A limited number of Ty Law autographed bottles of Corvus Vodka will be available.
Enjoy some of Seekonk’s finest cuisine, drinks curated by Chris Gasbarro, Ty Law’s Corvus Vodka, and photos with the Patriots Cheerleaders!
Complimentary Stella Artois glass & custom engraving to the first 150 attendants.
$35 Admission Per Guest
Tickets may be purchased through PayPal, at the door, Seekonk Town Hall , Seekonk Human Services & Seekonk American Legion.
*If using PayPal, please fill in payment info with your name, number of guests, phone number and email.
Must present coupon.
• New oil filter installed
• Up to 5 quarts major brand oil
• Special oils & filter types will result in extra charges
• Most U.S. & Import cars
PLEASE CALL FOR APPOINTMENT
• Lube, Oil Change & New Filter (up to 5 quarts of a major brand oil)
• Top Off Coolant & Other Fluids Under the Hood
• Complete Tire Rotation*
• Check Tread Depth on All Four Tires
• Adjust Tire Pressure to Manufacturer's Specs
• Evaluate Brake Condition
• Inspect Battery Terminals & Connections
• Examine All Belts & Hoses for Cracks
Rehoboth Town News
From the Town Clerk
Hello All ~ Happy March! Hope you have been keeping warm. The Rehoboth Town Clerk’s Office has been busy processing almost 5,000 town census forms, 915 dog-tags/licenses, certifying election nomination papers for Town officials, and submitting FY 2026 budgets, while also preparing for the upcoming April 1, 2025 Annual Town Election (ATE) including sending off the ATE ballot to be printed.
Happy 2nd Anniversary Kerrie Perkins and Jennifer Hose - Rehoboth Town Clerk’s Office
Speaking of the Town Clerk’s Office, please join me in congratulating Kerrie Perkins, Assistant Town Clerk and Jennifer Hose, Administrative Aide, who began working for the Town on February 13, 2023. Both Kerrie and Jenn bring a wealth of experience to the Town Clerk’s Office and have been absolutely wonderful in assisting the residents and voters of Rehoboth. Personally speaking, Jenn and Kerrie have been awesome to work with. We have a great team in the Clerk’s Office and I am thankful they both decided to work for the Town of Rehoboth. Congratulations ladies on your second anniversary ~ we look forward to many more!
2025 Census Mailer
To those of you submitting your census documents and for registering your dog(s) so promptly ~ thank you. We mailed 5,865 census forms in January and received and processed 4,803 households to date; up from 212 more than last year. We are still looking for 1,062 census forms to be returned (Precinct 1=263; Precinct 2=250; Precinct 3=261 and Precinct 4=288). If you did not send in your 2025 census, please forward it as soon as possible. A second mailing went out last month to those residents for who we do not have phone numbers listed on their census reports and our Registrars, Helene and Jenn, are calling the remaining residents that have listed phone numbers this month. Census forms were due January 31st and Dog Licenses will be due by April 1st. Also, anyone wishing a second 2025 calendar, please let us know, we do have a few extras and can mail to you if you would like.
Upcoming Seekonk-Rehoboth Rabies Clinic
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Seekonk has graciously offered to hold another Joint Town Rabies Clinic at their Public Safety Building (Fire Division), which is located off of Route 44 by the blinking yellow light: 500 Taunton Avenue, Seekonk, MA. The clinic will open at 9:00AM and close at 12:00-Noon on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The Rabies clinic is open to non-residents and Rehoboth or Seekonk animal owners. Rabies Fee is $15 per animal – Cash only accepted for vaccinations. Cats and ferrets must be in a secured carrier, dogs on leashes. For MA and RI animal owners, in order to be issued a MA three-year Rabies certificate you must bring either a certificate for a Rabies vaccination dated between 3/16/24 and 6/16/24, or a previous MA or RI three-year Rabies certificate from your veterinarian. You can also bring last year’s Rabies certificate as documentation. A one-year vaccination certificate will be issued if you do not have your current rabies certificate. The clinic is open to dogs, cats, and ferrets. Dr. Truesdale from Central Ave Veterinary Hospital will be administering the vaccinations. Proceeds will benefit the Seekonk Animal Control Department. The Rehoboth Town Clerk’s Office will be there to renew your dog’s 2025 Dog License. We accept, Cash, Check or Credit Card/EFT payments. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Rehoboth Town Clerk’s Office at 508-252-6502 X-3109, 3112, or 3110. We look forward to seeing you, your dogs, and cats. Thank you for keeping our pets safe by having them inoculated.
