from Free Cash $155,284.56

• Article #3 Funding FY25 Budget Wage Line: Voted unanimously to transfer from Free Cash $714.40

• Article #4 Authorization to Pay Bills of a Prior Year: Voted, as amended up to $17,802.93 requiring a 9/10th* vote; received, as per the voting clickers

• Meridia Electronic EZ-Vote 5 Keypad Count: *9/10ths Vote Received-YES = 58 NO = 1 TOTAL = 59

• Article #5 Board of Health-Transfer Station Offset Receipts: Voted by majority vote to amend Article 3 from the 2024 Annual Town Meeting “offset receipts” for the Solid Waste Handing Facility and Recycling Area and its operation from $152,400.00 to $147,801.00

• Article #6 Amendment to Source of Funding for CPC Approved Purchase for an All-Age Playground from June 4, 2024 Annual Town Meeting-Article 21: Approved unanimously to amend Article 21 from the 2024 Annual Town Meeting to correct the source of funds from the Recreational Funds to Undesignated Reserve Funds.

• Article #7 Street Acceptances: Hybrid Drive and Clubhouse Way: Voted by 2/3rds* vote to accept as Town public ways Hybrid Drive and Clubhouse Way as described in the warrant and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept or take by eminent domain deeds or easements to use such public way for all purposes for which public ways are used in the Town of Rehoboth and further to accept, acquire or take by eminent domain any related drainage, utility and other related easements, as may be necessary. Further, to authorize the transfer from Free Cash of $1,500 to pay for title and other expenses that may arise. Meridia Electronic EZ-Vote 5 Keypad Count: *2/3rds Vote Received - YES = 45 NO = 3 TOTAL = 48

• Article #8 General Bylaws – Adopt Revisions to the General Bylaws: Voted by 2/3rds*, as amended, to adopt the changes as written in the Warrant on the General Bylaws as set forth in the Final Draft of the Code of the Town of Rehoboth, dated April 2024, on file with the Town Clerk. Amendment was correcting a typo “ised” (page 8 of warrant) typo in preparing the warrant; should be “is deleted” and (page 10 of warrant) Section 7-16B(2) is amended as indicated: Amended to add “Rehabilitation & Restoration” in two places to match MGL c44B - The Community Preservation Committee shall make recom-

Rehoboth: “44” Join us for a night of bone-chilling horror, and to help raise money for the Rehoboth Senior Center. See details on page 54.

Scarecrows at the Library...see pg 39 for more info.

Laura Schwall

FLOORS

mendations to the Town Meeting for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open space; for the acquisition, and preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources; for the acquisition, creation, and preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of land for recreational use; Meridia Electronic EZ-Vote 5 Keypad Count: *2/3rds Vote Received-General Bylaw Amendments- YES = 75 NO = 6 TOTAL = 81

• Article #9 Rehoboth Zoning Bylaw Amendment to Adopt Revisions to the Zoning Bylaws: Voted by 2/3rds*, as amended, to adopt the changes as written in the Warrant on the Zoning Bylaws as set forth in the Final Draft of the Code of the Town of Rehoboth, dated April 2024, on file with the Town Clerk. Planning Board also approved at a 9-18-24 Public Hearing and informed Town Meeting on 9-30-2024 of the Planning Board’s approval. Amendment was Section 270-2.0 – “Family Day Care Home” to amend the following sentence by removing the word “six” and replacing with “the number of children permitted under the Commonwealth licensure” so the amended sentence reads: The total number of children under 16 in a family child-care home shall not exceed the number of children permitted under the Commonwealth licensure including participating children living in the residence. Meridia Electronic EZ-Vote 5 Keypad Count: *2/3rds Vote Received-Zoning Bylaw Amendments- YES = 78 NO = 6 TOTAL = 84

• Article #10 Transact Other Business – Adjournment: Voted unanimously to dissolve the September 30 2024 Special Town Meeting at 7:51 PM. A total of 90 voters were present.

Thank you all who were involved in the Codification Process and thank you Rehoboth voters for approving the renumbering and reordering of the bylaws at the June Annual Town Meeting and the grammatical, statute and outdated bylaw changes made at the September Special Town Meeting. If you ever tried to find something in our current bylaws, it is very difficult unless you know the exact terms and use a “search.” Now Rehoboth residents can use our bylaws in a comprehensive, up-to-date and understandable format 24/7. Rehoboth staff can gather the information they need to answer questions from both citizens and town officials more easily. All this will improve transparency within our community while accurately reflecting our existing laws in an understandable format. The newly codified bylaws, soon to be approved by the Attorney General’s Office (within 90-days), will serve as a wonderful tool we all can use to make “Town Government” more accessible and transparent for all residents and voters! Thank you all for making the codification of our bylaws possible!! As soon as the Attorney General’s Office approves the 9-30-2024 bylaw changes, we will post the new e360 Codified Bylaws on the Town Website for all to view. We hope to hear from the AG’s office sometime in December. I will keep you posted. Thank you!

Upcoming 11-5-2024 State & Presidential Election Information

In-Person Early Voting Begins – Saturday, October 19, 2024 and ends Friday, November 1, 2024

Rehoboth’s Designated In-Person Early Voting Location

Francis Farm Community Complex – Museum Building 27 Francis Farm Road, Rehoboth, MA 02769

Last Day to Register to Vote for the 11-5-2024 State & Presidential Election: Saturday, October 26, 2024 – 9AM-5PM

Vote-By-Mail and Absentee Voting

Deadlines to Apply for an Absentee or Early Vote by Mail Ballot

Applications for ballots to be mailed to a voter must be received by the Town Clerk by 5PM on the 5th business day before an election (October 29th @ 5:00 PM). We recommend applying earlier than the deadline as the US Postal delivery services are not consistent and can range from 3 to 11 days.

Deadlines for Ballots to be Returned and Counted:

Presidential & State Election (November 5, 2024):

• Ballots returned in the secure ballot drop box (340 Anawan Street) must be received by 8PM on November 5th

• Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by November 5th AND received by the Town Clerk by 5PM on November 8th

Please note that US Postal delivery services, outside of Rehoboth, are not consistent and can range from 3 to 11 days. We recommend voters return their ballots in the drop box outside of the town offices by the close of polls on Election Day to ensure it is counted. Track your Mailed Ballot - You can track your mailed ballot request at: (https://www. sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA/TrackMyBallot ) to see if the Town Clerk’s Office has received and processed your application. You are able to see when a ballot was sent to you and when the returned ballot has been recorded as received in the Office of the Town Clerk. NOTE: If voting by mail please remember to enclose your ballot in the inner brown envelope and SIGN the front of the brown envelope. By law we cannot accept your ballot unless you process, SIGN, and return your voted ballot as specified in the instructions that accompany your mailed ballot. Thank you all for voting!

In-Person Election Day Voting

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 – 7AM-8PM

Francis Farm Museum Building – 27 Francis Farm Rd

If you prefer to vote In-Person on Election Day, please join us at the Francis Farm Community Complex – Museum Building (27 Francis Farm Road) – polls open at 7:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM. Sample Ballots are available at: https://www.rehobothma.gov/sites/g/ files/vyhlif4911/f/uploads/11-5-2024-sampleballot-rehoboth.pdf If you would like a detailed explanation of the questions on the 11-5-2024 Ballot, please view at: https://www.sec.state. ma.us/divisions/elections/download/research-and-statistics/IFV_2024.pdf .

Whether you vote In-Person Early, Vote-by-Mail, Absentee or In-Person on Election Day, please vote your preference and have a voice in the future of our country. As Franklin D. Roosevelt is quoted, “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” Please vote and have your voice heard.

2024 Dog License Update

To date we have registered 1,958 dogs, which is unfortunately 57 dogs less than last year. The Animal Control Officer is finishing up his phone calls to delinquent dog owners before we will be required to send out the 2024 $25.00 non-criminal citations. Currently we have 377 dogs that are unlicensed. Please renew your dog’s license before we are required to send out the citations. After several reminders from our office to dog owners (January Census mailer; reminder letters in March prior to the annual rabies clinic and April 1st license renewal deadline; postcard reminders in May; monthly reminders in the Rehoboth Reporter

Continued on next page...

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since January, a 60-day grace period, and reminder phone calls from our Animal Control Officer in August-September), regrettably, for those dog owners who are still delinquent, in October they will be assessed another $25 non-criminal citations plus certified mailing costs to their $10/$20 dog license plus another $15 late fee. A $10 dog license renewal is now $58.95. For those dog owners who have not renewed their dog’s 2024 license, please renew as soon as possible to avoid further action involving the Animal Control Officer. The State authorizes all Animal Control Officers to fine delinquent dog owners $50/day until they renew their dog’s yearly licenses; please do not let that happen to you, pay today. If you are over 70 years old, registration fees are waived; however, you still must keep your dog’s rabies vaccinations current and register your dog every year.

Please renew your dog’s license now. You may pay by mail, at Town Clerk’s Office, or online @ https://permiteyes.us/rehoboth/ publichome.php . We also have the drop box outside of the Town Hall (340 Anawan Street-Route 118) for after-hours drop-offs or stop by to see us during regular work hours (Monday-Thursday 8-4; Friday 8-12 Noon).

If you no longer have your dog, please call 508-252-6502 Ext. 3109 or Ext. 3112 or you may email TownClerk@RehobothMA.gov to update our records. Please license your dog as soon as possible to avoid further action involving the Animal Control Officer. Yearly dog licensing ensures all dogs in Rehoboth have updated rabies vaccinations. This process is in place to protect us all.

Marriage Intentions/Marriage Certificates

October is one of our busiest months for Marriage Intentions/ Certificates in Rehoboth. Therefore, as a quick reminder of the process. Both parties must come to Town Hall and complete a three-part packet (Marriage Intention, Marriage Supplement, and Marriage Worksheet). Please look for the fillable PDFs and instructions included on the Town Clerk’s website: https://www. rehobothma.gov/town-clerk/pages/marriage-licenses . Please do not sign the documents until we can witness your signature in person. We will also be making a photocopy of your driver’s license. We ask, if possible, please make an appointment prior to coming to Town Hall (508-252-6502 – X3109 or X3112). The parties must provide their social security number and mother’s maiden name. Upon completion of the documents, there is a “State required” 3-day waiting period before the couple may pick up their marriage license. The marriage intention/license is good for 60-days. If you are not married within that timeframe, you must complete the process again. The charge is $20 for the Marriage Intention and $10 for the Marriage Certificate. Note: If you are using an officiant from another state (Rhode Island for example), your officiant must obtain a one-day solemnization certificate from the Secretary of State’s office prior to your wedding day. The application can be found on the Secretary of State’s website: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OneDayWeb/External/Welcome. aspx , the Rehoboth Town Clerk’s website https://www.rehobothma. gov/town-clerk/pages/marriage-licenses, or we have copies at Town Hall.

In closing, please stay healthy and safe and have a wonderful October. We look forward to seeing you at In-Person Early Voting between October 19th-November 1st. Jenn, Kerrie and I wish you all a safe and healthy Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Halloween! We wish you all a wonderful October. I look forward to chatting with you in November. Please stay healthy and safe.

Sincerely, Laura

Rehoboth Park Commission

The Rehoboth Park Commission would like to first thank the Rehoboth Reporter for supporting the Rehoboth Park Commission with our 2024 Music Festival Flyers in the Rehoboth/Seekonk Reporter for our 2024 Music Festival.

The Rehoboth Park Commission would also like to thank Propane Plus for their generosity and support of the 2024 Music Festival along with all the other sponsors and supporters which made the 2024 Music Festival the best year ever.

Lots of Fun at the Rehoboth Land Trust Puzzle-A-Thon

We’re All A Piece of the Land Conservation Puzzle! Thank you to everyone who joined the Rehoboth Land Trust for our first Puzzle-A-Thon fundraiser! Thirteen teams were each given their own copy of the same 300-piece puzzle, and raced to complete as much as they could in one hour. Friends and family came to cheer them on, enjoy tasty homemade treats, and listen to the fabulous live music provided by Woody & the Westside Warblers.

Congratulations to team Prickly Pair, for finishing the puzzle first! These two focused and experienced puzzlers prepared for the event by practicing with their own puzzles. Congratulations also to team All Puzzled Up, which won the prize for the most number of sponsors with a whopping 19 sponsors!

Thanks to the generosity of everyone who donated to support the teams, the Rehoboth Land Trust raised more than $3,000! This money will be used to fund land preservation right here in town, as well as help to maintain the more than 700 acres that Rehoboth Land Trust currently protects.

The custom-made puzzle featured images of animals and plants that can be found in Rehoboth, along with the phrase that encapsulates the event’s theme: “We’re all a piece of the land conservation puzzle!” All of the photographs were taken by Rehoboth residents.

To learn more about Rehoboth Land Trust and our mission to protect the natural resources and character of Rehoboth, visit www. rehobothlandtrust.org.

What a great summer of music at the Gazebo!

Holiday Gifts

The Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving

The Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Inc. is a local public charity whose mission is to serve Rehoboth residents by providing Christmas gifts, holiday support, and special occasion needs to our Rehoboth children and their families who are facing challenging times in their lives. For those in need of assistance with Holiday gifts, we have forms available on our website www.rehobothblizzardofgiving. org. These request forms should be returned by November 13th. We cannot accept mailed lists that are not on the forms found on our website. If you have questions, please contact us by email: rehobothblizzard@gmail.com or phone Colleen McBride at (508) 966-8122. All personal information will be kept confidential. We hope we can help make your Rehoboth’s family’s holiday season brighter!

If you would like to donate this holiday season, there are a few ways! As in past years, there will be gift request “snowflake” boards located around town, as well as gift collection boxes. Select a “snowflake” at one of our locations and shop for the requested gift or donate a new/unwrapped toy. All gifts should be returned by Dec 10th.

Our “snowflakes” (gift requests) boards and boxes will be placed November 22nd at the following locations: Anawan Cleansers, Rehoboth Post Office, Blanding Library, and Chartley Store. Additional collection boxes will be located at: Vino’s Restaurant, J&J Materials, & RDL Equipment

Another way to provide support is by providing gift cards and tax-deductible monetary donations. Checks should be made out to “Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Inc.” and mailed to Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Attn: Cathy Edington, 61 Reservoir Ave., Rehoboth, MA 02769. If you would like to adopt a child or family, please contact us. Email: rehobothblizzard@gmail.com or phone Colleen McBride at 508 966-8122. Please check our website www.rehobothblizzardofgiving.org for further information on adopting children/families, “snowflake” board locations, and gift collection box locations. We thank everyone for their support and generosity in making this project so successful!

As always, we are grateful for our wonderful Rehoboth community helpers! Your thoughtfulness allows us to continue to serve our Rehoboth families with children in need. As always, we welcome your participation and support of our mission.

God bless, Colleen McBride, Cathy Edington, & Cheryl Santos

Blizzard of Giving, Inc. (501-c3 nonprofit)

PS. We continue to provide birthday support throughout the year! Birthday forms are also available on our website.

Rehoboth Village Cemetery Association Annual Meeting

Rehoboth Village Cemetery Association will hold their annual meeting on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Rehoboth Congregational Church, 139 Bay State Road, Rehoboth MA

Smith Insurance Group

Rehoboth Animal Shelter News

There are a number of cats and kittens at the Rehoboth Animal Shelter, some of whom should become available during October. There is also a young dog named Nick, a Portuguese Podengo about a year old. Nick has been neutered and vaccinated and practicing his leash manners.

For more information about Nick or other animals, or to report a lost or found pet, please call the shelter at 508-2525421 ext. 126, and leave a message.

Dooner

Revive

News from the Rehoboth Food Pantry

Happy October, Rehoboth!

The leaves are already changing (and falling) and we’ve had a few chilly nights. This is a reminder that the Pantry also provides confidential heating assistance. Call us at 508-493-1922 to discuss how we can help.

A Special Thanks to the Following Incredibly Generous Rehobothians!

• Horton Estate Social Committee for their Birthday celebration

• Community Covenant Church for sending a troop of volunteers to the Pantry

• Rehoboth Congregational Church for the back to school backpacks

• New Pantry Volunteer Robing Fielding Rex and her food drive

• Rehoboth Town Events for a food collection at the Annual Clambake

• Vincent De Paul from Our Lady of Mount Carmel for their food donations

• The wonderful folks at the Reporter that help us get to message out to fellow residents! Thanks Reporter Team!

• Last, but certainly not least, a very special thanks to Kalila Dance of Rehoboth! For a second year, the Dance Group has done a fundraiser to help the Pantry with both food and financial assistance. Thank you Cheryl Sulyma-Masson and the rest of your talented dancers for your fundraisers that support the

Nick

pantry, as well as other Rehoboth charities throughout the year!

Some reminders:

Every Thursday, between 2:30 and 4:30 the pantry opens its doors (located in the rear of the building) to help provide food and other necessities to residents in need.

If you have trouble getting to the pantry, please call us at 508493-1922 so we can arrange a delivery of groceries for you.

The Pantry continues to meet the needs of fellow Rehoboth residents who are facing food insecurity - and it is all because of YOU! Your generous donations (monetary, food items, and time) are critical in enabling the pantry to help our neighbors! We are so very thankful to the businesses and residents for all you provide!

For food donations, our generous friends have provided a number of convenient drop off locations to donate:

• Anawan Pharmacy - 224 Winthrop St. Rehoboth

• Blanding Library – Bay State Rd. Rehoboth

• Land-Tek – 477 Winthrop St. Rehoboth

• Loraine’s Stitch ‘n’ Crafts – 235 Winthrop St. Rehoboth

• Munroe Feed & Supply – 200 Fairview Ave. Rehoboth

• Harvest Tap and Table – 2685 Grand Army of the Republic Hwy, Swansea, MA 02777

Monetary donations can be made directly on our website https:// rehobothfoodpantryma.org/, via PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/ donate/?hosted_button_id=DR4FU8URSBZU4 or can be mailed to:

The Rehoboth Food Pantry 51 Winthrop Street Rehoboth, MA 02769

October 26, 2024 10am-2pm

The Rehoboth Police Department will be taking part in the Drug Enforcement Agency’s 27th National Take Back Initiative. This event will take place on October 26th, 2024. Since 2010, this initiative has resulted in over 1.7 million pounds of pharmaceutical waste collected over twenty-five drug take back events in New England. The collected medications will be disposed at several incineration facilities located throughout New England that will convert the pharmaceutical waste into clean renewable energy to be utilized by local communities. Since 2019 the Rehoboth Police Department has collected 615 pounds of pharmaceutical waste.

The DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. DEA will continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges at its drop off locations provided lithium batteries are removed.

Helping people dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way DEA is working to reduce addiction and stem overdose deaths.

Learn more about the event and find a local collection site at www.deatakeback.com, or by calling 800-882-9539.

Sanders Endorses Joe Pacheco in State Senate Race

Taunton – In what both men call a critical election, former Democratic opponents Barry Sanders and Joe Pacheco are now unified heading into November’s election with Sanders offering his support to Pacheco.

“For me, it’s important who sits in that seat,” said Sanders. “I want to know that the person is going to be accessible, transparent, and passionate about access to behavioral health services, hold corporations like Steward accountable and represents the interests of working families throughout the District and the Commonwealth. For me there’s only one candidate in the race who checks all those boxes, and that candidate is Joe Pacheco.”

“Barry Sanders has a proven track record of advocating for those who need a voice both as a social worker and as a Taunton City Councilor,” said Pacheco. “I’m truly honored to receive his support.”

Dr. Lisa Daft

Dr. Gian Calandrelli

Dr. Lisa Daft and Dr. Jared Stubbs

announce Dr. Chris Vanderpool has joined

Sanders and Pacheco had faced off in the September 3 Democratic Primary with Pacheco advancing to the November 5 General Election. The district covers 10 communities including the greater-Taunton area.

Rehoboth Selectmen Hope to Acquire an Ambulance

By Joe Siegel

The Board of Selectmen is hoping to use ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to purchase a new ambulance.

Selectmen Chair Skip Vadnais said if the purchase is approved, a new ambulance would benefit the Rehoboth Ambulance Committee, which is currently negotiating a new contract with the town.

“That would be a big boost to them or any other vendor that we’re able to come up with,” Vadnais said Thursday. “Every five years (Rehoboth Ambulance) has to purchase a new ambulance. If we can get one with ARPA money, that might greatly change their financial picture at least for the short run.”

Vadnais noted this does not mean the Town of Rehoboth will be manning the ambulance. It will be used for whatever vendor the town contracts with to provide service. The other vendor which submitted an RFI (request for information) is Stat Ambulance of New Bedford.

The town provides housing for the ambulances, which is a huge help financially. But Fischman explained the committee still has to pay for the vehicles, vehicle maintenance, fuel costs, and the salaries of the staff.

Vadnais said the ambulance purchase is pending. He remains optimistic an agreement will be reached with Rehoboth Ambulance.

Rehoboth Hires New Town Accountant

By Joe Siegel

The Rehoboth Board of Selectmen voted to hire Gene Ferrari as the new Town Accountant. “I feel very strongly that (Ferrari) can do a good job here,” said Selectman George Solas.

Ferrari was recommended for the position by Director of Finance Sue Pimental, who noted Ferrari has more than 20 years of municipal accounting experience along with private sector accounting. “We have some gaps in our accounting department,” Pimental said. “Gene will come in and hit the ground running. He’s very familiar with town meeting, that type of government, he’s familiar with Board of Selectmen and all the duties that come with being a Town Accountant.”

“I may not know everything, I know a little about a lot,” Ferrari said. “But I know who to call and find out the answer for you.”

Ferrari was employed as the town accountant for Athol after his previous employer, Compaq Computers, was bought out by HewlettPackard in December 2002. Ferrari has worked in several different venues including banking, insurance, retail, high-tech transportation and municipal services. He holds an MBA in management and a bachelor of science in finance, both received at Nichols College.

Selectmen Praise Green Energy Funds

By Joe Siegel

The Rehoboth Board of Selectmen gave praise to the Green Energy Committee for their efforts to improve the energy efficiency of town buildings. Chair Carolyn Panofsky told the board Monday the committee has raised a total of $670,000.

The committee recently won a $225,000 grant which includes money for a heat pump system and weatherization for the Animal Shelter as well as a heat pump system and weatherization for the annex.

$120,000 will be used for the weatherization of the Fire Department headquarters on Anawan Street. Panofsky noted that will result in savings on energy costs for the building. Another $22,000 will be needed to fund that expenditure to completion.

