February 2024 Seekonk Reporter

The Seeko Seekon nk

Reporter

FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 36, NO. 20

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Serving the Residents of Seekonk, Rehoboth and Surrounding Communities Since 1989

Love is in the Air see page 60

Health & Wellness see page 62

ZA 2 The Reporter February 2024

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February 2024 The Reporter

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Also in:

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4 The Reporter February 2024

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February 2024 The Reporter

Letters to the Editor...

The letters in this section and opinion articles do not reflect the views of the staff of The Rehoboth Reporter. It is not our intent to take sides on any issues, but to present all arguments from all points of view. If your point of view is not represented on an issue, it is only because you have not voiced your opinion. Let us hear from YOU!

Let’s Keep Rehoboth a Special Place

My partner and I moved here in April of last year after falling in love with the area. We find the tranquil beauty of nature here to be inspiring and have enjoyed so much the opportunity to make new friends with those who have lived here far longer than we have. The location couldn’t be better, both in proximity to breathtaking beaches as well as direct connection to major urban centers and academic excellence. In short, we love it.

Moving here from a large city, one of the things that we miss, though, is the ability to easily and safely go for a run or a bike ride. Despite this lack of local pedestrian paths or bike lanes, we see a consistent and ever-growing presence of bicyclists and walkers on the local roads. However, I don’t know when I have felt so in mortal danger when taking a stroll or jumping on my bike to go to a local farm. There is so much here that is well within people-powered modes of transportation, it is a shame that it isn’t easier to get there by means other than a car or truck.

We continue to witness a major movement of younger people coming to this part of New England, many of whom value the ease of a walk to the market or a bike ride to a local trail.

I believe this is an opportunity for Rehoboth to invest in bike lanes and pedestrian paths; much research has shown that these investments pay dividends over time, lowering local health care costs, improving quality of life, and attracting a new generation of residents who understand both the historical value of this unique area as well as its potential for future generations.

I encourage the city of Rehoboth to consider making investments now, starting small, to ensure that its timeless beauty is sustained through strategic choices which nurture people’s independence and mobility. I think cost-effective investment in people-centered infrastructure is a good first step in imagining the next 400 years of this special place.

Sincerely, Roddy Schrock

ON THE COVERS Rehoboth: Grandpa’s truck in the snow.

Photo by Earle Dias Photography.

Seekonk: Winter sunset. Photo by Earle Dias Photography.

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Please Note:

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• Letters to the Editor MUST be signed and contain a phone number!

• Letters to the Editor MUST arrive by the 23rd of the month!

• We will withhold any letters of an accusatory nature until the accused person has a chance to respond in the same issue!

Email: news@reportertoday.com

Cloud Parade

Clouds marched high Above the trees, In bold and Silent stride.

Tree branches moved Below the clouds And tried to catch My eye.

I kept watch Of the clouds As they paraded by.

The trees must Stay here below, Much like You and I. Don Gardner Seekonk

Inside This Issue

Business Directory......................68 Church News..............................54 Classifieds...............................67 Club Announcements.................30 Events....................................29 Food & Dining............................58 HEALTH & WELLNESS..............62 Letters....................................5 Library......................................

Blanding.......................26 Seekonk.......................22 LOVE IS IN THE AIR................60 Obituaries................................65 People.....................................38 Rehoboth COA..........................50 Rehoboth Ramblings.................34 Rehoboth Town News................7 School News..............................42 Scouts...................................57 Seekonk Human Services..........51 Seekonk Town News..................16 Sour Grapes................................63 Sports.....................................46 State House...............................49

6 The Reporter February 2024

The Rehoboth/Seekonk

Reporter P.O. Box 377 Rehoboth, MA 02769

© 2018 Target Marketing Group, Inc.

We welcome all ideas, photos, articles, news releases and notices that affect these areas.

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ALL NEWS ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE 25TH OF THE MONTH

Rehoboth Boy Starts Food Drive

By Joe Siegel

Raymond John “RJ” Castro, a third grade student at Palmer River Elementary School, launched a food drive last December.

The donations were delivered to the Rehoboth Food Pantry a few days after Christmas.

“Some people, they don’t have any food and I kind of feel very bad (for them),” Castro said, noting he felt strongly about ending world hunger.

Castro’s Mom, Shelby, printed out a flyer and posted about RJ’s food drive on social media. “(RJ’s) wish was to stop hunger in the world,” said Paula Fernandez of the Rehoboth Food Pantry. “He told all his teachers at school. All the bus drivers chipped in, it was great.

He did a tremendous job.”

A total of 10 tote bags were collected to help needy families in town.

Castro enjoyed the experience so much that he plans to work with one of his cousins on another food drive later this year.

For information about the Rehoboth Food Pantry, visit their website at rehobothfoodpantryma.org. or call 508-493-1922.

It MUST INCLUDE the name and phone number of the sender.

The Reporter is MAILED FREE TO THE TOWNS OF REHOBOTH AND SEEKONK twelve months a year.

Subscriptions are available outside our distribution area.

Subscription Rate: $35 for 1 year

Display Advertising Sales Call 508-252-6575 Published by:

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RJ Castro

RJ with his grandfather (pushing cart) Stephen Bernier

Graphics & Marketing Keri Cote Contributing Writers Leslie Patterson Joe Siegel Special Thanks To: Lori Anderson TCI Press

PHONE 508-252-6575 Fax 252-6320 news@reportertoday.com Visit Our Website at... www.ReporterToday.com

The Letters to the Editor and opinion articles do not reflect the views of the staff of The Rehoboth Reporter. It is not our intent to take sides on any issues, but to present all points of view.

RJ with volunteers at the Rehoboth Food Pantry

February 2024 The Reporter

Rehoboth Town News From the Clerk’s Corner

Hello All ~ Happy February ~ I hope you are staying warm and healthy! As a friendly reminder, Real Estate Tax Bills were due Thursday, February 1st. Payment can be made via mail, drop box outside of Town Hall (340 Anawan Street) or online @ https://www. rehobothma.gov/ . If paying online, please scroll down to “Online Payments” and then click “Tax Payments” on the Town’s homepage.

2024 Rehoboth Town Census

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By now, you should have received your 2024 census form, dog license renewal, 3-5-2024 Presidential REAL ESTATE CLEANOUTS: Primary info sheet, vote by mail application, Police Code Red flyer, and Ambulance subscription flyer. If you would like an extra 2024 Houses, Condos, Garages, Attics, calendar for you or your family, just call, e-mail our office or stop by Basements, Barns & More!

Town Hall. If you did not receive your census mailer, please let us FREE know at 508-252-6502 x-3109 or 3112 or email me TownClerk@ TES! DEMOLITION: RehobothMA.gov .

ESTIMA I would like to thank the numerous households that quickly Sheds, Decks, Pools, Fences, BEST reviewed their census data, made any necessary changes, and PRICE Construction Debris & More! returned the forms to us ~ thank you all !!! If you have not returned S! your census, please take a moment and send it back please. CenJUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL: sus forms were due to our office by January 31, 2024. This year, residents were afforded the opportunity to drop off their census Furniture, Appliances, Yard Waste... forms at the outside drop box at Town Hall (340 Anawan Street), We take EVERYTHING! fax, mail, or scan and e-mail them in. We also left census drop boxes around the Town (Town Hall foyer, Bristol-Savings Bank lobby, Blanding Library lobby and the COA Senior Center at Francis Farm). It is exciting to see that residents can choose the most convenient way to respond to their 2024 Census. I would especially like to thank those families who processed their census forms and dog tags online. Our office is processing your census changes and preparing the documents for our Registrars. During the months of February/March, the Registrars will begin contacting those residents who have not returned their 2024 census forms. Please respond as soon as possible so we do not have to bother you with a phone call ~ thank you.

As an added feature on the 2024 Census form, if you are a registered voter, you will note an (A) or (I) under the first column of the census “Voter Status”. Your political party is listed in the last column “Political Party”. Under Voter Status, “A” represents an active voter; “I” represents an inactive The service and savings New England needs. voter. Please contact our office as soon as • Local team on-call 24/7 — in any weather possible if you have an “I” after your Voter • Worry-free delivery — you’ll never run out Status. Also, many people seem to be con• Save more on propane — no hidden fees fused with a political party of “U” by their • Budget plans — pay the same amount monthly through the year name. The State considers all “Independent” voters as “Unenrolled”; therefore, the letter “U” appearing in the political party column.

Independent is the same as Unenrolled.

An Unenrolled or Independent voter has the opportunity to choose the Party ballot they wish to vote during a Primary Election.

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8 The Reporter February 2024 you select a Democrat, Republican or Libertarian ballot type. By selecting a ballot type for this election, your registered party does not change you from Unenrolled/Independent. It just lets us know what ballot you would like to view and vote. Not sure what ballot you would like to request – please check the Town Clerk website – Elections – 3-5-2024 sample ballot to see the candidates listed on all three ballots for the 3-5-2024 Election.

Just a reminder, the census form does not register you to vote or allow you to change your political designation. We’ve come across many census forms in the past with the party designations

crossed out and replaced with something else or a designation added to individuals who are not currently registered to vote. If you would like to register to vote or make a change to the party designation, you must complete the appropriate forms as we need your signature to either register you to vote, change your political party affiliation, or remove you from our voter rolls. This can be done in person, by mail, or online. Simply call us at 508-252-6502 x-3109, x-3112 or x-3110 or e-mail us at TownClerk@RehobothMA. gov to request a Mail-In Voter Registration Form. If you prefer to register or change your political affiliation online, please go to www.

RegisterToVoteMA.com. Mail-in voter registration applications are also available @ https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/Voter-regmail-in.pdf - please complete the application, save it, and e-mail, drop off or mail the signed form to us. To be eligible to vote in the upcoming Presidential Primary Election on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, all voter registrations and/or political party changes must be made no later than 5:00 PM on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

The Annual Town Election

Celebrating 50 Years!

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The Annual Town Election for the Town of Rehoboth will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, with the polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Polling Location for all four precincts is Francis Farm Community Center (27 Francis Farm Road) – Museum building. If you would like to review the facility and layout of the polling location, please visit the Town Website at: https://www.rehobothma. gov/home/news/rehoboth-changes-its-centralized-polling-locationfrancis-farm-community-center-museum Additional details will be communicated as we get closer to the election. As always, the Town Website will have updated polling information when available.

Nomination papers are now available for any registered voter in Rehoboth wishing to run for election on the Town ballot and who chooses not to seek a nomination through their registered party’s caucus process. Nomination papers may be picked up by prospective candidates, at the Town Clerk’s office (340 Anawan Street/Route 118) and must be returned, signed by a minimum of 50 registered voters. All signed and completed nomination papers are due back to the Board of Registrars at the Town Clerk’s Office by 5 p.m. on, or before, Tuesday, February 13th.

Positions to be elected on the ballot for 2024 are Moderator (one for 1 year), Board of Selectmen (two positions for 3 years), Assessor (one for 3 years), Constable (one for one year) School Committee (two for 3 years), Housing Authority (one for five years), Planning Board (two – one for 5 years and one for 3 years), Park Commission (two - one for 5 years and one for 4 years), Tree Warden (one for 3 years), Town Clerk (one for 3 years) and Water Commissioner (one for 3 years).

The final voter registration date, to be eligible to vote in the Annual Town Election, is scheduled for Saturday, March 23rd from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prospective voters are reminded that they may also register to vote online at www.RegisterToVoteMA.com , by calling the Town Clerk’s Office to request a Mail-In Voter Registration Form, or download a form @ http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/Voter-reg-mail-in.pdf The Democratic Town Committee Caucus will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2024, at the Blanding Public Library – Goff Memorial Hall, 124 Bay State Road, at 7:00 PM. The Republican Town Committee Caucus will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2024, in the Arcade Building at the Francis Farm Community Center – 27 Francis Farm Road at 7:00 PM. An alternate date/inclement weather date of Tuesday, February 13, 2024 - 7:00 p.m. (Arcade Building), has also been scheduled, at the Francis Farm Complex.

2024 – Annual Rabies Clinic

Keep them safe . . . inoculate! The Annual Rehoboth-Seekonk $15 Dog and Cat Rabies Clinic is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, 2024. Again, this year the rabies clinic will be held at the Seekonk Public Safety Complex, Route 44 (500 Taunton Avenue), rather

February 2024 The Reporter than the Seekonk Public Works Department Garage. The Rehoboth Town Clerk’s Office Staff will be there to renew your 2024 Dog Licenses. If you would like to help us register the residents for their dog and cat rabies shots, please let us know. Please check the Town Website for up-to-date Rabies Clinic information at https:// www.rehobothma.gov/town-clerk/pages/dog-licenses. For more details either on the rabies clinic or helping us staff the event, please call 508-252-6502 X-3112, 3109 or 3110 ~ thank you.

Town Hall Mail & Online Payments

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

OVR/ (prior to the deadline to register to vote & before applying for a mail in ballot) VOTE BY MAIL - All registered voters qualify to vote by mail. A single application is available on the back of the Presidential Primary census flyer form, or you can submit the “Vote by Mail Postcard” sent to you by the State.

MASSACHUSETTS 2024 POSTCARD APPLICATION: The Secretary of the Commonwealth is required to mail ALL voters who have not already applied for a vote by mail ballot, a postcard application – this is usually mailed out 45 days prior to state elections. This postcard application will allow you to apply for a vote by mail ballot for all elections this year or for individual elections this year. Postcards arrived in voter mailboxes prior to January 20th.

Applications can be returned by mail (postage is pre-paid on the post card application mailed to you) or placed in the ballot drop box outside of the Town Offices (340 Anawan Street). A signature is required to process your application. Questions can be directed to TownClerk@RehobothMA.gov APPLY EARLY to allow ample time for processing your application and for the postal services to deliver your ballot to you. All mailed ballot requests must be received by the Town Clerk’s Office Continued on next page...

March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Voter Option Guide

The information below outlines the multiple options available to voters to participate in the Presidential Primary Election. Vote

by Mail, Vote Early In-Person, or Vote In-Person on Election Day VOTE IN-PERSON ON ELECTION DAY: March 5, 2024, Francis Farm Museum Building 7 AM - 8 PM DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE: February 24, 2024 VOTE IN-PERSON EARLY VOTING: February 24, 2024 – March 1, 2024 - Francis Farm – Museum Building – 27 Francis Farm Road • Saturday, 2/24/2024: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; • Monday-Thursday 2/26- 2/29/2024: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM; • Friday 3/1/2024: 8:00 AM – 12:00PM

Vote By Mail & Absentee Voted Ballot Deadlines

February 27th at 5:00 PM – All mailed ballot requests must be received by the Town Clerk’s Office by the 5:00 PM deadline.

Voted ballots returned in the secure ballot drop box (340 Anawan St.) must be received by 8PM on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Ballots returned by mail must be RECEIVED by the Town Clerk by 8PM on Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Selection Of Ballot Types – (Primary Elections Only)

In a primary election, a voter who is NOT registered in a political party must choose a party ballot type on the application to vote by mail or in person voting (early or on election day).

We are unable to process applications for Unenrolled (commonly known as Independent) voters who do not select a party ballot type on their application.

Unenrolled voters who select a party ballot type do not become registered in that party - they remain Unenrolled/Independent voters.

Voters who are registered in one of the 3 political parties (Democratic, Republican, Libertarian) MUST take that party ballot and are not given a choice of party ballot type.

Helpful Links:

Verify your party enrollment: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx Change your party enrollment: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/

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by the 5:00 PM deadline on February 27, 2024. Any voter who has returned a vote by mail ballot (or voted early in person) cannot vote on Election Day. TRACK YOUR APPLICATION AND BALLOT: http://www.trackmyballotma.com Please allow at least one week before checking the status of your application and allow a minimum of ten days to receive your ballot from the date of mailing.

RETURN OF VOTE BY MAIL BALLOTS: Place voted ballot in the sealed, signed ballot envelope in the postage paid white return envelope and return by U.S. mail or place it in the secure ballot drop box at Town Offices, 340 Anawan Street. All ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on March 5, 2024.

DR. FRANK CASARELLA & DR. LURI LEE 2024 Dog Licenses

The 2024 Dog Licenses are now available and may be purchased through the Town Clerk’s Office. Again in 2024, residents will be able to renew their dog licenses online with a Debit/Credit Card or Electronic Check (ACH/EFT). Those dog owners who registered their dogs on our online dog licensing program “Permiteyes” in 2022 and 2023, know they are able to renew their dog’s license online through the town’s permitting program located on the Town Website @ https://www.rehobothma.gov/home/pages/online-permitting - please

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DR. DR.LURI LURILEE LEE DR.FRANK FRANK CASARELLA CASARELLA && DR.

look for the Green “Dog Licensing” button and search for your dog’s record. Instructions on how to use the online permitting program can be found online at: https://www.rehobothma.gov/town-clerk/ pages/dog-licenses .

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

If you are unsure, please give our office a call and we can tell you how up-to-date our information is, or you can simply search the information on the Permiteyes Dog Licensing program located on the town website: https://www.rehobothma.gov/home/pages/ online-permitting . Dog owners should note that the license(s) will not be returned unless a stamped, self-addressed envelope is included (the current postage is 63¢ for one dog tag, 87¢ for two or three dog tags and 1.10¢ for four dog tags).

Reminder, all residents 70-years old or over do not need to pay the $10 or $20 yearly dog licensing fee. As you may remember, I submitted an article at the May 8, 2017 Annual Town Meeting (Article 15) requesting Town Meeting vote to accept MGL CHAPTER 140 SECTION 139(c), which states “No fee shall be charged for a license issued under this section for a service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act or regulations promulgated thereunder. No fee shall be charged for a license for a dog owned by a person aged 70 years or over in a city or town that accepts this provision”.

Town meeting did approve the acceptance of MGL Chapter 140 Section 139 (c), which permits the Town Clerk’s Office to waive dog licensing fees for service animals and for dogs owned by any Rehoboth resident 70 years of age and older. Proof of rabies vaccinations for each dog and proof of the dog owner’s age (70 or older) is required. As per Town Counsel, the waiving of fees does not include Kennel Fees.

As a reminder, the Town Offices will be closed on Monday, February 19th in honor of President’s Day. We hope you enjoy the President’s Day holiday. Also, a Happy Valentine’s Day to all from the Town Clerk’s Office.

Even though recent weather has been cool, we have been blessed with a warmer than normal winter, with plenty of rain and it is encouraging that the days are getting longer. Spring is coming soon. Thank you all – please stay healthy and safe!! I look forward to talking with you in March ~ Laura.

Please enjoy your February – Laura, Kerrie & Jenn

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February 2024 The Reporter

What’s Your RLT Story?

The Rehoboth Land Trust is turning 35 this year! Yes, back when Bobby Brown topped the music charts and kids were begging for the first ever Gameboy, a small group of Rehoboth residents founded the Rehoboth Land Trust to protect our town’s rural character and natural resources. The result is more than 700 acres preserved – and growing!

But enough about us! We want to hear about YOU! Celebrate this incredible milestone with us by sharing your RLT story. Maybe you had a close encounter with some wildlife at one of our properties or were inspired by a speaker at an event. Maybe you just want to share why RLT and land conservation are important to you.

Whatever you think of when you think of Rehoboth Land Trust, your community would love to hear it!

Share your RLT story, including any related photos, directly on our Facebook page, or submit it on our website (see QR code below). You can also email us at info@rehobothlandtrust.net. Some of the stories we collect will be featured in our newsletter or printed in the Reporter.

To start us off, let’s hear from our own Carol Entin, president of the Rehoboth Land Trust: “Given my childhood, it’s no surprise that I would gravitate towards the Rehoboth Land Trust. Spending hours a day outside after school with the freedom to roam the woods and fields, follow streams and collect handsome rocks, sinuous grapevine tendrils, or a shed snake skin made each day a unique adventure. Learning the lesson of scarcity by making mudpies with hard-to-find ingredients developed my understanding of habitats, micro-ecosystems and nature’s timelines for blossoms and fruits. My first geology lessons were built upon the knowledge that the best soils for “butterscotch pudding” were from the end of Cindy Nexon’s driveway, but “chocolate pudding” had to be made with the mud from the pond by the school. My mother taught me how to care about and for injured wildlife. My father built insect rearing cages that I still use today. In short, I grew up knowing the outdoors was the place where I would see something new every time I went exploring and I would NEVER be bored!

“Fast forward to 1986 when I started living in Rehoboth and by 1987, my husband Dan and I bought a fixer-upper for a house. Why Rehoboth? The natural beauty, the farmland, and the plethora of wetlands appealed to me. I was excited about exploring the outdoor areas in my neighborhood, and happily the Hollinshead girls found me and were excited to go out to look for spotted salamanders during breeding season. Meeting Carol Williams at an Open Space workshop in 2000 started my connection with the Rehoboth Land Trust. Before long, I was helping with a Silent Auction, the passing of the Community Preservation Act, and eventually became an RLT Trustee, all the while learning more about land protection strategies.

“As I close in on 2 times 35 in age, and have assumed the presidential role for the RLT, I see the changes to Rehoboth’s land and I know that we need to step up our efforts to do whatever we can to set aside land for current and future generations so we can spend time outdoors, have our own adventures, witness nature’s small dramas around an ant hill, or discover a lichen’s combination of colors that inspires a sweater design. This can only be accomplished with the collaboration of many volunteers with a passion for land protection and willingness to work for it. Please consider sharing your skills and time to make the next 35 years ones that see more property set aside for outdoor experiences and for the flora and fauna that depend on it!

Complete the talent survey on our website - it will take you about 3.5 minutes to do so! Your grandchildren will thank you!!”

Use the QR code at left to share your RLT story.

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12

The Reporter February 2024

“Putting the DR in DightonRehoboth!”

“Putting the DR in Dighton-Rehoboth!” said Paul Jacques, Chair of the Rehoboth Housing Authority. “This was a great opportunity for us as Rehoboth Officials to meet up with our Dighton Colleagues and others from across the Commonwealth to share ideas while attending the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) Conference over the weekend,” Jacques said.

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From left Peter Caron, Chair Dighton Board of Selectmen; Leonard Hull, Dighton Selectman; Deborah Arruda, Rehoboth Town Administrator; Mike Mullen, Dighton Town Administrator; George Solas, Rehoboth Selectman; Paul Jacques, Chair Rehoboth Housing Authority.

Rehoboth Animal Shelter News

The Rehoboth Animal Shelter is currently home to several cats and a dog. Nick is a handsome and energetic hound mix who would love a person to take him on long hikes. He likes other dogs and would make a good playmate.

