Rehoboth Town News

FREE EXAM Expires 3/31/2020

Expires 3/31/2020

might send in their tax payment along with their census form or dog license. Tax payments would go to the Tax Collector whereas census forms or dog licenses would go to the Town Clerk’s Office. By including multiple offices in one envelop it may delay processing your requests or payments. Thank you for your consideration.

Business Certificates Business owners whose business certificate will expire between January through June of 2020 should have received a reminder for renewal. The renewal fee is $50.00 (certificate renewal is good for four years) and checks should be made payable to “The Town of Rehoboth”. You may also renew using a credit/debit card either online (web address below) or at the Town Clerk’s window. Before a new business can be registered within the town, business owners must first contact the oning Officer – Bill McDonough at 148 Peck Street in order to have the location and/or type of business approved. Business license forms and complete process details can be found on the clerk’s website @

http://www.town.rehoboth.ma.us/town-clerk/pages/businesscertificates

Finally, if you have any questions on any of the above items discussed, please feel free to contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-252-6502, 3109 or 3110. Lynn, Odete and I wish all residents a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and we hope to see many of you at the upcoming March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election and March 14th Rabies Clinic – details above. Please keep warm and safe ~ spring is coming soon I look forward to speaking with you in April. Please mark your calendars to vote at both the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary and the April 7th Annual Town Election - 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. – all three precincts will be open. Thank you! Laura

Kick-Off Fundraiser for

The main intent of this group is to help local residents in a time of need, whether it be due to illness, accident or some unforseen incident.

Chicken BBQ

Date: May 3rd, 2020 Time: 4:00pm Place: South Seekonk Gun Club 61 Read Street Rehoboth, MA 02769

Raffle Items Needed

For tickets, information or to make a donation, please call Rob Johnson at (508) 243-4160.

What is Rehoboth People Have a Heart Inc.? Rehoboth People Have a Heart, Inc. (RPHAH) is a non-profit corporation formed for the purpose of providing financial support to individuals and/or families in need of help due to illness, accident or unforeseen circumstances, who reside in Rehoboth or have a familial relationship to a resident of Rehoboth.

During what seems to be an all too common conversation, Rob Johnson and Chip Ventura, were discussing a mutual friend who is suffering from cancer and the hardship it has placed upon him. It was during this conversation that RPHAH was born. Like many catastrophic illnesses, cancer does not hold back just because you have to work, support a family and pay bills. If you are ill or have been injured in an accident the last thing you need to worry about is how you are going to afford your heat, rent, mortgage payment, food for your children. RPHAH is comprised of residents and business owners that reside in and love Rehoboth. What better way to give back to the community they love than offering that hand-up to its neighbors in need.

RPHAH is hosting its Kick-Off fundraiser May 3, 2020 at the Seekonk Rod and Gun Club. Contact Rob Johnson for tickets. Come and learn more about RPHAH and how you can get involved.

From the Rehoboth Planning Board Thank you for taking time to reading the initial article from the Rehoboth Planning Board. It is our hope that we will provide important information regarding what is happening in and about Rehoboth.

Clean groundwater is a limited resource that we all depend on. Therefore, the Rehoboth Planning Board and Water Commission are working together in an attempt to ensure the safety of the town’s water resources.

During the upcoming Town Meeting, May 12, 2020, the Planning Board is proposing amendments to the oning By-Law and the Water Resource Map to further this goal of resource protection. Currently, the town’s groundwater protection district only encompasses approximately one-third of the town’s area, (the groundwater recharge zone that runs roughly north-to-south down the center of the town). It is the intent of the Planning Board and Water Commission to expand the groundwater protection district to encompass the entire town of Rehoboth. Currently, greater than 40% of the wells within the town are located outside of the groundwater protection district.