Panofsky said she was “grateful” for all the grants the state has provided.

Selectman Lenny Mills said Panofsky has been “instrumental about getting these systems upgraded with all new modern efficient clean energy (devices) to operate. For that, I am truly grateful. I think the (residents) should know that.”

The Green Communities Division provides funding opportunities to reduce municipal energy use and costs by way of clean energy projects in municipal buildings, facilities, and schools; guidance, technical assistance, and local support from Regional Coordinators. In addition, the Division provides education on the benefits of clean, affordable, resilient energy, and renewable energy projects.

For information about Green Energy, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/greencommunities-grants.

SEEKONK DENTAL

SAVE THE DATES...

From the Rehoboth Events Committee

Calling all ghosts, goblins, and ghoulish decorators! It’s time to unleash your Halloween spirit in our Annual Halloween Decorating Contest! Whether you’re a hauntingly creative spirit or just looking to enjoy the eerie sights, we want you to join the fun!

How to Participate: Create a profile in the FrightMap app under the town’s contest section to qualify for the top prize. Get ready to *scare* up some creativity and make your home the spookiest on the block!

Just Here to Judge? No problem! Display seekers can log in to the FrightMap app and check out all the participating homes. It’s a fang-tastic way to enjoy the season!

Event Dates: This chilling contest runs from **October 1st through Halloween night**. Don’t miss your chance to see the most boo-tiful displays in town!

For more spine-tingling details, email us at rehobothtownevents@gmail.com or visit our town website.

Additionally, we are hosting a Rehoboth Restaurant Week January 5th - 11th that we would love to start spreading the word about.

Mills Concerned About Rehoboth Trash

By Joe Siegel

Rehoboth Selectman Lenny Mills expressed concern about what’s being dumped on town roadways. “Mattresses, box springs, trash, tires, things like that,” Mills said at the September 16 meeting. “If you see its being done, please don’t approach the people. Please don’t try to confront them. Try to get a license plate (number), report it. Something like that would be a lot safer. It is becoming more and more problematic, the trash on the side of the road.”

Mills said the Highway Superintendent would approach homeowners living on major roadways and ask them to remove trash from the road unless it was dumped there from other people. “It’s no different than leaving a vehicle there or a dumpster in the right of way, or putting water onto the roadway and the right of way,” Mills added. “You can’t do that. It’s against the law. It’s (the Board of Selectmen’s) responsibility 100 percent to protect that right of way, not just the paved area, the entire right of way.”

Rehoboth Group Warns About Impact of Multifamily Housing

By Joe Siegel

A group called Rehoboth Against MBTA Law has started a petition in an effort to stop multifamily housing developments from being built in town.

The MBTA Communities Act requires 177 cities and towns in Eastern Massachu-

setts — designated as rapid transit, commuter rail, adjacent, and adjacent small town communities — to rezone near T stops to allow for multi-family housing as of right. “As of right” means multi-family housing would be allowed to go up in the rezoned areas without special permits or other discretionary processes.

MBTA requires Rehoboth to provide 250 units “in an appropriate area,” according to Jay Talerman, the town’s legal counsel. Talerman explained there was no requirement for affordable housing in the MBTA law.

The petition, which has already gathered 392 signatures, reads in part:

• The MBTA Communities Law poses an imminent threat to our town and what it represents. The law requires 177 Massachusetts municipalities to create zoning that expands housing units in dense areas. It’s meant to change rules so developers are more likely to create multi-family housing across the state.

• In terms of Rehoboth, by nature of being adjacent to a city that receives MBTA funding (Attleboro, Taunton), we are drawn into the requirements of the law. In conducting a land survey as part of the law, Rehoboth has been deemed to have enough developable land to build at least 231 multi-family units. We must also designate at least one “zoning district” within the town of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted “as of right” (means development that may proceed under a zoning ordinance or by-law without the need for a special permit, variance, zoning amendment, waiver, or other discretionary zoning approval) and meets other criteria set forth in the statute, including minimum gross density of 15 housing units per acre. Housing must not discriminate upon age, family size, or impose other restrictions typically found in zoning laws. The point is to change zoning laws to incentivize densely built multi-family units to increase inventory and allow more affordable housing.

The Town of Rehoboth has until 12/31/2025 to submit an authentication of compliance via details of zoning law changes. The town, without authorization or public comment, has submitted a preliminary action plan to be in compliance with the law. The final steps, per the town’s action plan, are to determine an area for development, currently suggested as Spring Street, and finalize zoning changes in accordance with the law.

Rehoboth residents voiced their concerns on the state’s MBTA law at the July 24 Planning Board meeting.

Selectman Lenny Mills, also a Planning Board member, tried to reassure residents that the town will not be undergoing radical changes. “We have to make a zone area, only a zoning area,” Mills said. “It doesn’t apply to conservation, it doesn’t apply to wildlife habitats, stuff like that. It’s only a zone change.”

Speeding Still a Problem in Rehoboth

By Joe Siegel

Drivers exceeding the speed limits on Rehoboth roads is still a “systemic” problem, according to Selectman Lenny Mills. “It’s not site specific or street area, north or south or Route 44, it’s a real challenge for us,” Mills said Monday. Mills encouraged residents to reach out to the Rehoboth Police Department with their concerns.

According to statistics provided by the Police Department, the roads with the most reported number of car crashes from September 16, 2023 through September 16, 2024 were Winthrop Street with 80, Tremont Street with 24, Anawan Street with 22, Fall River Avenue with 15, and Moulton Street with 15.

The Police are monitoring various areas in town to catch speeders. “Please try to slow down,” Mills said, noting a new state law requires motorists to stay at least four feet away from bicyclists, horses, or pedestrians in the road.

Dighton-Rehoboth to Hold Green and Gold Night

Thursday, October 17 from 6 to 8 pm

By Joe Siegel

The annual Green & Gold Night Open House will be held at Dighton Rehoboth Regional High School on Thursday, October 17 from 6 to 8 pm.

Superintendent Bill Runey is encouraging both 7th and 8th graders and their families to attend. Community members and staff are also welcomed. Guests will be welcomed at the Superintendent’s Entrance (across from Tennis Courts) beginning at 5:30. Opening remarks will be held in the Auditorium at 6:00pm.

“Because we have so many wonderful academic programs, CTE offerings, sports, arts, clubs, and activities to see, we recommend spending at least an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and a half,” Runey said. “Many of our guests will stay the entire night.”

Casual dress is acceptable.

Runey said guests will see several points of interest, including: AP Course informational sessions, Performing Arts, Music, Visual Arts, Core Academic Departments, Sports, 7 Career and Technical Education (CTE) shops, World Languages, and more. In addition, future Falcons will interact with current students to learn about student life, including opportunities for international travel, school and district leadership, student government, clubs and activities, peer leaders, and athletics.

CTE instructors and students will welcome guests to their shops where they will be treated to live demonstrations and have opportunities to learn how CTE programs give youth a competitive advantage in college and career choices.

For more information, visit DRRegional.org, on Facebook at Facebook.com/DightonRehobothRegionalSchools/, and Instagram @DRschools.

Runey Says Retention Efforts a Success

By Joe Siegel

The effort to keep middle school students from leaving the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School district has been successful, according to Superintendent Bill Runey. “It’s not a significant difference yet, but there is progress,” Runey told the school committee on September 24.

Last year, the District hired two retention coordinators in an effort to encourage students to attend D-R Regional High School instead of going to other districts.

Runey noted a drop in the overall high school enrollment. “Although the number of our freshmen went up, we lost some sophomores and juniors,” Runey said. “That is a concern. The committee asked us to start surveying eighth graders about why they were making their choices to possibly leave the district. That is some information I can share at a later date. We now need to start doing exit interviews with our students who are transferring (to other districts).”

Freshmen enrollment at the high school is higher than last year, but the loss of students in the upper grades continues to be a problem. “The fewer students we have, it does have a potential impact on Chapter 70 (funds),” Runey explained.

The district’s CTE (Career and Technical Education) enrollment continues to increase at all four grade levels. The number of students attending Bristol-Plymouth High School has dropped each of the last three years. However, the number of students attending Bristol Agricultural High School has increased over the last three years.

Runey believes the district is doing a good job but acknowledges the need for improvement. “When you see a precipitous drop of 10 to 12 students per grade, it is something that we have to address.”

Rehoboth School Receives National Banner Recognition

By Joe Siegel

Special Olympics Massachusetts has announced that Dorothy L. Beckwith Middle School, a school with Special Olympics Unified Champion School programming, is receiving national banner recognition for its exceptional commitment to providing inclusive sports and activities for students with and without disabilities.

This prestigious status reflects Beckwith Middle School’s success in meeting 10 national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect. Beckwith Middle School is one of only 19 in Massachusetts and among 202 schools nationwide to achieve this honor for the 2023-24 school year.

“We are incredibly proud of our student athletes, coaches, volunteers, parents, teachers, staff, and administrators at Beckwith for collaboratively cultivating a school environment where every individual feels genuinely included and respected,” said Principal Stephen Donovan.

Carol Jerauld serves as the Beckwith Middle School Unified Coordinator. “In my 35 years of coaching the students of Dighton and Rehoboth, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, but coaching Unified sports is in a league of its own,” Jerauld said. “I’m immensely proud of the work that we’ve done over the past seven seasons to receive this honor.”

The Unified Champion Schools model is a strategic framework for schools Pre-K through university that promotes meaningful social inclusion by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities to create accepting school environments, utilizing three interconnected components: Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement. As many as 16 million young people are taking part in inclusive experiences through Special Olympics.

In Massachusetts, more than 369 schools are involved in Unified Champion Schools programming, and across the United States, 10,000 schools, including those in the 49 states, the District Columbia, and Puerto Rico, are engaged in this initiative. The Unified Champion Schools program aims to expand to 20,000 schools by 2030.

D-R Forfeits Field Hockey Game

Allowed Through New Interscholastic Athletic Policy

By Joe Siegel

The Dighton Rehoboth Regional School District notified Somerset Berkley Regional High School that they will forfeit the Field Hockey contest scheduled for September 17.

The new Interscholastic Athletics policy, which was approved by the Regional School Committee on June 25, allows players and/ or coaches to opt out of competitions or any part thereof against an opposing team because that team includes a member of the opposite sex.

“Our Field Hockey coaches and captains made this decision, and we notified our opponent accordingly,” said Superintendent Bill Runey. “The District supports this decision as there are times where we have to place a higher value on safety than on victory. We understand this forfeit will impact our chances for a league championship and possibly playoff eligibility, but we remain hopeful that other schools consider following suit to achieve safety and promote fair competition for female athletes.”

The policy reads, in part:

• The School Committee is aware that team participation in athletic contests by members of the student body requires that “away games” be scheduled. It also recognizes that there is a need to regulate certain aspects of student participation in such contests. Therefore, the Superintendent will establish regulations to ensure the safety and well being of students and staff members who participate in these activities.

• No coach of a single-sex team shall be penalized by the District for forfeiting a match against an opposing team because such team includes athletes of the opposite sex.

• No student athlete on a single-sex team shall be penalized by the District in any manner for refusing to play in a match or any part thereof against an opposing team because that team includes a member of the opposite sex. For the purposes of this paragraph, a “penalty” includes but is not limited to loss of playing time or loss of starting status.

Runey Contract Extended Through 2028

By Joe Siegel

Superintendent Bill Runey’s contract with the Dighton Rehoboth Regional School District has been extended until June 30, 2028. According to the Memorandum of Agreement, Runey’s salary is $183,000 until June 30, 2025. The salary increases to $190,000 on July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

Runey will be eligible for up to 3 percent salary increases on July 1 of 2026 and 2027 pending performance review by the School Committee. The minimum increase will be no less than the negotiated DRRTA contracted increase, or some other amount agreed upon by Mr. Runey and the School Committee.

Massachusetts Receives Highest Rating for Special Education

By Joe Siegel

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) received a Meets Requirements annual determination from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs for the sixth consecutive year, the highest rating a state can receive.

“This achievement underscores Massachusetts’ ongoing commitment to providing high-quality educational services and support to students with disabilities,” DESE announced on September 13.

“Special education students are among the most vulnerable of our district,” said Dighton-Rehoboth School Superintendent Bill Runey. “It is reassuring to know that the Commonwealth is committed to giving them and their families the very best. In DR, we aim to empower our staff members to provide services and supports that shape these students’ futures.”

“We are proud that Massachusetts has again been recognized as a leader in providing a free, appropriate public education to students with disabilities,” said George Kelleher, Director of Student Services for Seekonk Public Schools.

“In Seekonk, we aspire to improve and expand the educational experience for all students each year. We are thankful for the work of our special education teachers, service providers, and instructional aides who go above and beyond to meet the needs of our students. We also know that in order to remain the national leaders, we need to continue improving and innovating,” Kelleher noted.

“We are proud to consistently exceed state graduation rates for our students with Individualized Education Plans,” said Seekonk School Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell. “Over 95 percent of 12th grade students with special education needs graduate each year from Seekonk High with a diploma. This is a testament to the work of our special educators, but also to the inclusive work of our general educators, our guidance staff, and our community as a whole.”

“Seekonk is recognized yet again at the high school level and for the first time at the middle school level by Special Olympics as National Banner schools for our inclusion, advocacy, and respect for students with special needs,” Kidwell added. “Our coaches, support staff, athletes, and families are a vital part of making sure our inclusive environment goes beyond the academic hours of the school day. We are proud to have two of only 64 schools in the state to earn this honor.”

“Massachusetts schools are ranked number one in the country, and that’s in large part due to our commitment to ensure that every student gets the high-quality education they deserve, including special education,” Governor Maura Healey noted. “This milestone is a testament to the hard work of our incredible educators, students and families. We will continue building on this strong foundation and support every child in reaching their full potential.”

The Seekonk Scene

From The Seekonk Town Clerk

From the weather to the scenery, festivals, apple picking, hayrides, and decorations, we are so fortunate to live in New England. We hope you have a chance to experience and explore the activities being offered in the area.

Upcoming Events

Seekonk Fire Department’s Annual Open House is schedule for October 12, 2024 from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. This event will be held at the Seekonk Public Safety Complex located at 500 Taunton Avenue. This event is free and open to all ages. Activities include: fire truck tours, live fire safe demonstrations, meet the firefighters, hands-on fire extinguisher training, and activities. We hope to see you there!

In Recognition

We would like to congratulate Mr. Raez for being announced the winner of the Traffic Control Box Art Contest. Thank you for all who voted! If you have not seen it yet, it is located at the corner of Ledge Road and Arcade Avenue (in front of the High School).

Results from the State Primary, Sept 3, 2024

Eligible Voters: 12,311

Total Votes Cast: 1,542

Percentage:12.53%

Democratic Ballots: 970

Republican Ballots: 563 Libertarian Ballots: 9

Democratic Ballot:

• Senator in Congress: Elizabeth Ann Warren

• Representative in Congress: Jake Auchincloss

• Councilor: Joseph C. Ferreira

• Senator in General Court: Barry Christopher Sanders

• Clerks of Courts: Jennifer A Sullivan

• Register of Deeds: Barry J. Amaral

• (2) County Commission: John R. Mitchell & Julie Katherine Ruggiero

Republican Ballot:

• Senator in Congress: John Deaton

• Senator in General Court: Kelly A. Dooner

• Representative in General Court: Steven S. Howitt

Upcoming Election News

Date of Election: Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Election Type: Presidential & General Election

Last Day to Register: Saturday, Oct 26, 2024 at 5:00PM

General and Presidential Election is on November 5, 2024. Polling hours are 7:00 am – 8:00 pm. All four precincts will vote at Seekonk High School, 261 Arcade Avenue in the gymnasium. Early voting will take place at the Seekonk Town Hall, 100 Peck Street in the Select Board Meeting Room on Saturday, October 19th (9:00 am - 3:00 pm) and October 21st through October 25th during normal business hours and on Saturday, October 26th (9:00 am – 3:00 pm) and October 28th through November 1st during normal business hours.

If you have requested a mail in ballot, our office anticipates receiving the ballots by October 7th. We will begin mailing them as soon as we receive them.

IMPORTANT: Whether you are completing a mail-in ballot or choosing to vote in-person, please FILL IN the circle completely. Do NOT mark an X or only lightly fill in the circle. If you are voting by mail-in ballot, please be sure you print and sign your name on the manilla envelope before returning it to our office.

Please visit https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/ or www.RegisterToVoteMA.com if you would like to:

• Register to vote

• Update your address and/or party affiliation. It is your responsibility to notify us (in writing) if you change your address.

• Update your name

• Check your registration information - Knowing your precinct and voting status ahead of time will save you time on election day. You can also find these links on the Town Clerk’s webpage. If you would like to learn more or view your ballot please visit: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/electionsand-voting.htm

CARLSON TREE

If you have not received the “Information for Voters Booklet” (the red booklet) containing the 2024 ballot questions, and want to learn more about the questions, please go to the Secretary of State’s website: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/ publications/information-for-voters-24/cover_2024.htm

Upcoming Fall Town Meeting

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 18, 2024 in the Seekonk High School auditorium located at 261 Arcade Avenue. Please stay tuned to next month’s article for more information on this very important meeting.

Reminders

Census: Thank you to all those that have returned the census confirmation post cards. If you have received one of these cards, please complete, sign, and return it to our office so we can reactive your voting status. As per MGL Ch. 51, Section 4(c), failure to respond to census mailings for two consecutive years will result in the removal from the active voting list.

Tax Collector’s Office: FY25 first quarter real estate and personal property taxes were due August 1st and the second quarter will be due by November 1st. The new FY25 Annual Disposal Collection bills will be mailed in mid-September.

Please stay tuned for the November Seekonk Reporter article for more election and town meeting news. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the beautiful fall weather. As always, please contact us (508) 336-2920 or by email at townclerk@seekonk-ma.gov if you have any questions.

Thank you.

~Kristen and Lorraine

*Sustainable Seekonk*

The Seekonk Recycling Committee would like to remind residents of all the great recycling and sustainability programs and resources we have available in town:

Seekonk Transfer Station/TARF (351 Fall River Ave) is open year round Mon-Fri 8am-3pm for drop off of yard waste (leaves, grass, twigs). Upcoming Bulky Waste Days: Oct 12, Nov 9. Passes are $29 and can be purchased at the DPW offices.

Seekonk DPW Offices (871 Taunton Ave) has textile collection bins and a Terracycle collection shed in the parking lot, and rechargeable batteries collection bin and eye glasses collection inside the lobby. They also accept fluorescent light bulbs-including CFL bulbs and tubes under 4ft. These should never go in your curbside bins! Single use-alkaline batteries, incandescent bulbs and LED bulbs can go in your blue bag trash. String lights & extension cords are also accepted anytime at the DPW offices. Propane tanks can be dropped off with the purchase of a blue sticker for $8.50.

Food Waste Compost Collection at TARF: The Recycling Committee is sponsoring a collection bin at TARF from Black Earth Compost, residents can bring their household food waste and deposit in the bins. Accepted items include: fruits & vegetables, egg shells, bread, cereal, meat & bones, wooden chopsticks & toothpicks, coffee grinds & filters and more. See BlackEarthCompost.com for a full list and tips on collection and transport. You can dump food waste directly into the bins from your home container or use certified compostable bags-no plastic bags please! Please reach out to the Recycling Coordinator at DPW for more information about this program.

Don’t Trash It! Consider donating items that are still usableSavers in North Attleboro has easy drive up drop off service, Angel’s Care Closet takes a wide variety of items or you can visit DONATIONTOWN.ORG for a list of local services that will pickup items from your home. If items are broken or no longer usable, pickup a special recycling packet with helpful info at DPW or on the town website for where you can take items for FREE recycling.

Recycling Tip of The Month: Don’t trash those pumpkins! Toss them in the woods, or in the compost collection bins at TARF. Food should never go in recycling. Please remember to recycle right, and Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (in THAT order!)

13 Local Firefighters Graduate from Firefighting Academy Graduates of Class #BW31 Represent 10 Massachusetts Fire Departments

Bridgewater— State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine today announced the graduation of 14 firefighters from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program.

“Massachusetts firefighters are on the frontlines protecting their communities every day, and today’s graduates are needed now more than ever,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “The hundreds of hours of foundational training they’ve received will provide them with the physical, mental, and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”

“Massachusetts Firefighting Academy instructors draw on decades of experience in the fire service to train new recruits,” said Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier. “Through consistent classroom instruction and practical exercises, today’s graduates have developed the tools they’ll need to work seamlessly with veteran firefighters in their home departments and in neighboring communities as mutual aid.”

The graduating firefighters of Class #BW31 represent the fire departments of Canton, Franklin, Hull, Kingston, Mansfield, Norton, Norwell, Seekonk, West Bridgewater, and Wrentham.

Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations,

Seekonk Firefighter Gavin Cabral graduates from the Massachusetts Fire Academy in Bridgewater, MA.

News fom the Seekonk Fire Department

As Fire Prevention Week approaches, Seekonk Fire Department urges residents to make sure their smoke alarms are working

The theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, 2024 is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!TM”

October 12, 2024 — The Seekonk Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention WeekTM (FPWTM) for more than 100 years—to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!TM” The campaign works to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

“Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order to protect people,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps better educate the public about simple but critical steps they can take to make sure their homes have smoke alarms in all the needed locations and that they’re working properly.”

The Seekonk Fire Department encourages all residents to actively support the 2024 FPW theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” “Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” said Lt. Kyle Laprade, the Event Coodinator. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them.”

Seekonk Fire Department offers these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:

PACHECO Joe

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.

• Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.

• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

The Seekonk Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s FPW campaign, including: 2024 Seekonk Fire Department Open House, Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 10 AM – 1 PM.

To find out more about FPW programs and activities in Seekonk, please contact the Seekonk Fire Department at 508.336.8510. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarms, visit fpw.org.

Aitken School Bingo Night for Doorways

The Aitken School community kicked off the school year with a family-focused Bingo Night that also featured a food collection for the Doorways Food Pantry. The Aitken PTO has held these events twice a year for the last several years, and the food collected helps support Seekonk households who are facing difficult times in their lives. We thank the PTO, the administration, faculty and staff of Aitken School, and especially the donating families for their generous contributions. Doorways sends our best wishes for a successful school year!