Amaretto and Yam are a pair of four-monthold kitten siblings. There are also adult cats!

More information about these and other adoptable pets is available at Petfinder.com.

To make an appointment, or to report a lost or found pet, please call 508-252-5421 and leave a message. Don’t forget to patronize the Rehoboth Pet Pantry, either to take what you need or to donate.

Amaretto and Yam

Nick

February 2024 The Reporter

Rehoboth Democratic Committee Caucus

By Joe Siegel

The Rehoboth Democratic Town Committee (RDTC) will hold its Annual Caucus on Wednesday, February 7 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Blanding Library to nominate candidates for the April 2 Town Election.

The list of Offices to be filled include: Assessor – three years, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee – two three year seats, Housing Authority – five years, Moderator – one year, Park Commission – five years, Planning Board – five years, Planning Board – three years, Selectmen – two three year seats, Town Clerk – three years, Tree Warden - three years, and Water Commissioner – three years.

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

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It’s A Birthday Blizzard of Giving!

The Blizzard of Giving, Inc. is available all year round to help Rehoboth Children. We are here to help make your child’s birthday even more special! Please visit our website www.rehobothblizzardofgiving.org where you can access our request forms and find more information.

If you would like to include your child(ren) to our Birthday Blizzard list please provide the following information: Parent/Guardian’s name, address, email, phone ; Child’s name, gender, birthday month & year, general interests In order to fulfill your requests, please send in all the above information at least 3 weeks in advanced of when you would like to receive your child’s gifts.

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

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

Opioid Crisis Settlement Fund

As many of you are aware, Massachusetts will receive a portion of the opioid settlement dollars resulting from a resolution reached with the parties involved as described in the statement below: “On July 21, 2021, AG Healey announced a $26 billion resolution with opioid distributors and Johnson & Johnson, which will provide more than $500 million to the Commonwealth and its cities and towns for prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery across Massachusetts. Funds from these settlements began flowing into Massachusetts in June 2022” The links below will provide a more thorough explanation of the case and it’s settlement:

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I would like to assess what our community here in Rehoboth thinks a good use of the funds would be in best supporting persons and families affected by this crisis. To that end, I’d like to begin hosting focus groups for the various groups affected by the opioid crisis, including with those recovering from opioid addiction, parents of persons affected by opioid addiction and families affected by an opioid addiction. The groups will begin to meet in mid-February. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to me at: ghamel@rehobothma.gov or @ 508-962-4558 Thank you in advance for your help in identifying how best to serve our community!

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The Reporter February 2024

Rehoboth Officials Plan to Fight Water Contamination

Rehoboth Selectmen Mourn Ken Abrams

Selectman Lenny Mills explained the state would be monitoring more thoroughly for water pollution. “We have to do it,” Mills said. “We don’t have a choice, it’s not an option.” Mills said he was in favor of the water being tested but noted the process would be “costly” and “time-consuming.”

“We’re an old town and a lot of things happen in 381 years so the state is aware of that,” Mills said, adding the state would be looking for “impurities.” The testing will consist of drainage from any public roadway as well as public and private parking lots. Mills said one of the systems which was tested had soap in it.

If a problem is discovered, it is up to the town to identify the source of the contamination and correct it. The town will be subject to penalties and fines if no action is taken.The Board plans to appoint a Stormwater Agent to oversee the town’s water systems. The Stormwater Agent has been an elected office.

Chairman Skip Vadnais noted a warrant article regarding the position would need to be approved at the spring town meeting.

The Board of Selectmen mourned the recent passing of Ken Abrams, a member of the Park Commission as well as a Vietnam veteran.

Chairman Skip Vadnais said Abrams was “a fabric of this town.”

Abrams served as a Constable and on the Conservation Commission.

“Above all else, Ken was a patriot,” Vadnais added. “He loved his country.”

Veterans Agent Jake Kramer said Abrams had been a member of the American Legion for 28 years. Abrams served as Commander of the post in 2005. Abrams was also instrumental in the creation of the Veterans Memorial at Redway Plain.

“I got out of the military in 2016,” Kramer said at Monday’s meeting.

“One of the first people I got to meet as a friend here in Rehoboth was Ken Abrams. We butted heads on a lot of Ken Abrams things, but we were dear friends.”

by Joe Siegel

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Rehoboth Police Chief Retires

By Joe Siegel

After nearly 40 years as a member of the Rehoboth Police Department, Chief James Trombetta announced his immediate retirement at Monday’s Board of Selectmen meeting.

Before getting into civilian police work, Trombetta served in the Air Force for four years as a military police officer.

Trombetta began working for the department in 1984 as a dispatcher and later became a reserve officer before joining the department on a full-time James Trombetta basis in 1985.

Trombetta worked his way through the ranks, and was promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant in 2002. He served as acting chief for one year following the departure of Dale Wetherell in 2003.

Trombetta’s predecessor, Stephen Enos, had a stormy tenure as chief and his contract was not renewed by selectmen in 2011.

Trombetta was named acting chief in 2010 when Enos was placed on administrative leave. At the time, Board member Sue Pimental noted Trombetta was the “logical choice” to serve as chief. “I think he’ll do a great job,” Pimental said. “He’s hardworking, he’s dedicated.”

Trombetta was appointed Chief of Police in 2015. In 2020, the Board signed Trombetta to a six year contract which was due to expire in June 2027.

Trombetta said he was “glad but sad” to be leaving the department. “I’m not going to say I’m leaving (the department) a better place than when I got here because I’m really not looking at things that way,” Trombetta noted. “I’m the last of the old guys to go.”

Trombetta recognized the members of the Civilian Traffic Control Unit, calling them “a good group of people who work together.”

The Board named Sergeant Louis DiBacco as Acting Chief for an indeterminate period. “The ending date will be when a successor has been chosen,” said Chairman Skip Vadnais.

Trombetta has agreed to remain with the Police Department as a Director of Law Enforcement Operations. The position will be unpaid.

February 2024 The Reporter

Dighton-Rehoboth Retention Effort Continues

By Joe Siegel

Guidance counselors and administrators from Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School will soon be meeting with students from Beckwith Middle School and Dighton Middle School.

“We’re doing that earlier this year,” Dighton-Rehoboth Superintendent Bill Runey said at the January 23 school committee meeting.

“It gets families excited, it gets (students) excited. It also gives us a sense of where (their) heads are as to where they’re going to go to school (after graduation),” Runey noted.

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 had cited a dramatic decline in enrollment in the district, with a third of all eighth grade middle school students opting not to attend D-R. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program was partnering with the Special Education program in the district, Runey added.

Dighton-Rehoboth Looks to the Future

By Joe Siegel

Dighton-Rehoboth School Superintendent Bill Runey unveiled plans for the district’s future at the school committee meeting’s January 9 meeting. One project is a new elementary school for Dighton. Runey intends to form a School Building Committee comprised of town and district officials and community experts in construction.

An Educational Profile Questionairre will also be completed, which would include current and proposed educational facilities, teaching methodology, grade configurations, and course offerings.

Information would be sent to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), including a summary of the district’s maintenance practices, certification of a design enrollment for the proposed project agreed upon with the MSBA, confirmation of community authorization and funding to proceed, and execution of the MSBA’s standard Feasibility Study Agreement, which establishes a process for the District to be reimbursed for eligible expenses.

“It is not a need for funding at this moment,” Runey noted. “It is not the start of design. It is not the start of construction. There is no estimate of any potential project costs.”

A Statement of Interest has already been sent by the District to the MSBA. In August of 2018, Dighton residents approved the installation of six (6) modular units at DES to address increased building capacity needs. That project was envisioned as a five (5)-year plan. At the time, school and community leaders made a commitment to begin assessing longer term building capital needs.

“The Statement of Interest submitted earlier this year called attention to signifiContinued at top...

15

cant building challenges that have been widely acknowledged at Dighton Elementary School, especially since the installation of the modular units in 2018,” Town Administrator Michael Mullen said last December. “We are grateful for the support of the MSBA to partner with the Dighton community to begin an Eligibility Period to further assess the school’s building, space, and programmatic needs, and we’re excited to begin moving through the process.”

Committee member Glenn Jefferson said Dighton town officials would need to be heavily involved in gaining support for a new school building.

“It needs to be a collaborative process,” said committee member Eliza Couture. “It’s not one or the other. We’re in this together.

(Dighton Elementary) is overcrowded now and we have more students coming.”

Runey said budget preparations are also beginning for the 2025 Fiscal Year. The budget will be voted on at the Spring Town Meeting.

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The Reporter February 2024

The Seekonk Scene From the Town Clerk’s Office

By Lorraine Sorel, Assistant Town Clerk

Hello from the Town Clerk’s Office. It’s winter in New England with snow and frigid temperatures, and if you just wait a bit it can change. Keep the snow boots and shovels ready along with your favorite mug for some hot chocolate. February 2024 is a Leap Year with 29 days in the month. Happy Birthday to everyone born on the 29th! This happens every 4 years last being in 2020. February is packed with holidays, the 2nd is Ground Hog Day, the 11th is Super Bowl Sunday, don’t forget the flowers and chocolate heats on February 14th for Valentine’s, the 18th is Daytona 500 for all the NASCAR fans, February 19th is President’s Day, Town offices will be closed. It’s also the start of school vacation week.

The clerk’s office has been extremely busy processing the 2024 town census data along with processing dog licenses. Thank you for your promptness in returning them both. If you have not returned your town census or dog license application, please do so as soon as possible. Reminder you cannot register to vote or change party affiliation on your census form. The March 31st deadline is fast approaching to renew your dog licenses.

The vote by mail postcards are in the mail from the Secretary of State. If you haven’t received yours, I’m sure it’s on its way.

Please be sure to check off the Election (s) you are interested in receiving a vote by mail ballot. If you choose ALL ELECTIONS, BE SURE TO SELECT A PARTY IF YOU ARE UNENROLLED (Independent). If you have already filled out an Absentee or Vote by mail application and returned it to the Clerk’s Office, you do not need to mail the postcard from the Secretary of State.

Presidential Primary

The Presidential Primary is Tuesday, March 5, 2024. All voting will take place at the Seekonk High School gymnasium, 261 Arcade Avenue. The polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM. The last day to register to vote for the Presidential Primary is February 24th until 5 PM. We will be holding Early voting for this election. Early voting will be held at Town Hall on Saturday, February 24th from 9 AM – 3 PM, and the week of February 27th – March 1, 2024, during regular town hall business hours. Wednesday hours will be until 7:00 PM 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 certifying election nomination papers for the April 1st annual town election.

Annual Town Election

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The Annual Town Election for Seekonk will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024. All voting takes place at the Seekonk High School gymnasium, 261 Arcade Avenue. The polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM. The deadline to submit nomination papers to the Town Clerk’s Office is February 12th at 5 PM. The last day to register to vote is March 22, 2024.

We will be holding Early Voting for this election. Early voting will be held at Town Hall the week of March 25 – 29, regular town hall hours.

Below is a list of the candidates who are running for Town positions *(incumbent)

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• Board of Assessors – Joyce Solomon • Board of Selectmen – David Viera, *Christopher Zorro • Library Board - *Sharon Connors, *Cynthis Corbett • Planning Board - *Rene Gagnon, *David Sullivan, Jr. • School Comm - *Noah Escaler, Alicia MacManus, Lisa Rizzo, Josh Troiano • Town Clerk – Sandra Escaler, Kristen L’Heureau, John Pozzi, Jr., Christpher Rizzo • Water Comm – Irene Frechette, George Ryder

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The Annual 2024 Rabies Clinic, for both dogs and cats, will be held March 16, 2024, at the Seekonk Public Safely Building Fire Division, 500 Taunton Ave. The attending veterinarian will be Dr. Truesdale, and the fee will be $15 cash only. Please bring proof of current rabies vaccine. All cats and ferrets must be in cages and dogs must be on a leash. The Town of Rehoboth will be joining us.

The Spring Town Meeting has been set for Monday, May 13, 2024.

Third quarter Real Estate taxes are due on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

First Commitment of Motor Vehicle Excise tax bills will be issued February 6. 2024 and due on March 7, 2024.

Have a wonderful month. As always thank you for taking the time to read the Town Clerk’s Office monthly updates. Enjoy your long weekend and school vacation week. The days are getting longer and soon Spring will be upon us. - Lorraine

February 2024 The Reporter

17

at these bins-even if they’re stained, ripped or worn out! Nothing *Sustainable Seekonk* wet or moldy, please!

The Seekonk Recycling Committee would like to remind Terracycle Recycling- the committee is collecting hundreds of residents of all the great recycling and sustainability programs and everyday items that would normally end up in the trash because resources we have available in town: they cannot be recycled traditionally. Brands partner with Terracycle Food Waste Compost Collection at TARF: The Recycling Comto offer these free programs to recycle items like pet food bags, mittee is sponsoring a collection bin at TARF from Black Earth toothbrushes, deodorant, air fresheners, coffee bags and more!

Compost starting in February, residents can bring their household There is a new collection bin for these Terracycle items at DPW food waste and deposit in the bins. Accepted items include: fruits next to the Bay State Textile Bins. Find the current list at Facebook. & vegetables, egg shells, bread, cereal, meat & bones, wooden com/SustainableSeekonk or at the DPW. chopsticks & toothpicks, coffee grinds & filters, certified compostable Batteries & Bulbs- did you know that the #1 cause of fires in pizza boxes and more. See BlackEarthCompost.com for a full list trash collection programs is rechargeable batteries? The DPW has and tips on collection and transport. You can dump food waste a collection bin for batteries-including cell phone batteries and other directly into the bins from your home container or use certified comrechargeables or hazardous batteries. They also accept fluorescent postable bags-no plastic bags please! There are a limited number light bulbs-including CFL bulbs and tubes under 4ft. These should of household compost bins and liners available, please reach out never go in your curbside bins! Stores like Lowes, Home Depot, to the Recycling Coordinator at DPW for more information about Best Buy and Staples also accept most of these items as well. this program.

Single use-alkaline batteries, incandescent bulbs and LED bulbs Calling all restaurants! Please consider asking customers if they can go in the trash. need utensils, before placing them in every order. Also consider Recycling Tip of The Month: If you’re still getting coffee in a compostable utensils, and perhaps adding a compost collection takeaway cup, please remember that the foam and paper cups are bin to your restaurant. Black Earth and Bootstrap Compost both not recyclable-put them in the TRASH. Clear plastic iced coffee service the area and make it easy to arrange weekly or bi-weekly cups (with lid!) can go into the recycling-just remove the straw first! pickup of food waste-including napkins, and certified compostable Please remember to recycle right, and…. Reduce-Reuse-Recycle utensils, cups and plates. (in THAT order!)

Going Back to Reusables- Did you know there is still a milk man driving around delivering milk (plus juice, coffee and more!) in reusable glass bottles?! Visit CowTruck.com to check out the services that Munroe Dairy offers. Crescent Ridge is another local company to check out too. Consider switching back to reusable containers for the products you use every day, instead of using Professional Pest Management Solutions Family Owned for once and tossing in the recycling. Remember-REDUCE, REUSE, Over 40 Years RECYCLE- in THAT order!

Don’t Trash It! Consider donating items that are still usableProtecting Home and Property Savers in North Attleboro has easy drive up drop off service, Angel’s Full Service Including: Care Closet takes a wide variety of items or you can visit DONA• Homeshield Protection Program • Mice and Rodents TIONTOWN.ORG for a list of local services that will pickup items • Carpenter Ant Treatment • Wildlife Control from your home. If items are broken or no longer usable, stores like • Termite Treatment • Mosquitos & Ticks Staples, Lowes, Home Depot and Best Buy take back all kinds of • Bed Bug Elimination • Value Plus Program electronics, bulbs, ink/toner, batteries, cell phone cases, pens and markers and more. Use the Recycle Locator at CTA.tech website to www.Flynnpestcontrol.com 508-252-9661 find all your nearby options for electronics. If you’re interested in a 800-237-2847 32 ANAWAN ST • REHOBOTH, MA town wide CURB ALERT day-where everyone can put out items for free and you can plan to drive around to “shop” for items you want or need, please reach out to the Recycling Committee, our Recycling Coordinator at DPW, or Sustainable Seekonk on Facebook.

Seekonk Transfer Station (TARF) is open year round Mon-Fri 8am-3pm for drop off of yard waste (leaves, grass, twigs). The next Licensed in MA & RI Bulky Waste drop off day at TARF is March 9 2024-buy a pass at DPW for $25 to bring items that are too big to fit in blue bags/ Your Local, Hometown curbside trash bins. But please try to pass things along for reuse before trashing them! Bulky Waste pickup continues on the 2nd & Real Estate Professional 4th Wednesday of each month for furniture and misc bulky items ($5), metal, electronic ($5) & appliance ($12.50) pickup is the 3rd Tuesday, and mattresses ($65) are the 3rd Wednesday. Buy stickActive Listings Pending Sold Avg Sale Price ers at DPW. Got new Eye glasses? Old pairs of eye glasses (no cases!) are 27 17 11 $514,091 Rehoboth Get Honest, Experienced Help Buying or Selling Your Home accepted the DPW for donation to Lions Club.

21 10 5 $600,620 Seekonk The Library of Things- did you know the Seekonk Library has way more than books? With things like karaoke machines, metal detectors, stud finders, instruments, cameras, computers & more, CaseyRE@gmail.co Melissa M Casey it’s an amazing way to borrow what you need & save money! What m Your Local, Hometown Real Estate Professional items would you like to see added? Reach out to the Recycling Licensed in MA & RI Coordinator at DPW, or the library with ideas.

Textile Recycling Bins- there are Bay State Textile collection melissacaseyre@gmail.com | 401-742-3348 mcasey@lamacchiarealty.com bins at the DPW center & at all the schools. You can deposit used clothing, sheets, towels, pillows, stuffed animals, shoes and more 401.742.3348

January Real Estate Market Review

18

The Reporter February 2024

Seekonk Animal Shelter News

Town of Seekonk Rabies Clinic

Panda is an adorable short haired, black and white female kitty who is a year old. She craves attention and does not appreciate it when you stop petting her! Her perfect home would be one that has an experienced cat owner since she can be temperamental at times. She is not a fan of other cats and she play bites so a home with no small children or other cats. Panda loves treats! She has been spayed, microchipped and is up to date on vaccines/tests.

Meet Panda at the Seekonk Animal Shelter. Call to make an appointment 508336-6663.

View more photos at SeekonkAnimalShelter.Petfinder.com

DATE: Saturday, March 16, 2024 TIME: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PLACE: Seekonk Public Safety Building, Fire Division 500 Taunton Ave, Seekonk, MA FEE: $15.00 per Animal – CASH ONLY ACCEPTED FOR VACCINATIONS

The Rabies clinic is open to Seekonk and non-resident animal owners of dogs, cats and ferrets. Cats and ferrets must be in a secured carrier and dogs on leashes. For MA and RI animal owners, in order to be issued a MA three-year rabies certificate you must bring your previous rabies certificate from your veterinarian or clinic. A MA one-year vaccination certificate will be issued if you do not have this certificate with you.

Dr. Truesdale from Central Ave Veterinary Hospital will be administering the vaccinations.

Proceeds will benefit the Seekonk Animal Control Department.

The 2024 Seekonk dog licenses forms can be dropped off with proof of rabies vaccination and payment. The license will be processed the following week and mailed back to you.

If you need a dog license form you can go to www.seekonk-ma.gov – Department – Town Clerk and helpful documents – Dog Licenses . Dog licenses for 2024 are due by March 31, 2024, any licenses issued after May 31s, 2024 will include a late fee of $20.00 per dog.

The fees are: spayed female/neutered male $10.00 and unspayed female/unneutered male $20.00. Any senior 70 years of age and older can license their dog at no charge.

Stephanie Souza BSNRN - Board of Health

Seekonk to Hire Five Police Officers

By Joe Siegel

Police Chief David Enos plans to ask the Select Board to extend conditional offers of employment for five new officers at a recent meeting. Due to a staffing shortage, the day to day operation of the Detective Division has been closed. Enos said the personnel have been reassigned to the Patrol Division for an undetermined time frame. However, the detectives will be available for what Enos calls “significant incidents.” There are three recruits at the state’s police academy to assist with the shortage. Police Officer John Domagala’s resignation was accepted at the January 17 Select Board meeting.

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Interim Fire Chief Appointed Indefinitely

By Joe Siegel

Michael Small will serve as Seekonk’s Fire Chief for an indefinite amount of time, according to the employment agreement with the town.

Small, the former Falmouth Fire Chief, was appointed by the Select Board last November to fill in for Sandra Lowery, who is retiring in February. Lowery has been on sick leave since September.

“The Interim Fire Chief has been appointed for an indefinite term, commencing on December 6, 2023, which term shall automatically terminate upon the appointment of a permanent Fire Chief or unless sooner terminated in accordance with the terms set forth below,” the agreement states. “Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, either Party shall have the right to terminate, with or without cause, this Agreement and the Interim Fire Chief’s employment with the Town by providing fourteen calendar (14) days’ written notice to the other Party, unless the Parties otherwise agree in writing. In the case of termination of the Interim Fire Chief’s employment, said notice shall include a statement of the reason(s) for removal from office.”

Small will be paid a bi-weekly salary of $7,000 and will have the use of a town vehicle. In addition, “The Town shall reimburse the Interim Fire Chief for any attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by the Interim Fire Chief in connection with such claims or suits involving the Interim Fire Chief in his professional capacity, subject to prior review and approval of the Board.”

“His approach to coming in as an interim is putting both feet forward,” Town Administrator Shawn Cadime said of Small, who retired in 2020.Former Select Board Chair Michael Healy criticized the board for hiring Small as Interim Fire Chief. Healy, a former Seekonk Fire Chief, resigned from the board on November 13.

February 2024 The Reporter The Board agreed to launch a search for a permanent Fire Chief by looking for candidates within the Fire Department as well as outside the department. The vote was 3 to 1. Chris Zorra, Michelle Hines, and Justin Sullivan were in favor, with Pam Pozzi in opposition.

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District Court Rules in Favor of Asphalt Company

By Joe Siegel

A United States District Court Judge has ruled in favor of an asphalt company in its lawsuit against the Town of Seekonk, the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Health, and Bruce Hoch, a member of the town’s Planning Board.

Also named in the complaint were John Does 1 – 20, Jane Roes 1 – 10, and XYZ Corporations 1 – 10.

In December 2019, Plaintiffs International Paving Corp., Seekonk Asphalt Corp., and 45 Industrial, LLC purchased 4.81 acres of property in Seekonk with the intent to permit, construct, and operate an asphalt plant. The town’s Planning Board approved the site plan. However, the potential construction of the asphalt plant resulted in opposition from Seekonk residents and municipal officials.