The purpose behind the amendment is to ensure that all groundwater wells within the town limits have equal protection whether they receive water from the Palmer River Watershed or from other watersheds that originates within Rehoboth but flows towards adjacent towns. This would allow the Planning Board to ensure that the commercial storage of petroleum liquids, hazardous chemicals, and other potentially harmful materials are stored in a safe manner. Some activities will continue to be allowed “by-right,” such as, agricultural and gardening activities, storage of petroleum products for normal consumptive use at residential properties stored in approved containers, among other uses. Other commercial activities will be prohibited, such as waste disposal facilities, hazardous waste storage and/or disposal facilities, among other prohibitions. A Special Permit granted by the Planning Board will allow some activities that are currently prohibited in the groundwater protection district but allowed outside the district. These uses include the storage of petroleum products and hazardous products at commercial/retail facilities, industrial/commercial facilities that store hazardous waste products for future transfer and disposal outside the town limits, and other normal commercial uses of petroleum and hazardous products. The use of Special Permits allows the Planning Board to protect the town’s groundwater by ensuring commercial facilities

March 2020 The Reporter 23 store materials at in appropriate storage containers, handle the materials in appropriate manners, and not store excessive quantities of materials at their facilities.

Please be aware, these changes allow the Planning Board to have new commercial and industrial facilities demonstrate compliance with the Groundwater Protection By-Law. Existing commercial and industrial facilities will be “grandfathered” and not required to implement the new requirements unless a facility makes changes to their equipment or work processes that require review. Residents, while subject to the regulation, are not required to demonstrate compliance with the Groundwater Protection By-Law for typical household purposes unless they are required to come before the Planning Board for a residential business requiring approval.

In addition to our efforts to protect the town’s groundwater and other natural resources, future articles in this series will provide information outlining issues before the board to improve resident’s understanding of concerns facing the Town. The Planning Board meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month; everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the meetings.

Vintage Plumbing & Heating MA. License # 22377 • Pipe Fitters - #28402 Serving all of Southern New England 10% Senior Discount ~ Free Estimate ~ No Job Too Small 508-252-3872 Gas Fitting — Boiler Replacement — Hot Water Heaters Well Pump Repair — Drain Cleaning Water Filter Freeze Up’s — Video Inspections Sump Pumps Installed

www. .com

Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry -Dental Implants Services -Root Canals - -Invisalign -Whitening -Crown & Bridge - -Same Day Emergency Care 454 Winthrop Street-Rehoboth, MA (508) 252 -4770

24 The Reporter March 2020 Veteran Service Office Provides Transportation for Rehoboth Veterans Are you a Veteran in need of a ride to the VA Hospital, clinics, doctors appointment other medical appointments? The Rehoboth Veterans Service Officer Jake Kramer can help you with that, call 508-252-4467 or e-mail veterans@town.rehoboth.ma.us to coordinate the services of your need. Appointments need to be scheduled no less than a week in advance. School and Town Officials Optimistic after Meeting By Joe Siegel The Rehoboth Board of Selectmen met Tuesday night with the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee to discuss the 2021 budget.

Selectmen Chairman Gerry Schwall is hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s protracted budget battle, which resulted in the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) assuming fiscal oversight of the district. “I am always an optimist, until proven otherwise,” Schwall said.

“The meeting went well and there will always be obstacles to overcome; how we handle them as a community is critical,” said School Committee Chairperson Katherine Cooper.

The school committee will continue their budget discussion at the Council on Aging on March 11 with the Rehoboth Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee. “I am hopeful that this joint meeting will allow positive dialogue,” Cooper said. “I would encourage all citizens to be involved at this meeting since it is a rare occasion to be able to ask questions on all sides with everyone in the same room.”

The school committee is holding a public hearing on their budget on March 24 at 6:30 pm in the Dighton-Rehoboth High School auditorium.

Attic - Cellar - Total House We take everyt hing • Furniture • Brush • Appliances • Yard Waste • Construction Debris • Trash Demolition of...Fences, Sheds, Decks, Pools Let us do the wor k Free Estimates Call Tony 508-226-1295 www.BigBlueTrashRemoval.com BIG BLUE REMOVAL SERVIC E