Stop & Shop Customers Soup-er for Doorways

Doorways Food Pantry would like to thank the management, staff and especially the customers of the Newman Avenue Stop & Shop in north Seekonk for stepping up to fill a need. Doorways found itself with a shortage of soup and asked the management of Stop & Shop if they would hold a food donation event as they have in the past. Working as a team, the staff offered every customer the opportunity to purchase a can of soup on behalf of the Doorways Food Bank. The customers purchased 300 cans of soup in less than 24 hours! “They could easily have exceeded that total”, said Gerry McCabe of Doorways, “but we asked them to limit the soup drive to 300 cans on this occasion. The generosity of their customer base is astounding. Thank you.”

Aitken students at Bingo night

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

My Name Is Joe Ouellette and my Company is Ouellette Landscaping Located in Rumford, RI. I am a Landscape Handyman!

As you know, sellers are focused on repairing, cleaning, and “dressing up” the interior of their homes for potential buyers to view and they may not pay enough attention to the yard landscaping.

In my experience, if the exterior of the home looks professionally landscaped, it makes the home more appealing to the buyer, resulting in an easier sale for you! That’s why you need my landscape services.

As a “Landscaper”

• I am available whenever my services are needed

• I will ensure the home’s property looks professionally landscaped at all times and

• I pride myself in affordable and fair pricing

Here are Some of the Services I Provide for You and Your Sellers:

• Yard Clean Ups

• Grass Cut and Edged

• Hedges, Bushes Trimmed, Reshaped, or Removed

• Weeding

• Fallen Trees Cut and Removed

• Yard Waste Disposed

• Perimeter/Brush Cut Back and More …

Just as you ensure that the interior pictures of your listing reflects the beauty, layout and design of the home’s interior, I want to help you ensure that the exterior of the property reflects the same beauty as well!

Seekonk Hires New Police Officers

By Joe Siegel

The Seekonk Select Board approved the hiring of several new Police Officers at their September 18 meeting.

• Conditional offers of employment were made for Adam Conceicao, Braedon Hernandez, Joshua Gaucher-Torres, and Benjamin Fortes.

• A conditional offer of employment was made to Liam Larkin for the position of Special Police Officer.

• David McGovern was appointed to the position of Traffic Constable for the Police Department.

Police Chief David Enos said all the department vacancies have now been filled.

Seekonk Hires New Conservation Agent

By Joe Siegel

Nolan Bernier has been appointed to serve as the Conservation Agent for the Town of Seekonk.

“I had the privilege of recommending Nolan to the Conservation Commission and the Board of Selectmen for this role, and I’m grateful that the Commission unanimously supported my recommendation,” Town Administrator Shawn Cadime said on October 1. “Although their vote was not required, we value consistency in our process and sought their input, as we have done in the past.”

“Nolan brings a deep understanding of the responsibilities of the Conservation Agent and a strong commitment to advancing his career within the Town,” Cadime noted. “His prior experience as the Assistant Health Agent will undoubtedly support his transition into this new role. Nolan is certified by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) as a Soil Evaluator, and his qualifications include plan review, site inspections, and collaboration with the Building and Conservation departments on septic applications.”

Cadime said Bernier has also taken on supervisory duties and contributed to significant town initiatives, such as the Website Implementation Team, and is currently a member of the OpenGov (e-permitting) Implementation Team.

“With over three years of relevant experience, along with his professionalism and self-motivation to pursue continuous development through certifications and training, we are confident Nolan will provide the leadership, expertise, and continuity that the department needs,” Cadime added.

Get started right away with flexible Puppy Kindergarten classes and multiple Puppy Socials each week for safe socialization and training! Join our friendly community of dog lovers for fun and support!

Debt Exclusion Question for Seekonk DPW Facility Approved

By Joe Siegel

On Wednesday, the Seekonk Select Board approved a debt exclusion question regarding a new Department of Public Works facility for the Fall Town Meeting warrant.

A debt exclusion is a temporary tax increase which will pay the costs of the bond issued for the project. The price tag will be $40.7 million. The amount to be borrowed is $39.4 million at an interest rate of four percent annually over 30 years. The average single family tax bill impact would be $267 a year.

The proposed design is for a 61,815 square-foot building. The garage will be 41,850 square feet. The remaining space will be for maintenance and administration.

If the garage which is part of the building design is left out, the total amount which will be borrowed shrinks to $31.4 million. The average single family tax impact would be $213 a year. The DPW equipment savings by indoor storage is $9.7 million.

Brewster Thornton Architects came up with the designs for the facility. The complete building project timeline and architectural drawings can be viewed on the town web site – www.seekonk-ma. gov.

The project will go out to bid this month with a start date of January 2025. Construction is expected to be completed in April 2026.

The planning, design and oversight of expenditures will be under the direction of the Select Board.

Seekonk Schools Will Request Repair Funds

By Joe Siegel

Seekonk School officials will be placing requests for repair funds on the Fall Town Meeting warrant. Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell said the money would be used to “stave off a potential catastrophic heating failure” at Hurley Middle School. The building’s heating system has been in constant need of repair.

Last September, a consultant for Colliers identified $15 million worth of needs for Hurley, including an HVAC system, roof replacement, and upgrade of the electrical service and distribution panels.

Kidwell said in addition to using school personnel to fix Hurley’s pipes, there have been calls made to 12 outside contractors to address the building’s heating problems. “We are just patching and patching and patching and eventually you get to the point where the pipes won’t hold together because they’re all patches,” Kidwell noted at the February 5 meeting.

The other expenditure is for the cleanup costs for storm damage to the courtyard at Seekonk High School last June.

The school committee will discuss the funding requests with the Select Board, Finance Committee, and Capital Improvements Committee at a Quad Board meeting on October 9.

School Committee Holds Off on Reconfiguration Decision

By Joe Siegel

The Seekonk School Committee is still undecided on potential grade reconfigurations for the fall of 2025. “We’re not going to make any decisions or any votes until we have a lot of community input,” Chairperson Meaghan Mahoney said Monday. “We’re trying to do it as quickly as possible because I know time is of the essence. Nothing will be set in stone until we have more input from everybody involved.” A special meeting about the reconfigurations was held on September 25th.

In the last few years, Seekonk has been experiencing a rapid population growth. For the 2023-2024 school year, there were a total of 2,061 students with 1,021 students at Aitken/Martin and 1,034 students at Hurley and the high school.

“Martin was really bursting at the seams a couple years ago,” Director of Student Services George Kelleher said. “Perhaps even more than Aitken is now.”

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Committee member Kyle Juckett hopes classroom overcrowding won’t require the need for modular units. “This is a tough issue,” Juckett noted.

“We are unable to provide small elementary class sizes next year without making a change that would potentially impact next fall,” Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell said at the committee’s August 19 meeting.

One option which had been proposed would be to move the fifth grade out of Aitken and Martin elementary schools to Hurley Middle School. Kidwell rejected that idea on its own, noting Hurley wouldn’t be able to accommodate four grade levels considering the current student population. “Such a move would be viable with a concurrent move of 8th grade to Seekonk High School, leaving Hurley Middle School as a grades 5-7 building,” Kidwell added.

Seekonk Might Sell Historic Old Town Hall

By Joe Siegel

The Old Town Hall on Taunton Avenue may be put up for sale. The building, which had also been used as the headquarters for the police department, has been unoccupied for many years. Town Administrator Shawn Cadime said a warrant article would need to be voted on at the Fall Town Meeting.

The property, which was constructed in 1897, had been sold to the Seaconke Wampanoags for $55 in 2014. The tribe had intended to convert the building into a cultural and meeting center. Those plans fell through and the town reclaimed ownership. “We had to fight to get out of that (agreement) because they weren’t cooperating (with the town) and we went back and forth,” said Select Board Chair Michelle Hines. “It was a lease agreement and I do not believe town meeting ever gave us permission to sell it.”

“We have town owned buildings that are condemned that we’re leaving up and open,” member Michael Healy said on Wednesday. “Those are concerns I have from a public safety standpoint.”

At an October 2022 meeting with the Old Town Hall Building Committee, the Board of Selectmen approved a feasibility study for the building. Cadime said the study would present viable options of what could be done with the building and at that point, decide how the Town should move forward with it.

In 2018, Selectmen designated the task of determining the building’s value to members of the town’s Historical commission and the Community Preservation Committee.

The CPC noted when the building opened in 1898, it had served as a way of bringing the community together, since at the time, the Town of Seekonk did not have a Town Center. After the Committee held several meetings and did a walk-through of the building, they proposed preserving the building to utilize it in a multifaceted way.

A total of $100,000 has already been spent from the town’s community preservation fund in order to prepare the building for the historic register.

Club News & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Events at the Seekonk American Legion Post 311

Fall Psychic Fair – October 27th

We will be holding our Fall Psychic Fair on Sunday, 10/27/24. Admission is free. 15-minute readings are $20.00 each. There will also be several Vendors and Crafters (spaces are still available). Doors open at 9:45 am. Readings are from 10 am to 3 pm. Proceeds to benefit American Legion Auxiliary programs for our Veterans, community and children. For more information, please call Kathy at 401-434-8917 or send email to auxiliary311@yahoo.com.

Participating Readers at this event are: Beverly Sylvia – Psychic and Spirit Medium, Annalise Hajer - Spiritual Medium, Debbie Matthews - Spiritual Psychic Medium, Susan Aubin – Medium, Dorothy Raposa - Psychic Medium, Psychometry, Card Reader, Kathy Costa – Medium, Card Reader, Maureen Brown – Psychic Medium, Reiki Master Healer, Tarot Card Interpreter, Ryan – Reiki, Astrid Meijer–Akashic Records Reader, Anita Wakim - Intuitive OH Card Reader.

Participating Crafters/Vendors are: Emma Healey from Crystal Healing Arts selling crystals and handmade items, Runners by Lois G. selling homemade table runners, Chair Massage with Gabby, Sleepy and Crafty selling crochet decor and wearables, and others.

Donations for Veteran Food Pantry

A donation bin will be located in the lobby of the Seekonk American Legion Post from Oct 15th to Nov 16th for non-perishable food and toiletries. All donations will be given to Operation Stand Down RI for their Veteran’s Food Pantry.

Fall Meat Raffles - 4 Saturdays starting 10/19

Meat Raffles will be held on the following Saturdays; 10/19, 10/26, 11/2 and 11/9 starting at 2 pm. There are 3 tables of steaks, chicken, pork, seafood, TV and other prizes. 50/50 raffles. Kitchen opens at 1 pm. For more information call 508-336-9822.

Music at the American Legion

Friday Night Bands – starts at 8 pm

6L Camino – 11/15

Rock A Blues – 11/22

Hall Rentals

200 person capacity. Contact Bob Reed for information at 508336-9822

351 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA 02771

508-336-9822

4th Annual Charity Craft Fair

Saturday, October 26, 2024, 10 am - 3 pm

The Seekonk Knights of Columbus will host their 4th annual charity craft fair.

We will have 45 vendors along with County Fair Coney Island Hot Dogs, live music by Seekonk’s “School of Rock”, face painting for the kids and a 50/50 raffle to temp your luck.

Free parking and free admission.

Visit our FaceBook page for more details.

Rain date: Sunday, October 27, 2024 Knights of Columbus Hall, 532 Arcade Ave., Seekonk

Hi-Lo Jack League Forming

Starts October 9th at 7PM

South Seekonk Gun Club, Reed Street, Rehoboth, MA

Looking for men who like to play cards! If you are interested, please call John Sousa at 401-266-6186 or 508-336-5672

Rehoboth Garden Club News

Our October 21, 2024 meeting will be a field trip to the Barrington Farm School in Barrington Rhode Island. The school is a non-profit inclusive community farm committed to growing healthy food, offering environmental education, and restoring the soil. Our private tour will focus on the farm’s community composting program. Their website, barringtonschoolfarm.org, offers extensive information about their public food scrap collection system, and other aspects of their organization.

New members are always welcome, and this is the perfect time to join our club. For membership information, please contact Michael Seebeck at michaeljseebeck@gmail.com or 401-787-5206.

Thank You Cathy Potter

The Hornbine School Association would like to thank Cathy Potter for her dedication to the Hornbine School Museum over a period of several decades!

Cathy Potter has been the Rehoboth Historic Commission’s liaison to the Hornbine School for many years. In that capacity, Cathy has always saved the town money. She arranged for the High School Industrial Students to replace the Hornbine School roof. She also arranged for Inmates from the Bristol County Prison to paint the building at no cost to the town. She found a carpenter to repair all ten windows and replace all ten shutters and hardware for a tenth of other estimates we received! The new shutters have put an end to most vandalism we were experiencing for years!

When Beverly Pettine retired from the school program, there was no one who wanted to take charge of the Hornbine School. Mrs. Potter volunteered to oversee the transition from Beverly Pettine to herself to ensure that the school programs continued.

While Cathy was Director, she continued to save the town money! She had the outhouse pumped out for free. She oversaw a grant to have the school painted, the foundation renewed with new vents and the floor reinforced. Cathy had the front door replaced, the ceiling scraped and painted, and had the electrical system updated and electrical heating installed all for moderate fees.

Cathy Potter was a dedicated and very capable director. She recruited new teachers and potential substitutes for the school programs. Cathy oversaw the opening and closing of the building each year. She did the banking, correspondence, some maintenance, bought educational and cleaning supplies, organized member meetings and helped out at many open houses and classes. Mrs. Potter assisted with some programs by having guests visit in their Civil War outfits.

Without Cathy Potter’s able efforts and dedication, the Hornbine School programs would not have continued. While director, she has been able to recruit and involve more members to share the responsibilities ensuring the future success of the school. Recently, she found an able successor, Dawn Azar, who in turn, as director, has contributed much to improve the school programs.

WE THANK Cathy Potter for her past contributions to The Hornbine School Museum over the years. We look forward to her continued contributions to the School’s success as a volunteer and as the Historic Commission’s liaison to the school.

Thank You Cathy Potter, The Hornbine School Association

Cathy Potter in the doorway with Dawn Azar looking on at our last OPEN HOUSE of the season. Dawn supplied everyone with apple cider.

Another Message from Paul Buckley

President of the Seekonk Lions Club

Thanks for taking the time for reviewing this informative article. First, I would like to thank those who contacted me on my first scribe about the Seekonk Lions Club. Nice positive stuff! For this edition, I would like to talk about a few more things…please.

As some of you have heard, one of our longtime members has just recently passed away. Neal Abelson was a member of the Seekonk club for 35 years. There was a jam packed gathering of friends and colleagues at the Seekonk Congregational Church where Neal worshipped. Obviously, Neal touched many lives. A beautiful ceremony. It was a sight to see and an evening I will never forget.

Ahead on our agenda for October, we have our annual Octoberfest @ Chris Gasbarro’s Fine Wine and Spirits Seekonk on October 17th, 2024, 5-7:30pm (see ad on these wonderful pages). What a deal this is! For $10, you can come and sample the latest offerings from Sam Adams brewery and their friends in the adult beverage world. There is some authentic food from Morin’s in Attleboro. I personally love the purple sour kraut. Notwithstanding, we have a raffle of some cool beverage company garb that can be worth big bucks. A few years back we auctioned off a bicycle! I hope to see you all there!

During the months ahead, I would like to do a small spotlight on some of our current members. I figure, if I can get your interest to know our members, you may be enticed to come to a meeting. You may say, “Hey, I know that fellow and want to talk to him”. On the other hand, you do not know them, but sounds like a person I would like to meet. Any who, my first profile this month will be Keith Rondeau.

Keith has lived in Seekonk for 34 years. For 26 years, he has been a member of the Seekonk Lions Club. Get this... Keith has been president for three terms (term is two years), participating on the Board of Directors for twenty years, a past Mass Lions zone chair, contributing to many Seekonk Lion Committees while serving the town on the Zoning Board of Appeals for 21 years, three years as chair. Where can I get a few more of these guys, err people?

Our first full membership meeting for the year will be at Ledgemont Country Club 131 Brown Ave in Seekonk October 24, 2024 @7pm. Like to stop in and see what we do? Give me a call, or send me an email and meet the membership and have a meal on me.

Paul Buckley

Seekonklionsma@gmail.com

Seekonk Lions Charitable Trust Inc.

News from the Rehoboth Lions

Welcome October!

Clam Boils

It’s hard to believe there are only 2 more boils in 2024 - the first Wednesday of October and November! Get your clam fix before the end of the year. Don’t worry, we will be back in March 2025 for more great food and fun times!!

Golf Tournament

The 35th Golf tournament on Sunday October 6th at the beautiful Swansea Country Club. At time of this writing, there are a few spots left, so hurry if you have interest in playing, attending, or donating! Northeast 2022 Course of the Year” by the New England Golf Course Owners Association. To register, sponsor a tee sign, or donate to the event, please have your credit card ready and simply click here or visit rehobothlions.org to learn more.

Medical Equipment

A reminder that the Rehoboth Lions supply durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, beds, walkers, commodes, and so much more) to our residents. If you have a need, please reach out to Health and Welfare Chair Ray Olivier at 508-493-2796.

Thank you Rehoboth, for all your support! Remember, every dollar of our fundraising goes to help our town as well as eye research, diabetes, and other Lion charities! It makes all of us proud to serve such a wonderful community, and it’s incredibly rewarding. A special shout-out to The Rehoboth Reporter - for posting our news in their print and online issues to help us get the word out! Interested in learning more about becoming a Lion? Reach out to Mike Salois at mgsc@comcast.net or Scott Lacourse at slacourse@gmail.com, or simply visit rehobothlions.org. Reach out to any Lion, or visit our website to learn more about any of these and other great upcoming events!

Dentistry At Its MOST Advanced. Dentistry At Its MOST Comfortable.

Yours in Lionism, Scott Lacourse, Publicity Director

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 professionals – call (508) 252-6121 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Alan Merchanthouse.

Laser Dentistry

Comprehensive Care

Rehoboth Commons

Cosmetic Dentistry

Bonding

Rehoboth City Slickers 4-H Club at the Big E

Members of the City Slickers 4-H Club of Rehoboth traveled to The Eastern States Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ma on September 18th – 22nd to participate in the regional 4-H Horse Show. Clubs from the six New England states send representatives and their horses to compete in traditional horse show classes as well as games of skill and horse knowledge. Representing City Slickers Club were Taylor Mayer of Rehoboth, Brady Rose of North Dighton, Zach Pora of Seekonk and Hannah Hillman of South Attleboro. They all had a successful show, getting ribbons in their classes and making new friends from other clubs across New England. Traveling with them were chaperones Sherry Mayer of Rehoboth, Krystal Pora of Seekonk and Jessica Maskell of Rehoboth who also served as Barn Manager for the Massachusetts horses.

The festivities of the weekend were interrupted late Friday night by a fire that broke out in Barn C at 11:30 PM, the next barn over from the 4-H barn. Fire crews were on site and despite the fact that the sprinkler system had extinguished the small fire confined to one stall and a section of the roof, they made the decision to evacuate the barn because of the heavy smoke lingering and the possibility of additional fire breaking out. All 161 horses were turned loose and ran in a panic around the fairgrounds. Chaperones assisted safety personal and other volunteers in rounding up the horses and getting them into empty stalls in the barn area, including the 4-H barn. The 4-H members all pitched in to make sure each horse in their barn had water, hay and bedding. When the concerned owners and trainers arrived, stressed and frantic to try and find their horses,

Rehoboth City Slickers 4-H Club at the Big E

the 4-H kids assisted in the search, stall by stall, until all the horses had been identified and claimed.

The other 4-H members in the Massachusetts aisle, Morgan Morris and Jacob Maloney with the Mane-I-Acs 4-H Club and Mia Nagel of the 4-H Cavalry Club, both in the Springfield area, became friends with the City Slicker’s members and joined them to make a formidable team caring for the horses until they were claimed by their owners.

All of the owners and trainers expressed their gratitude, both in person and in posts on Facebook, to all the care the kids gave their horses, staying with some who were traumatized by the disaster.

Christina Fuller in regard to her horse, Flynn, a rescued Amish carthorse turned show horse wrote:

“You were all incredible . . . I was a distraught mess and seeing your kindness towards my horse and how much you all cared for him gave me a sense of relief. I didn’t even move him from you aisle (Massachusetts aisle) to be with our other horses in another aisle because I knew you had him, you loved on him and gave him treats. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking such amazing care of my heart horse.”

George Liberty, a trainer on the grounds for the weekend Open Saddle Seat Show, posted:

‘I can’t help but think of the unsung heroes last night – the equine 4-H groups from all 6 New England states. All of those young people and their families were just unbelievable. I can’t even explain the organization

and compassion they had.”

The 4-H program was cut short because of the disruption but the riders were just glad they could help.

Rehoboth City Slickers 4-H Club at the Big E

American Legion Post 302 Public Events

• Try our Fish & Chips or Specials of the Week – every Thursday 4:00 till 7:00 P.M. & Fridays 4:00 – 7:30PM and Saturdays with a Band ONLY 6:00-7:30PM.Take Outs are welcome – call in your order in early for pickup at 508-252-9079

• Happy Hour! Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed 1/2 price Bar Menu 3-6:00PM

• Prize Bingo - Sunday October 27th at 4:00PM

• Trivia Tuesday and Darts Coming Soon - If you’re interested in playing, email speedyjake@aol.com or call 315-415-2277

• For Events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/657024961125913/

• Check us out on Facebook - Photos since 2018 posted by our patrons… https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-LegionHall/258235277540573

• 2nd Sunday of Every Month, “All you can Eat Breakfast” 7:30am – 10:30am

Upcoming Events

• “NEW” October 11th, 2024 – Friday - 7:00 -10:00 P.M. - LM BACKWOODS Entertainment - Classic Rock Music – No Cover Charge! – Food - Check with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, so sit back & have a GREAT TIME! Play the Electronic Dart Board or join our Dart League https:// www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063368911454

President RIAR 2013, Broker Associate Liscensed in MA & RI (401) 458-2160 Cell victoriadoran.remax@gmail.com

• “Special” OCTOBER 12th, 2024- Saturday – 5:00-7:00 P.M. –American Legions Annual Pig Roast with the master chef John DuVally -– Food – Drinks – PLUS + 5:00-8:00 PM - Dancing - Live Music performed by Notorious Jones Entertainment with Classical Rock Music

• October 12th, 2024 – Saturday - 7:00 -10:00 P.M. – Live Music with The 3Sum Band - Classic Rock, Pop, Blues, Country, Motown and more – No Cover Charge! – Bar Food – Kitchens open – Fish & Chips - Check with the bar for the Specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, Dancing so sit back & have a GREAT TIME! https://www.facebook.com/groups/636053727522063/?ref=share

• October 13th, 2024 – Sunday -7:30 -10:30 A.M. American Legion & Anawan Lions Monthly Breakfast, Second Sunday of every month $12.00 donation - All you can Eat!