“When the Town passed the Noisome Trade Regulation (bylaw), thereby effectively blocking the project, plaintiffs withdrew their Mass. (Department of Environmental Protection) permit applications, likely in recognition that continuing to pursue the permits would be futile and a waste of resources,” Judge Patti B. Saris wrote in her January 18 ruling. “Thus, the Court finds that plaintiffs’ lack of a permit should not defeat plaintiffs’ plausible claim that it has a protected property interest by virtue of the zoning use freeze granted by the Seekonk Planning Board.”

“We wholeheartedly agree with the Federal District Court, which concluded that Our Clients have stated their claim that the Town has unconstitutionally deprived them of their property rights and substantially interfered with their reasonable investment backed expectations with regard to the project,” Attorney Eric Brainsky said Tuesday. “Rather than working with our clients in developing this project, which would have created jobs and brought hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax revenue to the Town, the Town opted to take the unprecedented and unconstitutional conduct now before the Court, in order to appease the dissenting view of a minority of residents residing in the vicinity of the property.”

“Unfortunately, now the majority of the residents of Seekonk will have to foot the bill that will follow,” Brainsky continued. “We look forward to presenting our clients’ damages claims to the jury forthwith, where we anticipate proving that our clients are entitled to an award totaling well beyond seven figures.”

Town Administrator Shawn Cadime told the Reporter it is not the Town’s policy to comment on ongoing legal cases.

Seekonk’s TV9 Elects New Board

By Joe Siegel

The Board of local access channel TV9 elected a new slate of officers at its January 15 meeting. Andrea Rosseter is serving as President and Lori Saudade is serving as Vice President. Michael Dressler will serve as Treasurer and Doreen Taylor will serve as Clerk.

TV9 is negotiating a new agreement with the Town of Seekonk.

The Board adopted a new set of bylaws at a meeting last December.

The state is continuing to investigate allegations of discrimination filed against the Board of Directors of TV9. Deborah Hoch and Kristen Montgomery, former board members, filed complaints last September with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination in Boston.

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The Reporter February 2024

Hoch and Montgomery both allege they were discriminated against by Seekonk Cable Access, on the basis of age and gender.

Hoch urged the Select Board to hold off on a funding agreement with the TV9 Board until the Attorney General’s office releases their findings.

“They are concerned about the illegality of the board at TV9,” Hoch said, adding there may have been violations of the bylaws as well as “concerns of assets being misused.”

David Saad, the former President of the Board, denied Hoch’s allegations.

District Court Rules in Favor of Former Seekonk Police Chief

By Joe Siegel

A District Court Judge has ruled that former Police Chief Dean Isabella has just cause to seek damages from the Town of Seekonk and the Board of Selectmen who terminated his employment in 2023. In his lawsuit, Isabella alleges a violation of his federal constitutional rights and is seeking a declaratory judgment that his termination violated the Contracts Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Massachusetts Declaration of Rights and Mass. Gen. L. c. 41 § 97A. Isabella also seeks attorneys’ fees under 42 U.S.C. § 1988 for his federal constitutional claims and asserts claims for breach of contract and of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

Isabella, who was hired in December 2020, had nearly a year left on his contract. Prior to Isabella’s termination, Town Administrator Shawn Cadime said the police department needed to undergo a “directional shift.” The members at the time included Chairman Justin Sullivan, Christopher Zorra, David Andrade, Adam Petronio, and Michael Healy. A public hearing was held before the vote was taken.

At the outset of January 18, 2023 hearing, the Board indicated

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that it was entitled by the Town Charter to terminate Isabella’s employment, with or without cause,” Judge Denise Casper noted in her January 15 ruling. “While the chairman indicated at the beginning of the hearing that the Board was concerned about the police department’s staffing and wanted a leader who better understood the community and police department’s brand, none of the chairman’s comments indicated why misconduct, incompetence or any other flaw on Isabella’s part would create such concerns,” Casper wrote.

“As expected, the Federal District Court rejected the Town’s specious argument that its Charter trumped Chief Isabella’s contract,” Isabella’s attorney Eric Brainsky told the Reporter on January 16.

“The Court also denied the Town’s Motion to Dismiss as it pertains to Chief Isabella’s claims that his constitutional rights to procedural due process were violated and the case will now proceed accordingly in the Federal Court. The Court also effectively denied the Town’s Motion as it pertains to the merits of Chief Isabella’s State Law claims for breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and violation of his statutory rights.

However, the Court has determined that those claims should be heard before an arbitrator as required by the Chief’s contract. As such, it is our intention to vigorously pursue all of these claims in both forums where we expect to procure hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages as a result of the Town’s illegal and unconstitutional termination of Chief Isabella.”

Isabella was succeeded by Chief David Enos, who had served as Deputy Chief under Isabella. Cadime declined to comment for this story.

Candidates Pull Papers for Town Clerk

By Joe Siegel

Four residents have taken out nomination papers to run for the Town Clerk position recently vacated by Florice Craig. The winner of the April 2 election will serve the remainder of Craig’s term, which is two years. The candidates include Kristin Leroux, John Pozzi,Jr., Chris Rizzo, and Sandra Escaler, who ran for the position in 2020.

Leroux is the only one who has returned her papers.

There are two open three year seats on the Seekonk Select Board. One of those seats belonged to former Chairman Michael Healy, who resigned last November. Vice Chairman Chris Zorra is running for re-election. Former selectman David Viera has taken out papers for one of the seats.

There are two open three year seats on the Seekonk School Committee. Incumbent Noah Escaler is running for re-election.

Joshua Troiano, a 2023 graduate of Seekonk High School, has also taken out papers, along with Lisa Rizzo and Alisha McManus.

Planning Board chairman David Sullivan is running for another five year term. There is also a one year term available.

Other positions include:

• One seat on the Board of Assessors – three year term • Two seats on the Library Board of Trustees – three year terms • Housing Authority – one five year term • Water Commission – one three year term • The deadline to return nomination papers is February 12 at 5 pm.

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Seekonk Superintendent Promises Parental Notification

By Joe Siegel

Seekonk Public Schools Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell said parents are being notified about the content in human sexuality classes and health classes.

“Beyond that formal policy, all teachers at the secondary level are encouraged to regularly and transparently communicate with

February 2024 The Reporter families by sharing a syllabus with relevant topics, titles, and themes for each course,” Kidwell said Thursday. “At the elementary level, teachers are encouraged to provide regular updates to families about topics and books in the classroom. This type of communication allows any individual concerns to be resolved proactively between the teacher and the family.”

Last December, the Seekonk School Committee waived a first reading of the proposed Health Education Parental Notification policy. Committee members Kyle Juckett and Noah Escaler wanted parents to be notified if potentially inappropriate material was going to be taught in schools.

“I think we need to empower parents to be able to have control over specific pieces of education that’s coming before their kids,” Juckett said at the December 11 meeting.

“I just really want to give the transparency and the ability for those parents, any parent, with any safeguards that wants to challenge this, to have the opportunity to do it in a manner that they’re angered with time elapsing with no answers,” Escaler said. “I just want to see an expedited process to answer these questions civilly.”

Last July, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released a 46 page draft of a new curriculum framework for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

DESE solicited feedback from parents and educators about what should be taught in schools. DESE outlined seven practices, including decision-making and problem solving, self-management and goal-setting, social awareness, relationship and communication skills, movement skills, and self-advocacy and health promotion.

Some parents have stated their objections to elementary school children being taught about gender identity and same-sex relationships. One parent referred to such content as “garbage.”

Kidwell said the school district is “engaging all stakeholders in a curriculum review process regarding health education.” There are no plans to present material of an adult nature to elementary students, Kidwell noted.

“Decisions about how to implement the updated DESE health frameworks will be made with our community, in the collective interest of our community, with protection for parents’ individual concerns.”

Property Tax Increases Rile Seekonk Residents

By Joe Siegel

Seekonk residents were surprised to see increases in their property tax bills. Some voiced their frustrations on social media.

“We need some fiscal responsibility here,” said Barbara Malloy, a Walker Street resident who voiced her concerns at the January 3 Select Board meeting.

“We have lived in our home for 18 years, have not made any major updates, and (the taxes) went up $46,000,” Malloy noted. “(The appraiser) told me ‘you live in a desirable area.”

Board member Justin Sullivan explained the different tax rates for the town and how they are calculated.

“The reason your taxes go up here in the state is attached to the value of your home (which) has gone up in the eyes of what is being sold in the market,” Sullivan said. “10 years ago, the median price of a home in Seekonk was about $250,000. Today it’s $450,000. That’s what the market would tell you.”

The state establishes a range for setting the tax rate. Sullivan said the Board set the lowest possible rate for the residential tax factor last December. A different rate is set for commercial properties.

A number of major building projects have been proposed including a new South End Fire Station and an expansion of the Seekonk Public Library. School additions or renovations may also be put before the voters. A debt exclusion, which is a temporary tax increase, would be required to fund these projects.

The town’s student population is expected to increase by a whopping 27 percent

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in the next 10 years.

“Seekonk is clearly a place where people want to live,” said Derek Osterman, the Director of Project Management Services for Colliers, which was hired to conducts a Conditions Assessment of all school facilities in the summer of 2022. The firm identified a total amount of $42.3 million including adjustments for inflation and additional projects.

Colliers identified $17.9 million in needs for Seekonk High School. These include roof replacement, renovation of locker rooms, upgrade of the HVAC system, refinish/replace gym floor, and cosmetic improvements.

Enrollment is 533 for the current school year, but Colliers anticipates growth to 703 students for the 2032-2033 school year.

Options including reconfiguring some grades or constructing new schools. The cost of constructing a new middle school for Grades 5 through 8 would cost $146 million.

The cost of constructing a new middle school and converting Hurley into an intermediate school would cost $213.7 million. The cost of constructing an addition to Hurley Middle School would cost $111.4 million.

Sullivan explained about the turnover in town departments, when employees leave to accept higher salaries in other communities.

The town has to offer compensation which is comparable in order to retain those employees, but in a “fiscally responsible manner,” Sullivan noted.

Although the town’s finances have been strong, Seekonk is facing major challenges in the coming years, which could impact residents in several ways, Sullivan added.

“When the taxes go down and the revenues decrease, that’s when the tough decisions get made here at town hall and (by the) school department.”

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The Reporter February 2024

Seekonk Public Library

Boston Bruins PJ Drive

From February 1 through March 15, Seekonk Library will once again partner with the Boston Bruins to be an official drop-off location for the collection of new pajamas for low-income and homeless families. All donations in sizes 0-3 months through teens are gratefully accepted with a particular need for pajamas for older children and teens.

Donations may be left in the collection box in the lobby at Seekonk Library through March 15. Pajamas will then be distributed by the organization Cradles to Crayons to children who “don’t know the comforting feeling of putting on PJs before settling down to sleep.”

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This project is a collaboration between Seekonk Public Library, the Boston Bruins, Cradles to Crayons®, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and Wonderfund. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) works with the Boston Bruins to coordinate library participation in the drive.

Start the Year Strong with This Free Healthy Eating Series

Learn how to incorporate better choices for your diet this winter in this series from Seekonk Public Library. Registration is required; register with a SAILS library card in the online Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org/events.

Virtual - Supermarket Savings & Healthy Choices Wednesday, February 7 at 4 PM

How can anyone make healthy food choices while managing skyrocketing grocery prices? Registered dietitian and nutrition expert Jill Patterson will teach you strategies and recipe resources to slash your grocery bill while eating nutritiously in this fun workshop.

Presented through Zoom.

Virtual - Superfoods 101: Virtual Culinary Education Workshop Wednesday, February 28 at 6 PM

What one food could you start eating to get the most benefit for your health? Kim Larkin of Klassic Kreations will teach you about the powerful properties of popular Superfoods and how best to incorporate them into your life. This fun presentation includes tips, techniques, and recipes. A limited number of sample kits will be available before the program for those registered, while supplies last; registration with a SAILS library card is required. Presented through Zoom.

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

Valentine’s Day Drawing Workshop Wednesday, February 14 at 6 PM

Show yourself some love with this drawing workshop especially for beginners at Seekonk Public Library on Wednesday, February 14 at 6 PM. Space is limited; register with a SAILS library card in the online Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org/events.

Give Yourself Flowers: Valentine’s Day Art Making with Sandy Coleman We give others flowers to show love, compassion and thoughtfulness. On Valentine’s Day, give yourself flowers. Treat yourself with care by joining artist Sandy Coleman for an evening creating whimsical floral art using markers and colored pencils. Come relax and reflect on how special you are. You deserve self-care. All levels welcomed—especially those new to making art. Materials will be provided, but also feel free to bring your own drawing tools of choice to use or share.

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

February 2024 The Reporter

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www.seekonkpl.org • library@seekonkpl.org • 508.336.8230 Bright Ideas: Make Your Own LED Greeting Card Tuesday, February 20 at 6:00 PM

Add a touch of magic to your papercrafts with fun and easy LED circuits! Join us at Seekonk Library on Tuesday, February 20 at 6:00 PM for an introductory workshop on hand-made illuminated greeting cards. Following step-by-step instructions, you’ll make a simple pop-up greeting card, then create a basic paper circuit to light it up! All materials will be provided, including extra craft materials to embellish your card. No crafting or circuitry experience is necessary, adults only.

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.

Oscar Buzz Movie at Seekonk Library Thursday, February 22 at 4:30 PM

Skip the wait to borrow the DVD by watching this popular 2023 movie; come and see this new DVD release for FREE at Seekonk Public Library: Throughout the development of the bomb, Oppenheimer struggled with justifying a creation that came to cause so much damage. He questions whether he owes it to scientific discovery to create something capable of so much power. Rated R. Running time: 3 hours Licensing prevents us from printing titles; call the library at 508-336-8230 ext. 56130 or email library@seekonkpl.org for the title and other details. Register in the calendar at seekonkpl.org/events for planning purposes and to receive any program updates.

Nonfiction Book Club: In Love by Amy Bloom

Tuesday, February 27th at 6:00 PM

Join us for a lively discussion of In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss by Amy Bloom on Tuesday, February 27th at 6:00 PM at Seekonk Public Library. 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!

Amy Bloom began to notice changes in her husband, Brian: He retired early from a new job he loved; he withdrew from close friendships; he talked mostly about the past. Suddenly, it seemed there was a glass wall between them, and their long walks and talks stopped. Their world was altered forever when an MRI confirmed what they could no longer ignore: Brian had Alzheimer’s disease.

Forced to confront the truth of the diagnosis and its impact on the future he had envisioned, Brian was determined to die on his feet, not live on his knees. Supporting each other in their last journey together, Brian and Amy made the unimaginably difficult and painful decision to go to Dignitas, an organization based in Switzerland that empowers a person to end their own life with dignity and peace....

Bloom sheds light on a part of life we so often shy away from discussing--its ending.

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

Save the Date: Next month’s TAB Meeting Thursday, March 7.

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

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The Reporter February 2024

Stop Motion Animation Workshop (A Special “What Do You Know?” Program) Thursday, February 8 at 3PM

Attention future filmmakers! Join Carla and Ms. Sandie for a one-hour workshop on stop motion animation on Thursday, February 8 from 3 PM to 4 PM. Learn the basics of stop motion animation using free downloadable apps and everyday supplies, then create your own short film! This special February meeting of the monthly teen program “What Do You Know?” welcomes elementary school kids in grades 3-5.

This 1-hour event is free and open to grades 3 through 8. Registration is required.

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

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Third Thursday Club for Tweens/Teens Thursday, February 15 at 3:00 PM

New to Seekonk Library—an opportunity for middle and high schoolers to meet up and bond over shared interests. This month’s meeting takes place on Thursday, February 15, and our topic is Community Service. What can we do to help others? How can we improve our neighborhood or support the efforts of charitable organizations?

This 1-hour event is free and open to tweens and teens in grades 6 through 12. Registration is required for each month’s activity.

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

Library Tech Class: Getting Started with Android Phones & Tablets Tuesday, February 20 from 2-3:30 PM

**This session is for novice users of Android phones and tablets ONLY. No other devices will be covered.** Do you feel like you can barely turn on your Android phone or tablet and are afraid to really use it? Join Librarian Michelle Gario in this 90 minute session to review the basic information to get started that should have been in a manual!

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

News from Friends of the Seekonk Public Library

The Friends are having our Valentine’s quarterly big sale on Saturday, February 10th from 9 AM to 3 PM. Children’s and adult fiction and nonfiction books and puzzles will be half priced. Hillidards candy will be $3 for one and 5 for 2. The Valentine’s Day raffle basket tickets are $1 for one and $5 for 8. All sales go to support the library’s adult and children programming.

Please continue to bring your book donations to the lobby. We can now take nonfiction books older than 5 years. Thank you for all your donations which make our book sales possible.

From the Children’s Room

Winter Reading Challenge - February 1-29

Grades K-5. Every person has a rich history and unique stories to tell — dive deeper into your own this winter! Explore topics like family, history, and identity while reading Where We Come From, a poetic picture book for all ages written by John Coy, Shannon Gibney, Sun Yung Shin, and Diane Wilson and illustrated by Dion MBD. Log your reading minutes and reflect on your own story — all while earning badges. From February 1-29, Seekonk Public Library is participating in “Where We Come From,” a reading challenge sponsored

by Lerner. We challenge our community to read and log at least 10 hours during the challenge. For logging your minutes read and completing fun activities, you will earn badges that feature some of the beautiful artwork from the book itself. Register now at Seekonkpl. beanstack.org!

Stop Motion Animation Workshop

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Thursday, February 8, 3 PM

Grades 3-8. Attention future filmmakers! Join Carla and Ms. Sandie for a one-hour workshop on stop-motion animation on Thursday, February 8 from 3 PM to 4 PM. Learn the basics of stop motion animation using free downloadable apps and everyday supplies, then create your own short film! This special February meeting of the monthly teen program “What Do You Know?” welcomes elementary school kids in grades 3-5. This 1-hour event is free and open to grades 3 through 8. Registration is required.

Where We Come From

Tuesday, February 13, 3:30 PM

Grades 3-5. Join us to celebrate our winter reading challenge “Where We Come From”. Whether you have joined the challenge or plan on joining, all are welcome. We will read and discuss the book “Where We Come From” and explore what shapes us, with book-inspired activities. Registration required.

February 2024 The Reporter

Paws to Read

Wednesdays, February 14 & 28, 3-4 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. Each oneon-one private session is facilitated by Sandra Healey and her two dogs. Registration required.

SCHOOL VACATION SPECIALS Fractured Fairytales

Tuesday, February 20, 10 AM

Grades K-3. Join Ms Corey for Fractured Fairy Tales story building! We will read and share stories of fractured fairy tales and discuss the differences between the fractured fairy tales and their origin stories. Using Build-A-Story cards, we will create our own fractured fairy tales! Registration required.

Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals Wednesday, February 21, 10 Am

Ages 3+. Join author Jennifer Welborn and illustrator Rozilla MH for an interactive reading of their book, Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals!

Children will learn all about how the story came to be, and they will also learn about veterinary treatments. Kids will be given a “vet kit” to help them diagnose and treat their stuffed animals, so please have your child bring their favorite stuffy! Registration required.

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Boom! Bang! Crash! The Science of Superheroes Thursday, February 22, 11 AM

Ages 7-12. Don’t miss this incredible STEM program from MobileQuest! Boom! Bang! Crash! The Science of Superheros will teach participants how to use their scientific skills to explore the powers of superheroes! Young heroes might make a light-saber like Luke’s, save Captain America from an icy freeze, or use Magneto’s powers of attraction to create a masterpiece of their own!

Registration required.

STORYTIMES

Baby & Toddler Storytime

Mondays, February 5 & 12, 10 AM

Join Ms Corey for a special storytime just for children ages birth - 2. There will be a story, fingerplays, music, singing, and of course, bubbles! Siblings welcome. Drop in.

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays, February 1, 8, 15, 10 AM

Join Ms Sandie for a weekly storytime for the preschool crowd (ages 3-5)! Younger siblings are welcome! Ages 3-5. Drop in.

Storytime on the Go February 1-29

Create a storytime experience at home with Storytime On The Go packets. Each packet will include 6 books and an age ageappropriate literacy activity. The early literacy activities will support one or more of the five early literacy practices: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing. Available for toddlers and preschoolers.

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The Reporter February 2024

News and Notes from... Blanding Library

By Leslie Patterson

No Fines in February

Now is the time to look for those overdue books and other library items and return them during the month of February. No fines will be charged for any overdue library items you return this month.

Please note that this applies only to currently overdue items, not to lost or damaged items.

Blind Date with a Book

In honor of Valentine’s Day, the Blanding is again offering its Blind Date with a Book. Books will be colorfully wrapped and displayed at the circulation desk and readers are encouraged to pick one or more to check out. There will be a hint as to the type of book inside but no author or title given. This is a fun way to find a new book or author.

Ongoing Children’s Programs

• Story & Craft Hours for children ages 3-5 are held on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30. Baby & Toddler Time for children under 4 is held on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11, featuring books, movement, music and games. No registration is necessary and siblings are welcome in each group.

• The Kids Book Club for children in grades K to 4 meets on Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 for snacks, games, and a fun spin on reading, led by students from DR high school.

Do You Love Literary Fiction?

Check out The Comedian, a tense, character-driven novella by Stacy Parenteau about a peaceful suburban neighborhood in Massachusetts crippled by the 2008 national recession but revived by the establishment of a comedy club, only to be torn apart by a yearlong contest started at the club.

The Comedian may be purchased through Amazon and other major book retailers.

February 2024 The Reporter

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• Legos at the Library will be on Sat. Feb. 13. Drop in any time between 11 and 2 and create something special. Legos provided.

Tunes & Tales Feb. 20

Starting off school vacation week, on Tues. Feb. 20 at 10:30, Anne-Marie Forer brings her lively musical program, which is just right for the baby/toddler age group. She will share songs and stories for an active time at the library. No registration necessary and siblings are welcome. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Blanding Library.

Family Yoga Feb. 21

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At 10:30 on Feb. 21, there will be a special family yoga program, sponsored by the Friends of the Blanding Library. Instructor Rebecca Mele will lead a yoga program especially designed for children and caregivers that will be interactive and fun. Bring a yoga mat and a water bottle. Registration not required.

Special Canine Visit on Feb. 21

Also, on Feb. 21 at 12:30, meet “Delish,” a Norwegian elkhound, while we listen to several favorite stories. Cotton Silverman will tell us all about her dog’s training and answer your questions. No registration needed. All ages are welcome.