Greaves Electric For All Your Electrical Needs

Generators • New Construction Remodels • Service Updates

Thank You Thank you Rehoboth Fire Department and to Fire Station #1 for your local support to the Veterans Service Office of Rehoboth. The Veterans Service Office in 2016 took the lead in maintaining the flags at full or half-staff around town at the Fire Stations, Town Hall, Highway Department, Council On Aging, Veterans Memorial, Cenotaph, American Legion, Goff Hall, Beckwith and Palmer School along with the replacement of lanyards, brass clips and flags as needed for the town buildings of Rehoboth. Fire Station #1 ladder truck has assisted the Veterans office over a dozen times in the past four years in replacing, installing or adjusting the flags while conducting their weekly Sunday training at the same time. When to half-staff the flag • May 15 — Peace Officers Memorial Day: half-staff from sunrise to sunset • Last Monday in May — Memorial Day: the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon • September 11 — Patriot Day: half-staff from sunrise to sunset • Sunday, usually of week in which October 9th falls — Fire Prevention Week: half-staff from sunrise to sunset. • December 7 — National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: half-staff from sunrise to sunset

Keep Rehoboth Beautiful Announces the 3 rd Annual Town-Wide Spring Clean-up This year’s cleanup runs from April 18 th through the 26 th , coinciding with the 50 th Anniversary of Earth Day. The past 2 years, residents of Rehoboth have come together as a community to clean up our roads. Let’s get together again this spring to restore our neighborhoods after the long, sloppy winter. Help beautify our town and support Earth Day by eliminating or recycling trash. We will provide the trash bags and Tee-shirts; all we need is your help. Community service hours will also be awarded for those who qualify. Register now at KeepRehobothBeautiful.com. In April, we will be posting eight different locations around town where you can sign up and receive your hi-visibility tee-shirts and trash collection bags. We urge you to register now! Last minute registrations will be available at open sign up locations too. Check our Facebook page-Keep Rehoboth Beautiful for important updates. The Keep Rehoboth Beautiful Committee.

Rehoboth Animal Shelter News There are a few adult cats at the Rehoboth Animal Shelter awaiting the right homes. Sylvester is a friendly older neutered male with some health issues. He needs some special care and may do best without other cats sharing his litterbox. Charli is a spayed female who loves attention. Although she is only about two years old, she has spinal arthritis, possibly the result of an injury. It doesn’t prevent her climbing up the cat tower, but she is touchy about how she is handled. Both these cats are affectionate and could be good pets in the right homes.

For more information about these or other adoptable pets, or to report a lost or found pet, please contact the shelter at 508-252- 5421, ext. 126, or e-mail a.ruscetta@hotmail.com. More information is also available at Petfinder.com.

Call 508-725-5296 Free Estimates No Job Too Small Tom Greaves Rehoboth, Ma email: ttoolmaker@comcast.net Licensed in MA & RI

Rehoboth Land Trust Attracting Birds with Nest Boxes While the Land Trust provides excellent habitat for our native birds, your yard can also provide valuable habitat.

Soon it will be spring and many of our local birds will be starting to nest. They might be scouting around your garden looking for the best real estate! While Great Horned Owls incubate eggs in February, most songbirds wait for better weather to raise a family in April or May. If you would like to provide nest boxes, keep in mind the right habitat is very important. Bluebirds and Tree Swallows prefer open grassy fields. House Wrens prefer shrubby areas in edge habitat. The Black-capped Chickadee, our state bird, likes to be near the woods. Tree swallows and chickadees raise only one brood per season while bluebirds and wrens raise several broods. Nest boxes should never have perches. Perches attract nonnative House Sparrows that will aggressively attack our native birds destroying both their eggs and young. Also, more is not better! Too many bird houses do more harm than good unless you have acres of property. Most songbirds are territorial and will not nest near others of their own species.

Mount nest boxes on metal poles (conduit pipes work well) with the nest hole ~ 5 feet from the ground. If you must use a wooden post, install a baffle to prevent predation by mammals such as raccoons. Placing bird houses on trees will attract squirrels and mice and will lead to the loss of baby birds. Where possible, keep dead trees on your property. Snags and logs attract many birds, especially woodpeckers and will provide cover and food for all wildlife including native pollinators.

To have a bird friendly yard, landscape with native plants. Minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides because a manicured lawn is a desert for wildlife. Native landscaping will give you more free time to enjoy spring and the birds in your garden.