• October 18th, 2024 – Friday - 7:00 -10:00 P.M. – Rock-A-Blues Band with Classic Rock Music – No Cover Charge! – Food - Check with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, so sit back & have a GREAT TIME! https://www.rockablues.com

• October 19th 2024 – Saturday 1:00 – 6:00 P.M. Fire Station 2 –Prime Rib Dinner

• October 19th, 2024 – Saturday - 7:00 -10:00 P.M. – On3 Entertainment, Classic Rock – Classic Rock & County – No Cover Charge! – Food - Check with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, so sit back & have a GREAT TIME!

• October 25th, 2024 – Friday - 6:00-8:00 P.M., Sons of the American Legion’s Monthly Meat Raffle followed by Karaoke8:00-11:00 P.M. – No Cover Charge! - Food – Drinks – Singing, Dancing & having a GREAT TIME!

• October 25th, 2024 – Friday - 8:00-11:00 P.M. + – Live Karaoke performed by our own Karaoke Entertainment, Come on in and sing a song or two – No Cover Charge! – Food - Check with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Dancing and sit back & having a GREAT TIME!

• October 26th, 2024 – Friday - PRIVATE HALLOWEEN PARTY – NO BAND TONIGHT

• “NEW” November 1st, 2024 - Friday - 7:00 - 10:00 P.M., BERNIE ALLIAN Entertainment presents Clasic Rock “N” Roll, – No Cover Charge! – Food - Check with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, so sit back & have a

GREAT TIME! https://www.youtube.com. watch?v=LAZiXpZxCYA

• November 2nd, 2024 – Saturday – 7:00 -10-pm, Live Music performed by Nightlife Band Entertainment with Classic Rock Music – No Cover Charge! - Food – Drinks – Dancing & having a GREAT TIME! https//:www.facebook.com/groups/ nightlifebandri/

• November 8th, 2024 – Friday - 7:00 -10:00 P.M.

• November 9th, 2024 - Saturday – 7:0010:00 P.M., “Tumblin Dice “Old Time Rock “N” Roll, – No Cover Charge! – FoodCheck with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, so sit back & have a GREAT TIME!

• November 10th, 2024 – Sunday -7:30 -10:30 A.M. American Legion & Anawan Lions Monthly Breakfast, Second Sunday of every month $12.00 donation - All you can Eat!

• November 15th, 2024 – Friday - 7:00 -10:00 P.M. – Rock-A-Blues Band with Classic Rock Music – No Cover Charge!

Rehoboth Ramblings by Leslie Patterson

John Chapman and His Apples

Autumn means it’s time to peep at colorful leaves and pick apples, whether actually from the tree or from a fruit stand or farm. This year Leominster MA is celebrating the 250th birthday of its famous son, Johnny Appleseed, or so I learned from Chronicle, WCVB’s popular evening program, recently. Born John Chapman in 1774, his father was off fighting in the Revolutionary War at the time. John lost his mother when he was very young. His father then remarried and moved to Longmeadow MA, and went on to raise a family that included ten more children.

Part of John Chapman’s story is true and part is legend. One part of the apple tree planting story that doesn’t get much publicity can be found in an article in Smithsonian Magazine from about 10 years ago (“The Real Johnny Appleseed Brought Apples – and Booze – to the American Frontier” from Nov. 2014).

The author explains that back in the early 19th century, apples were smaller and a lot more sour than those we have today. These apples were mainly used in making hard cider. In the old days when you could not trust that water was safe to drink, you could always drink cider, and people drank a lot of it. I suppose it was better for everyone to go around at least slightly tipsy, if not drunk, than to die of cholera. Needless to say, this part of the John Chapman story was not included in the sentimental animated Disney movie about Johnny Appleseed from the late 1940’s.

Apples are not native to North America and were first brought over by English settlers who were eager to grow the fruit here. The first apple tree in New England was said to be planted in 1625 on Beacon Hill by William Blackstone, before he, like Roger Williams, came to settle in Rhode Island.

John Chapman was credited with planting orchards wherever he went in his nomadic life. But as his name tells us, he grew apples from seeds, not by the usual means of grafting, which he didn’t approve of. Apples grown from seeds produce fruit more suitable for making cider than for eating, like the apples we have today. His

work did lay the foundation for some of the apple varieties we have today though, such as Granny Smith.

As a young man, John lit out for the territory (to borrow a phrase from Mark Twain). In this case, it was the Northwest Territory, which at that time included a large swath of what is now the Midwest. As he ventured west planting his apple orchards, he moved through Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. He died in 1845 at age 70 in Fort Wayne, where he is buried.

It’s hard to think of what we now call the Midwest being considered the Northwestern frontier 200 years ago. I had ancestors in Ohio when it was on the frontier in the early 1800’s but I doubt that they knew Johnny Appleseed, who apparently spent his time mostly in northern Ohio.

My own best memory of apples in Ohio comes from visits to a friend’s house out in the countryside when I was a kid. Her family had a farm with apple and peach orchards (it’s still in business) and I’ll never forget the heavenly scent of all that ripening fruit when you went into their warehouse.

Another memory of apples comes from a visit to England in the late 1970’s. I can’t remember where exactly it was, but we stopped at little grocery and bought a small bag of apples that didn’t look like much but had an intense flavor. I thought to myself, “So this is what apples are supposed to taste like!”

Apples have many health benefits, including being rich in fiber and vitamins. While

hard cider is making a slight comeback in the US, the sweet and flavorful non-alcoholic drink we usually think of as cider is always good to have on hand, for drinking and for cooking.

We may be surprised to learn that Johnny Appleseed, who is portrayed as such a free spirit, was regarded as a successful businessman of his time, especially since he lived so simply and humbly. By all accounts he was thought of as a kindly, hard-working man who cared deeply about nature. A true American eccentric in the best sense of the word.

BELWING TURKEY FARM

Jean M Kusiak Real Estate Brokerage TRAVASSOS & KUSIAK

Seekonk Public Library

www.seekonkpl.org • library@seekonkpl.org 508.336.8230

Plant Swap - Friday, October 11

Is it time to split your houseplants or garden plants? All are welcome to donate your cuttings, seedlings or potted indoor and outdoor plants for Seekonk Public Library’s Plant Swap on Friday, October 11 from 10 AM – 4 PM. No registration is needed.

You can drop off your donations in advance October 1 through October 10 at the library’s Research Help Desk. Try to ensure plants are pest/disease-free. Donation containers (max size 1 quart) are included in the donation; containers will not be returned. Please label all donations with the plant name; ask a librarian for help! All varieties of live houseplants and outdoor plants are welcome.

Commercial & Industrial Paving • Residential Driveways

Plants will be available to give, swap or take, free of charge on October 11. For pickup, remember to bring your own empty containers to take plants home. There is no guarantee that plants will be pest-free; quarantining new plants from existing ones for two weeks is highly recommended. And remember to check that any plants you bring home are non-toxic to your household pets.

Come and chat with other plant owners and checkout books from the library for your future plant growing success!

For more information call Adult Services at 508-336-8230 x56130 or email library@ seekonkpl.org.

New Technology Classes

Do you want to get more out of your smartphone or tablet? Bring them to our monthly Library Tech Class. In each session we will explore a new topic for your mobile device to help you get started. Register and join Librarian Michelle Gario at the library for these upcoming, new class topics:

Phone Tools: Calculators, Calendars & More

Tuesday, October 8 from 2-3:30 PM

Did you know that your phone includes apps for calculators, calendars, notepads and more? Come to this session to look at some of these useful tools already included in your device so you can travel lighter! This program is for smartphones ONLY.

Better Internet Searching

Tuesday, Nov 19 from 2-3:30 PM

Doing an online search for any topic will lead to thousands of results, but which ones are valid? Come to this session for tips on how to enter and review search results to get information you need and can trust.

You must bring your own device; make sure the device is fully charged. Space is limited; registration with a SAILS library card is required. Register in the Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org/events.

For more information or for help with registration, call Adult Services at 508-336-8230 x56130 or email library@seekonkpl.org.

The World’s Worst Weather: Virtual Presentation

Thursday, October 17 at 6 PM

Everyone complains about their weather, but do you know which New England location is hailed by experts as being the world’s worst weather hotspot? Join us as we host The World’s Worst Weather: Virtual Presentation on Thursday, October 17 at 6 PM. This program will be held in Zoom; register in the online Events Calendar at www. seekonkpl.org/events to receive the login information to attend.

The summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire is one of the world’s most extreme environments, with consistent sub-zero temperatures, hurricane-force winds, freezing fog, and driving snow. In this online program packed with stunning visuals and breathtaking video, Mount Washington Observatory educators will help you understand how this small, but deadly mountain has gained the reputation as the “Home of the World’s Worst Weather.” Enjoy this program from the comfort of your own home; you’ll appreciate not having to brave the elements after hearing this!

For more information call Adult Services at 508-336-8230 x56130 or email library@seekonkpl.org.

Decoding the Mysteries of Cats: Why Cats Do What They Do

Tuesday, October 22 at 6:00 PM

Have you ever wished you could read your cat’s mind? Have you been baffled by their sleeping habits, startled by their sudden bursts of energy, or wondered if anyone informed them that they are in fact “domesticated” animals? Join Seekonk Library via Zoom on Tuesday, October 22 at 6:00 PM for “Decoding the Mysteries of Cats,” a webinar by certified feline training and behavior specialist Stephen Quandt. He will explain the evolutionary and adaptive forces that drive cat behavior and help shape their lives, including the cycle of predation, the scale of confidence, and the mother-kitten relationship between humans and cats. Past, current, and prospective cat owners will benefit from this engaging and informative presentation. This program is free and open to the public; for planning and to be notified of program updates please register in the Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org/events.

For more information, call Adult Services at the library at (508) 336-8230 or email library@seekonkpl.org.

Fall Craft Night Series

As the weather turns cooler, it’s time to take out our crafting supplies to prepare for holiday fun. Join us for these craft nights featuring ideas from Creativebug, our online resource for professional crafting tutorials, FREE with your Seekonk Library card. Space is limited; register with a SAILS library card in the online Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org/events.

Fascinators & Folded Napkins

Thursday, October 24 at 6 PM

Holidays are often the time we go formal with our clothing and table settings. We’ll look at Creativebug tutorials to help us with donning our fascinators and practicing napkin folding skills. Cheers to crafting!

Beautify with Paper Flowers

Thursday, November 21 at 6 PM

From large centerpieces to small gifts and cards, flowers are a perfect embellisment. In this session we’ll practice making paper flowers for decorating projects big and small as featured in many Creativebug tutorials. Behold the power of the flower!

For more information or help registering, call Adult Services at 508-336-8230 extension 56130 or email library@seekonkpl.org.

The Trial of Lizzie Borden by Cara Robertson

Tuesday, October 29th at 6:00 PM

Join us for a lively discussion of The Trial of Lizzie Borden: A True Story by Cara Robertson. The title is available digitally as an ebook and audiobook through Libby, or you may place a hold and pick up a print copy at the library. New members are always welcome!

“The remarkable new account of an essential piece of American mythology--the trial of Lizzie Borden--based on twenty years of research and recently unearthed evidence. The Trial of Lizzie Borden tells the true story of one of the most sensational murder trials in American history. When Andrew and Abby Borden were brutally hacked to death in Fall River, Massachusetts, in August 1892, the arrest of the couple’s younger daughter Lizzie turned the case into international news and her trial into a spectacle unparalleled in American history. The popular fascination with the Borden murders and its central enigmatic character has endured for more than one hundred years. Immortalized in rhyme, told and retold in every conceivable genre, the murders have secured a place in the American pantheon of mythic horror, but one typically wrenched from its historical moment. In contrast, Cara Robertson explores the stories Lizzie Borden’s culture wanted and expected to hear and how those stories influenced the debate inside and outside of the courtroom.”-- Provided by publisher.

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

Calm Your Holiday with Hygge Vibes

Wednesday, Nov 6 at 6 PM

If you could use a second-helping of relaxation this season, this program is for you! Presenter Maria Holme, owner of Your Next Step, will give an introduction to this Danish concept of intentional living with a focus on simple daily pleasures. In this relaxing presentation you’ll get insight into Hygge (pronounced “who-gah”) and cozy lifestyle practices, just in time for the holidays. Come get ideas for sentimental gift giving and relaxing get togethers (oh, it’s a thing) along with well-being practices that are Hygge inspired. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Register in the Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org/events. This program is free and open to the public through the generosity of a grant from the Seekonk Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For more information call Adult Services at 508336-8230 x56130 or email library@seekonkpl.org.

Friends of the Seekonk Public Library

Thank you to all who have donated books and puzzles to us for our daily and quarterly big sales. We are presently in need of adult fiction hard and soft covers, but all donations are welcome. We appreciate all those who help us to support our library through our book sales.

We are so excited to share that, for the entire month of October, the Friends of the Seekonk Library has been selected by store leadership to benefit from Stop & Shop’s Community Bag Program, which makes it easy for shoppers to contribute to their local community.

Whenever a $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at the Stop & Shop located at 125 Highland Avenue, Seekonk MA, in October, $1 will be donated to the Friends.

If you are interested in becoming a lobby volunteer, applications can be found on our website at www.seekonkfol.org or you can ask one of the volunteers in the lobby for one. If you have ideas on how we can provide more funding for the library and would like to join our board, you can contact us at friends@seekonkpl.org.

#058544 Reg # 111902 RI# 7169

Teen Services

Teen Advisory Board

Thursday, October 3 at 3:30 PM

**Please note: Meetings are for TAB members only. To join, visit seekonkpl.org/teens and download the TAB application. Email the finished application to teens@seekonkpl.org or turn it in at the Research Help Desk in the library.

Your opinion matters! If you’re in grade 6 through 12, then you have a chance to make a difference at your library by joining the Teen Advisory Board (TAB). During the school year, we will meet once a month at 3:30 PM to share ideas about upcoming programs and discuss how we can make the most out of the library’s services for tweens and teens. This is an opportunity to practice leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement and to take an active role in shaping the library’s impact on your community. Becoming a member of the board requires a commitment to attend meetings regularly.

For more information, call Adult Services at the library at (508) 336-8230 or email teens@ seekonkpl.org.

Light-Up Fuse Beads

Thursday, October 10 at 3:00 PM

Tweens and teens in grades 6 – 12 are invited to an introductory workshop on LED circuits on Thursday, October 10 at 3 PM. Following step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn to make a simple paper circuit, then you’ll create your own fuse bead design and light it up! All materials will be provided, and no circuitry experience is necessary.

This 1-hour event is free and open to tweens and teens in grades 6 through 12. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information, call Adult Services at the library at (508) 336-8230 or email teens@seekonkpl.org.

An Artist’s World: Careers in Visual Arts with Lars Grant-West

Monday, October 28 at 6:00 PM

Have you ever wondered whose job it is to create the gorgeous artwork you see in fantasy games and other media? Then come meet Lars Grant-West, a local artist and instructor from right here in Seekonk. He has illustrated for the World of Warcraft and Magic: The Gathering trading card games and is currently a freelance illustrator and instructor at the Rhode Island School of Design. He’ll answer questions like: How does a passion for art or design become a career? Where do creativity and practicality intersect? What is the impact of technology like AI on freelance illustrators? If you love to draw, paint, sculpt, or build, then come to Seekonk Library at 6 PM on Monday, October 28 to learn what it’s like to make a living off those talents.

This 1-hour event is free and open to tweens and teens in grades 6 through 12 and their families. Registration is required. For more information, call Adult Services at the library at (508) 336-8230 or email teens@seekonkpl.org.

badges to complete the challenge! Start by taking Smokey’s Pledge. Badges are earned by completing at least one activity in each section. You can select books from Smokey’s Reading List at smokeybear. com, or choose your own. Register now at Seekonkpl.Beanstack.org

Monster Mash

Saturday, October 5, 10-11 AM

All ages. Join Ms Corey for some Monstrous family FUN! Listen to a monster story, dance the Monster Mash, and create a monster craft. All ages are welcome with a caregiver. Please register.

Beyblade Club

Mondays 10/7, 10/21 4-5 PM

Grades 1-5. Drop in. Join us at the library for a bi-weekly Beyblade Club gathering for kids in grades 1-5. Each week we will have free play time to battle (bring your own Beyblades and stadiums or use the the library’s limited supply). We’ll work our way up to some tournament-style play. This program is drop-in, no registration required and attendance at all 4 meetings is NOT required. Come battle some Beyblades and meet some new friends!

Bollywood for Littles with Sakina

October 9 & 16, 10 AM

Ages 18 months- 5 years. Bollywood is a conglomerate of several Indian dance styles, including folk, bhangra, garba, classical, and even Western styles like hip-hop. It is commonly featured in the Hindi film industry and has now made its way into various forms of modern media, including American-based television and film. The music is upbeat, percussion-heavy, and a guaranteed endorphin boost. No prior dance experience is required to participate. Please wear comfortable clothing and sneakers. This is a 2- week session, commitment to both weeks is required. Register.

Little Explorers Sensory Playgroup

Saturday, Oct 12, Nov 2, Dec 7 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

All kids ages 2-5 with a caregiver. Drop in anytime between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to play with a variety of toys and unique materials to engage the senses and support the development of motor, memory, communication, and problem-solving skills in a fun and welcoming environment. This program is for children of all abilities. Ages 2-5 with a caregiver, are welcome to drop in and play!

Make a Haunted House

Tuesday, October 15, 6 PM

Grades 1-5. It’s spooky season and we’re making haunted houses! Children in grades 1-5 are invited to register to make wooden 3D haunted houses! We’ll be using snap-together wooden pieces along with paints and other materials to decorate our haunted houses! Register.

Visit with Smokey the Bear!

Friday, October 18, 10 AM

Ages 0-5. It’s Smokey the Bear’s 80th Birthday and we are celebrating! In honor of 80 years of preventing wildfires, Smokey is coming to visit Seekonk! Meet Smokey, hear The Smokey Story read by a Wildland Fire Fighter, and tour a Wildland Fire Truck! Don’t forget to sign up for our Smokey the Bear Reading Challenge this month for more Smokey fun! In collaboration with National Association of State Foresters, MA. Smokey the Bear Wildfire Prevention Campaign. Register.

Paws to Read

Wednesday, October 23, 3-4:30 PM (timeslots)

Build reading skills and gain confidence in reading aloud by coming to the Library to Paws to Read! Register to reserve a 15-minute time slot to have your child read to Gizmo and Pepe, two adorable chihuahua/pomeranian mix therapy dogs. Research has shown that reading aloud to another person can help struggling readers with their overall performance and confidence. But did you know that reading comprehension improves even more when reading to a dog rather than an adult? It’s true! Each one-on-one private session is facilitated by Sandra Healey and her two dogs. Space is limited. Register.

Kindness Club-Bookmarks for Seniors

Thursday, October 24, 1-2 PM

All ages. It’s an early release day for Seekonk Schools, so come by the library and do a good deed! Our Kindness Club is coloring bookmarks for the Seekonk Senior Center, so stop by and help us spread some reading cheer by coloring in a bookmark or two! We’ll laminate them and deliver them to the Seniors of Seekonk via the Seekonk Senior Center! No registration is required, drop in.

Creepy Crawly Bug Houses

Friday, October 25, 3:30-4:30 PM

Grades K-3. Have a creepy-crawly good time learning about how different bugs live. Then construct your own bug house for those bugs that may need a home. Register.

Storytimes

Firefighter Storytime - Wednesday, October 2, 10 AM

Special Guest Lt. Laprade, Seekonk Fire Department

Join Ms Sandie with a special guest, Lieutenant Kyle Laprade of the Seekonk Fire Department for a special Firefighter Fire Safety Storytime! We’ll read stories, have a take-home activity, answer your firefighter questions, and even get to climb aboard a fire truck! Register.

Baby Storytime - Tuesdays, October 1, 8, 29, 10 AM

Ages 0-18 Months. Join Ms Corey for a weekly storytime designed for children 0 - 18 months old. Bring a small baby blanket for the floor and enjoy a book followed by music, fingerplays & movement. Afterward, enjoy free time for belly time. It’s an important way to help babies strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles, and improve motor skills. Babies will be free to crawl through a tunnel, play with toys, read a board book, and enjoy some bubbles with you. Drop in.

Toddler Storytime - Mondays, October 7, 28, 10 AM

Ages 18-36 months. Join Ms Corey for a weekly storytime designed for children 18 – 36 months old. The storytime will include a book or two followed by music, fingerplays, movement, and yes, even bubbles! Drop in.

Preschool Storytime - Thursdays, October 3, 10, 10 AM

Ages 3-5. Join Ms Sandie for a weekly storytime for the preschool crowd (ages 3-5)! Younger siblings are welcome! Each week we’ll be reading 2-3 stories and completing a related activity. Drop in.

Halloween Trick or Treat Preschool StorytimeThursday, October 31, 10 AM

Ages 3-5. Join Ms Sandie for a special Halloween Trick or Treat Storytime for the preschool crowd (ages 3-5)! We’ll read Halloween stories followed by a Trick or Treat parade through the library! Don’t forget your costumes, friends! Register.

As always, our storytimes focus on talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing- important principles for YOUR child’s language development and reading readiness!

Scarecrows at the Library!

Scarecrow Fest is a community-wide scarecrow building event created by Seekonk Library and Seekonk Parks & Rec. Registrants were given two stakes and a 1/2 bale of hay to create their scarecrow at home. Completed scarecrows were brought to Seekonk Library for display on their front lawn from September 28-October 18. Ribbons were awarded in the categories of traditional, artistic and humorous. People’s Choice Award voting is now being held at Seekonk Library through October 18.

News and Notes from... Blanding Library

By Leslie Patterson

BOOK SALE OCT. 11-13

It’s time for the Blanding Library’s annual used book sale, which will be held Oct. 11-13. The event will open on Friday Oct. 11 with a special preview sale from 5 to 7 pm, for members of the Friends of the Blanding Library only. If you are not already a member, you may join the Friends at that time to get first chance at the sale books.