Valentines & Winter Blitz

February is Love Your Library Month.

The library will have plenty of supplies in the children’s room to create a valentine for that special someone On Thurs. Feb. 22, drop by the library any time between 12:30 to 3:30 for a winter blitz of activities. Tables will be set up in the hall with lots of different activities to do and crafts to make and take home. Registration not required but supplies are limited.

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History Discussion Group

The History Discussion Group led by Hank Coleman meets regularly at the library on Wednesdays from 11 to noon. The group, which is open to all with an interest in history, will not be meeting on Wed. Feb. 21.

For more information, contact hjcoleman@ comcast.net.

The Blanding Public Library (www.blandinglibrary.net) is located at 124 Bay State Rd., Rehoboth. Phone 502-252-4236. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 10 to 8, and on Friday and Saturday from 10 to 4. Closed Sundays and holidays, including Monday Feb. 19 for Presidents’ Day.

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The Reporter February 2024

Joyce Solomon 401-439-0516

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February 2024 The Reporter

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Events & Activities Narragansett Bay Symphony Community Orchestra Winter Concert

Join the Narragansett Bay Symphony Community Orchestra, Rhode Island’s premier community orchestra, as it presents its winter concert, Courage & Triumph, on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 3:00 pm in the auditorium of East Providence High School, 2000 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence, RI. The concert begins with a rousing performance of composer Scott Joplin’s ‘Treemonisha Overture’. Though most known for his ragtime compositions, ‘Treemonisha’ showcases Joplin’s brilliance across many musical styles. The first complete performance of the opera was in 1976 and Joplin, posthumously, received the ‘Pulitzer Prize for music in 1976 for his opera.

NaBSCO, with music director Kristo Kondakçi and guest violinist, Sophia Szokolay, will then perform Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64. This concerto is one of the most prominent and well-loved concertos in the violin repertoire. Ms. Szokolay has thrilled audiences throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Although she hails from Canada, Ms. Szokolay is based in Boston where she has a busy schedule playing chamber and orchestra music as well as being her mentor, Donald Weilerstein’s teaching assistant.

The closing work is the epic Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98, by German composer Johannes Brahms. It is the last of his four symphonies. Since its premiere in 1885, it has been considered one of the greatest symphonies in classical music, drawing frequent comparisons to Beethoven’s work. Even though the symphony begins in E minor, modulating to E major, and then C major, it ultimately ends back in E minor, making it the only one of Brahms’ symphonies that ends in a minor key.

Admission is ‘Pay what you think is fair.’ Please help to support the RI Community Food Bank by bringing a non-perishable food item.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit NaBSCO’s website, www.nabsco.org, team@nabsco.org, or call 401-274-4578.

Arts in the Village February Concert

Arts in the Village. a program under the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society, announces the first of three spring concerts for the 2023-2024 year. Hear world renown artists in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere! The first concert is February 24 and features Julian Schwarz and Marika Bournaki, a cello and piano duo.

Described as “the Celine Dion of classical” by The Huffington Post, Marika Bournaki is at once a world-class performer, dazzling pianist, vivacious young woman and one of the freshest faces on the classical music scene. Ms. Bournaki not only brings distinctive interpretations to favorite standards, but extends her passion for music by commissioning works from younger composers and collaborating with artists from various fields.

After making his concerto debut at the age of 11 with the Seattle Symphony and his father Gerard Schwarz on the podium, he made his US touring debut with the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra in 2010. Since being awarded first prize at the inaugural Schoenfeld International String Competition in 2013, he has led an active career as soloist, performing with numerous symphony orchestras of in the United States. Internationally, he made his Australian debut with the Queensland Symphony, his Mexican debuts with the Boca del Rio Philharmonic in Veracruz and the Mexico City Philharmonic with frequent collaborator Jorge Mester,

and his Hong Kong debut at the Intimacy of Creativity Festival. He has also appeared at the Salzburg Mozarteum, and the Verbier festival in Switzerland.

All concerts take place Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM in historic Goff Hall in Rehoboth Village, 124 Bay State Road, Rehoboth MA. For more information go to https://rehobothantiquarian.org/ arts-in-the-village.

Artis in the village is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization.

32nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament Monday, May 20, 2024

Sponsored by EP/Seekonk Rotary Club and Seekonk Lions Club

Ledgemont Country Club to host golf tournament with proceeds benefiting both organizations local charities The East Providence/Seekonk Rotary Club and the Seekonk Lions Club announce that their 32nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament will be on Monday, May 20, 2024, at the Ledgemont Country Club 131 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, and beginning at 1:00 p.m. (Shotgun Start). The golf event will benefit Rotary and Lions charities in the East Providence and Seekonk communities.

Our Presenting Host for the golf tournament is 1First Auto Group along with other Major Business Sponsors that supported last year’s golf tournament include D.F.Pray General Contractors; Kavanaugh Bakery Products; Edward Jones; Micheletti’s Restaurant; Patriot Subaru; Atlantic Paper & Supply; Herb Chambers Honda of Seekonk; Bay Coast Bank; Brown Medicine/Brown Physicians Inc.; Carol & Alan Gilmore; Signs & Sites; Cross Insurance; Chris Gasbarro’s Fine Wine & Spirits; Minuteman Press of Seekonk.

The fee for a individual golfer is $150 and $600 for a foursome with early registration received before May 1st and increases to $175 per golfer/$700 per foursome received after May 1st. The registration fee includes greens fees, golf cart, favors, lunch, cocktail reception and prizes. Prizes for the longest drive, closest to the pin, both low gross and net team scores and more. Business Tee-Sign Sponsorships, with your business name on display, are $125.

Proceeds for the golf tournament will benefit a number of local community organizations supported by the Rotary Club and Lions Club including area high school scholarships, food banks, youth sports, and many other charitable projects.

To Register online by May 1st for Golf or purchase Tee-Sign Sponsorship go to epseekonkrotary.org Contacts: EP Seekonk Rotary Club -Dave Kent (401) 429-9603; www.epseekonkrotary.org; Seekonk Lions Club -Dana Heberlein (401) 741-9070 www.seekonklions.club

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The Reporter February 2024

Club News & ANNOUNCEMENTS News from the Seekonk American Legion Post 311 Upcoming Events Meat Raffles on 2/3 & 2/10

Saturday Meat Raffles continue until Feb 10th. The raffles take place at 2 pm. There are 3 tables of steaks, chicken, seafood, TV and other prizes. 50/50 raffle. Kitchen opens at 1 pm. Call 508336-9822 for information.

Spring Psychic Fair – April 28th

We will be holding our Spring Psychic Fair on Sunday, 4/28/24.

Admission is free. 15-minute readings are $20.00 each. There will also be several Vendors and Crafters (spaces are still available).

The hours 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.

Music at the American Legion

Friday Night Bands – starts at 8 pm Greg Hodde’s Blue Reign- 2/16 Rock A Blues – 2/23

New members are welcome

If you have served at least one day of active military duty since December 7, 1941 and were honorably discharged or you are still serving active military duty honorably, you are eligible for membership with The American Legion. American Legion meetings are held the 3rd Sunday of the month at 10 am American Legion Auxiliary - Members are grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses (female/male), and direct /adopted female daughters or granddaughters of Veterans/members of The American Legion. A female Veteran can join the Auxiliary without being a member of the American Legion. American Legion Auxiliary meetings are held the 1st Sunday of the month at 11 am.

Sons of the American Legion – Members are male descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of Veterans/members of The American Legion.

For additional information call the Post at 508-336-9822.

Hall Rental: 200 person capacity. Contact Bob Reed for information at 508-336-9822 351 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA 02771 508-336-9822

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News from Rehoboth Garden Club

Soil Health will be the topic of our February meeting. Our special guest will be Donald Demers, Ph.D. Donald is the co-owner of Buxton Hollow Farm Natural Products in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He will speak about the importance of soil testing and how to read a soil report. He will also discuss different natural amendments that can be used to regenerate soil, so it can provide your plants with everything they need to produce bumper crops. The community is invited. Please join us on Monday, February 19th, at 9:30 AM at the Rehoboth Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 139 Bay State Road, Rehoboth.

Looking ahead to March, we will learn that we need to look no further than our backyard to supplement our salad bowl. Spring is the perfect time to forage common wild plants. Susan Clements, herbalist, forager and educator, will teach us how to identify and collect valuable “weeds”. Susan will provide insight into everyday uses for some of the treasures found, including medicinal and skin supporting properties for health and wellness. The community is invited to join us on Monday, March 18th at 9:30 AM at the Rehoboth Congregational Fellowship Hall, 139 Bay State Road, Rehoboth.

New members are always welcome! For club information, please contact Michael Seebeck at 401-787-5206 or michaeljseebeck@ gmail.com

Rehoboth Lions News Welcome February

First and foremost, our condolences to the family and friends of Gregory Fyfe - and our heartfelt thanks to all who have donated to the Lions in his memory. Know that these donations will be used to benefit fellow Rehoboth residents.

We are just one month away from our first Clam Boil of 2024!

Don’t wait until it’s sold out - just reach out to any Lion for further info!

Last month, I hinted that the Russell Latham Citizens Recognition Night nominations are open. This year, the event will be held at the Hillside Country Club on Wednesday, May 15th at 6:00PM. If you are unfamiliar, this wonderful event recognizes Rehoboth residents for their actions in the following categories:

Nomination Categories:

• Joseph Deroche Outstanding Service Award – Presented to a person whose service to the has served a wide range of the population and has required effort above and beyond that expected of the community general public • Outstanding Youth – A young person whose personal qualities and achievements serve as models for other young people in the community • Public Servant – Presented to an elected or appointed town official or municipal employee whose actions have surpassed the expectations of their position • Raymond G. Dyer Humanitarian Award – A person who actions and deeds have fostered attitudes of good will and fairness to all people of the community • Russell Latham Educator Of The Year – Presented to the professional educator in Rehoboth or DR HS whose dedication to the students and whose accomplishments in the field of education serve as models to both active professionals and those entering the profession • Heroism Award – Presented to the person who placed personal safety in jeopardy while aiding someone else in need • Senior Citizen Of The Year – Presented to the senior citizen whose life and accomplishments have served as an inspiration to others

February 2024 The Reporter • Outstanding Achievement – A local resident may be recognized for individual accomplishment • Randall P. Silveira Public Safety Award – A person of commitment, dedication and compassion while playing a key role in promoting public safety in The Town of Rehoboth • Environmental Stewardship Award – In recognition of your significant contribution to, and long term stewardship and protection of Rehoboth’s landscape • Richard Noons Community Service Award – Presented to an individual who has consistently been a leader in the community activities and service to others • Good Neighbor Award – Presented in recognition of the many selfless acts to assist neighbors as well as community groups To nominate online, simply fill out the form located here: https:// rehobothlions.org/2024-citizens-recognition-nomination-form/.

If you prefer, you can download the form here https://rehobothlions.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lions2024CRN.pdf and mail to: The Rehoboth Lions Club C/O Steve Brasier 24 Park Street Rehoboth, MA 02769 Please return all nominations on or before April 12th. The nomination committee will notify nominees and their respective nominators by April 15th.

We are so looking forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

As always, thank you for your support.

Yours in Lionism Scott Lacourse

Scholarships/Educational Awards Available through the American Legion Family

The American Legion Family have several scholarships/educational awards available to students who are descendants of a Veteran.

American Legion

1) Legacy Scholarship - The American Legion’s Legacy Scholarship provides college funding to children of post-9/11 veterans who died on active duty, or those who have a combined VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater. Apply January 1 to April 1. Need to apply online at www.legion.org/scholarships/legacy

American Legion Auxiliary

1) National - Children of Warriors National Scholarship – 15 scholarships are given for $5,000 each – need to apply online at www.legion-aux.org/Scholarships/Children-of-Warriors by March 1st.

Candidates for this award shall be direct descendants of veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces during eligibility dates for membership in The American Legion: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918; and any time after December 7, 1941. Membership in The American Legion Family is not required for this scholarship.

2) Massachusetts Educational Awards are available to students who go to school in Massachusetts. They are open to students attending public or private schools and students who are home schooled. 1 award for $750 and 10 awards for $200 each. Also a $200 award is given to a student going into the medical field. Applications must be completed and sent to Donna Reed by March 1st. Contact Donna at Auxiiary311@yahoo.com for application.

Are you interested in how your Local Government Works?

You may be eligible to participate in Girls State/ Boys State The Seekonk American Legion Family is sponsoring a girl to

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attend MA Girls State and a boy to attend MA Boys State this June.

The 2 programs are very similar and take place at Stonehill College in Easton, MA. The dates are 6/15 – 6/21/24. The students will remain on campus for the entire time of the program.

The programs are a study of local and state government.

Citizens will establish and operate their own city/town and state government. City and town officials are elected at the beginning of the week and they will work to keep their municipality running smoothly throughout the week. The citizens will also come together as counties to elect nominees to run for office within their political parties, and each nominee will run on the state level for constitutional offices (Governor, Lt. Gov., Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Attorney General). Throughout this process, the students will engage in running their own campaign for candidacy. The citizens will elect Senators and Representatives to the state legislature and discuss bills. There is also a District Court.

The criteria for attending for the student is: • Will complete their junior year of high school the same year they attend in 2024 • Have an interest in government and/or current events • Have strong leadership abilities • High moral character • Above average scholastic standing Public school, private school and home-schooled students are eligible.

Any student who is interested in attending, please send your contact information and a brief essay on why you would like to attend the program to auxiliary311@yahoo.com by March 25. You will be contacted for an interview. Additional information on the programs can be found at massgirlsstate.org and maboysstate.org.

Paws of Comfort Dresses Collection

The SEMA Paws of Comfort Lions Club is partnering with Attleboro Angels, another non-profit, to collect gently used prom, bridesmaid, and formal dresses. For many young women, the expenses associated with attending the prom are beyond their reach.

Your donations will enable students to have the opportunity to attend their magical milestone looking beautiful and confident! All sizes and styles are welcome! Donations accepted until March 29. Call or text 774.282.0255 to arrange pickup.

Please remember we collect redeemable bottles and cans, can tabs, eyeglasses and hearing aids. For pick up or drop off please text or call Joyce at (401)-487-0034

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The Reporter February 2024

Hornbine School Spring Tea Time with Your Favorite Doll or Toy Sunday, May 5, 2024

We invite you to a “Spring Tea Time” on Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 2 - 4 for children and their favorite doll, American Girl Doll, or stuffed animal. Hornbine School Historians will serve refreshments & “petit fours,” treats for children ages 5 to 10*.

Children are welcome to dress like their doll. Together, we will read a tea party story called A Bargain for Frances by Russell Hoban. We will also be making a craft (a mini ‘Frances cake’) for your doll or stuffed animal.

We do have bonnets and aprons for pre-sale (with matching aprons and bonnets for your 18” doll).

R.S.V.P. by April 21st - Donation = $15.00.

To reserve your spot email us at hornbineschool@comcast.net (space is limited, please contact us today). *If a child would like to attend that is close to ages 5-10, please contact us for more information.

The Hornbine School is located at 146 Hornbine Road, Rehoboth, MA

Hornbine School in Spring

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American Legion Post 302 Public Events

• Try our Fish & Chips or Sea Scallops – every Thursdays 4:00 till 7:00 P.M. & Fridays 4:00 – 8 PM.Take Outs are welcome – call in your order in early for pickup at 508-252-9079 • Sign up for our Monday-Tuesday & Wednesday Night Dart Leagues • MASS LOTTERY – PLAY “KENO”, “MEGAMILLION”, “POWERBALL” • If you’re interested in playing in a Card League of Hi-Lo Jacks.

Monday Nights from September through November & April – June or Wednesday nights September – December and start up again in January – April. All games start at 7:00 PM @ $7.00 per game. The Cribbage League plays on Monday Nights January – March and then on Wednesday Nights from May – August – all games start at 7:00 PM. e-mail speedyjake@aol.com or call #508-252-9079

Upcoming Events

• Pending February 10 Saturday Night 2024 • February 9th, 2024 – Friday - 7:00 -10:00 P.M. – Live Music performed by Notorious Jones Entertainment 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! Play the Electronic Dart Board or join our Dart League https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063368911454 • February 11th,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! https://www.facebook. com/groups/657024961125913/ • February 16th, 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! Play the Electronic Dart Board or join our Dart League https://www.rockablues.com • February 23rd, 2024 – Friday - 6:00-8:00 P.M., Sons of the American Legion’s Monthly Meat Raffle followed by Karaoke 8:00-11:00 P.M. – No Cover Charge! - Food – Drinks – Singing, Dancing & having a GREAT TIME! https://www.facebook.com/ groups/657024961125913/ • February 23rd, 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! https://www.facebook.com/ groups/657024961125913/ • Pending February 24 Saturday Night 2024 • March 1st, 2024 - Friday - 6:30 - 10:00 P.M., Jim Powers Entertainment presents Old Time Rock “N” Roll, 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! Play the Electronic Dart Board or join our Dart League https://www.facebook.com/groups/657024961125913/ • Pending March 2 Saturday Night 2024 • March 8th, 2024 – Friday - 7:00 -10:00 P.M. – Live Music performed by Notorious Jones Entertainment 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! Play the Electronic Dart Board or join our Dart League https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063368911454 • March 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! https://www.facebook. com/groups/657024961125913/

February 2024 The Reporter

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Rehoboth Ramblings

by Leslie Patterson

Books to Beat the Winter Blahs

Mid-winter always makes me glad that we start the year with January and February. Let’s get the worst out of the way first so we can move on to something better. But please, in a Leap Year, can’t we put the extra day at the end of June or September, where it might be appreciated? February doesn’t need to be one day longer.

It’s a good time of year to make like a bear and hibernate, at least in a modified way. If you’re looking for some offbeat indoor amusement, the most witty and clever book I’ve read lately is “100 Places to See After You Die” by Jeopardy host Ken Jennings.

Yes, you read that title right. Jennings calls it “A Travel Guide to the Afterlife”, humorously exploring how this weighty subject has been viewed by various cultures, societies, and religions over the centuries, not to mention in current film, TV shows and pop songs.

When I hear the phrase “places to see before you die” I get annoyed. I always picture some poor soul finally reaching his lifelong goal at the top of a mountain and then collapsing on the spot. I got a chuckle out of Jennings’ title, though you wouldn’t want to visit most of these places. The jacket blurb slyly refers to the book as “exploring to-die-for destinations.” Now that’s another phrase I hate, especially when used to describe food.

Jennings’ book is full of fascinating notes and wide-ranging knowledge, as you might expect from a Jeopardy expert. There’s a lot more than Dante’s Inferno here, such as details about Egyptians death rituals, which always seem so strange and creepy to modern people. And those massive pyramids! Certainly, no Pharoah ever said, “you can’t take it with you”.

Surprisingly, in a number of cases and places throughout history, there doesn’t seem to be too much to celebrate in the Great Beyond.

Think of the ancient Greeks with their gloomy idea of Hades, full of shadows in eternal gloom (sort of like a foggy winter dusk in New England, only permanent).

Saving the best (or worst) for last, Jennings takes on the Hellscapes of Hieronymus Bosch, the 15th century Dutch artist whose grotesque paintings of Hell will be familiar to anyone who’s taken an art history class. Jennings aptly refers to Bosch’s famously perverse three-panel masterpiece “The Garden of Earthly Delights” as “a long strange triptych”.

Eternal damnation has been ghoulishly described in many different ways over the millennia, with each scenario worse than the last. Keep in mind that this was long, long before horror movies. One thing’s for sure, human beings have been trying to scare the hell out of each other since the dawn of civilization.

If pondering the downsides of the Afterlife is too much to contemplate, even in a funny way, there’s another book I really enjoyed, “What You are Looking for Is in the Library”

by Michiko Aoyama. This brief Japanese novel is a series of short stories about how this or that person finds what they are looking for at their local library, with the help of a stout and somewhat mysterious middle-aged librarian.

It turns out that what the various characters, young or old, male or female, are looking for is not just information, but connection with other people and so, a way to turn their

lives around, which they find at the library’s community center. This little book is charming and upbeat without being overly sentimental, plus it gives you an interesting insight into daily life in Japan. Of course, I found this novel and Jennings’ new book at the library.

Another phrase I dislike describes those who enjoy reading as “always having their nose in a book”, as if you had an eyeball at the end of your nose! It turns out that readers, especially those who enjoy novels, have found one enjoyable and effective way to keep their minds active.

According to neurologist Richard Restak, who studies and writes about memory and aging, “Reading novels is a cognitive-reserve building move.” He believes that they demand even more in terms of cognitive function than non-fiction. With a novel, you have to follow the plot (sometimes more than one plot), keep all the characters straight, and use your imagination. If you’re one of those people who prefer reading novels to doing puzzles and word games, this is good news indeed.

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34

The Reporter February 2024

Financing College Expenses

Written by Lars Lambrecht, CFP, CLU, BFA, AMPA, CDFA, CLTC

The current cost of a UMass Amherst education is more than $30,000 annually.

Boston College tuition is more than $80,000 annually! This article covers various college funding options.

Grants & Scholarships. These are great because they are “free money.” Colleges Lars Lambrecht may provide these as part of their financial aid package. This varies from college to college, and can be based on financial need and/or athletic or academic abilities. There may be programs available in your local community, with your employer, or with your child’s High School.

Savings. The second bucket includes various savings/investment programs. 529 plans are investment accounts specifically for education. Money pulled from 529 plans is generally tax-free if used for education expenses. If you have a Roth IRA, you are generally allowed to pull out your contributions tax- and penalty-free.

Earnings in your Roth IRA and most retirement plans (IRA, 401k, 403b, etc.) can be used for college expenses, but it is generally taxed. There is normally a 10% penalty if money is withdrawn from retirement accounts before the age of 59 ½, but college funding is an exception. Using retirement accounts for college expenses will hurt your own long-term retirement planning. Because of this, I generally do NOT recommend utilizing your retirement funds for college expenses.

Borrow. The third bucket to consider are loans. For undergraduate students, a small amount of loans is available through Stafford loans, $5,500 for the first year, $6,500 for the second year and $7,500 for the third year and beyond, to a maximum of $31,000.

Up to $23,000 of Stafford Loans may be subsidized if your income is low enough, which means the cost of borrowing is subsidized by the government. Once Stafford Loans are utilized, government-

sponsored Parent PLUS loans are generally utilized. These are in the name of the parent(s), and you need to qualify for them (e.g. have good credit). If the parents do not qualify for Parent Plus loans, undergraduates can borrow as much as $57,000 in Stafford Loans instead of $31,000. Borrowers in graduate programs can generally borrow as much as $138,500 through government programs.