“To donate: Mail check to Rehoboth Land Trust, Box 335, Rehoboth, MA, 02769.

Rehoboth Fire Announces Grant Award for Gear Washer-Extractor REHOBOTH- The Rehoboth Fire department has received a $6448.94 Washer-Extractor Equipment Grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Department of Fire Services (DFS). This funding will be used to purchase a washer-extractor to effectively clean firefighter turnout gear after it has been exposed to smoke, ash, or other hazardous materials so that firefighters do not have to wear contaminated gear.

“Clean gear will protect our firefighters from receiving repeated exposure to the cancer causing chemicals they encounter on a daily basis” said Chief Barresi. “The ability to clean our gear regularly will prevent contaminants from building up in the working uniforms our firefighters wear every day,” he added.

A national standard set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) on the care and cleaning of structural firefighting gear delineates specific types of machines that should be used to effectively remove cancer-causing chemicals after each exposure to smoke or fire. This grant will enable Rehoboth Fire personnel to wash their gear in a compliant manner after each exposure, and be ready to respond to the next emergency in properly cleaned gear. “We now know that the risk of being diagnosed with occupational cancer is among the greatest threats faced by modern firefighters, and having an NFPA-compliant gear washing program is critical to mitigating that risk,” said State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey. “We are thankful that the Commonwealth has made this a priority and invested in the advancement of the ongoing cancer prevention efforts of fire departments across the state.”

Funding for this grant program was made available through the Baker-Polito administration for fire departments across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

March 2020 The Reporter 25 Ferreira Promoted to Sergeant By Joe Siegel Members of the Rehoboth Police Department gathered Tuesday at the Council on Aging to honor Patrolman Jason Ferreira, who was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Police Chief James Trombetta said Ferreira was a 20 year veteran of the department. “He’s always been a team player, shows up for work every day pressed and polished,” Trombetta told the board of selectmen.

“I’ve heard only good things about you from the Chief and others,” selectman Jim Muri told Ferreira. “Thank you for your years of service.”

Chairman Gerry Schwall acknowledged Ferreira’s military service and said the promotion was “well deserved.”

David J. Ledoux Ha r oo F oor DUSTLESS HARDWOOD REFINISHING Installation - Sanding - Refinishing - Prefinished ***Quality Craftsmanship*** "Proudly serving the community for over 20 years" Office: 508-399-6211 Cell: 508-272-7729 Owner/Operator Fully Insured Seekonk, MA

AOL Enterprises

Firewood, split & delivered Erosion Control Etc. Debris Disposal • Junk Vehicles Landscaping • Land Clearing Storm Damage Asphalt Repair (508) 761-8078 • (774) 999-9060 No Job Too Big or Small, Free Estimates Mike Plaut

142 Reservoir Ave, Rehoboth, MA • 401-465-7589 We have amazing alpaca beans for all your garden needs, alpaca sales and breedings, along with our incredible USA-made fiber products. Visit us! pen undays 12-4PM Kaverockalpaca.com THINK SPRING! Kave Rock Farm

From the Clerk

Florice Craig Hello from the Town Clerk’s office. Thankfully, we’ve not had any major snow storms to date but as we know that could change at any second in New England, as March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Keep those snow shovels and boots ready.

The clerk’s office has been extremely busy, Lorraine and I continue to process the 2020 town census data along with processing dog licenses. Thank you for your promptness and patience regarding your census and dog licensing papers. We are trying to get dog tags out as fast as possible. If you have not come in, or sent in your updated dog information please do so as soon as possible. The March 31st deadline is fast approaching to renew your dog’s license.

As many of you know census updating and dog licensing are only part of the many functions of the clerk’s office. We are also certifying new voters as well as registering voters on-line through the RMV and various Health Organizations. We are also certifying election nomination papers for the April 6th town election and nomination papers for the September 1, 2020 primary which are starting to come in. We are also preparing for early voting to take place Feb 24-28 at the town hall and preparing for the actual Presidential Primary day March 3rd at the Seekonk High School. I will publish those results in my April Article.

We are excited to be using our new voting machines for the first time on March 3rd. We thank the residents of Seekonk who voted to appropriate the money for this much needed upgrade in our voting machines. It helps having the most up to date equipment to preserve the integrity of our voting process.