The general sale continues on Saturday Oct. 12 from 10 to 3. Sunday the sale hours are noon to 3, and it will be “fill a bag” day with all books going for $10 a bag. We will have bags available or you may bring your own.

Books include fiction and non-fiction, hardcover and paperback, and a good selection of children’s books too. Note that the nonfiction books have all been sorted into categories for easier browsing. There will also be puzzles, CDs and DVDs available for sale. Raffle tickets will be sold that weekend until 2 pm on Sunday, with the winners picked before 3. Stop by the raffle table to see the many great prizes available. Special thanks to all the individuals and local businesses who donated the raffle prizes.

Literary Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Stop by the Blanding and pick out a pumpkin from our patch Oct. 7-18. Have fun decorating your pumpkin as your favorite story character and return it to the library for display. Judging starts on Oct. 19 and winners will be announced on Sat. Oct. 26. All ages welcome.

Calling all ghost hunters: come and find as many ghosts as you can scare up throughout the Blanding from Oct. 15 to Halloween.

Dried Flower & Bookmark Workshop

Learn how to dry and press flowers to make a beautiful bookmark. This craft session is brought to you by Brilliant Dahlia Flower Farm and will be held on Wed. Oct. 23 from 6:30 to 7:30. Space is limited; call 508-252-4236 to register.

Story Hours & Legos

Ongoing children’s programs at the Blanding include two story hour sessions, one for baby and toddlers and their caregivers on Tuesday mornings from 10:30 to 11. Story and Craft Hours for preschoolers ages 3 and up meets on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30. Siblings are welcome at both sessions. Drop-ins welcome. No registration necessary.

RE-UPHOLSTER

The next Legos at the Library session will be from 11 to 2 on Sat. Nov. 2. For all ages. We supply the Legos; you supply your imagination.

Alpacas at the Library!

Some special four-legged visitors will be outside Goff Hall on Tues. Nov. 5 at 10:30. Bring chairs and blankets if you want. Come and meet those cute and furry alpacas from Kave Rock Farm in Rehoboth. Karen and Dave Medeiros will tell us all about their animals. All ages welcome.

History Group Resumes

The history discussion group that meets Wednesday mornings at the library will resume in October, focusing on the 1920’s and 1930’s. For more information, contact hjcoleman@comcast.net.

The Blanding Public Library, 124 Bay State Rd. Rehoboth, is open Monday through Thursday from 10 to 8, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 to 4. Closed Sundays and holidays, including Mon. Oct. 14. Phone: 508-252-4236. Information on Blanding events can be found under Blanding Public Library Programs and Events on https://rehobothantiquarian.org/

You can visit alpacas from Kave Rock Farm on Nov. 5.

Insurance Considerations

Written by Lars Lambrecht, CFP, CLU, BFA, AMPA, CDFA, CLTC, CSLP, owner of Island Time Financial Services, Inc.

Lars Lambrecht

The topic of insurance is quite expansive. This article covers some of the basic considerations and strategies.

Life Insurance:

There are two key questions to address with life insurance. How much should you have, and what type is the best to have? The most popular type of life insurance is term insurance, which is generally the least expensive option. With term insurance, you go through underwriting and have a fixed premium for a set term, such as 10 years or 20 years. At the end of the term, you need to reapply to maintain your health rating, or the premiums increase significantly. Term insurance is great for needs with a fixed period of time, such as when your child turns 21 or your mortgage is paid off. In contrast, permanent insurance has a higher premium but is designed to stay in force at a fixed premium forever. Permanent insurance might make sense if you think you will need the insurance for a long time, such as if you have a special needs child or own a business with a buy-sell agreement. Permanent insurance can also be integrated with long-term care, so the death benefit is prepaid if you need care. Permanent insurance generally builds a cash value, which can be borrowed against or cashed in. If you have permanent insurance, it is recommended you obtain an inforce illustration from the company every 2 years. This illustration shows the “health” of your policy and what will happen to your coverage over time.

Disability Insurance:

Most employers provide a base level (such as 60% of compensation) of disability insurance as an employee benefit. Most employer plans are taxed if you ever collect benefits. In contrast, if you buy disability insurance on your own, the benefits are received tax-free. Disability insurance provides benefits if you are unable to work for

medical reasons. In some cases, it makes sense to supplement coverage through your employer, based on your overall finances.

Long-Term Care Insurance:

Long-term care insurance (LTCi) is designed to provide resources if you need care as you get older, such as homecare or nursing home care. There are several types of LTCi and the products are fairly complex. Most policies have a set premium for life. It is possible to have a policy that is paid up after one or a certain number of payments. Some LTCi plans integrate with life insurance, so the policy pays a benefit if you die as well as a benefit if you need LTC. As a general rule, we recommend that you plan on a premium equal to 1% of your investment assets. As an example, if your portfolio is $500,000, you might want a policy with an annual premium of $5,000. Most clients start looking at LTCi in their 50s.

Property Casualty Insurance:

Common property casualty insurance includes homeowners (renters), vehicle (boat/motorcycle) and umbrella coverage. It is important to review your deductible. If you have a good cash reserve, you may be able to save some money with a $1,000 or $2,500 deductible. It is also important to ensure you have enough liability coverage. Depending on your assets, many people should have auto coverage of $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident. In Massachusetts your auto liability shows up in Parts 3, 5 and 12. Most people have $500,000 of home liability coverage, but the costs are normally nominal to increase this coverage to $1 million. If you have valuable jewelry, art or collectibles, they should be insured with a specific endorsement. You may also want to have at least $1 million of umbrella coverage. This type of policy provides additional coverage if your home or auto liability coverage is exhausted.

Lars Lambrecht, Rehoboth resident and Certified Financial Planner, is available to answer questions or meet for a consultation. 617-947-6428

Scouting Around...

News from Rehoboth Girl Scout Troop 507

Rehoboth Girl Scout Troop 507 would like to thank the Rehoboth Ambulance Committee for helping the girls earn their first aid badges. The girls learned about the Heimlich maneuver, use of epi pens, and fire safety. They also took a tour of the ambulance.

Exciting Changes at Hillside!

We’re a public country club with an inviting ambiance, nestled in beautiful surroundings. Hillside is your go-to destination for families, friends, and co-workers to enjoy great times in the countryside. We o er something for everyone!

We’re a

We’re thrilled to introduce our new Executive Chef, Michael Pennacchia, whose illustrious 30-year career includes leading roles at top culinary establishments, prestigious awards, and consistent vestar reviews. Chef Michael has completely reimagined our menu with fresh, made-from-scratch dishes using original ingredients. The new menu has launched— come taste the di erence!

Sunshine, scenery, sips, and snacks!

We’re a public country club with an elevated atmosphere. Hillside is a destination for families, friends and co-workers to have some great times in the countryside.

Enjoy it all at our outdoor Tiki Bar, with live entertainment, trivia nights, and premier dining experiences that make every visit special.

Come and experience all the exciting new o erings at Hillside Country Club— your countryside oasis awaits!

state-of-the-art, private Trackman golf simulators that fit up to 10 comfortably

Sunshine, scenery, sips and snacks! Enjoy it all at our outdoor Tiki Bar.

Live entertainment, trivia nights and premier dining experiences

Compassionate caring every step of the way

For nearly 50 years, HopeHealth has offered comfort and hope through even the toughest health challenges. It’s our privilege to care for our patients and their loved ones at every stage of serious illness providing hospice and palliative care, dementia and Alzheimer’s services as well as caregiver and grief support programs.

Learn more about our services by calling (844) 671-4673 or visit HopeHealthCo.org.

10 Emory Street, Attleboro, MA 02703

4701_RehobothReporterAd_4.87x3.62_9.20.indd

Francis Hall

27 Francis Farm Road, Rehoboth Phone 508-252-3372

Fax 508-252-4716

Monday - Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm Fridays 8:00am to Noon

The COA will be closed on Monday October 14th for Columbus Day

Breakfast

Mon / Wed / Fri From 8:30-10

Lunch

Mon / Wed @ Noon. Come join us

Gert’s Halloween Haunt

Wednesday, October 30th @ Noon

Tickets $10.00

Book Club

Monday October 7th

First Monday of Month at 10:00am

The Book for November is The First Ladies

National Grid at the Senior Center

Mon Oct 21st from 10 to Noon

Customer Advocates will be available to meet one-on-one to discuss options to manage your energy bill and help you find assistance, including: Discount rates, Payment Plans, Budget Billing, Arrears Management Program (AMP)

Join Our Walking Club Mon-Wed-Friday 9:30AM

Please note new start time

Join our Email List

Updates during the month COAmail@rehobothma.gov

Craft Supplies Needed

We have Paper Crafting Class and a Jewelry/ Resin Making. We can always use extra supplies. Scrapbooking, Cricut Supplies, die cuts, embossing folders. Jewelry making and resin supplies. We are in need of cotton, flannel, and fleece fabric for sewing projects. We are accepting yarn donations for hats & blankets.

Your donations are greatly appreciated

ACTIVITIES

Mondays

8:30-10 BREAKFAST

10:00-11:00 Cribbage

9:30 Walking Club

10:00 Bocce

10:00 Cornhole Toss

Noon Gert’s Café ~ Ltd seating ~ $5.00

1:00 Line Dancing (NEW) $3.00

Tuesdays

9:00 Dancer-cise $3.00

10:00-Noon Jewelry Making Class $5.00

10:00 S.E.A.T

10:00 Sewing & Quilting

11:00 Balance & Strength

1:00 Hi-Lo Jack

1:00- 3:00 Crafty Fun Classes $5

Wednesdays

8:30 - 10:00 Breakfast

9:30 Walking Club

10:00 Fiber Arts (Knitting & Crochet get together. Jane Williams

10:00 Bocce

10:00 Cornhole Toss

Noon Lunch Ltd seating ~ $5.00

1:00-3:00 Acrylic Painting Class $5.00

1:00-3:00 Dominoes

Thursday

9:00 Tai Chi

10:00 Drums Alive $3.00

11:00 Stretch & Flex Class $3.00

1:00-3:00 Paper Crafting Class includes Card Making, Stamping, etc. $5.00

1:00-3:00 Watercolor Class $5.00

Friday

8:30 - 10:00 Breakfast

9:30 Walking Club

10:00 Bocce

10:00 Cornhole Toss

10:00 Jenga

As always all pricing is a suggested donation. Please sign up for Lunch ahead of time. This helps Chef Chico plan the meals

Meals on Wheels:

Please contact Bristol Elders, Inc. at (508) 675-2101 for information on the Meals on Wheels program.

Rehoboth Public Health Nurse

Geraldine Hamel, RN MSN: Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 508252-6502 ext. 3127 or 508-252-5947

Stephanie Reis, RN BSN: 508-252-6052 ext. 3128

Offering multiple medical services for our Rehoboth citizens: Home Visits, Vaccinations. Support groups: Bereavement, Caregiver Assistance, Dementia Support and more

• Wellness Clinic Wednesday 11:00-Noon

• Podiatry Clinic: Last Thursday of the month

• Blood Pressures & Glucose Screenings Please contact Geri Hamel for more information on these services.

Rehoboth Senior Citizens Club Annual Fall Bazaar

October 19, 2024 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Rehoboth Senior Center Francis Hall 27 Francis Farm Road, Rehoboth, MA

Prizes & Crafts, Roll-up-Table, Food Truck, Baked Goods Kids – Come ride the mini train!

10/23 11am - 12pm 11/6 1pm - 2pm

Senior Trivia Winners

Seekonk Human Services

The center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm, and Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm and Friday 8:30am - 12:00pm. We welcome all to come and enjoy the activities and companionship at Seekonk Human Services.

The office will be closed on Monday, October 14, 2024 for Columbus Day

Medicare Open Enrollment

It’s that time of year again! If you are enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO/ PPO), expect an information packet from your plan by the end of September. It is important to understand and save this information: it explains the changes in your plan for 2025. Premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and the drugs covered by your plan can change significantly!

During Medicare Open Enrollment, you can adjust your plan for the next year. Independent Medicare counselors help you understand your plan changes as well as other options you may have. Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7!

*Please note all clients will be required to fill out a Medicare prescreening form to help us better serve you by looking up your current plan and comparing it to the future plans, if changes are necessary.

Family Feud Game Show

Wed, October 9, 2024 at 1:00pm

Kevin brings the excitement of “LIVE” game shows right to your doorstep! People play as teams and every member of the winning team receives a prize! So….. Let’s start the Family Feud! Preregistration is required.

“A Musical Journey Through the Years”

Wed, October 16, 2024 at 1:00pm

Take a “walk down memory lane” and share an hour of music, laughter and a really good time with Tommy Rull, singer/entertainer’s show, “A Musical Journey Through the Years”. Enjoy the music of Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, Paul Anka, Elvis, Perry Como, Louis Armstrong, Engelbert, Barry Manilow and many others. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Seekonk Cultural Council. Preregistration is required.

Bristol Elder Service Presentation

Mon, October 21, 2024 at 2:15pm

Laura Hembree will be doing a presentation along with providing information to explain what Bristol Elder Services has to offer. Preregistration is required.

Healthy Aging -Lunch & Learn

Wed, October 23, 2024 at 11:30am

Nutritional Jeopardy for healthy aging! The presentation will be with a new set of questions and seeing if you know more about

nutrition in this round, as well as learning with Bristol Elder Services Registered Dietitian, Dawn DiMarco. If you are looking for nutrition advice, always ask a Registered Dietitian. Lunch is roasted turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls, cake, and lemonade. Preregistration is required.

Halloween Party

Wed, October 30, 2024 at 11:30am

Come join in on the fun at our annual Halloween party. We will have a costume contest with prizes, so wear your best costumes. This year we will be having entertainment by the Tribal Grooves Witches. Lunch will follow at 12:30pm. Lunch will be American Chop Suey and dessert. The fee for resident $7.00, and non-residents $10.00. Preregistration is required.

Arts & Crafts

1st & 3rd Friday 9:30am - 11:30am

The fee for residents is $5 and nonresidents is $10.

• Oct 4th - Pumpkin Decorating. Thank you to R & R Farm for donating pumpkins

• Oct 18th - Autumn Decoupage Fairy Light Jars

• Nov 1st & 15th - Fall Theme Straw Hats painted with acrylic paints

Contact the office for more information. Preregistration is required with payment. Projects are subject to change.

Blood Pressure

& Glucose Clinic

Wed, Oct 16th 9:00am - 11:00am

Seekonk Human Services continues to work with the Seekonk Fire Department to provide free monthly blood pressure & glucose screenings.

Let’s Learn Together!

Tues, Oct 22, 2024 at 2:30pm

Do you have questions about using your smartphone, or tablet? Bring them to the Tech Help Hour. The goal of this session is to help each other learn how to use technology better. There is no set agenda, just your questions and answer, favorite tips and tools. This program is moderated by Seekonk Public Library staff. Bring your own tablet, phone, or laptop. Please make sure your device is fully charged. Contact our office to register by calling 508-336-8772.

Tuesday Luncheon

Tuesdays at 12:00pm

Seekonk Human Services has partnered with The Hamilton Diner to offer weekly lunches! Lunches will cost $5 for residents and $6 for non residents. The menu will be available at the office and on Facebook. Sign

ups du by the Thursday before the scheduled lunch. Payment due at the time of sign up.

Nutritional Meals to Go

Tues / Wed / Thurs

Bristol Elder Services provides nutritional meals for lunch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to go. Meals come completely cooked and prepackaged. Meals need to be ordered the day before by 9:30am. Suggested donation of $2.25 per meal which will be due at the time of pickup. The October menu is available at our office and on our Facebook page.

Halloween in Salem, MA

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Price: $79.00 Per Person

Depart 8:00am Return Approx. 6:15pm

On this tour, we will visit the Salem Witch Museum. The Salem Witch Museum presents one of the most tragic stories in American history, the 1692 Witch Trials. Did you know the first movie Hocus Pocus was filmed in Salem, MA? You will have free time to shop at local stores before the museum. You can also taste the local flavors that historic Pickering Wharf has to offer. Trip includes: motorcoach transportation, gratuity, museum tour, free time at local shop/ stores, and Pickering Wharf. (LUNCH NOT included.) Payment due at registration. Encore CasinoBoston Harbor

Friday, November 15, 2024

Price: $39.00 Per Person

Depart 8:30am Return Approx. 5:30pm

Try your luck with 2,800+ slot machines, including classic favorites, automated tables and the newest game titles. Enjoy 166 table games, all at state-of-the-art tables with superior service. Trip includes: motorcoach transportation, gratuity, casino time: 10am4pm. Casino Pkg. $20 free slot play. Payment due at registration.

Christmas in Newport, RI

Friday, December 13, 2024

Price: $129.00 Per Person

Depart 9:00am Return Approx. 6:00pm

It begins with a visit to the Breakers Mansion. The amazing holiday décor is sure to impress and put you in the Christmas spirit! You will be having a delicious lunch at Johnny’s Restaurant. Lunch choices are: Baked Stuffed Scrod, Chicken Piccata or Pasta Primavera. Then we will have a 90 minute step-on-guide tour of the beautiful sights of Newport. You will also have free time in downtown Newport. Trip includes: motorcoach transportation, gratuity, Visit to the Breakers Mansion, lunch, 90 minute

step-on-guide tour, Free time in downtown Newport. Payment due at registration.

Veterans’ Day Celebration

Wed, Nov 6, 2023 @ 11:30am

The musical entertainment for our Veterans’ Day Celebration is to be determined. There will be a FREE lunch for Seekonk Veterans. Lunch will be spaghetti and meatballs. The fee for residents is $7.00, and non-residents is $10.00. Registration ends 11/1. Preregistration is required and opens October 15th.

Friendsgiving

Wed, Nov 13, 2023 @ 11:30am

We invite you to our third annual Friendsgiving. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what and who we are grateful for over the past year. Join us for a delicious Thanksgiving meal with good company and conversation. The cost for residents is $10 and non-residents is $13. Registration ends 11/6. Preregistration is required and opens October 15th.

Fuel Assistance

Income guidelines: Maximum income for one person is $49,196, for two people is $64,333, for three people is $79,470, and for four people is $94,608. Returning applicants must provide proof of income (pension, interest, dividends, 401K/IRA distribution). New applications must provide income, mortgage or rent bill, real estate taxes, homeowners insurance, utility bills (electric, gas and/or oil), social security card, government photo ID, and birth certificates for those under the age of 18.

Fuel assistance begins November 1st. For assistance please call our office to schedule an appointment with our outreach worker. Applications are accepted until April 30, 2025.

Medical Loan Closet

Our FREE Medical Loan Closet is available for Seekonk residents. Our inventory is dependent on donated items received, but may be limited based on need and space. For more information, please call 508-3368772 *30 Day Rental

Telephone Reassurance Program

Our office will make a telephone call to an individual’s home at approximately the same time each day Monday through Friday (during our operating business hours only). This program is designed to connect people in need with ongoing, caring human contact and conversation. If we do not receive an answer, we will call back shortly after. If we do not receive an answer the second time, Public Safety will be called to check on the individual’s status. This program is designed for senior citizens, disabled persons and shut-ins living in Seekonk who may be at risk of loneliness, social isolation, illness or injury.

If you, or you know someone you know is interested in this program, please call Nicole at Human Services at 508-336-8772.

Exercise Classes

Mondays

Movement & Meditation 10am

Strength & Cardio 1pm

Tuesdays

Drums Alive 9am

Wednesdays

Stability and Balance 8:45am

Drums Alive 9:30am

Thursdays

Mat Exercise 9am

Movement & Meditation 10am

Fridays

Dance Cardio 9:15am

Tai Chi 10:30am

*All activities are subject to pre-registration Card Games

Play a favorite or learn something new!

• Canasta - Mondays at 11am. A card game of the Rummy family

• Hi-Low Jack (Pitch) - Tuesdays & Thursdays at 1pm. Win the game by having the highest card played in the trump suit

• Mahjong - Weds at 1pm. A game of skill & chance that originated in China

• Cribbage - Thursdays at 11am. The first person to peg 121 points and get to the end of the board is the winner

• BINGO - Thursdays at 1pm. Regular games $1.00 for 6 games . Specials $2.00 per game. A game of chance played with cards having numbered squares corresponding to numbers drawn at random

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.

Fire Prevention

Fire prevention is in October, so here is some information regarding fires. Each year, fire claims the lives of 4,000 Americans and injures 20,000. Bedrooms are a common

area of fire origin. Nearly 600 lives are lost to fires that start in bedrooms. Many of these fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, such as overloading extension cords or using portable space heaters too close to combustibles. Many other bedroom fires are caused by children who play with matches and lighters, careless smoking among adults, and arson.

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the Sleep Products Safety Council (SPSC) would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from bedroom fires.

For more information about fire prevention go to the Seekonk website at seekonkma.gov. On the website select Department, then select Fire, then select Fire Prevention & Safety. There you will find something you would need to know to prevent fires in your homes and much more.

Veterans Corner

Seekonk 4th Annual Veterans’ Day

Rolling Parade

Monday, November 11, 2024 Veterans’ Meet at 9:00am Parade starts at 10:00am

The Seekonk Veterans Council would like to invite all Seekonk Veterans to participate in a rolling parade, a parade of cars, motorcycles and military vehicles on Veterans Day 2024, Monday November 11th. The parade route starts at Briarwood Plaza and ends at the Seekonk Veterans Memorial Park. Kindly R.S.V.P. to my email or phone. This is a great opportunity for those in town to appreciate your service to the nation.

Seekonk Veterans’ Day Ceremony

Monday, Nov 11, 2024, 11:00am Seekonk Veterans’ Memorial Park, 410 Newman Avenue

All are invited to join us for the Seekonk Veterans Day Ceremony where we will honor our nation’s veterans.

James LaFlame, Seekonk Veterans Service Officer, Office 508-336-2940, E-mail: jlaflame@ seekonk-ma.gov

ChurCh News & eveNts

Holy Cross Catholic Church

Are you searching for a place to worship? Holy Cross Catholic Church, an independent community, worshipping in the Catholic tradition, offers Mass every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. We are located at 141 Hornbine Road, Rehoboth. We hope you will join us

Community Covenant Church News

Are you looking for help and hope? Every week at Community Covenant Church, we strive to bring that to everyone who walks through our door through the good news of the gospel of Jesus. Through relevant preaching and modern worship that engages all ages from birth to empty nesters. For more information on our programs and current sermon series, check out www.communitycovenant.church. We hope to see you in person or online this Sunday at 10 am.