There are several companies that offer private student loans. In almost all cases, it is generally best to utilize government-sponsored loan programs instead of private loans. If you utilize private loans, there are several institutions that provide these, so it is good to shop around. One advantage of private loans is that they can be taken out in the child’s name, although the company will generally require the parent(s) co-sign the loans. Some parents also utilize the equity in their house to finance college by taking out a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). A HELOC provides a credit line to borrow against equity in your home, at a relatively low interest rate, with flexibility in repayment terms.

Work Study. Most colleges offer Work Study Programs. These programs allow your child to work for the school in return for a reduction in tuition. Your child may have to qualify for this type of program.

Payment Plan. Most colleges also offer payment plans at no charge. You can finance a portion of the tuition each year, typically over 10 monthly payments.

Create a Plan. It is never too early to plan. You can set up a savings vehicle for as little as $50 per month. Once your child is in high school, it is good to make a more concrete financing plan.

I encourage you to involve your children. You may want to set a limit on how much you will finance, with an understanding that your son or daughter is responsible for the balance.

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

February 2024 The Reporter

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36

The Reporter February 2024

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The Reporter February 2024

People In The News Seekonk Firefighter Michael Cronin Graduated from the MA Fire Academy Stow— State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy leadership today announced the graduation of 31 firefighters from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program.

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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 Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director Eric Littmann.

“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 #317 represent the fire departments of Bedford, Danvers, Dracut, Holden, Marlborough, Melrose, Milford, Nahant, Natick, Newton, North Andover, North Reading, Phillipston, Reading, Revere, Salem, Saugus, Seekonk, Tewksbury, and Weston.

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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, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple-room structural fires. Upon successful completion of the Career Recruit Program, all students have met the national Administrative Services • Division of Fire Safety Hazardous Materials Response • Massachusetts Firefighting Academy standards of NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and are certified to the levels of Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.

Today’s Firefighters Do Much More than Fight Fires Modern firefighters train for and respond to all types of hazards and emergencies.

They are the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide to gas leaks to industrial chemical spills. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice, an office worker stuck in an elevator, or a motorist trapped in a crashed vehicle.

Firefighter Cronin They test and maintain their equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), hydrants, hoses, power tools, and apparatus.

At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, recruits learn all these skills and more, including the latest science of fire behavior and suppression tactics, from certified fire instructors. They also receive training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, and self-rescue techniques. The intensive, 10-week program involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice.

The MFA provides recruit and in-service training for career, call, and volunteer firefighters at every level of experience, from recruit to chief officer, at campuses in Stow, Springfield, and Bridgewater.

February 2024 The Reporter

39

Local Scouts Honor Council & Community Volunteers at Annual Recognition Dinner Providence, R.I. – The Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America recognized 10 dedicated volunteers at its annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, January 31.

The event celebrated the achievements and contributions of 10 community members who support Scouting programs in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Local 2024 Silver Beaver Award recipient is: Dana Gaebe of Seekonk, M.A.

Dana received the Captain George Bucklin Award in recognition for his loyal and distinguished service to Scouting. He has demonstrated remarkable devotion to the organization and its principles for nearly 80 years. Dana led his sons’ units and has coached and inspired many Scouts, helping them acquire vital Dana Gaebe life skills and a strong sense of community. Dana is a member of the Narragansett Council Executive Board.

The Silver Beaver Award is the highest honor that a local council can bestow upon a volunteer, for their impact on the lives of youth through service given to the Council.

“I am extremely proud and grateful for the six outstanding volunteers who have received the Silver Beaver Award this year,” said Narragansett Council CEO Tim McCandless. “They have demonstrated exceptional service and leadership to the Scouting movement and the youth of our communities. On behalf of the Narragansett Council, I congratulate and thank them for their dedication and commitment to the youth of our communities”.

Seekonk Artist Featured in New Exhibit that Explores Interpretations of the Seasons

Mid-September Marshes created by Dianne Burns

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Bristol, Rhode Island - The Bristol Art Museum and Rogers Free Library today anProbate of Wills nounced that artwork submitted by Seekonk artist Dianne Burns has been recognized as a Work of Distinction in a new juried, community exhibit in which artists share their seasonal Wills and Trusts interpretative work of chronological, emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, or spiritual seasons. Art For All Seasons is on view in the Community Galleries of the Library Health Care Proxies until Fri. Feb. 23, 2024. Impressionist artist Stephanie Stroud served as juror for the exhibit.

Mid-September Marshes created by Burns reflects on the period of late summer and Durable Powers of Attorney early fall. “This oil painting feels like a memory of stepping out from between the trees and finding a hidden gem with the first signs of fall in a fiery marsh,” said Stroud. “The blue sky 447 Taunton Avenue reflecting off the water enhances the warm glow of the marsh grasses while the mostly green trees are showing the telltale signs of more to come.”

Seekonk, MA 02771 The writings of Henry David Thoreau and poet, philosopher, songwriter and philanthropist T 508.336.8120 Gugu Mona influenced the exhibit’s theme. Thoreau once wrote, “ Live each season as it F 508.336.3350 passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.” Mona wrote, “Each season is unique yet so important, so cherish the seasons in navegalaw@aol.com your life.” Both of these writers reflect upon how the different seasons influence their unique perspectives on life. Through this exhibit, artists are invited to do the same.”

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“As an artist myself, I have an awareness of how different works of art can appear when Experience matters. viewed on a screen versus in person, and this experience has only confirmed for me how important it is to see art in person,” said Stroud. “Nuance, scale, texture and color can only truly be conveyed live which made choosing works to be recognized in person so important. I particularly enjoyed my time at the Community Gallery at Rogers Free Library viewing the works and the experience of jurying this exhibit and am Servicing Rehoboth and surrounding grateful to have been asked.” towns for over 20 years Stroud earned a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design where she majored in illustration. A fiber artist who “paints with wool,” she creates impressionistic felted paintings inspired by nature. Primarily a landscape artist, Stroud is inspired by the variation in landscape that the world around us offers. Stroud exhibits her work at regional art shows including the South Coast Artists Open Studio Tour. She is a Custom Framing Designer at Riverside Art in Somerset Massachusetts and is currently the Membership Chair for South Coast Artists.

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The Reporter February 2024

University News

SNHU Announces Fall 2023 President’s List

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Manchester, NH -- It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2023 President’s List: Hannah Bradbury, Elizabeth Brady, Kira Feliciano, Christine Miller, Lynn Santos

SNHU Announces Fall 2023 Dean’s List

Manchester, NH -- It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2023 Dean’s List.

Matthew Fortin of Rehoboth; Ty Wheeler of Seekonk

Husson University Announces Fall 2023 President’s List

Bangor, Maine -- Husson University is pleased to celebrate the academic achievements of students recently named to the President’s List, for the Fall 2023 semester of the 20232024 academic year. Matthew Boutin, Cameron Silva

Charlotte Drainville Graduates from the College of Charleston

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Charleston, SC -- Charlotte Drainville, of Seekonk, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Charleston.

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Area Residents Named to Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 Semester at Quinnipiac University

Hamden, Connecticut - The following area students were named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2023 semester at Quinnipiac University: Rehoboth: Alexandria Caito, Bethany Griffin, Madelyn Kelley Seekonk: Russell Jackson, Charles Lehourites

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Springfield, MA -- Springfield College Recognizes Dean’s List Students for academic excellence for the 2023 Fall Semester.

• Christina Gennari from Seekonk with a primary major of Health Sci / Pre-PT. • Katelyn Moura from Rehoboth with a primary major of Education.

Stonehill College Fall 2023 Dean’s List Announced

Easton, MA -- More than 1,000 students have been recognized for academic excellence. To qualify for this honor, students must have a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better and must have successfully completed all courses for which they were registered.

Seekonk: Bailey Adams, Matthew Anghinetti, Allel Azzou, Connor Barbary, Joshua Troiano Rehoboth: Peter Anghinetti, Emma DePalo, Hailey Enos, Rosalie Martin, Madeline Masterson

Roger Williams University Announces Fall 2023 Dean’s List

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Bristol, RI) -- Select students have been named to the Fall 2023 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean’s List that semester.

Seekonk: Liz Bradshaw, Andrew Branco, Abigail Calamar, Chanelle Gomez, Isabella Lastrina, Lilly MacDonald, Jane MacIel, Sydney Mello, Maddy Meyer, Brooke Meyer, Zane Propatier Rehoboth: Brianna Benjamin, Matt Collamore, Cam Devolle, Benjamin Dubois, Isaiah Farrar, Andrew Gouveia, Hailey Medeiros, Aidan Moran, Mackenzie Morgenweck, Emma Oneill, Margaret Saxon, Mandi Wapenski

Students Named to President’s List at Plymouth State University

Plymouth, NH -- 915 students have been named to the Plymouth State University President’s List for the Fall 2023 semester.

Rehoboth: Julia Boivin , Quincey Munson , Ava Pequeneza

February 2024 The Reporter

Plymouth State University Announces Fall 2023 Dean’s List

Plymouth, NH -- Plymouth State University recognizes 396 students who made the Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 semester.

Seekonk: Camryn Loomis, Jack Tortolani

Sebastian Hunter Myers of Rehoboth has been Named to Clarkson University’s Dean’s List

Potsdam, NY -- Sebastian Hunter Myers of Rehoboth, MA, a senior majoring in financial information and analysis, was named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 semester at Clarkson University.

Malayna Bizier Named to Lasell University Fall 2023 Dean’s List

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Local Students Earn Dean’s List Honors at Nichols College for Fall 2023

Dudley, MA -- More than 220 students at Nichols College in Dudley, Mass., have achieved Dean’s List honors during the fall 2023 semester. The following Seekonk students earned Dean’s List honors for the fall 2023 semester: Derek Axon, Sarah King

Abigail Gilliatt Has Qualified for the Fall 2023 Dean’s List Seton Hall University

South Orange, NJ -- Seton Hall University is pleased to announce Abigail Gilliatt of Rehoboth, MA has qualified for the Fall 2023 Dean’s List.

Newton, MA -- Malayna Bizier, a Lasell University student from Rehoboth, was named to the Dean’s List for their academic performance in the fall 2023 semester.

Students Named to Dean’s List at Fitchburg State

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Fitchburg, Mass.—Fitchburg State University President Richard S. Lapidus has announced the students who qualified for inclusion on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 semester.

Rehoboth: Benjamin Hoskins Seekonk: Adam J. Deslauriers, Lauren J. Keough, Ethan L. Sorrentino

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Anna Maria College Announces Fall 2023 Dean’s List

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Paxton, MA – Anna Maria College recently announced academic honors for students named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 Semester. The following Rehoboth student achieved Dean’s List: Aiden Foster

Christina Magnotta Named to Elms College Fall 2023 Dean’s List

Chicopee, MA -- Christina Magnotta, of Seekonk, was named to the College of Our Lady of the Elms fall 2023 Dean’s List. Magnotta was among 482 students named to the fall 2023 Dean’s List.

Charlotte Drainville Named to the College of Charleston Fall 2023 Dean’s List (Distinguished)

Charleston, SC -- Charlotte Drainville of Seekonk, (02771) was named to the College of Charleston Fall 2023 Dean’s List (Distinguished). Drainville is majoring in Biology.

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Mississippi State, MS -- Madeline Rossi, of Rehoboth, MA, is among 4,503 students named to the Mississippi State University fall 2023 President’s List.

Rehoboth Resident Named to Dean’s List at American International College

Springfield, MA -- American International College (AIC) student Kegan Mcgonigle of Rehoboth has earned Dean’s List honors for the fall 2023 semester. Mcgonigle is majoring in Health Science.

James Madison University Announces Fall 2023 President’s List

Harrisonburg, VA -- James Madison University is pleased to announce that the following students made the president’s list for the fall 2023 semester.

Sophie Murdock of Rehoboth majoring in Biology - BS. Anna Murphy of Seekonk majoring in Kinesiology - BS.

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The Reporter February 2024

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Palmer River Update

January was buzzing with activity at Palmer River. When students returned from break, they were treated to a special performance, The Secret of Kindness, with Brett “OOCH” Outchcunis. Our students loved learning all about kindness.

Also in January, our kindergarten students were treated to a special event, The Bubble Man. Students enjoyed a performance by Mike the Bubble Man that combined science and magic with an interactive show about bubbles.

A special thanks to our PTSA for sponsoring these two wonderful events.

Mike the Bubble Man assisted by a Kindergarten student.

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Dighton Elementary and Palmer River Elementary Preschool Screenings

Dear Parents/Guardians, Dighton Elementary and Palmer River Elementary School will be taking appointments for preschool screenings for the 2024-2025 school year. Residents of Dighton and Rehoboth who have a three 239 Winthrop Street, Rehoboth or four-year-old and are interested in the screening may call Linda (508) 252-2300 DeLeo at Palmer River Elementary school. She will be taking apwww.lauriemullen.com pointments for both schools. She can be reached 508-252-5100, ext. 3104. Please call between the hours of 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM. This screening process is for NEW applicants who live in either the town of Dighton or Rehoboth and whose child will be at least 3 years of age by August 31, 2024. These screenings serve two purposes. First, stu2 Burnside Ave. • Seekonk, MA 02771 • https://www.facebook.com/tmland/ dents will be eligible to enter a lottery for available openings in the Integrated Preschool Program at their respective schools.

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February 2024 The Reporter Please call Linda DeLeo to arrange an appointment. We would like to have the appointments scheduled by February 16, 2024.

Screenings will take place the week of February 26, 2024. The developmental and social skills screening takes approximately 45 minutes. Please bring the following to the appointment: • Proof of residency (recent utility or tax statement, mortgage or lease statement, etc ...)

• Your child • Driver’s license *** Copies of these documents will be made at the time of the appointment.

A screening can NOT be completed if an appointment time was not secured and/or required documents are not presented at the time of the appointment.

We look forward to meeting with you and your child as part of this process. If you have any questions, please reach out to:

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Tri-County Children’s Preschool Registration to Open Shortly

Franklin – Registration and Open House for the Tri-County Children’s Center preschool program for 2024–2025 will begin on Wednesday, February 1. Applications can be found on the preschool’s website, www.TCChildrensCenter.com.

Open Houses will be held on Thursday, February 8 from 12:151:45 p.m. and Friday, February 9 from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Tri-County Regional High School in Franklin at 147 Pond Street. Parents will be able to view the laboratory preschool while children engage in developmentally appropriate activities.

Placement is limited to residents of the 11 towns within the TriCounty District, Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham.

Admission is decided through a lottery system. Registration will be made open to other towns if spaces are not filled by residents within the district.

The random drawing to determine which of the children registered will be enrolled will take place on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

The number of children registered has traditionally far exceeded the number of spaces available so the random drawing was established.

Those names not selected in the drawing are placed on a waiting list.

Birth certificates for children being registered must accompany all registration forms. Registration is limited to those children who are at least age 3 years by September 15, 2024 for the three-day program. A $25.00 non-refundable registration fee is due at registration time. Enrollment is limited to two years or part of two years for the preschool program, as long as the child is age eligible.

Preschool sessions are Tuesday-Thursday from 8:50 -11:20 a.m. for the three-day program. Tuition will be $45 per week and class size is limited to 30 children.

Three instructors in the Tri-County Early Education Program supervise the preschool program, and are assisted by students in the Early Education Major.

For more information, please visit TCChildrensCenter.com.

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The Reporter February 2024

Beckwith Middle School Events

Chorus Concert

The annual Beckwith Middle School Chorus Concert was held at the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School Auditorium on Thursday, January 4th. The concert was originally scheduled for December 19th but had to be rescheduled.

The concert began with a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. The talented chorus students mesmerized the audience with a series of memorable selections, including: “A Candy Cane Christmas,” “Hanukkah Tonight,” “A Million Dreams,” and “Carol of the Bells.” The performance concluded with an impressive 8 1/2 minute medley of songs from Disney’s “Aladdin.”

Choral Concert

A special appreciation goes to Ms. Lynnette Lopez and the Beckwith Chorus students for their outstanding performance. It was a true testament to their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to all!

Chris Herren Presentation

Former NBA Basketball Player Chris Herren presented to the seventh and eighth grade students at Beckwith Middle School on January 5th. He shared his inspirational story of his personal battle with substance abuse and addiction and how he managed to overcome these challenges. His powerful story served as a reminder to students about the value of making wise decisions and prioritizing their wellness and well-being. A special thank you to the Rehoboth PTSA for making this presentation a reality.

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Above photos: Choral Concert

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PHONE: 401-246-0990 STLUKESRI.ORG Above photos: Chris Herron’s Presentation

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46

The Reporter February 2024

SPORTS UPDATE Seekonk Swim Team Updates Seekonk vs ORR

Seekonk Girls Beat ORR 106-62 Seekonk Boys Lost to ORR 101-65 Nick Cavic New Record for SHS 100 Free 47.55 beat 33 yo record by .71s.

Athletes who took 1st in Individual Events:

Nick Cavic 100 FR and 100 BR Grace Baldacci 200 FR Emily Tonino 100 FR 50 FR

Lydia Craft 100 Back 200IM Michael Cabral 500 FR Addison Abreu 100 FLY 100BR

1 place Relays

Girls 200 Medley Relay Girls 200 FR Relay Girls 400 FR Relay

Impressive Growth by our 7th and 8th Graders from Hurley...

Seekonk vs New Bedford 1/4/24

Seekonk Girls Swim Team Beat New Bedford 95-87 Down to the last event. Two weeks in a row.

Seekonk Boys Swim Team lost to New Bedford 73-100 Lots of close events. Seekonk is a COOP team.

Nicholas Cavic (SBRHS) set a new school record today in the 200 Fr 1:44.04 beating a 43 year old record.

In two weeks he has set 3 new school records for 200 FR, 200 IM and 500 FR

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February 2024

The Reporter

47

2024 SCC Tournament Seekonk/ORR/ Apponequet 1/30/24 BASKETBALL TRAINING

Girls Results

Seekonk 379 Undefeated ORR 287 Apponequet 268

Boys Results

February Vacation Mini Camp

ORR 375 Seekonk 270 Apponequet 254

PROVIDENCE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL 660 Waterman Ave, East Providence RI BOYS and GIRLS Ages 5-14

Celebrate!!!

Almost every Warrior swimmer swam at least one best time in *Campers are separated by age and ability* the events that they swam in today, as relay or individual event.

February 20, 21, 22 • 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM The Seekonk Girls Swim and Dive Team remained undefeated Cost: $80.00 for the season.

Register In this meet they took first place in 10/11 events (91%)!!!

• Offensive Drills / Shooting Techniques Now! The Seekonk Boys Team is improving with each meet and is Camp fills • Individual Skills Competition growing. up quickly!

• Fundamentally Based Scrimmages Nick Cavic broke a 43-year SHS record in the 100 yd Butterfly with a time of 52.22. He now holds 6 of the 8 Individual Event For more info call Frank Luca at 401-639-0814 Records for the SHS. He still has 4 swims remaining in his junior Register @ www.1on1basketball.com year to perhaps take additional records. It should be noted while Click “Providence”, then click “Camps” he had 2 records last year all 6 of these records were broken in under 2 months this season.

Addison Abreu, Emily Tonino and Lydia Craft went undefeated in every swim this season. Nick Cavic was undefeated in every individual event he swam.

In 70% (41/59) Individual event swims, a best time was swum.

Grace Baldassi (200FR) and Morgan Maher (200IM) took first place in their events.

The following improved their times by more than 2 seconds/100 in an event they swam.

Grace Baldassi 220FR and 100 Back Savana Viera 100 Fly Vannessa Cook 200 IM EVALUATIONS Alana Sousa 200 IM Charlie Walz-Singer 100 Fly Teamworks Megan Horton 100FR UA ARiver T SS 1314 Ave EE VVAALLFall U TIIOONN Avery Clark 100FR Seekonk, MA 02771 Teamworks Aaron Guilmette 500FR and 100 Breast Teamworks 1314 Fall River Ave Tee Ball Tee Ball - $100 March 2024Ave 1314 Fall 2, River Matthew Duhancik 500FR Seekonk, MA 02771 4-5 years old Per Child Seekonk, MA 02771 Jackson Baldassi 100 Back Tee Ball Minor Tee Ball - $100 MarchDivision 2, 2024 4-5Ball years old Tee Nicholas Tow 100 Back Coach Pitch 10:00AM Per Child Tee Balldivisions - $100 All other March –2,12:00PM 2024 4-5 years old Minor Division 6-7 Ava Chueng 100 Breast Per Child $125 Coach Pitch 10:00AM – 12:00PM Major All otherPer divisions Minor Division Division Child Zoe Osmanski 100 Breast 6-7 Pitch years old 12:30PM –– 12:00PM 2:30PM Coach Minors 10:00AM All $125 other divisions Major Division Braedon Caine 100FR Per Child 6-7 years 8-9 old 12:30PM – 2:30PM $125 Family Pricing Minors Mauve Keenaghan 500FR All players registering for Minor Major Division nd 8-9 years old

Minors Majors 8-9 years oldold 10-12 years Majors

10-12 years old

Majors Juniors Juniors 10-12years years old 13-15 old

13-15 years old

Every swimmer from the COOP was necessary for the Seekonk Warriors Swim and Dive COOP to be successful. Every swimmer scored points for the team. Strong Swimmers Build Strong Teams

Baseball age age is is Juniors Baseball determined by players 13-15 years oldplayers determined by age on before ageoron or before August 31,is2024 August 31,age 2024 Baseball determined by players age on or before August 31, 2024

We want to thank our volunteers

whotoplay theirour part, so that We want thank volunteers Little Leaguers everywhere can who play their part, so that live their own epic series.

Little Leaguers everywhere can live their own epic series.

We want to thank our volunteers who play their part, so that Little Leaguers everywhere can live their own epic series.

and Major 12:30PM –divisions, 2:30PM All players registering for Minor MUST the player and attend Major divisions, evaluations.

MUST attend the player All players registering for Minor evaluations. and Major divisions, REG I S T Ethe R player @ MUST attend REGISTER @ evaluations.

Seekonklittleleague.com Seekonklittleleague.com REGISTER @

Seekonklittleleague.com

Child 2 Per Child $115 Family Pricing 3rd Child $115$105 2nd Child Pricing Child $105 3rd Family 4th Child $95 nd $95 $115 4th 2Child Child

rd Child $105 Fee Late3Registration

Late Registration Fee 4thafter Child2/17/24 $95 $25 $25 after 2/17/24

Late Registration Fee Registration Closes Registration Closes $25 after 2/17/24 2/24/24 2/24/24 Registration Closes 2/24/24

Questions?