The Annual Town Election is right around the corner. All voting takes place at the Seekonk High School gymnasium 261 Arcade Ave. The polls open at 7am and close at 8pm. Please take the time and vote. Your vote and voice makes a difference. These people, myself included, care about our community and want to work hard to maintain the wonderful town that Seekonk is. The last day to register for this election is March 17, 2020. If you want to register to vote you can go online to www.registerToVoteMA.com or come into the Town Clerk’s office.

Call for your FREE initial consultation

239 Winthrop St., Rehoboth, MA Rt. 44 & Rt. 118 TEL: (508) 676-3333 www.bristollegal.com Luke P. Travis, Esq. Law Office of Luke P. Travis Attorney At Law

Below is a list of the candidates who are running for Town positions: BOARD OF ASSESSORS-For Three Years Vote for ONE • Janet Parker, Candidate for Re-election BOARD OF SELECTMEN- For Three Years Vote for TWO • David J Andrade, Candidate for Re-election • Nelson Almeida, Candidate for Re-election • A. Adam Petronio LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES - For Three Years Vote for TWO • Catherine E Capello, Candidate for Re-election • Fred A. Slemon, Jr PLANNING BOARD - For Five Years Vote for TWO • Sandra M Foulkes, Candidate for Re-election • Michael Bourque, Candidate for Re-election SCHOOL COMMITTEE - For Three Years Vote for ONE • Erin F Brouillette, Candidate for Re-election TOWN CLERK - For Three years Vote for ONE • Florice K Craig, Candidate for Re-election • Bryan P Mulvey • Sandra F Escaler TOWN MODERATOR - For Three years Vote for ONE • Peter R Hoogerzeil, Candidate for Re-election WATER COMMISSIONER - For Three Years Vote for ONE • Douglas S Brown, Candidate for Re-election WATER COMMISSIONER - For one Year Vote for ONE • Lydia A Cordeiro

The 2020 Annual rabies clinic for dogs and cats will be held on March 14th, 9am-12pm at the Seekonk Public works Department on the corner of Route 44 and lake St. the fee will be for the rabies vaccine $12.00 cash only. If you bring proof of your current rabies your animal will be eligible for a 3-year rabies vaccine. If you do not have proof your animal will be eligible for a one year vaccine. You will be able to drop off your dog license form with proof of rabies and payment. Your dog’s license will be processed the following week and mailed back to you. If you need a dog license form go to www.seekonk-ma.gov and look under forms and Documents, then click on town clerk, downloadable forms, dog license.

We receive many calls inquiring about the Real ID and getting certified copies of birth and marriage certificates. I have put this information in my articles before but as the deadline to get the Real ID is in October 2020 I will continue to publish this information throughout the coming months.

The Real ID is an ID that will begin to be used to board planes in the U.S., or enter a federal building. It will look like your regular driver’s license with the exception that it will have a silver star in the upper right hand corner. Required identification documentation to get the real ID from the RMV or AAA.

You’ll need one of these documents: Valid, unexpired U.S passport or passport card – If your U.S. passport was issued within the last six months, bring a certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate

If you do not have a passport a valid certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate.

You’ll need one of these documents: Social Security card (cannot be laminated) or W-2 Form or SSA-1099 Form or Non-SSA-1099 Form or a pay stub with your name and full SSN.

You’ll need two of these documents: Current MA driver’s license, MA ID or learner’s permit.

Utility bill (electric, telephone, water, sewer, cable, satellite, heating - dated within 60 days) Cell phone bill (dated within 60 days) Credit card statement (dated within 60 days) Medical/hospital statement (dated within 60 days) There are more documents you can use for a full list and more information on the requirements please visit: Massachusetts Identification (ID requirements) Mass.gov and for RI residents: www.dmv.ri.gov

Important 2020 Election Information Election Day of Election Deadline to register to vote Presidential Primary March 3, 2020 February 12, 2020 Town Election April 6, 2020 March 17, 2020 State Primary September 1, 2020 August 12, 2020 Presidential election November 3, 2020 October 14, 202

Save the Date April 6 – The Annual Town Election for Seekonk. The polls will be open from 7am-8pm. All precincts vote at the Sr. High School.