Trunk Or Treat!

Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 4-6pm

Join us for a family friendly event filled with treats and games! Trunk or Treat is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with your family and friends. Get ready for an evening of fun, laughter, and lots of candy! At Trunk or Treat, you’ll find creatively decorated car trunks, each filled with delicious treats for the little ones. Dress up in your favorite costumes and go from trunk to trunk, collecting candies and surprises along the way. Our FREE event provides a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. With friendly volunteers, a lively atmosphere, and a sense of community.

Save

the Dates!

2024 Fall Family Folk Dances

Sun, Oct 20 & Nov 10 4-6:30pm

Newman Congregational Church, UCC

The dances will include Squares, longways Contra-style reels, big circle dances, couple dances with an occasional dance for three, and Play-Party song dances. The point is to enjoy the community of people. All you really need to do is join in! Live music will be played by local musicians, including Caller and Fiddler, Henry Chapin.

Henry Chapin lives in Providence and has been involved in the New England Contradance world for many years. He is a Fiddler and Caller with lots of experience making sure folks who don’t think they know how to dance to feel comfortable and included. Chapin first experienced these traditions at Pinewoods Camp in Plymouth, MA. Born in New York, Chapin made his home in the Boston area and played with Yankee Ingenuity, a popular band under the direction of Caller Tony Parkes. Migrating to Vermont, he played in the dance trio Wellspring for monthly evenings in Vermont Town Halls and Granges. Returning to his native New York, Henry called for many schools and community centers with the Carnegie Hill Band. Throughout his career, he has always connected with schools and Arts-in-Education programs, as a Vermont Touring Artist through the Vermont Council on the Arts, and later as Fiddler-in-Residence in New York City schools.

The Fall Family Folk Dances are scheduled for the following Sundays, October 20, and November 10 from 4-6:30 pm. The public is cordially invited! There is a suggested donation of $5/person with a $25 maximum per family. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Newman Congregational Church, UCC is located at 100 Newman Avenue, Rumford, RI. For more info, to become a sponsor, or to reserve tickets, please call the church office at (401) 434-4742 x10

St. Francis Xavier Church Holiday Bazaar

Saturday, October 26th 9am to 6pm Sunday, October 27th 8am to 1:30pm

81 No. Carpenter St., East Providence

Our annual holiday bazaar is earlier than usual this year but still super-packed with fun, food and items for purchase you just can’t live without. Bring the entire family as there will be something for everyone including: Grand Prize Raffle, Christmas Booth, Attic Treasures (Halloween items too), Silent Auction, Raffle Baskets, Liquor Raffle Baskets, Wine with a Mystery Gift Card, Hand Knitted & Crocheted items, Home décor, Craft Supplies, Baked Goods, Lucky 7’s, Kids’ Corner, Youth Group with Games & Prizes.

Stay a while after shopping to enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner, and don’t forget our famous Portuguese malassadas (food fit for the angels) while there.

St. Nicholas of Myra Craft Fair

Saturday, November 2, 2024

St. Nicholas of Myra Church.

St. Nicholas of Myra Women’s Guild is sponsoring a Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 9 AM to 2 PM at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street, North Dighton, MA. There will be a Roll-up table, Bake table, and many crafters. Homemade soup and sandwiches will be sold from the kitchen. Tables are available. For further information, call Liz Mullaney at 508-212-0375

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church Annual Holiday Fair

385 Coyle Drive, Seekonk, MA

Friday, November 8th and Saturday, November 9th from 10 AM to 4PM. We will have games, food, raffles, Baskets Galore, jewelry, and an Old and New table.

Trunk or Treat

October 26th from 6 to 8 pm

Abundant Life Assembly of God, 135 New Meadow Road, Swansea will host their third annual Trunk or Treat event on October 26th from 6 to 8 pm. Lots of different decorations, candy, food and games. For additional information please call 508-379-0780.

Memorial Baptist Church News

~Worship Services~

If you are looking for a church home, we invite you to come and worship at our weekly Sunday Service at 10am.

~Bible Study~

Every Wednesday at 10am in our Church Library. All Welcome. ~Fall Yard Sale~

Huge church wide yard sale October 5th 9am-2pm ~Vendors WANTED for our November 9th Christmas Bazaar~

If you are interested in showcasing your own crafts or products, we are renting a limited number of tables for our Christmas Bazaar. (scheduled for Nov 9, 2024 9am-2pm). Tables are $20.00 each. We will be renting tables now until 10/26/24. Please contact Gail @401-298-0033, to rent a table or for additional information. 340 Central Avenue, Seekonk, Ma 02771

Seekonk Congregational Church News

Sunday Services

We hope you will join us each Sunday at Seekonk Congregational Church UCC at our weekly services with Communion in the Sanctuary at 600 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA. All services begin at 9:30 and all are welcome. Licensed day care is available every week. Check us out, you will be happy you did.

We will continue to record our services and they are available the following day at Seekonk Congregational Church YouTube. Church School classes are also at 9:30 each Sunday with children starting in church on the 1st Sunday of each month.

Trunk or Treats Sat Oct 19 2 – 5 PM

Fall River Ave Parking Lot

Please contact Kristin Putney at 774-991-1555 if you are interested in decorating a vehicle or you can bring your children, grandchildren, neighbors dressed in costume for a fun filled afternoon with inside games and treats. Candy donations are welcome

Harvest Dinner – Saturday, November 2, 2024

Buffet serving from 5:00 to 6:30PM. Eat In or Take Out. MENU: Baked Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Harvard Beets, Onions, Cole Slaw, Rolls & Butter and Apple Bread Pudding…TICKET PRICES: Adults $17.00 and Children (ages 5-12) $7.00. RESERVATIONS are SUGGESTED, walk-ins welcome. Tickets will go on sale during coffee hours on Sunday Oct 13th or you could contact the Church Office at 508-336-9355 or chairperson Kristin Pion 774-991-1836

All Saints Day: November 3rd

On the first Sunday in November, it is our tradition to carry out an ancient tradition that has been in existence for over 1000 years. It is the tradition of remembering with love and gratitude those who have gone on before us to eternal rest since last November. Also plan to come to a most inspiring and uplifting service with toe-tapping jazz that will lead us all to greater heights!

Fall Church Grounds Clean-Up Sat Nov 9th (9AM – Noon)

Volunteers needed for cleanup of Church grounds Sign up sheet in Hall. If you have any question contact: Trish Sweeney 508-736-8434

Christmas Bazaar

Saturday December 7, 2024

Mark your calendars for our annual Christmas bazaar, a wonderful Seekonk Congregational Church tradition. With beautiful wreaths and centerpieces, ham and beans and amazing baked goods, Grandma’s Attic with all sorts of Christmas items, pictures with Santa and SO MUCH more!

On-Going Mission Concerns & Needs

• Food For Any You Know Who Have Financial Challenges: granola/cereal bars, cereal (especially Cheerios), food in pouches that doesn’t need heating, or peanut butter

• The Clothing Shed is at the end of the County Street parking lot. Drop off your clothing, shoes, belts, purses, blankets, sheets, curtains, pillowcases or stuffed animal donations in a tied up bag.

• Cans & Bottles MA deposit Only: Save the environment and people!! Bring donations to the green bins - Fall River Ave parking lot- lift lid - drop in clean bottles and cans. DEPOSIT ONLY, no water bottles please

• Green Congregation Challenge: As part of our effort to be a “Green Congregation,” we will be distributing Climate Hope Voter Pledge cards after the service. These cards ask people to “pledge to vote as an act of hope for present and future generations.” The pledge reads, “I pledge to be a consistent voter and always prioritize God’s creation in how I vote.” This is not about candidates, parties or platforms. It is a pledge to vote our values. On the cards are directions on how to submit the pledge. This includes a QR code which is very simple and quick to use. We appreciate your support of this initiative of the Southern New England Conference. It is part of our effort to meet the Green Congregation Challenge. If you have any questions on the above or wish to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, please email Donna.euell@gmail.com. All events and services are open to ALL. Please check out our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/SeekonkCongregationalChurch/ for updates.

No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome at Seekonk Congregational Church.

REHOBOTH

Blending Tradition and Transition

Rehoboth Congregational Church

Since 1721 – more than 50 years before the American Revolution – the Rehoboth Congregational Church has been a cornerstone of our community. Situated in the center of town, the “Church in the Village” has been a spiritual home for generations of Rehoboth families. Yet, while church members are

proud of its colonial roots and long-standing traditions, RCC is also a vibrant, active community of today. That’s what attracted Reverend Andrew Simon, who became the new settled pastor of the church this summer.

“There is just such an energy in this place,” Rev. Simon explains. “It’s a really strong welcoming feeling that pulls you in right away.”

Rev. Simon says he was also drawn to the multi-generational aspect of the RCC congregation. “In an era when churches all over are seeing a decline in regular attendance – especially in younger families – this church has a thriving church school program and participation from members of all ages. I love to look out on a Sunday and see the babies, teens, and older folks all mingling together. There aren’t enough opportunities for that kind of interaction in today’s world.”

Many congregants agree. “For the past decade, being a member here and bringing my children and family here has been a consistent blessing. RCC has always been a joyful, welcoming place,” says teacher and Rehoboth resident Jessalyn Sadler Correa.

Ann Murphy of Rumford adds, “RCC feels like a family who looks after and cares for each other as well as the wider community.”

Rev. Simon comes to RCC with twenty years of pastoral experience, most recently at St. James Lutheran Church in Barrington, Rhode Island. He transitioned to the United Church of Christ, the church’s denomination, after a two-year process of discernment and study.

“Changing the path of my ministry was a pretty intense process,” he explains, “but for many reasons, it was the right move for me. Coming here now, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and energy.”

Calling Rev. Simon to serve RCC was the right move as well, according to Abbie St. Martin, co-chair of the pastoral search committee. “Right from our first meeting with him, we all felt Andrew was the perfect fit for us. He’s smart, thoughtful, and really funny – just the kind of pastor we were looking for.”

During the year-long search for a new settled pastor, the church was led by Reverend Helen Nablo of Centerville, Mass. As an interim pastor, Rev. Nablo’s role was to guide the congregation through the many steps involved in the search process. She finished her tenure at RCC just as Rev. Simon was called to serve.

In addition to Rev. Simon, Rehoboth Congregational has also recently hired Melissa Grossi of Seekonk as its Music Director, and Samantha Choate of Rehoboth as the Office Administrator. The talents of these new staff members have blended seamlessly with those of Church School Director Allison Ware and Technology Director Andrew Kingsland.

“We’ve got such a great team in place right now,” says Melissa Enos, the chair of the RCC Executive Board. “We’ve made a few improvements and continue to build on our strengths. We are a congregation looking forward to a great future!”

After 303 years, the Rehoboth Congregational Church is still going strong! For more information, please visit our website, www. rehobothcongregational.org

Upcoming Events!

• Cornhole Tournament at Hillside Country Club, October 19th

• Trunk or Treat, October 20th

• New Member Informational Luncheon, October 27th

• “Christmas in the Village” Bazaar & Turkey Supper, Nov 1st & 2nd

Reverend Andrew Simon

Rehoboth Congregational

Christmas in the Village CHURCH

BAZAAR

NOVEMBER 1st, 4PM-8PM

NOVEMBER 2nd, 9AM-3PM

139 BAY STATE ROAD, REHOBOTH Meals

Friday Sit-Down Turkey Supper (Pre-Order) 5:30 pm

Saturday Luncheon

In-person shopping at the church & Goff Hall!

Bake Shoppe, Cookie Walk & Pie Girls

Silent Auction, Wreath Raffle, Kids Craft & Shop (SAT Only)

Unique Boutique, Woodworkers Room & Mrs. Claus’ Closet

VISIT RCCBAZAAR.ORG TO ORDER YOUR MEALS!

Pasta Bedtime Productions Presents:

Rehoboth Film Festival

October 19th from 6:30PM-8:30PM

Pasta Bedtime Productions is proud to present the Rehoboth Film Festival, sponsored by the Rehoboth Cultural Council. The event will take place on October 19th, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM outdoors at Francis Farm, located at 27 Francis Farm Road, Rehoboth, MA 02769.

Join us for a night of bone-chilling horror, as a selection of local, talented filmmakers come together to showcase their work. The films are not for the faint-hearted so bring a blanket and we will bring the rest! Please note that these films are not suitable for children, though anyone over the age of 17 is welcome.

All proceeds will be donated to the Rehoboth Senior Center.

Tickets are currently available for $8.00 through EventBrite.com at www.eventbrite.com and search “Rehoboth Film Festival” or scan this QR code.

We look forward to seeingyouthere… ifyoudare!

History:

In 2022, a group of talented writers and producers decided to form Pasta Bedtime Productions. The film industry has been struggling to recover from union strikes, so this group of experienced professionals decided to come together to make a project from the heart. This project is a short film about Rehoboth’s famous Red-Headed Ghost of Route 44.

Written by Rosario Corso and Amelie Iselin, and directed by Cameron K. Morton, “44” is a chilling preview of the feature film currently in development by Pasta Bedtime Productions in partnership with Plan R Pictures.

During filming, it was necessary for the crew to film for two nights outdoors in the cold of November 2023. We thank the Rehoboth Police Department for their efforts to close the roads during this time and keep our crew’s safety in mind. In return, we promised to share the final product with our neighbors, culminating in what is sure to be a fantastic event. This project would not have been possible without the support of: Rehoboth Police Department, Live Earth Rentals, Selectman David Pereira, and June Cruz, chair of the Rehoboth Cultural Council.

In addition to “44,” we will be screening three other short horror films - all featuring thrilling graphics. The Film Festival would not be complete without all the food, fun and ambiance provided by our chosen sponsors and vendors. Please be sure to visit each one because a percentage of each vendor’s proceeds will be donated to the Senior Center.

Our Vendors:

Souza Farms is creating a perfect fall ambiance for the festival with cornstalks, pumpkins, mums and more.

Dunkin’ Donuts will be selling hot drinks and donuts to keep everyone warm and comfortable.

Chartley Country Store will be selling a variety of candies for the moviegoers to enjoy.

Rehoboth Baking Co food truck will be on-site, serving up delicious food.

BrilliantDahliaFlowerFarmis generously designing a gorgeous centerpiece made from beautiful flowers grown on the farm and donating it to the raffle.

Fringe Worthy Studio & Boutique will be selling unique handmade fall gifts & décor and donating a stunning harvest wreath for the raffle.

Samuel Corso, Ethan Tripp, and Janice Quinlan are passionate collectors of “Ghostbusters”memorabilia! They will be in full gear with Proton Packs and the Ect-1 vehicle, available to pose with and purchase photographs.

You may also encounter some scary characters you have seen in popular horror movies. Feel free to come dressed up yourself!

What’samoviewithoutpopcorn? Stephanie Maloney from Corso Law and Patrick Maloney are tasked with selling movie-quality popcorn.

continued on next page...

Please also visit our sponsors & vendors at their places of business:

• Souza Farms, owner Val Souza, 33 Agricultural Avenue, Rehoboth.

• Dunkin Donuts, owner Aaron Anderson, Partner Courtney LeRoyer, 227 Winthrop Street, Rehoboth.

• Chartley Country Store, owners Bob & Karen Ryan, 319 Tremont St. Rehoboth.

• Rehoboth Baking Co., owner Paul Booras, 7 Park St. Rehoboth.

• Brilliant Dahlia Flower Farm, owner Sharon Hoskins, 14 Chestnut St. Rehoboth.

• Fringe Worthy Studio & Boutique, owner Melanie Indindoli/Liz Proulx & Kate Crosby Designers, 7 Park St. Unit1B, Rehoboth.

• Corso Law, owner Frank Corso, 492 Winthrop St, Rehoboth.

Special thanks also to FunFlicks Outdoor Movies from North Attleboro for the 32-foot screen which was generously donated by a silent sponsor; and to The Rehoboth Reporter, for providing media coverage for this special event.

For further details, find us at pastabedtime@gmail.com Or call us at (774)229-6195

Samuel Corso with his son Daniel in Ghostbuster gear

Events & Activities

Arts in the Village First Concert

Sunday October 6, 2024 at 2:30 PM

Goff Memorial Hall, 124 Bay State Rd, Rehoboth, MA 02769 508-431-6879 • www.rehobothantiquarian.org/arts-in-the-village

$25 per adult; $10 for students/children - Free Parking

Join us as we welcome back to Arts in the Village the Providence Mandolin Orchestra!

The Providence Mandolin Orchestra is a group of amateur and professional musicians united by the love of performing a unique style of music. They are committed to carrying on the rich tradition of the American mandolin orchestra while actively promoting original, new pieces. Under the direction of Mark Davis., the modern PMO has emerged as one of the leading American mandolin ensembles, with regular performances in the eastern United States and western Europe, as well as collaborative appearances with other ensembles in the United States and Europe.

Seekonk Athletic Boosters Club Annual Golf Tournament

Monday, October 7 at 9:00

The Seekonk Athletic Boosters Club will hold their annual golf tournament on Monday, October 7 at 9:00 at Ledgemont Country Club. The cost of $150 per player includes 18 holes of golf, cart and buffet lunch. It’s a great opportunity to play a beautiful course.

All funds raised from the event support the various athletic programs at Seekonk High School. Please contact Karen McKenna at kmckenn10@aol.com for any additional information or to obtain a registration form.

Crafters’ Marketplace: 2024 Craft Show

to Benefit the Carpenter Museum

October 19, 2024 9AM-4PM

The Carpenter Museum invites you to our 45th annual Crafters’ Marketplace, Saturday October 19, 9AM-4PM.

Our annual show will be held in the historic Rehoboth Village in three separate but walkable buildings; the Carpenter Museum, the Rehoboth Congregational Church Hall, and Goff Hall at Blanding Public Library. Outdoor vendors will also be on the lawns of both the Carpenter Museum and Blanding Library. “The Hungry Hut” food truck will be serving American food for all those who want to catch lunch and for the first time we will have a face painter for any kids or whimsical grown ups that tag along! As always we will have a fundraiser bake sale and a vendor wares raffle to raise funds for the Carpenter Museum.

This prestigious show has grown in its 45 years from 2 tables of local crafters to dozens of vendors selling their wares to raise money to support Museum projects and programming. This show is committed to bringing quality handmade items from skilled crafters to their shoppers. The Marketplace is free to enter, free to park, and makes the perfect autumn outing. All proceeds go to the Carpenter Museum, a non-for-profit history and research center.

Countdown to World Singing Day at the Warwick Mall

Harmony Heritage invites all to raise their voices in celebration of community on October 19th at 1 pm!

People who love to sing will gather at an event designed for everyone — all ages, backgrounds and singing abilities. It will be hosted by Harmony Heritage, the Rhode Island based chapter of Harmony, Incorporated, an international organization of female a cappella singers specializing in the barbershop harmony style. This event will take place in the atria of the Warwick Mall, 400 Bald Hill Road in Warwick, RI.

World Singing Day has been happening every year on the third Saturday in October since 2012, when it started as a local community sing in Boulder, Colorado. Its founder, musician and songwriter Scott Johnson, envisioned it as a way to bring together people of all backgrounds into one joyful community of song. The concept caught fire and has grown into an event that this year will span 5 continents in 100 locations and 22 countries around the world. Even a pandemic could not stop the event from happening, as singers moved online and into virtual choruses. Videos of past World Singing Day events can be found at worldsingingday.org/videos.

Each year a common song of the year is chosen, and groups and individuals are encouraged to go to the WSD website to

learn that song and sing it on World Singing Day. This year’s song will be a mash-up of John Lennon’s “Imagine” and “We Are the World” by Lionel Ritchie and Michael Jackson. All are encouraged to come and sing their hearts out!

For more information on this event, or to obtain learning media for the song of the year, contact organizer Shelley Pray at spray89423@aol.com or call 401-226-5192, or visit the Harmony Heritage chorus website at https://www.harmonyheritage.org/.

About Harmony Heritage:

Founded in 2001, the Pawtucket, RI chapter of Harmony, Inc., also known as the Harmony Heritage chorus, brings fourpart a cappella harmony to the local community through regular performances and educational events. The chorus consists of women representing a wide range of musical backgrounds, from novice to trained professionals, and performs under the direction of Bob O’Connell. Harmony Heritage is holding open rehearsals at 7 pm on Tuesdays at the Murray Unitarian Universalist Church at 505 North Main Street in Attleboro, MA. For more information, visit www.harmonyheritage.org .

About Harmony, Incorporated: Harmony, Inc. is an international, nonprofit organization whose purpose is to em-

power all women through education, friendship and a cappella singing in the barbershop style. Since its founding in Providence, RI in 1959, the organization has expanded from its Eastern roots to include more than 60 chapters in the United States and Canada, from California to Newfoundland, and from Manitoba to Florida. For more information, visit HarmonyInc.org.

Harmony, Inc. is a World Singing Day sponsoring partner, with multiple chapters in the US and Canada participating on October 19th.

Harmony Heritage women’s a cappella chorus will host a World Singing Day Event at the Warwick Mall on October 19th at 1 pm.

Orchestra

Arts in the Village Presents pianist

Sunday, November 10th at 2:30 PM

Goff Memorial Hall

124 Bay State Road Rehoboth, MA 02769

508-431-6879

Rehoboth

www.RehobothAntiquarian.org

www.rehobothantiquarian.org/arts-in-the-village

www.rehobothantiquarian.org/ arts-in-the-village

Adults $25, Student/Children $10

Craft Fair Vendors Wanted

Saturday, October 26, 2024, from. 10 am – 3 pm

The Seekonk Knights of Columbus will host their fourth annual charity craft fair on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from. 10 am – 3 pm at 532 Arcade Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771.

We are expecting to have 45 vendors, one food truck, live music, and face painting for the kids.

Outdoor lots measure 15 ft x 30 ft and are $25 each which will accommodate a vendor’s vehicle and pop-up canopy. Indoor table spaces are $25 each and include an 8 ft. table with setup and breakdown assistance.

Contact the K of C as soon as possible at 508.336.7952 to reserve your space. For more information, visit us on Facebook.

Rain date is Sunday, October 27, 2024.

Festival of Trees

Sunday, November 3rd Noon–5:00 pm

White’s of Westport

Raffle & Social: Join our raffle of over 85 themed trees creatively decorated with items valued at $100+ each. White’s will be offering a light lunch and bar service. Forever Paws will have refreshments available.