Mike Boisvert –Questions?

President

Mike Boisvert – President 401-529-5677

401-529-5677 seekonklittleleague@gmail.com

Questions?

seekonklittleleague@gmail.com Mike Boisvert – President 401-529-5677 seekonklittleleague@gmail.com

48

The Reporter February 2024

BASEBALL &

SOFTBALL RYBSA

PRACTICES APRIL 2024

EVALUATIONS MARCH 2024

Save $20 before 2/20 SIGN UP AT RYBSAONLINE.COM facebook.com/rybsarehoboth

February 2024

The Reporter

49

From the State House Representative Steven S. Howitt Supports Bill to Criminalize Revenge Porn And Educate Minor Offenders Through Diversion Boston – State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) is backing efforts to crack down on “revenge porn” by supporting legislation that imposes strong penalties for sharing sexually explicit images or videos without the consent of the individual being photographed or recorded.

House Bill 4241, An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation, would also allow for the commitment of minor offenders to the Department Representative of Youth Services while establishing an alterSteven Howitt native comprehensive educational diversion program to help adolescents understand the legal and non-legal consequences of possessing or disseminating explicit visual material. The bill was engrossed by the House of Representatives on a vote of 151-0 on January 10.

According to Representative Howitt, the educational diversion program will be developed and implemented by the Attorney General in consultation with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Department of Youth Services, and the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association, and will be reviewed annually and updated as needed. The House bill also encourages school districts to implement media literacy skills instruction at all grade levels, and to incorporate aspects of the educational diversion program as a learning tool for students.

Massachusetts is one of only two states without a law banning revenge porn, the other being South Carolina. House Bill 4241 would change that by imposing a punishment of up to 2 ½ years in a House of Correction, a $10,000 fine, or both a fine and imprisonment for individuals found guilty of disseminating explicit visual materials of another person without their consent.

House Bill 4241 also increases the existing fine for criminal harassment from $1,000 to $5,000 and amends the definition of abuse to include coercive control. Under the bill, coercive control is defined as an act or pattern of behavior committed with the intent to substantially restrict an individual’s safety or autonomy through threat, intimidation, harassment, isolation, control, coercion, or compelled compliance.

Representative Howitt supported a similar bill filed by former Governor Charlie Baker during the 2021-2022 legislative session, which was engrossed by the House of Representatives on May 26, 2022. Despite unanimous support in the House, the Senate took no action on the bill until the final day of session on January 3, 2023, engrossing an amended version of the bill that could not be reconciled with the House bill before time ran out.

During floor debate, Representative Howitt supported an amendment to the bill that addresses non-consensual “deepfake pornography” involving the use of digitization, which is defined as “creat(ing) or alter(ing) visual material, including, but not limited to, through the use of computer-generated images, in a manner that would falsely appear to a reasonable person to be an authentic representation of the person depicted.” The amendment stipulates that the dissemination of deepfake pornography will be punishable by up to 2 ½ years in a House of Correction, a $10,000 fine, or both.

House Bill 4241, as amended, now moves to the Senate for its consideration.

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50

The Reporter February 2024

Rehoboth Council on Aging

We will be closed on Monday, February 19th for Presidents' Day • Breakfast on Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30-10 • Lunch on Mon/Wed @ Noon Come join us

Gert’s Café Valentine's Lunch Monday February 12th @ Noon Ticket required $5.00 Donation Limited seating

Basket Weaving Class

Monday March 4th 8:30-2:30

Learn from International Basket Weaving Instructor Elaine Leite. Learn to make a Note Basket.

Cost of the class is $40.00. It includes all materials needed. Just bring scissors and a towel. Please call the Senior Center to reserve a spot

Book Club

The First Tuesday of Every Month from 10:00- 11:00. The Book for February is The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.

Join Our Walking Club Mon-Wed-Friday 10:00AM Please note new start time

Balance and Stretch - NEW! Tuesdays @ 11:00

Judy Rosa is the Instructor

Crat Supplies Needed

We have added a Paper Crafting Class and a Jewelry/ Resin Making. 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 We can always use extra supplies.

Your donations are greatly appreciated

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.

ACTIVITIES Mondays

8:30-10 BREAKFAST 9:00-11:00 Cribbage 10:00 Walking Club 10:00 Bocce 10:00 Cornhole Toss Noon Gert’s Café ~ Ltd seating ~ $3.00

Tuesdays

9:00 Dancer-cise $3.00 10:00-Noon Jewelry Making Class $5.00 10:00 Combined Yoga - Chair or Mat 10:00 S.E.A.T 10:00 Cornhole Toss 10:00 Sewing & Quilting 11:00 Blanace & Stretch (NEW) 1:00 Hi-Lo Jack 1:00- 3:00 Crafty Fun Classes $5

Wednesdays

8:30 - 10:00 Breakfast 10:00 Walking Club 10:00 Bocce 10:00 Cornhole Toss Noon Lunch 1:00-3:00 Acrylic Painting Class $5.00 1:00- Dominoes (NEW)

Thursday

9:00 Tai Chi 10:00 Fiber Arts (Knitting & Crochet get together. Free Instruction by Jane Williams and Elaine Leite) 10:00 Drums Alive $3.00 11:00 (NEW) Stretch Class Judy Rosa 1:00-3:00 Paper Crafting Class includes Card Making, Stamping, etc. (FREE) 1:00-3:00 Watercolor Class $5.00

Friday

8:30 - 10:00 Breakfast (NEW) 10:00 Walking Club 10:00 Bocce 10:00 Cornhole Toss 10:00 Jenga

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

Rehoboth Senior Citizens Club News

Happy New Year, everyone!

The Rehoboth Senior Citizens Club meeting was held on January 18th in the Arcade Building at the Francis Farm campus. Our members were very thoughtful and creative with many ideas concerning our upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebration. The committee is in its home stretch and putting together the final preparations. There will be more information coming soon.

Dates, cost, and transportation are being researched for our trip to a play matinee and luncheon. We have to be cautious in planning large group activities again because of all the viruses that are prevalent, so be patient with us about a scheduled trip.

We will be sending out our annual membership drive letters soon. Members who have had their 90th birthday, and older, are considered Honorary Members and need not pay dues ($10 per year), however, they are asked to use the form to report their mailing address, email addresses and phone numbers, or any changed, pertinent information.

Also, please keep in mind that we will be having our Annual Fall Bazaar in October.

We will be collecting any donations for our Raffle Table from now until the Bazaar and you can give them to Donna, Jane, or Diane at a lunch or breakfast at Francis Hall.

Our Bazaar has been wonderfully successful, thanks to your overwhelming support, in the years since the terrible fire and we use the proceeds from the Bazaar to donate to several organizations that help our seniors.

As a reminder to us all, SCAMS are increasing rapidly. If you do not know the number that is calling you, DO NOT ANSWER IT! If you answer and hear a soft beep, HANG UP IMMEDIATELY! Our next meeting will be February 15th in the Arcade Building at noon. Lunch will be provided. There will be a potluck dessert.

Please bring your own drink if you can.

Be safe, stay healthy and we hope to see you at the meeting on February 15th.

Donna Howard, President, RSCC

February 2024

The Reporter

51

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 Monday, February 19 for President’s Day

Flower Arrangement

Monday, Feb 12, 2024 at 2:00pm

Come join Michelle as she teaches you how to create the perfect boutonniere and corsage. The cost for class will be $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents. Preregistration is required by calling our office at 508-336-8772.

Mardi Gras Luncheon

Tuesday, Feb 13, 2024 at 11:30am

Come join us to celebrate Mardi Gras by having a delicious lunch of chicken and sausage gumbo with king cake for dessert!

Mardi Gras is a time of celebration that dates back to thousands of years ago! The cost for lunch will be $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents. Preregistration is required by calling our office at 508-336-8772.

Valentine’s Day Party

Wed, Feb 14, 2024 at 11:30am

Join us for an afternoon of entertainment, fun and a lunch & dessert from the Cook’s House. Steve Burke, RI musician is a one man band that plays the keyboard, sax, smooth jazz vocals and dances. You can sit down, relax and listen to songs from Sinatra to Santana and some of his own songs too.

Lunch will be broccoli pasta alfredo with Italian bread. The cost for residents is $7 and nonresidents is $10. Preregistration is required by calling our office at 508-336-8772.

Healthy Aging Lunch & Learn Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 11:30am

The presentation will be about the benefits of vitamins and minerals with Bristol Elder Services Registered Dietitian, Dawn DiMarco. Learn about the different vitamins and minerals you get from your diet and ones you may need to take supplements for. If you are looking for nutrition advice, always ask a Registered Dietitian. The menu is chicken parmesan with penne pasta, broccoli, breadsticks, cookies and lemonade.

Preregistration is required by calling our office at 508-336-8772.

Arts & Crafts

Fridays, February 2 & 16, 2024 From 9:30am—11:30am

Our arts & crafts class will be held twice a month. Classes will be held on February

2 and February 16 from 9:30am - 11:30am.

Class will be taught and run by Daisy. Fee will be $5 for residents and $7 for nonresidents. February 2nd will be the tree of life with buttons and February 16h will be calligraphy. In March the arts & crafts class will be a two week project doing cigar box decorating. Contact the office for more information and to sign up at 508-336-8772.

American Heart Month

Did you know that February is American Heart Month? It is a time to pay special attention to understanding, preventing and treating heart disease - the leading cause of death in the nation. There are a few ways to help reclaim your health and keep your heart healthy: doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, eating healthy, not smoking or vaping, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure, getting regular check ups, learning Hands-Only CPR and finding ways to relax and ease your mind. When you take care of your heart you are also talking care of your brain. Be sure to have annual check ups and visit your doctor if anything feels off or different to maintain your health.

Cribbage

Thursdays at 11am

Whether you are a seasoned Cribbage player looking to meet new people, test your skills, or a new player looking to learn to play, join or new weekly Cribbage group! All skill levels invited and supplies provided. Contact the office to register at 508-336-8772.

Income Tax Appointment

The AARP Foundation Tax Aide, will be here on Thursdays. They will start preparing taxes from February 1, - April 11, 2024.

Appointments will be at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00am. Please be on time for your appointment so, the tax appointments can go smoothly. Please call our office to set up an appointment at 508-336-8772. Appointment booking began in January and are on a first come, first served basis.

Fuel Assistance

If you have never had fuel assistance and would like to apply or if you need help filing out your application, please call Seekonk Human Services at 508-336-8772 to make an appointment with the Outreach Caseworker.

Fuel assistance applications are accepted

until April 30, 2024.

Income guidelines: Maximum income for one person is $45,392, for two people is $59,359, for three people is $73,326 and for four people is $87,294.

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.

Women’s Lunch

Wed, Feb 7, 2024 at 11:30am at

Frankie’s International Bistro 119 Washington Street Plainville, MA 02762 The Women’s lunch group meets the 1st Wednesday of the month at 11:30am. Everything is Dutch treat. If you are interested in joining for good food and good conversation, while supporting our local restaurants, please call the office at 508-336-8772.

Podiatry Clinic

Wed, Feb 7, 2024 10:00am - 2:30pm

Dr. Lechan provides monthly Podiatry Clinics. An appointment is required. Items needed are insurance cards with your primary doctor’s name, date of last doctor’s visit, summary of last visit, and list of medications. *Please check with your insurance regarding co-pays. Please call 508-336-8772 for appointment.

Blood Pressure & Glucose Clinic

Wed, Feb 21, 2024 9:00 - 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!

Tuesday, Feb 27, 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 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.

52

The Reporter February 2024

Telephone Reassurance Program

Encore Casino

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

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.

The Telephone Reassurance Program provides a peace of mind for the individual and their loved ones. 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.

Price: $39.00 Per Person Location: Boston Harbor Departure 8:30am Return 5:30pm The casino at Encore Boston Harbor brings glamour on a grand scale to the riverfront. Try your luck with 2,800+ slot machines, including classic favorites, automated tables and the newest game titles. Enjoy 166 table games, from craps and roulette to blackjack and baccarat, all at state-of-the-art tables with superior service. It all adds up to an exciting, memorable five-star experience unlike anywhere else in Boston.

Trip Includes: *Casino Time: 10:00am4:00pm (Casino Package subject to change). *Casino Package - $20 free slot play. *Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation. Gratuity.

Contact: Seekonk Human Services 508336-8772

A.M. Carpentry

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. Pick up will be between 11am - 12pm. February’s menu is available on our Facebook Page and by calling our office at 508-336-8772.

Nutritional Meals To Go Tues / Weds / Thurs

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP

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Tuesday Luncheons Tuesdays at 11:45am

Seekonk Human Services has partnered with The Cook’s House to offer weekly lunches! Lunches will cost $4 for residents and $5 for non-residents. The menu will be available at the office and on Facebook.

Sign up and payment is required one week in advance.

Medical Loan Closet

Our FREE Medical Loan Closet is available for Seekonk residents. Our inventory is

M&S Cleaning Service RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL

FULL SERVICE CLEANING CO.

Carpets • Windows • Floors • Walls Post Construction Clean-Ups • Rentals

Call (508) 252-3259

FREE ESTIMATES

FULLY INSURED

dependent on donated items received, but may be limited based on need and space.

For more information, please call 508-3368772 *30 Day Rental

Activities and Programs Mondays

Movement & Meditation 9am Movement & Meditation 10am Canasta 11:30am Strength & Cardio 1pm Oil Painting 2pm

Tuesdays

Drums Alive 9am Watercolors 10am Hi Lo Jack 1pm

Wednesdays

Stability and Balance 8:45am Drums Alive 9:30am Tribal Grooves 11:00am Mahjong 1pm

Thursdays

Chair Yoga 10am Cribbage 11am Hi Lo Jack 1pm BINGO 1pm Dance Cardio 9:15am Tai Chi 10:30am

*All activities are subject to pre-registration

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.

St. Patrick’s Day Party

Wed, March 13, 2024 @ 11:30am

Join us for a traditional St. Patrick’s Day luncheon of corned beef and cabbage. The cost for residents is $7 and non-residents is $10. Entertainment is to be determined.

Preregistration is required by calling our office at 508-336-8772.

Bristol County Register of Probate

Wed, March 20, 2024 at 11:30

Please join Register Tom Hoye and First Assistant Register Attorney Juliane Clark as they discuss the role of Bristol County Probate and Family Court and the impact it may have in our lives or our seniors. The topics that most affect seniors will be discussed that may include, but not limited to; the basics of estate planning, guardianships and change of name applications. Refreshments and pastry will be served. If you are interested in this presentation, please contact our office at 508-336-8772 to register.

February 2024 The Reporter

Healthy Aging Lunch & Learn

Wed, March 27, 2024 at 11:30am

Bristol Elder Services Registered Dietitian, Dawn DiMarco will doing a nutritional BINGO! If you are looking for nutrition advice, always ask a Registered Dietitian.

Lunch is to be determined. Space is limited to 30 participants. Preregistration is required by calling our office at 508-336-8772.

Veterans Corner

Best of 2023: Top Ten Resources for Veterans—As we hit the new year, I am providing 2023’s top ten list for veterans’ benefits according to the VA. All of these benefits pertain to 2024 as well.

Veterans Day retail discounts, free meals and other offers

On Veterans Day, Veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors have access to hundreds of free meals, discounts and other freebies. A long list of discounts available year-round are at the following link: https://news.va.gov/85765/veterandiscounts-available-year-round/ Veterans set to see cost-of-living increase to their benefits

The Veterans Compensation Cost-ofLiving Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2023 was signed into law in June. The law directs VA to provide a cost-of-living adjustment for Veterans’ benefits in 2024 equal to the COLA applied to Social Security benefits, as determined by the Social Security Administration.

Veterans, Gold Star Families get free lifetime pass to national parks, wildlife refuges, other public lands

The U.S. National Park Service offers a lifetime pass that provides free entrance to national parks for Veterans and their families.

The pass gives them free access to about 2,000 public locations spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands.

Exploring resort, hotel deals through the Armed Forces Vacation Club for Veterans

For Veterans who have served our nation with dedication and sacrifice, finding opportunities to relax and rejuvenate is essential. The Armed Forces Vacation Club is a valuable resource that offers a chance for Veterans to enjoy well-deserved vacations without breaking the bank.

Your VA ID Card is the proof you need for discounts

“How do I prove that I’m a Veteran?” That question is often asked by those who once served in the military. First, you’ll want to apply for VA’s Veteran ID Card (VIC), a digital photo ID you can use to take advantage of the many discounts offered by businesses, including restaurants, hotels, stores and recreational activities, among other perks.

200 remote jobs from Veteran friendly employers

Working from home offers Veterans and their families the flexibility they need to carry

out their job responsibilities. This article provides a long list of military friendly companies that are offering more than 200 remote jobs, including big corporate names like Amazon, AT&T, American Express, Enterprise, Hilton and Xerox.

Experience live events through Vet Tix with friends and family

Vet Tix is a national nonprofit group that provides free tickets to Veterans and service members for live events, including concerts, sports, performing arts and family-themed events. You can become a VetTixer by creating an account for free at Vettix.org.

53

Arts & Crafts at the Seekonk Senior Center

Seniors enjoying the new Arts & Crafts Program at the Seekonk Senior Center.

The program is the first & third Fridays of the month from 9:30-11:30am. The class is $5.00 for residents & $7.00 for non-resident, please call Human Services (508-336-8772) to sign up.

Learn to golf from the pros with PGA HOPE

PGA HOPE—Helping Our Patriots Everywhere—is introducing and teaching golf to Veterans and active-duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Free to Veterans and service members, PGA HOPE programs are available in 47 states at more than 340 locations.

Find your Veterans Day events

November marks National Veteran and Military Families Month, highlighted by Veterans Day on Nov. 11. This list of Veterans Day and Veterans Month events, organized by state, highlighted hundreds of free events in November 2023 that honored those who served is found at: https://news. va.gov/?s=veterans+day

Senior Crafting

In tax season, how can Veterans maximize their tax benefits?

Veterans may be eligible for certain tax benefits under the tax code. This article summarizes some of the key federal and state tax benefits for Veterans provided by accountant and tax expert Lisa Greene-Lewis of TurboTax. If you don’t receive the #VetResources weekly newsletter, sign up today at www.

VA.gov/VetResources James LaFlame Veterans Service Officer

Office: 508-336-2940 or Email: jlaflame@ seekonk-ma.gov The center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm, Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm and Friday 8:30am 12:00pm. Come and enjoy the activities and companionship at your center. * NOTE: *Seekonk Human Services is primarily an informational and referral agency. We try to help you directly or by introducing you to a network of federal, state, or local support services. Seekonk Human Services offers legal, financial, recreational, medical screenings, and other activities/services by volunteers or nominally paid practitioners.

Participation in these services/activities is with the understanding that Seekonk Human Services, Town of Seekonk, or its employees do not assume any legal or other responsibility for advice of services rendered by such volunteers or nominal cost practitioners.

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The Reporter February 2024

Church News & Events Seekonk Congregational Church News In Person Sunday Services

We hope you will join us each Sunday at Seekonk Congregational Church UCC at one of our 2 weekly services - 9AM & 10:30 AM in the Sanctuary at 600 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA for our weekly service. All are welcome, masks are optional. Communion will be served at both services. Church school will be held during the 9 AM service with licensed day care available for both services.

We invite you to join us.

We will continue to record our services and they are available the following day at Seekonk Congregational Church YouTube and on Cable 9 Seekonk at 9 AM each morning.

Be A Well Being Group

Tuesday, Feb 6, 2024 at 6 PM for 45 minutes in person or on zoom, All are invited to attend The purpose of the Be a Well Being group is to provide a supportive and non-judgmental forum for exploring stress management strategies. Meditation, prayer, gentle movement, and quiet all in the candlelit Sanctuary lead by Sarah Stevenson. Also on March 5th, the first Tuesday of each month.

Ash Wednesday February 14, 2024

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, please join us in worship at one of these 30-minute services to begin the Holy Season of Lent.

7 AM - Noon - 7 PM. Lunch follows the Noon Service provided by the Earnest Workers

Rhode Island Blood Center Blood Drive

There will be a blood drive on Tuesday March 19th from 4-7 PM in the Hall. You can make an appointment at donate.ribc.org There is a blood shortage, please consider giving. Future Blood Drives will be Monday June 10, Monday Sept 9th and Monday Dec 9th.

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

Community Covenant Church

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.

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Interiors Earle Dias

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Theological Foundations Weekend

Christ Reformed Presbyterian Church is hosting its annual Theological Foundations Weekend taking place Feb 16–18, 2024.

This event is intended to give folks of upper high school and college age an opportunity to do some theological “heavy lifting” while enjoying fellowship together. Topics include What the End of Paganism Looked Like, Practicing the Sabbath, Serving in the Church: RP Global Missions, and others. Meals are provided. The cost is $30 per participant with a late fee if registering after Feb 5. Participants are invited to stay for Sunday worship at 10am. Please register at www.reformedprescambridge.com/tfw/.

Rehoboth Congregational Church News Worship With Us Every Sunday

The Rehoboth Congregational Church worships every Sunday at 10 AM. Join us for a wonderful blend of traditional worship with a modern twist. We sing, we laugh, and we enjoy the fellowship of one another’s company while strengthening our faith and serving others. If you are traveling or not quite ready for crowds, you can still worship with us! Our Sunday services are live streamed both on our website www. rehobothcongregational.org/worshiponline and on our Facebook page: www.facebook. com/rehobothcongregational

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Artist Materials Complete Line of Woodcarving Supplies Hours: M-F 9-5 Sat 9-12

1063 Oakhill Ave. Attleboro, MA 02703-7318 • 508-222-6255

Mardi Gras Sunday

Join RCC Sunday, February 11th for our annual Mardi Gras Sunday during 10AM Worship

February 2024 The Reporter

Ash Wednesday

Join Us Wednesday, February 14th at 7pm for our Annual Ash Wednesday Service

All Ages Paint Class

Join The Board of Deacons as they sponsor our very first All Ages Paint Class (It truly is ALL AGES children-adults!). This class will benefit the wider mission of the Rehoboth Congregational Church. Cost is $27 per person and includes all supplies needed.

Snacks & Beverages will be provided. Pre-Paid Registrations Are Required and Can Be Done Online: rehobothcongregational.org/ paintrcc

Spaghetti Supper & Dessert Auction

Keep your schedule open for the return of our Spaghetti Supper & Dessert Auction being held in March. More information to follow.