April 1-24 - Save A Pet 33rd Annual Charitable Auction. Online bidding April 1- 24th or silent auction item at their live event at Ramada Hotel and Conference Center 213 Taunton Ave. April 24th 5:30 -9pm.

April 25 - Earth Day Litter Patrol 9am-12pm Volunteers are needed to help keep Seekonk clean and free of litter. Please call the dedicated recycling line 508-336-8529 or email wkirchmann@seekonk-ma.gov to sign up and reserve the cleanup supplies and area to be worked on.

April 25 – Household Hazardous Waste Day – Call the Board of Health 508-336-2950 to make an appointment for this event.

Annual Spring Town Meeting – May 11, 2020. Have a great month and remember our office welcomes any inquires from all citizens seeking assistance, or information in relation to the services provided by the Town of Seekonk.

Administration of Estates Probate of Wills Wills and Trusts Health Care Proxies Durable Powers of Attorney

447 Taunton Avenue Seekonk, MA 02771 T 508.336.8120 F 508.336.3350 navegalaw@aol.com Providing legal services since 1979. Experience matters.

A.M. Carpentry Quality Workmans hip

Geoffrey Ho lt Reasonable Rates Seniors and Veterans Discount FREE PICK-UP AND DELIVERY 508.336.9052 401.935.1973 geoffrey.holt@comcast.net New Eng lan d ta x Service

30 Yrs Experience (508) 222-6573 Wood & Vinyl Siding Roofing • Decks Cement Work Additions & Restorations New Construction Remodeling Rehoboth, MA LICENSED & INSURED MA #058544 Reg # 111902 RI# 7169 Paper Shredding Event- May 16, 2020 The Seekonk Recycling Committee will again be co-sponsoring a paper shredding event at the Public Library. The date will be Saturday, May 16, 2020. Mark your calendars and watch for additional details to appear in the Library section of the Reporter and on their website. Interested in Getting a Rain Barrel or Compost Bin? Last year, the Seekonk Recycling Committee sponsored a sale of rain barrels for our residents. We would like to do that again, and include a sale of compost bins, manufactured by the same company, The Great American Rain Barrel Company, Hyde Park, MA. If you are interested in purchasing either one of these items, we would like to hear from you so we can plan an event. Please call Bill Kirchmann, Recycling Coordinator, at 508-336-8523, and leave a message or email him at wkirchmann@seekonk-ma.gov. Household Hazardous Waste Day Date: Saturday April 25th, 2020 Registration Opening Date: Friday April 10th 2020 www.seekonk-ma.gov Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ( or last scheduled appointment) Location: Seekonk Town Hall – 100 Peck Street Contact: Seekonk Board of Health 508-336-2950 This widely attended event allows local residents the opportunity to bring household hazardous waste, enamel paints, pesticides, batteries and much more FREE of CHARGE for disposal. The Hazardous Waste Day is an annual public service provided by the Seekonk Board of Health.

All registrants will be assigned an approved time slot on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is limited to the first 100 registrants. After the first 100 registrants, a waitlist will be created and disposal will only be allowable based on remaining funding. The Board of Health reserve the right to close event, once the allowable threshold has been met. ID will be required as this is a Seekonk Residents only event. No materials will be accepted from businesses.

28 The Reporter March 2020 Seekonk Adds Two Police Officers By Joe Siegel The Board of Selectmen have authorized Interim Police Chief David Enos to add two more police officers to the department’s roster. Jason Persampieri and Jason Valderrama were given conditional offers of employment to serve as Patrolmen Third Class at Wednesday’s meeting.

Persampieri, of Raynham, has 16 years of law enforcement experience. “For the last six years he has held the rank of Sergeant in his current department,” said Enos.

Valderrama, of Berkley, Mass, is a recent graduate of the Worcester Police Academy. He is a military police officer with the Army National Guard and is employed as a security officer for General Dynamics.

