4 The Reporter August 2020
Please Note:
• 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!
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Inside This Issue Business Directory....................68 Church News..............................38 Classifieds...............................67 Club Announcements.................28 Events.......................................25
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!
Love for Seekonk
Seekonk is my home now, but it hasn’t always been. Growing up my life was centralized on the South End of Fall River, that was until I attended school in Providence. I ended up studying at Johnson and Wales University, recently graduating with a B.A. in Media and Communication Studies. Having only moved to Seekonk months ago, I find myself attempting to engage with the community in whatever way I can. For obvious reasons life has been at a standstill, but thankfully receiving the Seekonk Reporter Monthly has allowed for the seamless introduction to local shops and restaurants I can support and appreciate, especially during these uncertain times. As I live in North Seekonk, my daily commute is about a half hour. While driving down Central Ave., Newman Ave., and Arcade, I find myself reflecting often, feeling gratitude for all that I am privileged to have. Seekonk has provided me with a place I can comfortably and confidently call home. Here in Seekonk, there is no shortage of community. Although the kinds of engagement that take place within the community have changed, the importance has not. Whether it be the several social distancing walks around Gammino Pond, or through Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, or connecting with local farmers and buying fresh produce at Walker St. Organic Farms, life in Seekonk is safely enjoying the simple things. In the coming months, I’m excited to continue to explore the endless opportunities this town seems to be offering me. From picking my own blueberries at Osamequin Farms to exploring more local shops and trying fresh chowder from Dicky’s for the first time, I anticipate a sweet end to the summer. And it’s all thanks to you, Seekonk. Be grateful. Shop local. Be kind. Jacquelyn Lussier
Food & Dining.............................62 Letters to the Editor.......................4 Local Farms...............................46 Library......................................
Blanding.......................45
Seekonk......................40
Obituaries................................59 People.................................31 Rehoboth COA...........................50 Rehoboth Ramblings.................39 Rehoboth Town News................9 Restaurant Guide.......................65 Scouts...................................58 School News...............................54 Seekonk Human Services..........47 Seekonk Town News...................17 State House................................66
Thank You for Your Courage
We are writing in regard to a letter to the editor in the last Rehoboth Reporter by Chris Andrade about his experiences with racism as a child growing up in the area and as an adult raising kids of his own. We wanted to say thank for you for a beautiful letter that aimed to enlighten people about the often invisible but insidious effects of racism. We did not grow up here but have lived in Rehoboth for nearly 7 years. We are grateful to live in a town with neighbors like Mr. Andrade, who are obviously kind, ethical, and committed to social justice. We hope other residents heard him and appreciated his non-accusatory but honest descriptions of his experience and will take his message to heart. The fight against racism is going to take all us to be successful. It will also take the type of courage Mr. Andrade displayed by submitting his heartfelt letter to us all. So, thank you and know that there are many of us in solidarity with you. Sincerely, Gail Sahar and Jean-Luc Solère Rehoboth
I Stand in Solidarity
I am writing to thank Chris Andrade for his thoughtful and eye-opening letter sharing his experiences with racism in our community and schools. Your message opened my mind and heart to the privileges of indifference and silence that I have benefited as a white member of our town and society. I want to stand in solidarity with Mr. Andrade in his desire and hope for a community that listens and feels empathy towards its neighbors. Mr. Andrade ends his message by saying that although things have improved, “our work is not finished.” I hope that this message can be a call to action for us to come together against racism for more open and honest communication and listening within our schools, classrooms and community forums to bring racism out of the shadows and challenge it with our united voices and collective will. Sincerely, Lisa Sirois