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Smith Insurance Group AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS • LIFE Denise Smith

~ over 30 years experience ~

Pawtucket, RI | Rehoboth, MA

(401) 724-1660 www.dsmithins.com

Easter 2024

Celebrate Easter this year with The Rehoboth Congregational Church! More information to follow in the March Edition of The Reporter or at rehobothcongregational.org/easter.

www.

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56

The Reporter February 2024

Newman Congregational Church, UCC News

Announces “Mardi Gras Sunday”

Sunday, February 11, 2024 10 am Worship

A Mardi Gras Traditional Band, featuring trumpet, clarinet, trombone, tuba, piano and squeezebox will lead the music for worship and all ages will be invited to join the celbration. Following the worship service, all will be invited to continue the celebration, sharing in a Fat Tuesday-inspired Potluck Brunch.

Wear your purple, green and gold. Beads will be provided.

Join Us for Lent

On Wednesday, February 14 we will commemorate Ash Wednesday with drive-thru ashes in the parking lot of the church from 6:30am - 9am and 4:30-6:30pm.

Through daily devotionals, weekly worship, and companionship ministries (Lenten Listeners and Spiritual Autobiography Writing) it is our hope that during this Lenten Season you will take a journey into the wild and head into the beautiful and colorful Easter Morning!

Our Lenten Listener program, an opportunity to travel through lent with a partner, will also kick off on Ash Wednesday.To sign up for a Lenten Listener Partner or for the Spiritual Autobiography Class, kindly email Christy Wynveen at newmanucc.ce@gmail.com

Let Justice Roll

Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 3:00PM

This concert will feature Let Justice Roll, an original cantata celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This concert will be performed by the combined choirs of Newman Congregational Church, UCC, the First Baptist Church in America, and other singers to join the cause.

Geoffrey Greene and Stephen Martorella are the music ministers, and featured soloists are Becky Bass, soprano, Neil Letendre, tenor, and Venson Jordan, narrator.

All proceeds from this concert support Newman Church’s Racial Equity Scholarship program. Please visit our website at https://newmanucc.org/ministries/racial-justice to learn about this program and to apply for a scholarship. The public is cordially invited and there is a suggested donation of $10. A reception will follow the concert with an opportunity to meet the musicians. 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.

LENT, HOLY WEEK, EASTER SERVICES Ash Wednesday Mass, February 14, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Communal Penance Service, March 13, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Chrism Mass, March 27, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

We believe Church is a place to experience God's Love Whether you are touched by the warm welcome of our greeters, inspired by our Praise & Worship or empowered by the message, we believe you will feel right at home at FCC. We are blessed with wonderful people from many nations, who come together for a greater purpose than themselves. Creating a loving community looking not just to have church, but be the church in all areas of life.

Holy Thursday, Mass, March 28, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday Service, March 29, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Easter Vigil Mass, March 30, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Please join us!

Sunday 9:30am & Wednesday 7:30pm In Seekonk, on our app & website Sunday 11am on

FAITHCCENTER.COM 95 SAGAMORE RD, SEEKONK

Holy Cross Catholic Church 141 Hornbine Road, Rehoboth, MA An Independent community worshipping in the Catholic Tradition.

We are an all-inclusive parish where all are welcome!

February 2024 The Reporter

57

Scouting News Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England Kicks Off 2024 Girl Scout Cookie Season

Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England (GSSNE) has officially kicked off the 2024 Girl Scout Cookie season, the annual event in which Girl Scouts unbox their futures as young female entrepreneurs through the world’s largest entrepreneurial program for girls.

During this highly anticipated time of the year, Girl Scouts flex their entrepreneurial muscles and acquire important life skills like goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. All proceeds from the cookie program stay local with the GSSNE council and troops to power Girl Scouts’ amazing experiences year-round.

This year’s theme, Unbox the Future, aims to remove social barriers that often keep girls boxed in. When bold, goal-getting Girl Scouts sell a package of cookies, they’re doing much more than what’s seen at face value. Girl Scouts are entrepreneurial powerhouses creating a more equitable future for themselves and the world. Every box of cookies sold provides invaluable experiences for Girl Scouts such as service projects, troop travel, and summer camp.

Nearly 700,000 Girl Scouts participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, during which Girl Scouts can earn a variety of badges and awards to develop valuable business skills including Cookie Business badges, Financial Literacy badges, Cookie Entrepreneur Family pins, and Entrepreneur badges.

How to Purchase Girl Scout Cookies This Year

• If you know a registered Girl Scout, reach out and find out how they’re selling cookies. If you don’t know a Girl Scout use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder to find a booth and purchase cookies.

• Beginning February 16, customers who do not already know a Girl Scout will also be able to purchase cookies to be shipped directly to their homes by entering their zip code into the Girl Scout Cookie Finder. This link can also be used to find a local booth, purchase cookies and/or to donate cookies for local community causes.

• You can also text COOKIES to 59618 to stay informed about how to purchase Girl Scout Cookies and other exciting Girl Scout news. Learn more about the Terms and Conditions and the SMS Privacy Policy.

Celebrate Cookie Season with Eighth Annual Cookies & Cocktails Event!

Thursday, March 7th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm Farm Fresh RI, 10 Sims Ave., Providence, RI 02909

GSSNE is celebrating Girl Scout cookies with our annual fundraising event, Cookies & Cocktails!

Festivities are shaping up to be bigger and better than ever as we celebrate 107 years of Girl Scouts selling cookies! At Cookies & Cocktails, local restaurants and bars will be showcasing their talents by creating culinary delights using everyone’s favorite treat—Girl Scout Cookies! We have partnered with some of your favorite restaurants and bars: Res American Bistro, Siena, Bettola, The Boathouse, Barnaby’s Public House, Coast Guard House, Waterman Grille, Wright’s Dairy Farm, The Jefferson Speakeasy, and Narragansett Brewery to showcase our cookies “out of the box”.

Attendees will enjoy savory hors-d’oeuvres, tasty Girl Scout Cookie desserts and cocktail & beer samples, the opportunity to bid on silent and live auction items, and live music. Tickets to this event are $100 per person. The evening will be emceed by the one and only Mario Hilario WJAR—a treat in itself! (Please note this is a 21+ event.)

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58

The Reporter February 2024

Food & Dining Guide Sweet Family Favorites to Celebrate Lent Salmon with Apple Slaw Ingredients

• 4 portions boneless salmon • 4 tbsp Asian-style bbq sauce • 2 Envy Apples, cored and sliced into matchsticks or julienned • 1 cup shredded red cabbage • 1 cup shredded white cabbage • 1 celery stick, finely sliced • 1/2 red onion, finely sliced • 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs such as dill, parsley or cilantro • 1 lime, juice and zest only • 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds, plus additional for garnish • 1 tsp black sesame seeds, plus additional for garnish

est 1987

We l c o m e

To O u r Is l a n d

Now Accepting Reservations for Valentine's Day

Look for Specials & Family Meal Deals on Facebook

Mon-Thur 11:30-9, Fri-Sat 11:30-10, Sun 12-8

401-431-1322

www.madeirarestaurant.com 288 Warren Avenue, East Providence

Mariachi Band on Thurs!

Margaritas Made Fresh!

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri & Sat 11am-10pm 736 N Broadway East Providence, RI (401) 434-1505

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 F using grill or broil setting and line baking tray with cooking paper.

Arrange salmon portions on paper and spread barbecue sauce over each portion.

Bake 5-8 minutes, depending on thickness and size, or until just cooked in center and caramelized on top.

In bowl, combine sliced apple sticks, cabbage, celery and red onion slices; toss lightly.

In separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, herbs, lime juice and lime zest.

Fold dressing and sesame seeds into slaw and toss together.

Divide apple slaw between serving plates and top with glazed salmon. Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds.

Grilled Apple Portobello “Burgers” Ingredients

• 1 Envy Apple • 2 portobello mushrooms • 1/4 cup olive oil, divided • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 teaspoon oregano • 1 easpoon salt • 1/2 cup herbed goat cheese • 2 brioche buns • 2 parge pieces butter lettuce • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Directions

Heat grill to medium heat.

Slice apples horizontally into thick round wedges and remove seeds using fork.

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Remove portobello stems.

In small bowl, combine 1/8 cup olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano and salt.

Using basting brush, coat portobellos on both sides with olive oil mixture. Grill stem sides down 2 minutes then flip. Add goat cheese to portobellos and grill 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove from grill.

Use remaining olive oil to coat apple rounds. Grill apple rounds 1-2 minutes per side to lightly char.

Serve portobellos with apple rounds on brioche buns with lettuce and mayonnaise.

Find more meatless meal inspiration by visiting EnvyApple.com.

Lemon Garlic Tuna-Stuffed Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers Total: 20 minutes ~ Servings: 2-3

Ingredients

• 1 packet (2 1/2 ounces) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna Lightly Seasoned

by McCormick Lemon Garlic • 3 mini sweet peppers, halved, seeds removed • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 1/2 cup sliced green onions • fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 F. Lay parchment or foil over baking pan.

Place halved mini sweet peppers on baking pan and brush both sides with oil.

Divide lemon garlic tuna evenly between six mini pepper halves.

Top with cheese and bake 8-10 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.

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Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30-8; Fri-Sat 11:30-9

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431 Winthrop Street, Rte 44,Taunton MA • 508-823-8664 1666 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland RI • 401-305-3916 520 Foundry Street, Easton MA• 508-297-0327

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February 2024 The Reporter

Cook at home, make a reservation, or cater your event!

A True Rock and Roll Smoke Joint

Famous for Our Wings & Pulled Pork Over 80 Sauce Flavors

Last Chance to Order Party Platters for the SuperBowl!

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540 Central Ave, Rte 152 • Seekonk MA 508-761-6854

59

116 Winthrop Street Rehoboth MA 508-252-4444 OPENING FOR THE SEASON

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH Lenten Specials Ed’s Fish Tacos • Fish & Chips Crispy Shrimp Tacos • Lobster Rolls Portuguese Stuffies • Whole Belly Clams Clam Cakes & Chowder Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for Up-to-Date Weekly Menus!

* Receive a FREE one scoop cup or cone of ice cream with any food order mention this ad

Delivery to all Rehoboth & Seekonk homes!

NOW SERVING BEER & WINE Have Dinner in our NEW Dining Room!

Pizza • Calzones • Appetizers Subs & Wraps • Salads & More

Buy 2 Large Pizzas Get 1 Small Cheese Pizza FREE (Tuesday-Thursday)

Proudly providing prepared food and meals for you to heat and serve at home!

Order Dinner Tonight with Offering a Wide Variety of Soups, Salads, Veggies, Entrees, Egg Rolls, Grilled Cheese, Deli Meats, Gourmet Dog Treats... and more!

Travels better than restaurant takeout!

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We are open

Sun to Thurs: 11am - 9pm Friday: 11am - 10pm Saturday 11am - 10pm

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Order online: bit.ly/rhop-order

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L ove is in the Air...

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The Reporter February 2024

10 Fun Ideas to Celebrate Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate love and affection, whether you're in a relationship or enjoying time with friends and family. Here are some ideas to spend Valentine's Day: 1. Dinner Date: Plan a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant or cook a special meal together at home. You could even try making a new recipe together as a fun activity.

2. Movie Night: Have a cozy movie night at home with your favorite romantic films, popcorn, and blankets. You could even create a themed movie marathon with your partner or friends.

3. DIY Spa Day: Pamper yourselves with a DIY spa day at home.

Set up candles, soothing music, and indulge in massages, facials, and bubble baths together.

4. Crafting: Get creative and make handmade gifts or cards for each other. It's a thoughtful way to express your love and appreciation.

5. Volunteer Together: Spread love by volunteering at a local charity or organization together. Helping others can strengthen your bond and make a positive impact on your community.

6. Plan a Getaway: If possible, plan a romantic getaway for the weekend. It could be a cozy cabin in the mountains, a beach resort, or a cultural city escape.

7. Virtual Date: If you're in a long-distance relationship or unable to meet in person, plan a virtual date night. Cook the same meal, watch a movie together online, or play online games to connect and have fun.

8. Write Love Letters: Take the time to write heartfelt love letters to each other. Share your thoughts, memories, and dreams for the future.

Remember, the most important aspect of Valentine's Day is spending quality time together and expressing your love and appreciation for each other. Choose activities that resonate with your relationship and create lasting memories together.

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10 Great Gift Ideas for Valentine's Day

Choosing the perfect Valentine's Day gift depends on your partner's interests, preferences, and the nature of your relationship.

Here are some thoughtful gift ideas for Valentine's Day: 1. Personalized Gifts: Consider customized gifts such as engraved jewelry, monogrammed accessories, or personalized photo albums. Adding a personal touch shows thoughtfulness and consideration.

2. Romantic Getaway: Plan a surprise weekend getaway to a romantic destination. Whether it's a cozy cabin in the mountains, a beach resort, or a cultural city escape, spending quality time together in a new setting can be incredibly memorable.

3. Experience Gifts: Instead of a physical gift, opt for an experience you can enjoy together, such as tickets to a concert, a couples' cooking class, a hot air balloon ride, or a spa day.

4. Subscription Services: Consider gifting a subscription service tailored to your partner's interests, such as a monthly book club subscription, a gourmet food delivery service, or a streaming service for their favorite movies and TV shows.

5. DIY Gifts: Get creative and make something special for your partner, such as a handmade card, a scrapbook of memories, or a batch of homemade treats. The time and effort you put into creating a gift can be incredibly meaningful.

6. Luxurious Treats: Treat your partner to luxurious gifts such as gourmet chocolates, fine wine or champagne, designer perfume or cologne, or high-quality skincare products.

7. Tech Gadgets: If your partner loves technology, consider gifting the latest gadgets such as a smartwatch, wireless headphones, or a portable speaker.

8. Plants or Flowers: A beautiful bouquet of flowers or a potted plant can brighten up your partner's day and serve as a symbol of your love and appreciation.

9. Wellness Gifts: Help your partner relax and unwind with wellness gifts such as aromatherapy candles, a cozy robe, a massage pillow, or a subscription to a meditation app.

February 2024 The Reporter

Treat your loved one to a gift from from our advertisers 10. Sentimental Gifts: Consider sentimental gifts that evoke cherished memories or inside jokes, such as a framed photo of a special moment, a piece of jewelry with symbolic meaning, or a handwritten love letter.

Ultimately, the best Valentine's Day gift is one that comes from the heart and reflects your understanding of your partner's personality and preferences. Tailor your gift to their interests and celebrate your love in a meaningful way.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas That Show You Really Care

(StatePoint) Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to let that special someone know how you feel about them. Whether it be a spouse, a new boyfriend or girlfriend, or a best friend, let these thoughtful gift ideas show them how much you really care: 1. A perfect brew: As most tea and coffee drinkers know, the ideal temperature beverage can be a fleeting thing, especially with all of life’s distractions and demands. That’s not the case with Nextmug, a gift that will spoil your Valentine with the perfect brew every time.

This temperature-controlled, self-heating mug maintains a beverage at the user’s ideal temperature (warm at 130 degrees, hot at 140 degrees, and piping at 150 degrees) for hours using smart technology that requires no app or data-sharing. Stylish, ergonomic and simple to use, it eliminates the need to reheat a drink after getting sidetracked by workplace duties or household chores. To upgrade your gift, consider an additional docking coaster so they can enjoy a hot drink in multiple locations. To learn more, visit nextmug.com.

2. A better bath: With a bath basket, you’re not only transforming a standard household bathroom into a spa-like retreat, you’re giving the gift of self-care. Fill the basket with soothing bath oils, fragrant bath bombs, calming soaking salts and aromatic candles.

A plush robe and slippers will complete the gift and make your recipient feel pampered and cared for.

3. Tickets for two: Two tickets to a special event shows that you’re not only paying attention to your loved one’s favorite things, but that you also support their interests. Be it the opera, a basketball game or the concert of a beloved artist, give the gift of a one-of-akind date night, and amazing memories.

4. Two-gifts-in-one: Did you know that cozy comfort and awesome audio can go hand-in-hand? A winter beanie with Bluetooth is a sleek and seamless accessory for cold weather commutes, dog walks and other outdoor activities, keeping your loved one’s head and ears warm while entertaining them with the music or podcast of their choice.

5. More time in the evening: Delivering wholesome, nutritious ingredients and recipes to doorsteps, a meal subscription service takes some of the heavy-lifting out of menu prep and grocery shopping, giving your Valentine more time to spend on personal pursuits.

From services that emphasize the use of organic ingredients and sustainable packaging to those that are tailored to particular dietary restrictions, you’ll be sure to find a service that meets your gift recipient’s needs and wishes.

As you make your Valentine’s Day plans, remember that the best gifts will not only dazzle and impress your special someone, but also make them feel cared for and appreciated.

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We’ve Moved - just a 1/2 mile away!

319 Tremont St (#5), Rehoboth (Chartley Plaza)• 508.838.5326 Hours: T-F 9:30am-7pm | Sat 9:30am-6pm | Sun 10am-5pm sistersbeautyrehoboth@gmail.com

Valentine Special

Buy $50 GC and get $5 Buy $100 GC and get $10 Buy $150 GC and get $20 + free teddy bear (valid 2/1-2/18)

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New Clients Get 10% Off Any Service (thru 3/31)

Show LOVE with warm Alpaca Products

Kave Rock Alpaca Farm Farm open most Sundays 12-4 Kaverockalpaca.com

142 Reservoir Avenue, Rehoboth, MA • 401-465-7589

PUPPY LOVE

Discounted Daycare Prices the month of February

Accepting New Clients!

401.229.3460 • 141 Newport Ave, Rumford RI

www.chibischoice.com

62

The Reporter February 2024

Health & Short On Time To Workout?

Here’s 5 Tips To Get More From Your Workout In Less Time

By Scott Pettey

DISCOVER YOUR POTENTIAL ACHIEVE YOUR

P H Y S I C A L

T H E R A P Y

CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

774-565-0796

Providing personal attention and the best one-on-one physical therapy care Accepting most insurances 237 Winthrop Street, Rehoboth Junction of Routes 44 and 118

If you feel like you don’t have time to workout, you’re not alone. This is the biggest barrier to consistent exercise I hear from clients. And it makes sense—between kids, careers, and enjoying a social life we don’t all have an hour a day to devote to exercise. But limited time doesn’t have to be a death sentence for your results.

Now let’s be clear, if you’re significantly time constrained you likely won’t get your best results. Unfortunately there’s nothing you can do in 1 hour per week that will give you as much benefit as 4 hours per week. But don’t let this discourage you; you can still get great results even with limited time.

And the best news is, if you’re brand new to training you don’t need hours in the gym, as little as 30 minutes twice per week is enough to start making progress. Let’s look at some tips you can incorporate to ensure you’re maximizing the time you have.

Have A Plan

When you’re crunched on time as it is, the last thing you want is to show up to the gym and spend the first ten minutes thinking of what you’re going to do for a workout. Having a workout plan to follow takes all the guesswork out so you know exactly what to do the moment you step into the gym. Whether it’s a plan you found on the internet, made yourself, or got custom made for you from a coach, having a clear plan is the first step to ensuring you’re maximizing your workout time.

Streamline Your Warm Up

This is one of the biggest mistakes I see, spending too much time warming up when you’re already short on time. Warming up is important, but keep in mind that it’s the workout that’s getting you the results so you want to have as much time as possible for that.

The simplest and easiest way to warm up when you’re short on time is a specific warm up. This means doing the movements or exercises you plan to do for the workout at a lower intensity and then ramping them up to working sets. Let’s say you’re planning to do lunges with twenty pound dumbbells for your first working set. A specific warm up would be doing one or two sets of bodyweight lunges, then one set with the ten pound dumbbells, and then you’re ready for your first working set with the twenties. Don’t over complicate your warm up—get in, get moving, and get to work.

Focus On Compound Exercises

PersonalBestPhysicalTherapy.com

Compound exercises are the ultimate return on your time invested. These are exercises that train multiple muscle groups at the same time. Instead of doing a skull crusher that isolates only your tricep muscle, you could do bench press or push ups that target your triceps as well as your chest and shoulder muscles. By sticking to compound exercises like squats, lunges, rows, push ups, etc. you can hit all the major muscle groups in the body in less time and with fewer total exercises.

Supersize Your Results With Supersets

Supersets allow you to get a ton of work done in a short amount of time. A superset is just pairing two exercises together with short rest in between. A great example of an effective superset would be doing a set of push ups, then going straight into a set of rows, resting about 30 seconds, and then starting back with push ups. This is called an antagonist superset, which means you’re training opposite muscle groups. In this example you’re training your pressing muscles with push ups and your pulling muscles with rows. These are great because they allow one muscle group to rest while training the opposite muscle group, leading to more work in significantly less time.

February 2024 The Reporter

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Wellness 2024 And if you’re using supersets with relatively short rest periods, this ends up acting as a cardio workout too. Don’t believe me? Try supersetting high rep lunges to push ups with 20-30 seconds rest in between. Let me know what your heart rate is at after a few rounds.

your job to worry about how others may view your circumstances.

Focus on managing your mental health rather than trying to get everyone’s approval.

3. Choose your friends wisely: Distance yourself from those who won’t make an effort to help understand what you are going

There’s no right or wrong answer here, it’s just a matter of personal preference. If health is your number one priority, no problem. Do a few supersets of compound exercises that cover all the major muscle groups and you’re golden. But if you’re interested in developing specific body parts, like your thighs or the back of your arms, you may have to reduce or eliminate training other body parts so you can devote more time to the areas you care most about.

If you are interested in specific body parts, consider including more exercises that target those muscles and doing those exercises earlier in the workout when you have more energy to devote to them.

Extra time is hard to find, but by incorporating some of the tips outlined in this article you can ensure you’re maximizing what time you do have to get the results you deserve. For more fitness and diet related content, connect with me on Facebook and let me know if you found this article helpful.

continued on next page...

Prioritize What’s Most Important To You

6 Tips To Discuss Your Mental Health With Others By: Stan Popovich

It can be frustrating to struggle with your mental health and to get your family and friends to understand where you are coming from.

Although most people may be understanding, there is usually one or two people who will make things more challenging for you.

As a result, here are six suggestions on how to deal with the people you know regarding your mental health situation.

1. Listen to the professionals: Your friends may mean well, but when it comes down to it, the professionals are aware of your circumstances more than anyone. It is important that you listen and follow the advice from your doctor or medical professional rather than following the advice from your friends and other people you may know.