Enos said the department is budgeted for 40 officers. Currently, the department has 37, which includes the command staff. The police department will conduct an entrance exam on Saturday to fill current and anticipated police officer vacancies, during the next two years. Meanwhile, Selectmen are continuing their search for a new Police Chief. The deadline to submit an application for the position is February 14.

Enos was appointed to serve as Chief on an interim basis following the retirement of Frank John last July. John had been placed on administrative leave in March 2019 after being in the position for six months. Enos had been appointed to serve as Deputy Chief. Members of the department voiced their support of Enos at the January 22 Selectmen meeting.

“I believe the town deserves the best available candidate,” chairman David Andrade said. “Whether it’s the interim Chief or whether it’s someone we don’t know about.” Emily Fasteson Named to Doorways Board of Directors Emily Fasteson is the newest member of the Board of Directors of the Doorways Food Pantry in Seekonk. Emily has volunteered at Doorways for the past three years.

Emily Fasteson, a junior at Seekonk High School, has been unanimously elected to the Board of Directors of the Doorways Food Pantry in Seekonk. “Emily is one of our most active volunteers” said Doug Hayward, who serves as chairman of the Doorways board. “She is a special young lady, and we look forward to benefitting from her fresh perspective.” Emily is the youngest person ever invited to serve on the Doorways Board of Directors.

Emily has volunteered at Doorways for the past three years and has logged over 200 hours of service at the food pantry. In addition, she has been active in the Seekonk High School Key Club since the ninth grade, first as a class director while a freshman, and has served as president for the past two years. Through Key Club, Emily has been involved in a variety of community service activities and has accumulated another 200 volunteer hours over and above her work at Doorways. “My work at Doorways has been extremely rewarding, and serving the community is one of my passions.” said Emily. “I have enjoyed serving our clients over the past few years and developing relationships with them. I look forward to continuing my service to Doorways as a board member.”

Over sixty local families rely on Doorways every week, and Doorways relies on people like Emily. Please join us in welcoming her as a member of the Board.

Earth Day in Seekonk- April 25, 2020 Be a part of our annual Spring Litter Patrol this year. Patrol members will be fanning out to all parts of Seekonk to make it a prettier and cleaner place to live. Those who wish to join us are asked to contact Bill Kirchmann, Recycling Coordinator, by phone 508-336-8523, or by email at wkirchmann@seekonk-ma.gov. Volunteers will receive Earth Day shirts, collection supplies, and gifts for their service. Hope to see you then.

C o l l i s i o n & P a i n t S p e c i a l i s t RI Lic. #65

Sousa’s Auto Body

COLLISION REPAIR ~ All Phases ~ From minor scratches and dents to major repairs We accept claims by all insurance companies RI & MA

1442 Newport Avenue • Pawtucket, RI 02861 r w y e 401-725-1933 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Seekonk and Local Schools Receive Support for Students from Snack Drive Angels’ Care Closet, Inc., distributes food and snacks for local students

Angels’ Care Closet Inc. of Seekonk, MA hosted a snack drive from January - February to collect snacks and take-home food for local low-income students. We distributed donations to several children in the area through education and social service partners prior to February break.

We’d like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support to feed these food-insecure families during the week of February vacation when school lunch and breakfast are not available. We’d like to thank Webster Bank of Seekonk for participating in a several-branch collection with other Webster branches, as well as their continuous support as a drop off partner. We also want to thank our other drop off partners Champion Motorsports, Expedited Credentialing Services, and Seekonk Human Services, our generous resident and business donors, and volunteers for their year-round support Given the success of the drive and the need demonstrated by our partners, we will likely host another drive to support the Spring Break timeframe for these students. We have a storefront location at 2 Olney Street, Unit 28b Seekonk, MA, with store hours 6-8 on Tuesday and Thursdays, and 10-2 on Saturdays, if you’d like to drop off a tax-deductible donation.

You may also send drop-ship donations or financial donations to 42 Pershing Ave, Seekonk, MA 02771. We also accept donations through PayPal via angelscarecloset@gmail.com.

If you are a local educator or social service worker who would like to sign up for future distributions or other support, please email angelscarecloset@gmail.com or contact our Facebook Page Angels’ Care Closet. If you have any questions, please reach out via email or Facebook.