Arts in the Village Presents Pianist Ko-Eun Yi

Sunday, Nov 10, 2024 2:30 PM

Goff Memorial Hall, 124 Bay State Rd, Rehoboth, MA 02769

508-431-6879 • www.rehobothantiquarian.org/arts-in-the-village

Adults $25, Student/Children $10

Handicapped accessible, free parking, doors open at 2 PM.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Ko-Eun Yi embarked on her piano journey at the tender age of three. Her musical education includes Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from The Juilliard School, where she studied under the guidance of Jerome Lowenthal, and completed her Professional Studies degree with André-Michel Schub at the Manhattan School of Music12.

Hailed by The New York Times as “the refined pianist,” Ko-Eun Yi, the winner of the CAG Victor Elmaleh Competition, has earned praise for playing with “élan and fire and a surplus of bravura technique” (Cincinnati Enquirer). She has garnered numerous top prizes in her career, with successes at the 2010 World Piano Competition in Cincinnati and the 2010 Wideman International Piano Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. The Washington Post applauded her debut recital in DC: “a masterful technician … Her finger-work was immaculate, inner voices were keenly drawn out, and there was no lack of power when needed.” Ko-Eun Yi, the accomplished pianist, has garnered acclaim for her refined technique and expressive performances.

Wreaths Across America

Local Wreaths Across America volunteers are continuing to work hard to ensure that all Veterans laid to rest at the Rehoboth Village Cemetery are honored this December as part of National Wreaths Across America Day – Saturday December 14, 2024. This is the first year the cemetery will participate in the national program and will join more than 4,200 participating locations, placing more than 3 million wreaths for interred veterans. w

In preparation for this event, “Poppy’s Crew” the local founding sponsorship group, is inviting the community to help honor the 480 veterans interred at the Rehoboth Village Cemetery. Here is how you can get involved:

• Sponsor a wreath for $17 today by scanning the QR code or visiting www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NH0043P.

• Volunteer your time by assisting with fundraising events, attending the ceremony and signing up to lay wreaths at gravesites on December 14, 2024, or participate in clean-up efforts when the wreaths are removed.

• Visit us at the Public Safety Event Oct. 12 at Redway Plain to learn more and meet our team.

• Flag a friend or community member through our “Flag a Friend” campaign. With a $17 Sponsorship, the group will place American Flags and a Yard sign showing the support of Veterans in the yard of the recipient for a period of time. The recipient can then donate to have the flags removed, or better – pass it on to another friend or family member.

• Donate Goods, Services or a GC for our cash calendar fundraiser launching soon. Businesses that donate to the fundraiser or sponsor wreaths will be given an ad on our printed program

Every day leading up to December 14th is an opportunity to raise awareness and bring our community together.

Poppy’s crew is grateful for the support of the Rehoboth community and surrounding area. The participation in Wreaths Across America at the Rehoboth Village Cemetery is a steppingstone toward future initiatives and expansion of the program in Rehoboth.

We encourage community members to contact us at waapoppyscrew@gmail.com if they have a veteran interred in any of the town’s historic burying grounds and would like them to be honored with a wreath on December 14th. Please reach out to arrange this specific request.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Day of DR Pride

On September 13th, the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District held its first-ever Day of DR Pride. All five schools in the district participated, competing for top honors in categories such as school spirit, creativity, teamwork, and best group effort.

We are excited to announce that Beckwith Middle School

emerged victorious! As part of our well-earned prize, we will have the distinct honor of coloring Superintendent Runey’s hair in green and gold—the district’s colors. It was an exciting and memorable day for the entire Beckwith community and the district at large, showcasing our shared pride in a fun and competitive way.

Rehoboth PTSA 2024 Trunk or Treat!

Saturday, October 19th 5PM-8PM

Dighton Rehoboth Regional High School

2700 Regional Rd, North Dighton, MA 02764

Join us at the largest trunk event in town! Candy, Food Trucks, Hayrides, Games, Touch a Truck, Music and More!

$5 Admission online before October 17th / $8 at the door

All proceeds to benefit Palmer River Elementary and Beckwith Middle School Students’ field trips & enrichment opportunities. Visit rehobothptsa.org for tickets, to host a trunk, or for more info.

Palmer River School Kicks Off 20242025 Year with Excitement

Rehoboth, MA — The halls of Palmer River School have been filled with energy and enthusiasm as students and families welcomed the start of the 2024-2025 school year. The school year commenced with a lively open house, where parents and students gathered to meet their teachers and school administrators. The event provided an excellent opportunity for students to reconnect with friends and make new acquaintances on the playground.

Adding to the festivities, attendees enjoyed refreshing Kona Ice treats, generously provided by the Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA). “It was wonderful to see so many families come together to kick off the school year” said Assistant Principal Cheryl Leandro.

The first two weeks of the school year were dedicated to fostering relationships among students and teachers. In addition to classroom activities, students participated in a Bus Safety Presentation organized by Bloom Bus Company. During the session, they learned vital safety tips, including how to properly enter and exit the bus and adhere to bus expectations.

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Palmer River students excited to be back to school

TWIN OAKS Farm Learning Center

The

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Palmer River students enjoying being back at school

Looking ahead, the excitement continues as the Rehoboth PTSA prepares for its annual Trunk or Treat Fundraiser. Scheduled for Saturday, October 19th, from 5 to 8 PM at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, this beloved event promises to attract a large crowd. Families can look forward to an evening filled with festive activities and, of course, plenty of treats.

Admission to the event is set at $5.00 per person, and the PTSA encourages everyone to join in the fun. Trunk or Treat is a wonderful way for our community to come together, have some fun, and support our school. We can’t wait to see everyone there!

As the school year unfolds, Palmer River School remains committed to providing a nurturing and engaging environment for its students, fostering both academic and personal growth. With numerous events planned throughout the year, the Palmer River community is looking forward to a memorable school year filled with learning, fostering friendships, and having fun.

Families with

★

★

★ September to June

★ Breakfast & Lunch Provided

★ Education, Field Trips & Fun!

Honoring Our 12th Man

This season, the DR boys’ soccer team is honoring the memory of James Dias, who bravely fought a long battle with brain cancer until his passing this past June, by wearing an armband in his name. James’s father, Nelson Dias, expressed his deep gratitude, saying, “I’m incredibly touched and humbled by these young men keeping James’s legacy alive.” He added, “Their act of kindness means the world to me.”

Coach Michael Morgado shared how much the gesture resonates with the team, saying, “It’s had a positive impact on the boys. They’re fully invested in it, always reminding me, ‘Coach, are we taking the photo before the game?’ James is our 12th man, watching over us.”

DR Boys’ Soccer Team honors James Dias before the game.

FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

Residential Refresh - Personalized Touches for Your Home

(Family Features) Your home is an expression of you, your personality and your lifestyle. When it comes to personalizing your home’s aesthetic, try leaning into your senses to inspire change within your space.

Inspiration can be found everywhere around you - from taking cues from Mother Nature to “shopping” your own house or, with a little help from Air Wick, finding and incorporating your home’s signature scent.

Give yourself a residential refresh with these tips:

Rearrange Living Spaces

Breathing fresh air into a room doesn’t always require a complete overhaul, or even any construction or DIY projects. Sometimes all you need is a little rearranging. Shifting furniture to better suit your needs or let more natural light in can significantly improve the space’s aesthetic.

Additionally, the items you currently own are most reflective of your style; try “shopping” your own house by repurposing items from other areas or rooms to give them a fresh feel. When decor pieces are overused in one spot, they may feel brand new in a different space. These are practical and cost-effective tactics to create a new and inviting space for both you and any guests entering your home.

Introduce Plants and Greenery

When sourcing your design inspiration from nature, adding greenery is an inherent way to bring in the beauty and freshness of the great outdoors. To personalize your home with plants, visit a nursery or local flower shop and choose ones that are appealing to you based on their shape, color or size. Live plants offer multiple benefits, like naturally purifying the air, and studies have shown numerous therapeutic benefits of spending time with nature. Therefore, designing with natural elements, like house plants or flowers, can bring a sense of serenity into your home.

Continued on next page

Power Washing

Find Your “Scentscape”

A home upgrade rooted in nature includes more than just what you can see and feel, it also includes engaging the sense of smell. One of the latest home decor trends, “scentscaping,” is growing in popularity as a way for individuals to enhance the ambiance of their homes through tailored scent.

“Scent is an often-overlooked aspect of design,” said Egypt Sherrod, HGTV personality who is both an interior designer and real estate broker, and Air Wick partner. “People tour homes and experience spaces with all their senses. It adds a new layer to home personalization, as an authentic fragrance experience often heightens the aura of your space beyond its physical layout. Scentscaping is the perfect way to add a bespoke vibe for your home that reflects your personal style, in turn creating a welcoming atmosphere.”

With innovative devices designed to deliver carefully blended scents like Air Wick’s Advanced Plug-In Scented Oil, you can enjoy long-lasting pulses of scents inspired by nature in the comfort of your home for up to 60 days on low setting. With anti-fading technology, an on-demand boost button and adjustable intensity settings, you’ll notice the fragrances from the first drop to the last.

Update Colors

Introducing color to a room can transform its look, and the scale of change is up to you. You might repaint the entire space, simply paint an accent wall or even just spruce up a corner with a pop of color. Incorporating accessories or decorative elements with new colors can also create some variety, such as including pops of seasonal-inspired colors in artwork and textiles.

Switch Out Light Fixtures

A room’s lighting is an important detail for personalizing the type of mood and ambiance you are trying to achieve. Swapping out light fixtures for dimmers, for example, can create a brand new atmosphere, allowing you to adjust the light to the time of day and for your intended experience. Consider updating old lighting fixtures with new ones to enhance the presence of natural light or changing the bulb wattage to further impact the mood.

Embrace the Scent of the Season

If you tend to make frequent edits to your home’s design, you may also find the idea of experimenting with different fragrances appealing. A short-term scent can be ideal for seasonal swaps, like trading fresh spring blooms for sweet summer citrus, for example. Lasting for up to 45 days on low setting, Air Wick’s Essential Mist Diffuser fills the room with a gentle, fragrant mist with natural essential oils so you can set it and forget it. Adjustable settings are included on the device, and the cordless and portable design allow it to blend seamlessly into any home decor.

Explore more inspiring ideas for incorporating a breath of fresh air into your home at airwick.us.

How to Prep Your Home for Cooler Weather

4 projects that provide high ROI

(Family Features) As the leaves begin to change and temperatures start to drop, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for the cooler months. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your haven of comfort stays warm, inviting and energy-efficient throughout fall and winter.

Consider these home projects from the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products - a leader throughout North America in innovation, design and production of exterior and interior building products including siding, trim, mouldings, roofing, stone, windows, outdoor living and more - based on Zonda’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report to get your home ready for the cooler seasons.

Upgrade Your Garage

New garage doors typically come with energy-efficient features and advanced security measures but are also relatively low-cost updates compared to the significant perceived value and resale benefits. In fact, replacing a garage door boasts a 193% return on investment, according to the report. Pairing new garage doors with updated trim can also offer a tight seal from exterior elements such as wind, snow and water.

Insulate for a Warmer Interior

Insulated siding can play a crucial role in enhancing your home’s thermal performance. By providing an additional layer of protection, it helps reduce heat loss, ensuring your home remains warm and your energy bills stay manageable. Plus, according to the report, vinyl siding replacement has an 80.2% return on investment. An option like CraneBoard Solid Core Siding from Westlake Royal Building Products offers superior durability and insulation. Its solid core construction provides added strength and impact resistance while also contributing to better energy efficiency. In addition, the solid core reduces external noise and is designed to endure extreme weather conditions.

Leak-Proof Your Home’s Windows

Windows can be substantial energy drainers and let warmth out when they’re not properly sealed. If you notice a draft coming in around your windows, sealing cracks or gaps with aesthetically pleasing trim can make a significant difference in keeping the heat in and chilly air out. For extreme drafts, consider replacing windows

altogether, which can provide sellers with an average 67.1% return on vinyl window replacement, according to the report.

Shield Your Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Check for damaged shingles or tiles and make necessary repairs to prevent leaks. If a roof replacement is needed - which provides a 56.9% return on investment using asphalt shingles, according to the report - consider incorporating a high-quality roofing underlayment to provide an extra layer of protection against water, heavy snow and ice. For example, Sol-R-Skin BLUE, an external insulating underlayment from Westlake Royal Building Products, complements steep slope roofing. This underlayment serves as a secondary water protective layer, energy-saving radiant barrier and above-deck roof insulation blanket that is all-in-one. It incorporates an anti-glare coating in cool blue, making it easier and safer to install than alternative shiny radiant barrier options.

WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts.com.

ROOFING

Autumn

Lawn Maintenance Tips for a Healthy Yard

(Family Features) As temperatures drop and the first frost approaches, it’s time to take steps to winterize your lawn to ensure a lush, green comeback next spring.

A thorough inspection can help you identify the needs of your lawn, allowing you to tailor your fall maintenance efforts more effectively. Look for signs of damage such as bare patches, thinning areas or discoloration, and take note of any weeds or pests that may have taken hold. This evaluation sets a foundation for the steps you should take to prepare your lawn for the next growing season.

From mowing one last time (on a lower setting to help minimize the risk of snow mold and other winter-related issues) to removing leaves and applying winterizing fertilizer, these tips can help ensure your lawn is ready for the colder months.

Rake and Remove Leaves

A quintessential autumn chore, raking leaves and removing other debris from your yard can make a significant difference for your lawn’s health. Leaves left on the ground can smother your grass, blocking sunlight and trapping moisture, which can lead to fungal growth and other issues.

Use a lightweight rake to avoid damaging the grass or use a mulching mower to shred leaves into smaller pieces that can decompose and provide nutrients for the soil. If you have a compost bin, fallen leaves can be a valuable addition, enriching your compost with organic matter.

Fertilize for Fall

Fertilizing is a critical component to aiding your lawn in replenishing nutrients that were depleted during the warmer months. A well-fed lawn recovers more quickly from stress and can establish strong roots before winter sets in.

Choose a high-quality, slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for fall application and apply evenly across your lawn. Applying fertilizer in mid- to late-autumn ensures the nutrients are absorbed by the grass, fostering healthy growth and preparing it to withstand the colder months.

Overseed the Lawn

Overseeding involves spreading grass seed over your existing lawn to fill in bare spots and improve density. Particularly beneficial in the fall, as the cooler temperatures and increased moisture create ideal conditions for seed germination, the practice not only enhances the appearance of your lawn but also improves its resilience against diseases and environmental stress.

Choose a grass seed mix suitable for your climate and lawn type. After spreading the seed, lightly rake the lawn to ensure the seed makes contact with the soil. Water the area thoroughly and maintain consistent moisture until new grass is well established.

Find more tips to maintain your lawn and garden at eLivingtoday.com.

Source: eLivingtoday.com

Use Your Mudroom for Less Household Mess

(Family Features) Often positioned near the primary point of entry, mudrooms are a popular addition to many family homes. These organizational dynamos are the perfect place to catch muddy boots, backpacks, sports equipment and dirty paws before they make it all the way into the main living areas.

Luxurious mudrooms in high-end homes can sometimes boast custom cabinetry, full bathrooms, laundry facilities, showers for pets and direct pantry access.

Regardless of whether your mudroom is an actual room or just a small space near the front door to hang bags and jackets, the organizational basics are the same:

Corral Clutter: One of the most important items in any mudroom is storage for shoes, pet supplies, backpacks, sporting equipment and other items. If built-in storage isn’t in your budget, put up a sturdy shelving unit with a bin or basket for each family member.

Get Hooked: Securely anchor a row of strong hooks along the wall for coats, hats, scarves or other seasonal accessories that may otherwise find themselves dropped on the floor upon arriving home.

Mud Happens: Mudrooms are meant to handle dirt so nix the carpet and lay down tile or hardwood flooring. Pick a stylish rug to catch dirt in its tracks while also adding a design element to the space.

Shoe Space: Place a wooden bench or sturdy coffee table near the door so everyone has a place to sit while removing shoes. Slide a few baskets or bins underneath as an alternate location for storing backpacks and other gear when not in use.

Take Command: Create a family command center by adding a small cabinet or desk with a corkboard above. It makes for a perfect spot to stash keys, charge cell phones, open mail, sort school papers and post the family calendar.

Find more organization tips and tricks at eLivingtoday.com.

Source: Family Features

Budget-Friendly Ideas to Boost Curb Appeal

(Family Features) Your home’s first big impression is its curb appeal, so if your place is in need of some sprucing up, you may wonder how you can make some updates without breaking the bank. These 10 ideas are easy on budgets, but they can also make a big impact on your home’s exterior image.

1. Paint your front door. As long as your front door is in good condition, there’s no need to replace it completely. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s facade. Go bold or stick with a classic hue - it’s all up to you.

2. Dress up the windows. Add character and charm by enhancing your front windows. You might add wooden shutters, window box planters or both. Also look at the trim around the windows. If it’s chipped and peeling, adding a fresh coat of paint doesn’t just look nice, it can protect your windows from damage, too.

3. Clean up flower beds. An unkempt flower bed can drag down an otherwise stunning home. Keep beds tidy and vegetation trimmed, even during the offseason. Watch for weeds and replenish mulch or rock ground cover as needed to keep the beds looking healthy and inviting.

4. Install new lighting. Replacing outdated light fixtures can give your exterior an instant upgrade. There’s no right or wrong style; just choose a color and look that matches the rest of your design.

5. Replace worn welcome mats. A cheerful mat at your front door can be an inviting sight for visitors, but those mats inevitably wear with time, and what was once bright and charming becomes dingy and dull. A new mat can help bring back that cheery entry you once cherished.

6. Pressure wash the drive and walk. Over time, driveways and sidewalks collect an incredible amount of grime. Pressure washing not only eliminates the filth, but the clean surfaces also add to your home’s visual appeal.

7. Add new vegetation. Landscaping is a relatively inexpensive way to introduce more personality to a yard. Aim for a mix of pretty and practical, such as some low flowering bushes and some trees or bushes that offer privacy and shade.

8. Keep up with basic maintenance. When your home is in poor repair, it shows. Pay attention to bent or rusting gutters, imperfections in the roof and other maintenance matters that aren’t just aesthetic; left unrepaired, they can also result in major damage.

9.

but these

tails can be a big distraction if they’re not in good condition. Update or replace as needed to keep your aesthetic in sync.

10. Add seasonal decor. There’s no need to go all out for every occasion, but some timely decorations that celebrate the holiday or season can make your entry fun and festive. Coordinate wreaths, planters, signs and other accent pieces for a cohesive look that says, “come on in.”

Find more affordable ideas for upgrading your home and garden at eLivingtoday.com.

Source: Family Features

4 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Freshen Up Indoor Spaces

(Family Features) Whether you’re fatigued by seeing the same decor every day or simply looking for an opportunity to refresh indoor spaces with an appealing mini makeover, rethinking your favorite room in the house doesn’t need to be an expensive ordeal.

Even if your budget is tight, you can still make small changes to transform a room. Consider these ideas:

* Bring stylish flair to your space with a new color scheme. Rather than replacing all the furniture, which can be costly, focus on smaller accessory pieces such as pillows and decorative items. Create variety by using multiple hues of the same color or mixing two or more complementary colors.

* Introduce new accent furniture. Smaller and less cost-prohibitive than centerpieces like a couch, for example, accent pieces such as end tables or a coffee table can provide subtle changes to the

Cronan, Owner www.cronanpainting.com jarrett@cronanpainting.com

look of a room. You could also opt to refinish a piece of furniture you have on-hand to create a look that’s all your own.

* Morph your room by simply rearranging what you already own. Adjusting the orientation of your furniture and decor can let you see your favorite room from a whole new perspective.

* Whether it’s a flea market find, such as an old window frame that you paint and add a display shelf to the base, or a series of photos from your favorite vacation destination, adding some DIY art can not only update your room, but make it more personal, too.

A new look for your favorite room can go a long way, so find ways to update your space for a comfy retreat you can enjoy. Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com.

Source: Family Features

Fall in Love with Outdoor Decor

(eLivingtoday.com) Just because the temperatures cool doesn’t mean the amount of time and attention you spend on your outdoor spaces should. Fall is the perfect time to add seasonal touches and decorations to the exterior of your home that not only improve curb appeal, but also amplify your personal style.

Consider these seasonal ideas for decorating your patios, porches and backyards.

Use Bold Autumn Colors

Orange is a go-to fall color, but other seasonal shades, such as burgundy, can be incorporated to complement those orangey tones of pumpkins. Think blankets, throw pillows, mums and faux leaves as accent items that can add fall hues to your home.

Plant Autumn Varietals

Potted plants are one of the quintessential elements of outdoor decor, and taking advantage of your favorite fall blooming plants

- Nippon daisies, Oriental lilies, chrysanthemum and helenium, for example - can add seasonal greenery and fiery tones to your garden or planters.

Bring the Indoors Out

You can create beautifully designed spaces that you’ll enjoy year-round by bringing the indoors outside. Coffee tables, weatherproof area rugs, throw pillows, hanging lighting and wicker furniture can be staples of fall outdoor living spaces that provide the same cozy feel as your living room.

Warm Up with a Fire Pit

Calming and on-trend, creating a DIY firepit - either in a safe spot in your yard or simply on a tabletop - using concrete blocks, a ceramic pot or copper bowl and some logs can serve as a perfect gathering place for fall nights.

String Some Lights Around Your Space

If you have an outdoor space that could use some ambience, a string or two of clear party lights or strategically hung lanterns can improve the look and feel of your patio or yard. Of course, you can also opt to light candles or repurpose leftover outdoor torches.

Welcome Guests with a Personalized Doormat

Adding a personalized, seasonal welcome mat can add some personality to your porch as a simple way to supplement function with a touch of style. With a range of options typically available, swapping it out seasonally can keep your front door fresh.

Hang a Leafy Wreath

IN MEMORIAM

Seekonk Mourns Former Building Inspector

By Joe Siegel

Seekonk residents are mourning the loss of Neal Abelson, the town’s building inspector and former member of the Planning Board. Abelson, 74, passed away on the morning of September 13 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence.