2. Don’t argue with others: It is important that you do not get into arguments with those who are giving you a tough time. It is not continued at top...

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The Reporter February 2024

through. You need to surround yourself with positive and supportive people. If you have problems or issues with a particular person, then its best to keep your distance and hang out with those people are more supportive.

4. Attend a mental health support group: There are many mental health awareness support groups in any given area. Many hospitals, churches, and counselors in your area will be able to provide you with a list of these organizations. These groups will be aware of your situation and can give you additional advice regarding your concerns.

5. You are not alone: There are millions of people around the world who struggle with their fears, anxieties, and depression. Many of your relatives and friends more than likely struggled with anxiety and stress sometime in their life. Do not feel that you are alone when it comes to your mental health situation because there all kinds of people around you who can relate.

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6. Your goal is to get better: Focus on how you can handle the anxieties and stresses in your life rather than arguing with others who are giving you a difficult time. This isn’t a public relations event where you need to get approval from everyone. This is your life, and you need to be more concerned about getting your life back on track rather than pleasing everyone else.

4 Steps to Monitor Blood Pressure at Home

(Family Features) Nearly half of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure, or hypertension, and many don’t even know it.

High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and even death, but can be controllable.

To stay on top of your blood pressure and manage risks, follow these easy steps from the American Heart Association to selfmonitor blood pressure: • Get It – grab your validated self-monitoring blood pressure (SMBP) device • Slip It – slide the SMBP cuff up your arm • Cuff It – wrap the cuff snugly, but not too tight • Check It – check your blood pressure on the device Then be sure to share those numbers with your doctor.

Did you know that certain OTC pain relievers can elevate blood pressure? Ask your doctor about over the counter pain relievers that won’t raise your blood pressure.

Visit heart.org/hbptools to watch a video and find of list of resources.

Source: American Heart Association

ACCEPTING: DELTA DENTAL BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS METLIFE • GUARDIAN CIGNA • MANY MORE

Accepting New Patients Call 401-414-7374 today to schedule an appointment Rumford: 20 Newman Ave, Suite 1020, Rumford RI 02916 Warren: 91 Main Street, Suite 121 Warren RI 02885

Dr. Alexandra Reilly

February 2024 The Reporter

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IN MEMORIAM William Lee Rice

Norma Francis (Wheeler) Blackledge

William Lee Rice, 84, known to Norma Francis (Wheeler) friends and family as Bill, passed away Blackledge, 96, died peacefully in peacefully on Monday, January 29, 2024, her home on Saturday, December at the Hattie Ide Chaffee Home in East 30, 2023. She was the wife of the Providence, Rhode Island. Born on Oclate Robert Lester Blackledge, Sr. tober 26, 1939, in Seattle, Washington, Norma was a lifelong resident He was the devoted husband of Martha of Rehoboth, having grown up at Rice Sanders, and father to Jason Rice Wheeler’s Corner in Rehoboth MA of Island Heights, New Jersey, and as a child and remaining there after stepfather to Daniel Beshers of Halifax, her marriage. She was the daughMA, and Edward Beshers of Natick, MA. ter of the late Francis “Doc” E. and His role as a grandfather to Jackson Helena M. ( Williams) Wheeler.

Rice, Frances Morgan Rice, and stepNorma Blackledge Norma was a 1945 graduate of William Lee Rice grandfather to Rory, Wesley, Davia, and the Dighton High School, then known as Tahoderk, and loved music Nessa Beshers brought him great joy. and piano playing. She graduated second in her class from the He got his bachelor’s degree in botany at the University of Katherine Gibbs School and from this, found secretarial employment Washington and did graduate work in photography at The Cranat the Hospital Trust Bank in Providence RI where she worked until brook Academy of Art in Michigan. He served in the United States her marriage to Robert (Bob) in 1950 and the birth of her children.

Marine Corps Reserves.

During her marriage, she had served as Executive Secretary Bill served as manager of the photography lab for Brown Unito the Rehoboth Selectmen and owned her own real estate busiversity and subsequently opened his own photography studio in ness, Blackledge Real Estate. Norma loved the town of Rehoboth Providence. There, he did photographic work for Brown’s special and long held interest in land preservation which led her to support collection libraries and the Brown Medical School. creation of the Rehoboth Land Trust. She was a former member of After retiring, he won elections to serve on the Seekonk Planning the Rehoboth Garden Club.

Board and the Seekonk Board of Selectmen. He then served on She is survived by her children, Sarah (Blackledge) Alden and the initial Community Preservation Commission and he volunteered her husband Kenneth of Middleboro, Robert Blackledge Jr. and his at Doorways. wife Kathleen of Seekonk, Bruce Blackledge and his wife Dianne An avid gardener, he found peace and solace in the nurturing of Rehoboth and Glenn Blackledge also of Rehoboth. Norma was of plants. His love for the game of golf was matched only by his devoted to all her grandchildren, Jessica Blackledge, Heather enthusiasm for reading, which allowed him to explore worlds bePoidomani, Nicholas Blackledge, Glenn Blackledge Jr., Adam Blackyond his own. Travel was another of Bill’s passions, leading him to ledge and Evan Blackledge, as well as to her great grandchildren, experience diverse cultures and landscapes, always with a camera Landon Blackledge, Quinn Blackledge, Bruce Poidomani, Ellianna at his side. As a man who found solace in nature, William enjoyed Blackledge and Grey Blackledge. She was a force in our family and nothing more than spending time outdoors, whether it was in the will be sorely missed. woods or simply basking in the serenity of his own backyard. His culinary skills were a source of delight for his family and friends, who were often treated to his delicious creations. Bill’s commitment to environmental activism reflected his deep respect for our planet and his desire to leave it better than he found it. He channeled his energy into protecting natural spaces and advocating for sustainable practices, inspiring those around him to take action for the environment. .

Friends and family will remember William as a handy and creative individual, always ready to lend his skills to any project or problem. His passion was evident in everything he undertook, and he approached life with a Competent Concern When the Need Arises sense of purpose and joy. William’s legacy is one of love, artistry, and advocacy. He will Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services regardless of financial circumstance be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure Pre-Planning Specialists of knowing him. As we remember Bill, we Proudly serving Rehoboth & Seekonk families since 1898 celebrate a life lived fully with passion and heart. His spirit will continue to inspire us.

Andrew J. Correia, MBIE; President/Funeral Director & Embalmer A memorial service will be held at First Unitarian Church of Providence on Saturday, May 4th, 2024.

210 Taunton Ave., ROUTE 44 • East Providence RI 02914 (401) 434-2600 • www.jhwilliamsfuneralhome.com

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The Reporter February 2024

Kenneth W. DelRosso Kenneth W. DelRosso, 74, of Seekonk, died peacefully on January 24, 2024 at Rhode Island Hospital after a valiant battle with Type 1 Diabetes. He was the loving husband of Beverly K. (Pray) DelRosso. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Robert L. DelRosso and Evelyn J. (Waterman) DelRosso.

Ken devoted his life to provide and build a legacy for his family. He owned and operated Waterman Construction for many years until his retirement. He was Kenneth W. DelRosso a member of the Seekonk Congregational Church, served as Treasurer and member of Eastern Star Lodge A.F. & A.M., and the Carpenters Union.

Ken devoted his life to his family. A dedicated and adored father, he leaves his loving children: Michael K. DelRosso & his partner Robert Horton of Seekonk and Melissa K. Viccione and her husband Darrin of Charlotte, NC. He is survived by his grandchildren, Jacob M. DelRosso & his wife Carly of Seekonk, Cole W. Viccione of Charlotte, NC, Morgan T. Viccione of Charlotte, NC, and greatgrandfather of Millie J. DelRosso and Maisie L. DelRosso. He was the brother of Roberta L. DelRosso of Seekonk. Ken touched many people through his gentle nature, infectious smile and kind hearted nature. He will be missed by many including his brother in law, Charles E. Pray,, sister in law, Susan E Halkyard (Bob), brother in law, Scott W Pray (Carol) who all gave their love and support unconditionally for many years thru his illness. And numerous close friends that are considered family. He also leaves his adoring nieces and nephews.

His Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 12:00 P.M. in the Seekonk Congregational Church, UCC, 600 Fall River, Avenue, Seekonk. Burial in Rehoboth Village Cemetery will be private. Calling hours are respectfully omitted.

Arrangements are in the care of the Home of J.H. WILLIAMS & CO., 210 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI.

Florence M. (Lagasse) Dupont Seekonk – Florence M. (Lagasse) Dupont, 90, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday, January 12, 2024.

She was the beloved wife of the late Maurice E. Dupont, Sr. Born in Lincoln, RI, a daughter of the late Alpherie F. and Lea (Rivard) Lagasse, she resided in Seekonk since 1977.

Florence worked for many years at Texas Instruments, Attleboro and more recently at Almac’s until her retirement. She enjoyed spending time with her family and was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Florence leaves four daughters, Lorraine I. Miller of Citrus Springs, FL, Diane M. Kolnaski of Mystic, CT, Elaine L. Lussier of Lincoln, RI, and Monique M. Dezotell of Seekonk; two sons, Maurice Dupont, Jr., of Seekonk and Richard A. Dupont of Pawtucket; four siblings, Claire Billington, Rita Barrette, Raymond and Leonard Lagasse; nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

VISITATION will be held on Wednesday, January 17th from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, Coyle Dr., Seekonk.

Interment will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Pawtucket. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 3102, Pawtucket, RI 02861 would be appreciated. TrippFuneralHome.com

Death Notices Rehoboth

• Gregory D. Fyfe, 62, of Rehoboth, a devoted husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and uncle, passed away on December 31, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

• Judith Cahill passed away after a 35-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis, which she fought with grace, dignity and courage, Judi succumbed to one of its many complications on 12/31/23.

• Betty Hamilton Pryce Smith of Rehoboth died on the first of January 2024 at the age of 95.

William W. Tripp & Cheetham Funeral Homes Jason K. Landry of Rehoboth

Daniel A. Laneres

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Michael S. Sladen

“Serving those who care.”

• Dorothy J. Regan, 96, of Rehoboth, died January 7, 2024 in her home.

• Eleanor M. (Wright) Brander, 87, of Rehoboth passed away Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, RI. • James (Jim) Packer Horton, age 93, passed away in his home in Rehoboth on Monday, January 15, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Seekonk • F. William Cockayne, 96, of Seekonk, MA, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Sunday, December 24, 2023.

• Bonnie (Laird) Britland, 76, of Seekonk, MA, died Monday, January 22, 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family.

1008-1012 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, RI | 401-722-2140 www.trippfuneralhome.com

February 2024 The Reporter

CLASSIFIEDS EVENTS

Seekonk Flea Market at Seekonk Speedway is opening March 24th, 2024, 7am-1pm every Sunday until December. Vendors & Patrons welcome and wanted! For more information, call Linda at 401-263-5737.

FREE STUFF

Free 5 antique beds one antique desk Seekonk 508-615-9855 Don Gardner

FOR SALE

2020 Boss 9' Super Duty Stainless plow. Used 6 times, like brand new. Always garaged. Includes push plate, wiring and controls.

Have tractor now so need to sell. Asking $4200. Call or text Bill for pics @ 508-252-9000.

FARMS

HAWKSWOOD FARM: Jack Russell Puppies For Sale!

ALSO: Looking for Barn Help; Riding lessons- celebrating 45 years, 1st lesson ½ price; Boarding-reasonable prices; Large grass turnouts; ponies for parties. Call Hawkswood Farm at 508-336-6114.

FOR RENT

2 Bedroom/2 Bath condo at The Inn at Pollard Brook, Lincoln, NH, within 5 minutes of Loon Mountain. Full Kitchen, sleeps 6, for school vacation week (Feb. 18 through Feb. 25) $1,600 401-4395213.

HELP WANTED

NOW HIRING: CNAs & Homemakers. Immediate openings, new starting rates, full or part time, flexible schedule, sign on bonus, incentive opportunities, call 401-437-3515 or visit www. healthcareconnectionsri.com.

Seasonal Help Wanted: Full and part time seasonal sales positions available at Little Tree Nursery; plant knowledge preferred, weekends a MUST, self-motivated, enjoy customer service, telephone inquiries, plant maintenance and care. Send resume or qualifications to LTN1997@aol.com Help Wanted: Positions available Sundays from March 24th thru December 1st. Looking for general help around the Seekonk Flea Market at Seekonk Speedway every Sunday from 5am-noon. Call Linda at 401-263-5737

Place Classifieds at www.ReporterToday.com

HALL RENTAL

BOOK YOUR SPECIAL OCCASION PARTY NOW! Riverside Sportsman Assoc. Mohawk Drive off Wampanoag Trail. For all occasions: Birthday, Family Reunions, Club/Organization Meetings.

Cash Bar. Monthly Steak Fries and other events. Call the club at 401-433-0209, leave a message.

VACATION RENTALS

WINTER WONDERLAND - SKI HOUSE WHITE MOUNTAINS NH/ FRANCONIA: Custom log cabin home in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, located on Pearl Lake Rd. Minutes from Cannon Mt., Loon, and Bretton Woods. Booking now for winter - snowmobiling trails right out of our driveway! Sleeps 6, fireplace, full kitchen, hiking, fishing. For info and pics call Joe at 401-439-8089.

SERVICES

COMPANION/CAREGIVER: Helping hand in caring for your loved ones. I offer rides to doctor’s appointments, grocery store visits and any other errands. I also offer companionship and activities as needed, rides to children’s activities as well. Call or text 401-440-1838.

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- Call for CHRISTMAS SPECIALS & GIFT CERTIFICATES! Tune-ups on all brands.

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. S401-245-9755 Housecleaning: Is your home in need of a really good cleaning?

Whether you need a 1 time cleaning, or regular cleanings. Years of experience! (We include fridge and oven w/ our cleanings) Call Gil for details 508-840-6611.

BIG BLUE REMOVAL SERVICE: Attic, Cellar, Total House.

We take everything! Furniture, Brush, Appliances, Yard Waste, Construction Debris, Trash…Demolition of Fences, Sheds, Decks, Pools. Let us do the work. Free Estimates. BEST PRICES. Call Tony 508-226-1295 or 508-889-0824; www.BigBlueJunkRemovals.com.

Call for an informative, honest and friendly quote.

WANTED

WANTED - Cash paid for your Militaria Items. Uniforms, Field Gear, Swords, Knives, Muskets etc. Looking for Rev War, Civil War, WWI, WWII and Vietnam items. Thank you, Paul in Rehoboth.

Text, call and/or send photos - 508-574-4392.

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.

HOME & GARDEN

House Plants & Succulents for sale: Good variety from $1-$10.

Call 401-433-2922.

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508-840-3987

FIREWOOD AVAILABLE

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The Reporter February 2024

Business CATEGORY

COMPANY NAME

Advocacy Group Antiques/Coin Shop Art Supplies/Framing Attorney Attorney Attorney Attorney Author/Book Auto Body Auto Dealers Auto Repairs Building Contractor Camp-Basketball Candidate - State Rep Carpet Cleaning Carpet Cleaning Child Care Chimney Cleaning Chimney Services Church Church Church Cleaning Service Cleaning Service

PAGE

Team Shawnie Advocacy Group, Inc. 56 Warren Exchange 26 Gregory D. Dorrance, Co. 54 Corso Law LLC 72 Laurie P. Mullen, Attorney 42 Law Office of Luke P. Travis 31 Stephen E. Navega 39 Stacy Parenteau 27 A-1 Custom Auto Body 46 Bristol Toyota 36 New England Tire 3 A.M. Carpentry 52 One On One Basketball Camp 47 Paul Jacques 22 Earle’s Carpet Cleaning 54 M & S Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning 52 Twin Oaks Farm Learning Center 45 RD Chimney Sweep 43 Kenny’s Masonry & Chimney Sweep 14 Faith Christian Center 56 Holy Cross Church 56 Rehoboth Congregational Church 55 Ada’s Cleaning Services 43 Debbie’s Cleaning Service 44

American Eagle Enterprises,

LLC

Handyman Service Light Carpentry Painting Remodeling & more Free Estimates

508-622-5110

TITLE 5 INSPECTION Assessments $25 • &Voluntary Consulting

Discount on Title V Inspection

• Septic Systems • Cesspools

* Not affiliated with any septic system installation or pumping co.

Professional Inspection Services - Est.1995 -

Call Steven Drew • 508-667-4025 MassDEP Approved Title 5 Inspector

No Mess!

We Hand-Dig

Commercial & Residential

Year-Round Service

CATEGORY Collectibles Comic Strip Credit Union Deer & Tick Control Dentist Dentist Dentist Dentist Dentist Dentist Dog Training Dumpsters/Waste Disp Electrician Events Events Excavating Farm - Apparel Fence Installation Financial Advisor Firewood Flooring - All Types Flooring - Wood Fuel - Oil Fuel - Oil Fuel - Oil Fuel - Propane Funeral Home Funeral Home Furniture/Upholstery Garden Center Handyman Health & Fitness Health Care Help Wanted Home Improvements Hospital Ice Cream Insurance Insurance Agency Insurance Agency Jewelers

COMPANY NAME

PAGE

Wexler’s Collectibles 44 Sour Grapes 63 Community & Teachers Credit Union 60 ohDEER 27 David C. Zaluski, D.D.S. 16 Dr. Wassouf D.D.S. 49 George Family Orthodontics 15 Lisa Daft DMD & Associates, PC 13 Seekonk Dental 10 Tourister Dental Associates 64 Pooch Pawsitive 25 Dutra Disposal & Recycling 33 Neal Bellavance Electric 43 NaBSco 29 Rehoboth Cub Scouts Pack 1 57 J. M. Turner Construction Co. 9 Kave Rock Farm 61 Fence Tech 43 Island Time Financial Services 34 Foley Excavating 41 Earle Dias Interiors 41 David J. Ledoux Hardwood Floors 24 Al’s Quality Oil Co. 69 E & V Oil Co. 72 Wood’s Heating Service 7 Propane Plus 4 J.H. Williams & Co. Funeral Home 65 William W. Tripp Funeral Home 66 Masterson Furniture 32 Little Tree Nursery 24 American Eagle Enterprises, LLC 68 SRA Training Systems 62 Stretch Zone 63 Trailside Day Care Center 25 MH Home Services 5 Sturdy Memorial Hospital 35 Uncle Eds Front Porch 59 Lori Schaad 69 Frazao Insurance 11 Smith Insurance Group, Inc 55 Plante Jewelers 11

February 2024 The Reporter

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Directory CATEGORY

COMPANY NAME

Junk Removal Kitchen/Bath Design Landscape Service Landscape Service Lawn Care Marble Fabricators Masonry-Construction Nail Salon Orthodontics Painting Contractor Painting Contractor Painting Contractor Painting Contractor Painting Contractor Painting Contractor Paving Contractor Paving - Masonry Pest Control Services Pet Services Physical Therapy Plumbing & Heating Plumbing & Heating Prepared Food/Deli Printing - Copies Private School Real Estate Real Estate Real Estate Real Estate Real Estate Real Estate Remodeling Restaurant Restaurant Restaurant Restaurant

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CATEGORY

23 27 12 42 18 41 9 61 15 39 41 68 30 16 23 8 44 17 61 62 53 23 59 38 45 28 12 70 17 57 38 42 59 58 58 2

Restaurant Restaurant Restaurant Roofing Contractor Roofing Contractor Roofing Contractor RVs and Campers Seafood Market Security Systems Septic Inspections Septic Systems Septic Systems Septic Systems Spa Sports-Baseball Sports-Baseball Sports-Baseball Stump Grinding Tax Preparation Trash/Junk Removal Tree Service Tree Service Tree Service Water Treatment Wells & Sump Pumps

AOL Enterprises Infinity Kitchens Superior Lawn Care T. Moreshead Landscaping Lawn Doctor Star Marble & Granite Valter Rego Masonry Sisters Beauty Nails & Spa George Family Orthodontics Advantage Painting Cronan Painting EZ Painting Fahey Painting Levine Painting Co., Inc. Lundco Painting LLC. Ryan Asphalt Paving Blue Stone Driveways & Masonry Flynn Pest Control Chibi’s Choice Personal Best Physical Therapy Sine Plumbing & Heating Vintage Plumbing & Heating The Cooks House Pleasant Printing Company St. Luke’s School Blu Sky Real Estate Elizabeth Ruehrwein Mateus Realty Melissa Casey TK Real Estate Brokerage Vicki Doran Batty Construction Boneyard Barbecue & Saloon El Mariachi La Familia Mack’s Original Pizza Pub

ANDREWS

I N S U R A N C E

AG E N C Y

W E ' V E G OT YO U COV E R E D

Home • Auto • Business • Recreational Vehicles

No prompts...Real People!

Lori Schaad, Associate Agent Cell: (401) 516-7273 Office: (401) 722-4271 Licensed in MA & RI

COMPANY NAME

PAGE

Madeira Restaurant 58 Rehoboth House of Pizza 59 Rhody Roots 58 B & R Fournier Construction, Inc. 33 Ferreira Co. 8 Tabeleys Roofing 41 Camping World of Berkley 71 Digger’s Catch 60 Home & Commercial Security 8 Pro Inspection Services 68 Croome Sanitation, Inc. 14 Soares Sanitation Pumping, Inc. 44 Town Sanitation 21 Niché Complexions Skin/Beauty Spa 64 RYBSA 48 Seekonk Little League 47 Seekonk Little League 46 Heritage Tree & Arborist Services 19 New England Tax Service, Inc. 49 Big Blue Removal Service 7 Choate Tree Service 41 Heritage Tree & Arborist Services 19 Seekonk Tree Service 67 Water Filter Company, Inc. 19 Vintage Plumbing & Heating 23

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Trade name for Al's Quality Oil Co., Inc.

HEATFORCE FUEL

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The Reporter February 2024

! !

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Mateus Realty is a family owned and operated agency with a personal touch that has been helping families buy and sell their homes since 1975, the experience makes the difference.

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MateusRealty.net

February 2024 The Reporter

137 Myricks St. in BERKLEY, MA

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The Reporter February 2024

24 HOURS

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A locally owned & opera ted, FULL SERVICE hea ting oil company ser ving the East Bay for 40+ years.

Our customers enjoy:

• Automatic & “Will-Call”oil deliveries • Competitive Full-Service oil pricing • Flexible payment options: C.O.D. (cash/check), Monthly Budgets, 5-day credit • We accept all major Credit Cards • Our acceptance of RI & MA LIHEAP • 24/7 emergency deliveries & burner service • 24/7 phone support • Truly friendly & knowledgeable employees

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492 Winthrop St., Suite 5, Rehoboth MA 02769