Abelson was the Building Inspector for the Town of Seekonk until his passing. He had also served as Chairman of the Planning Board. He was a member of the Seekonk Lions Club where he was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship, an award given in recognition of his humanitarian service.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news of the passing of our colleague and dear friend, Neal Abelson,” read a post on the Town of Seekonk’s Facebook page. “Neal served our community with dedication and integrity, first as the Chairman of the Planning Board, where he contributed greatly for a number of years, and later as our Building Inspector, a role he stepped into on December 1, 2016. Neal will be greatly missed throughout Town and we know that he had developed strong relationships with many in the community. Please keep Neal’s family and loved ones in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”

“Neal was the Planning Board chairman when I was hired by the town in 2015 and then he was later was appointed as the building official,” said Town Planner John Aubin. “In those capacities I knew him as my chairman, co-worker, and friend. He was very involved in the community both through his work for the town and the Lions Club and will be missed.”

“Neal was a very kind and gentle person,” said Bill Barker. “He never had a bad thing to say about anyone. Always willing to help others. Neal’s values were top notch and showed in his kindness to others. A wonderful person. He will be missed.”

Abelson was also a contributor to the Rhode Island Blood Center, where he made regular donations for 40 years. He was a long-time member of the Seekonk Congregational Church, where he served as a Deacon and trustee. In addition, he coached youth soccer in the town, starting with his own children, but continued to do so for nearly 20 years.

Neal Abelson’s Memorial service was held at Seekonk Congregational Church, UCC, 600 Fall River Avenue. Burial will be private.

Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories. ~ Ronald Reagan ~

AnnuAls, PerenniAls, shrubs & Trees

Jason K. Landry of Rehoboth

Daniel A. Laneres Sandra M. Reis Fala Português

Michael S. Sladen

Neal Abelson

Dr. Dan Brown

Dr. Dan Brown, of Seekonk, MA, passed away in the early hours of September 14, 2024 in the company of his loving family.

Many knew him as an exceedingly kind and skilled family physician, others as a steadfast friend. He married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, and their children will always remember him as an exceptionally devoted Dad. He was a private and humble person with a tremendous capacity for compassion. His sense of humor was quick, clever and always well-timed. He will be greatly missed by so many.

In keeping with Dan’s nature, a private celebration will be held in his memory. Arrangements are by the W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home, East Providence. For online condolences please visit wrwatsonfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following organizations that has helped Dan’s patients.

The Tomorrow Fund - www.tomorrowfund.org

The ALS Association - www.als.org

Patricia Parcher Cleaveland

Patricia Parcher Cleaveland passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024, at the age of 92, surrounded by loved ones. She dedicated much of her life to serving others through various roles that reflected her deep compassion and commitment. As a children’s librarian at Palmer River Elementary School, she nurtured a love for reading. Her spirit of service extended to her work as a volunteer counselor at Community Counseling of Bristol County (formerly Rehoboth Problem Solving Center) and as a hospice volunteer with HopeHealth Community VNA, where she provided comfort and support to those in need. She was also a docent at the Carpenter Museum in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, a town that held special significance for her and her husband, Normand, where they raised their family.

In 2011, Pat moved to Lexington, Virginia, where she continued her lifelong commitment to giving back as a reading tutor at Mountain View Elementary School. She earned the affectionate title of “the book lady” for her efforts to enrich local health centers and the food pantry with a continuous supply of children’s books. Pat delighted in selecting gently used books, meticulously cleaning each page, and ensuring that children could take these treasures home to keep as their own.

Pat’s vibrant spirit extended beyond her charitable work. An avid swimmer and walker, she was known for her warm waves and friendly conversations with neighbors. At the age of 81, she proudly became a Master Gardener, further showcasing her boundless enthusiasm for life.

Pat is an alumna of Wheaton College and Brown University. She is pre-deceased by her husband Normand Church Cleaveland. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Ruth Cleaveland (John Paul) Candler, David (Colleen Bennett) Cleaveland, and Jeff (Cathy) Cleaveland. Her legacy continues through her six grandchildren: Leah Candler (Ben) Alloway, Cleaveland Candler, Nick (Sarah) Bennett, Cody Cleaveland, Cassia Cleaveland, and Ethan Cleaveland, and her two great-grandchildren, Oniver and Penny, who all brought her immense joy.

Pat held a special place in her heart for David and Kate Saacke, Cindy Shumate, Vicky Cave, and Diana Harris, whose friendships she cherished deeply.

A private family service will be held to honor her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice, whose compassionate care in Pat’s final year was deeply appreciated.

Pat’s legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Va.

Death Notices

Rehoboth

• Helene “Granny” Anita Theresa (Arnett) Backman peacefully passed away on Wed, Aug 28, 2024 at Catholic Memorial Home, surrounded by family and loved ones.

• James “Jimmy” Vincent Martin died peacefully September 13, 2024 at Village House in Newport with the “love of his life”, Carol, his wife of 45 years, and sister by his side.

Seekonk

• Benjamin J. Russell, 42, passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence.

• Antonio A. Figueiredo, 88, of Winter Haven, Florida and formerly of Seekonk, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2024 at his home.

• Nuno Luis Brum Pacheco,86, of Seekonk known affectionately as Nuno to his dear friends and family, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home in Seekonk, MA, joining his beloved wife Odete in eternal rest on Friday, September 13, 2024.

Patricia Parcher Cleaveland

Dr. Dan Brown

Albert Cavallaro

Albert Cavallaro

Albert Cavallaro, 83, of Seekonk, died peacefully on September 30, 2024 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center. He was the husband of the late Myra E. (Erikson) Cavallaro. Born in Seekonk, he was a son of the late Mariano Cavallaro and Anita R. (Fontaine) Cavallaro.

Mr. Cavallaro owned and operated Seekonk Creamery for over 40 years until his retirement. He was a talented, self-taught saxophone and piano player. He enjoyed collecting antiques, restoring clocks, gardening, and was affectionately known by his family as the man who could fix anything.

He leaves his loving children: Christine S. Cavallaro and her husband Frank Salvatore of Foxboro, MA and James Cavallaro and his wife Linda Egan of Bristol, RI. Cherished grandfather of Samantha, Mitchell, Georgia, & Cameron Salvatore, Amanda

Ezold, Anny Cavallaro, and great-grandfather of Amaya Rose Princiotta and Jason Allan Ezold. He was the brother of the late Salvatore H. Cavallaro, Raymond Cavallaro, and Angela D. Jordan Catlow.

Family & Friends may call on Sunday, October 6, 2024 from the hours of 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. in the Home of J.H. WILLIAMS & CO., 210 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI. His funeral and burial in Gate of Heaven Cemetery will be private.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.

For online messages of condolence, kindly visit www.jhwilliamsfuneralhome.com

Earl E. Jecoy

Earl E. Jecoy, 84, of Rehoboth and Oak Bluffs, passed away on September 20, 2024 in North Attleboro. Born in Apponaug, RI, he was the son of the late Earl E. Jecoy and Laura B. (Briggs) Jecoy. He was the husband of Joan E. (Eklund) Jecoy for 64 years.

Earl was a graduate of East Providence High School and Rhode Island Radio and Electronics School. He worked for Fruehauf Trucking, Raytheon, and for many years was the plant manager for Avid Airline Products. After his retirement, he served as the Gift Shop and Museum manager for the Martha’s Vineyard Campmeeting Association and had previously served on their Board of Directors. He was the owner/operator of The Welder’s Workshoppe, where he created iron aquarium stands and later designed and created handmade cookie cutters.

In addition to his wife, he leaves two daughters; Debra J. Nunes and her husband Norman of Richmond, RI and Karin M. Visalli and her husband Anthony of Wilmington, MA, four grandchildren; Kathleen M. Visalli, Jennifer E. Nunes, and Rachel K. LaFleur, and Joseph E. Visalli, a great-granddaughter, Carly A. Finch, and a niece, Roberta L. DelRosso of Seekonk, MA. He was the brother of the late Evelyn J. DelRosso.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 in Rehoboth Village Cemetery, 190 Bay State Road, Rehoboth, MA. For those unable to attend at the graveside, a brief gathering will be held at 10:00 AM in the Smith-Mason Funeral Home, 398 Willett Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915. Calling hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital: https:// www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude. html

Earl E. Jecoy

Up a Fall Seafood

5 ways to prepare fresh lobster at home

(Family Features) If you’re seeking a new way to bring your family together at mealtimes during a busy fall, look no further than sweet, succulent Maine Lobster. As a versatile solution at the center of delicious dinners, satisfying snacks and beyond, it’s a perfect way to serve up new fall favorites.

The fall harvest brings peak season for Maine Lobster, offering bountiful opportunities to enjoy its sweetness in an abundance of recipes like these dishes from Marisel Salazar, an accomplished

Latinx food writer with a unique global perspective. Her debut cookbook, “Latin-ish,” celebrates more than 100 modern recipes influenced by American Latino cuisines.

Lobster is easier to cook than some may believe, making it accessible for cooks of all backgrounds and experience levels. Salazar and the experts at the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative recommend these five methods:

• Grilled: Lobster soaks up the charred flavors from the grill, delivering a smoky flavor that complements the sweet, succulent meat.

• Air-Fried: Results in a crisp exterior and tender, juicy meat, enhancing lobster’s natural flavors.

• Boiled: A quick, easy, popular method perfect for entertaining, boiling brings out the rich, sweet flavor in these recipes for Puerto Nuevo-Style Lobster and Lobster Ceviche.

• Steamed: Preserves lobster’s natural taste and tenderness as a gentle cooking method, making it harder to overcook.

• Baked: Allows for flavorful additions like garlic butter or a breadcrumb topping. Creates a delicious, savory crust for a gourmet twist.

With its first documented catch dating back to the 1600s, the Maine Lobster fishery is one of the oldest continually operated industries in North America. The fishery employs more than 5,000 independent lobstermen, harvests 90 million pounds of lobster and, in 2023, landed 80% of the lobster caught nationwide. Find more ways to enjoy fresh lobster this fall at LobsterFromMaine.com.

Puerto Nuevo-Style Lobster

Ingredients

• Seafood seasoning, to taste

• 1 bottle Mexican beer

• 2 Maine Lobsters (about 3 pounds)

• black pepper, to taste

• 2/3 cup vegetable shortening or olive oil

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• flour or corn tortillas

• 2 cups red rice

• 1 cup refried black or pinto beans

• 1 cup pico de gallo

• 1 cup salsa verde

• 6 lemon wedges

Directions

Bring large pot of water to boil. Season with seafood seasoning, to taste, and a few splashes of Mexican beer. Boil lobsters 3 minutes.

Remove and split lobsters in half down middle. Thoroughly rinse shell and lobster meat, discarding green intestines and black vein running down center of tail.

Lightly season lobster halves with seafood seasoning and black pepper, to taste.

In deep-frying pan, heat lard. Fry each lobster half 5 minutes on each side. Set aside to drain on paper towel-lined plate.

To serve, scoop lobster meat onto tortilla with rice, beans, pico de gallo, salsa verde and squeeze of lemon.

Lobster Ceviche

Ingredients

• 1 Maine Lobster (about 1 1/2 pounds)

• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• 1 small red or white onion, minced or sliced

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 tablespoon jalapeno, seeded and minced

• 1-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil

• flaky sea salt, to taste

• saltines, tortilla chips or plantain chips, for serving

Directions

Bring large pot of salted water to boil. In large bowl, prepare ice bath with 2 quarts water and lots of ice.

If using whole lobster, split lobster in half and use dish towel to twist off claws and tail. Discard body.

Boil tail and claws 1 1/2 minutes. Remove tail from water and place in ice bath. Allow claws to boil 1 1/2 minutes longer. Remove and place in ice bath.

On chopping board, shell lobster tail and claws. Discard shells. Roughly chop into pieces. In medium bowl, toss lobster and lime juice. Refrigerate 1 hour.

When ready to serve, add onion, cilantro and jalapeno to bowl with lobster; toss to combine. Arrange on plate or in serving glass. Drizzle with oil and top with flaky sea salt, to taste. Serve with saltines, tortilla chips or plantain chips.

Source: Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative

Celebrate Cozy Season with a Creamy, Comforting Meal

(Family Features) A snug sweater, a crackling fire and a meal that warms you from the inside out are perfect ways to spend a cool autumn evening with the people you love.

Gather around the table for a hearty meal featuring some of the most comforting flavors of fall - pumpkin, apple and cinnamon - plus a special ingredient: pierogies. Found in the frozen food aisle, Mrs. T’s Pierogies are stuffed with creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy goodness and other big, bold flavors - a comforting addition to this Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Mini Pierogies.

Available in 13 flavors, including 4 Cheese Medley, Loaded Baked Potato, Broccoli & Cheddar and other varieties in both full and mini sizes, they can be boiled, baked, sauteed, air fried and even grilled, making them a versatile addition to seasonal dishes of all kinds.

Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Mini Pierogies

Prep: 5 minutes ~ Total: 40 minutes ~ Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 large shallot

• 1 lg Honeycrisp apple (1-1/2 cups)

• 5 garlic cloves

• olive oil

• 2 cups chicken broth, divided

• 2 cups pumpkin puree

• 2 teaspoons maple syrup

• pepper & salt, to taste

Directions

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

• fresh thyme, to taste

• 1 box Mini 4 Cheese

Medley Mrs. T’s Pierogies

Slice shallot, peel and cube apple and crush garlic.

In pot over medium-low heat, add drizzle of olive oil and saute shallots, garlic and apple 20 minutes, covered.

Let mixture slightly cool then add to blender with 1/2 cup broth and blend until fully combined.

In pot, add pumpkin puree; blended shallot mixture; maple syrup; salt, to taste; pepper, to taste; nutmeg; cinnamon; remaining broth; heavy cream; and thyme, to taste. Bring to low boil then add frozen pierogies. Boil 3 minutes.

Source: Mrs. T’s Pierogies

From the State houSe

State Representative Steven S. Howitt Reflects On Proposed Long-Term Care Reform Bill Finalized By House And Senate

Boston – The House and Senate have finalized legislation to reform the state’s long-term care industry which State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) says will protect vulnerable patients by providing for stronger licensing and oversight requirements, periodic site inspections, and expanded workforce training.

House Bill 5033, An Act to improve quality and oversight of longterm care, was enacted in both legislative branches on August 29 and is now on Governor Maura Healey’s desk for her review and signature. The bill represents a compromise agreement reached by a six-member conference committee, which worked to resolve the differences between earlier versions of the bill approved unanimously by the House on November 15 and by the Senate on July 25.

Representative Howitt said the final bill retains many of the House priorities that were included in the original version of the bill that passed last fall. It also incorporates several of the reforms recommended in the 2020 report filed by the Nursing Facility Task Force, which was charged with “evaluating ways to ensure the financial stability of skilled nursing facilities; considering the role of skilled nursing facilities within the continuum of elder care services; and addressing current workforce challenges.”

House Bill 5033 takes steps to strengthen the licensing oversight and review process by requiring applicants to disclose their civil litigation history and to demonstrate their financial capacity to establish or maintain and operate a long-term care facility. According to Representative Howitt, employees at these facilities will be provided with explicit protections from retaliation if they file a complaint or provide information to the Department of Public Health (DPH) on specific violations or potential risks to public health.

Representative Howitt said House Bill 5033 also expands the Attorney General’s powers to crack down on long-term care facilities that are found liable for abusing, mistreating, or neglecting their patients by increasing financial penalties five-fold and expanding the statute of limitations governing the filing of civil charges from two years to four years. Under the bill, fines will be increased from $5,000 to $25,000 in cases where no bodily injury results; from $10,000 to $50,000 when bodily injury results; from $20,000 to $100,000 in cases involving sexual assault or serious bodily injury; and from $50,000 to $250,000 if the patient dies.

Representative Howitt noted that 50 percent of the civil fines collected by the Attorney General for incidents of abuse or neglect will be deposited into a new Long-Term Care Workforce and Capital Fund to support the recruitment and retention of a long-term care workforce, including Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), training for direct care workers to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and long-term care supervisory and leadership training. Funds will also be made available as zero-interest or forgivable loans to support capital improvements at long-term care facilities, including the development of specialized care units.

House Bill 5033 also requires that safeguards be put in place to prevent and contain infectious disease outbreaks among patients at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Representative Howitt noted that all long-term care facilities in Massachusetts will now be required to develop a customized outbreak response

plan setting clear policies for testing protocols; isolating infected and at-risk patients; notifying residents, their families, visitors and staff about any contagious disease outbreaks; implementing outbreak response measures; and notifying public health officials of any outbreaks that occur.

In addition, House Bill 5033 enhances DPH’s ability to monitor long-term care facilities and to act quickly when violations occur. All long-term care facilities will now be subject to at least one residentcentered inspection per year to determine the quality of services provided at the facility and its compliance with state and federal requirements. According to Representative Howitt, DPH will have the power to modify, suspend or revoke a license for cause and to appoint temporary managers to help bring facilities into compliance with acceptable standards due to: the substantial or sustained failure of a facility to provide adequate care to residents; the substantial or sustained failure or inability of a facility to maintain compliance with laws; and a lack of financial capacity to maintain and operate a long-term care facility.

House Bill 5033 also contains certain provisions that were included in the Senate version of the bill, such as an LGBTQI Bill of Rights for long-term care facilities specifically prohibiting discrimination against individuals based on their gender identity or HIV status. Additional Senate language included in the compromise bill calls for the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to annually review all assisted living residences certified to provide basic health services, which include injections, the application or replacement of simple non-sterile dressings, oxygen management, and the application of ointments or drops.

Representative Howitt said House Bill 5033 also:

• establishes a task force to review the viability and sustainability of long-term care facilities in the Commonwealth;

• creates a task force to evaluate the governance and regulatory structure of rest homes in the Commonwealth;

• establishes a task force to study and propose recommendations to address acute care hospital throughput challenges and the impact of persistent delays in discharging patients from acute to post-acute care settings;

• requires DPH to study and report on the need and feasibility of allowing qualified professional guardians to give informed medical consent for indigent persons and whether such guardians would reduce hospital discharge issues and increase access to long-term care and preventive care;

• directs MassHealth to study the cost and feasibility of changes to it eligibility requirements with the goal of reducing the time applicants spend at acute-care hospitals awaiting long-term care eligibility determinations; and

• requires the Health Policy Commission (HPC) to conduct an analysis and issue a report on the impact of Medicare accountable care organizations on the financial viability of long-term care facilities and continued access to services for Medicare patients

Steven S. Howitt

State Representative Steven S. Howitt Supports the State’s Rainy Day Fund

Boston – The House and Senate have approved legislation that will leverage the interest on the state’s Stabilization Fund to help secure federal infrastructure funding assistance for Massachusetts.

State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) said the bill will better position the state to compete for limited federal dollars to help pay for critical infrastructure projects across Massachusetts. The final bill, which represents a compromise between earlier versions of the legislation previously passed by the House and Senate, is now on the Governor’s desk for her review.

The bill establishes a new Federal Matching and Debt Reduction Fund, which will be credited quarterly with the interest earned on money invested in the Commonwealth Stabilization Fund, which currently has a balance of $8.831 billion. Also known as the Rainy Day Fund, the Stabilization Fund was created by the Legislature in 1987 to provide a reserve account that can be used during economic downturns to mitigate the impact of state budget cuts and protect essential state programs and services.

Representative Howitt said the bill includes important safeguards defining the circumstances under which interest from the Stabilization Fund can be transferred to the Federal Matching and Debt Reduction Fund. The bill allows the state Comptroller to transfer the interest into the new Fund if the balance of the Stabilization Fund has not decreased in the previous year, and if the balance of the Stabilization Fund exceeds 10% of budgeted revenues for all budgeted funds for the preceding fiscal year. The Stabilization Fund’s current balance represents approximately 15.7% of the budgeted revenues for Fiscal Year 2024.

According to Representative Howitt, the bill authorizes the Executive Office for Administration & Finance (A&F) to expend up to $750 million from the Federal Matching and Debt Reduction Fund through December 1, 2026. This money will be used to leverage federal grant opportunities under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and other federal programs.

Under the bill, the Secretary of A&F can expend money from the Federal Matching and Debt Reduction Fund to repay, prepay, retire, and reduce the principal or interest of the Commonwealth’s indebtedness; to reduce, repay or retire portions of the Commonwealth’s long-term liabilities; and to transfer any amounts back to the Stabilization Fund. A&F must also provide 30 days’ notice before expending any funds from the new Fund and must also disclose details on the purpose and amount of each expenditure.

Representative Howitt said the bill also creates a Task Force to review and make recommendations on long-term funding for the Stabilization Fund, and to examine all capital gains disbursements, including deposits into the Stabilization Fund, State Retiree Benefits Fund, the Commonwealth’s Pension Liability Fund and other long term financial liabilities. The conference report also requires A&F to provide reports on expenditures from the new Fund which will be filed twice a year by December 31 and June 30 until December of 2026.

CLASSIFIEDS

EVENTS

Seekonk Flea Market at Seekonk Speedway is OPEN 7am-1pm every Sunday until December 1st. Vendors & Patrons welcome and wanted! For more information, call Linda at 401-263-5737.

FARM & GARDEN

Free seasoned horse manure by the bucket, barrel or truck. Start your compost material your spring gardens now (508) 252-5737.

Plants for Sale: House plants, annuals, perennials, angel trumpet, succulents, good variety from $1- $10. Free plant with visit. Call 401-433-2922.

WANTED

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

FOR SALE

2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited SUV, 33984 miles, all leather seats, weather tech mats, Call 401-241-4748

GENERAL SERVICES

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 508840-6611.

Painting of all kinds. Interior, Fine Art, Murals, Commissions, Pet Portraits. Insured. 20 years experience. 15 years in Los Angeles. The most famous artist you've never

heard of. www.philsantos.com; Instagram: @ philsantosart; Email: phil@philsantosart.com

SENIOR HELPER - Driving, Organizing, Light Housekeeping, Errands, Companion, Meal Preparation. References Available. CALL BARBARA 401-301-0009

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. 774284-7600.

Handyman/Home Repairs/Improvements: GSS Property Solutions LLC. Registered, Bonded, Fully Insured. Servicing Mass & RI. Call or Text 401-688-9749.

Bicycle Sales & Service: Your Bike Shops - Tune-ups on all brands. 2 locations: in Riverside next to CVS 401-433-4491, and in Warren next to the Police Station and the bike path. Call Art or Joe for *NEW* hours and service. 401-245-9755

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. BEST PRICES. Call Tony 508-226-1295 or 508-889-0824; www. BigBlueJunkRemovals.com.

Angel Trumpet