Dog Licenses For 2025
2025 Dog Licenses are now available and may be obtained in-person, by mail, online at https://permiteyes.us/rehoboth/publichome.php for renewal licenses OR for a newly registered dog(s), which we do not have on file, please contact our office. You may also drop
off your dog licensing documents at the Town Hall drop box (340 Anawan Street). An application for dog license renewal was included in your 2025 Census mailer and directions for using the new Online Dog License program @ https://www.rehobothma.gov/town-clerk/ pages/dog-licenses or contact our office – 508-252-6502 X-3109 or X-3112. The licensing fees are as follows: Male or female dog $20.00, female-spayed or male-neutered $10.00. If paying by check, please make sure it is made payable to “Town of Rehoboth”. Dog licenses are due annually by April 1st. Whether renewing online, via mail, drop box, or in person, dog license applications must be accompanied by a current year rabies certificate (with a vaccination date covering the current licensing year-May 1st or later) 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 the office a call, and we can tell you how up-to-date our information is. Dog owners should note that the license(s) to be mailed must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope (the current postage is 69¢ for one dog tag, 97¢ for two dog tags and 1.25¢ for three tags). As of this writing, we have processed 915 of the 2,000+ dog licenses, which is 80 more than last year at this time ~ thank you all for submitting so quickly and if you have not registered your dog, please do so prior to the April 1st deadline ~ thank you.
Reminder, all residents 70-years old or over do not need to pay the $10 or $20 yearly dog licensing fee. 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
David J. Ledoux
HARDWOOD FLOORS
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, this does not include Kennel Fees.
The Annual Town Election
The Annual Town Election for the Town of Rehoboth will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, with the polls open from 7 AM to 8 PM – 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-location-francis-farmcommunity-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.
Town Nomination papers have been returned and certified. The following Positions to be elected on the ballot for 2025 are Moderator (one for 1 year), Board of Selectmen (one position for 3 years), Assessor (one for 3 years), Constable (three for three years) School Committee (one for 3 years), Housing Authority (one for five years), Planning Board (one for 5 years), Park Commission (one for 5 years), and Water Commissioner (two for 3 years).
As of now, it appears we will have two contested races (3-year term D-R School Committee and 5-year term Housing Authority). The Democratic Town Committee nominated: Bill Cute-Moderator for re-election, Joseph Luca-D-R Regional School Committee and Daniel Sousa-Housing Authority. The Republican Town Committee nominated: Frederick (Skip) Vadnais-re-election-Selectman, Steve Green-re-election Assessor, John David (Jake)-re-election-Park Commission, Ed Bertozzi-re-election-Planning Board, Art Gareaure-election Water Commission along with nominating Mary “Lissa” Solas for the second Water Commissioner position. The Republican Town Committee also nominated Martin Parker, Sr. and William A. Dalpe-re-election-Constable and nominated Sandra Phillips for the 3rd Elected position of Constable. Finally, our office certified nomination papers received from Wayne A. Mello-D-R School Committee-3-year and Brian James Estano-5-year-Housing Authority; both endorsed by the Republican Town Committee.
The final voter registration date, to be eligible to vote in the Annual Town Election, is scheduled for Saturday, March 22nd 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 Registration forms are also available at the Post Office, Blanding Library and Francis Farm COA.
Do you need a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the Annual Town Election? If so, please complete a Vote-by-Mail application @ https://www.sec. state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/vote-by-mail-applications/ vote-by-mail-paper-application-2023.pdf or stop by the Town Clerk’s office to receive a copy of the application.
Finally, if you have any questions on any of the above items discussed, please feel free to contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-252-6502, X3109, X3112 or X3110. Kerrie, Jenn and I wish all residents a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and we hope to see many of you at the upcoming March 15, 2025 Rabies Clinic and April 1, 2025 Annual Town Election – details above. Please keep warm and safe. I saw my daffodils coming up last weekend ~ spring can’t be far away! I look forward to speaking with you in April. Please mark your calendars to vote at the April 1st Election at Francis Farm; Town Meeting will be June 3rd. Thank you ~ please stay well!
From the Rehoboth Nurse
Happy St. Patrick’s month,
And of course, the Ides of March will come before St. Patrick’s Day and the first days of Spring just after. So, a busy month on the calendar!
As an Irish woman, my public service announcement is to remind you all to be very careful in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. NO drinking and driving, and be kind and respectful of all around you. For many, it is a family celebration, with kids and teenagers in areas usually reserved for adults only, for example in pubs or cultural centers, where they are a part of the singing, dancing and/or playing musical instruments And if you celebrate the day at one of the many local parades, be sure to watch the little ones, that they don’t get in the path of the marchers, particularly if there are horses marching in the parade.
As spring makes it debut for 2025 and we get back to the outdoors, don’t forget skin protection when out in the sun, and monitor for tick and mosquito bites. For information on protection from bites and what to do if you find a tick imbedded in your skin, please go to the Public Health Nurse page on the town website.
We are still seeing cases of ‘flu here in Rehoboth.
There are findings that children with underlying health issues seem to be at risk for complications with this year’s ‘flu strain. The literature is indicating some neurological complications in children, specifically those children with underlying neurological conditions. In the event that your child is experiencing ‘flu like symptoms, particularly with fever, please contact the child’s PCP for instructions. And as I have mentioned in the past, if you or your child are sick, especially when accompanied by fever, please stay home until symptoms have resolved and you and/or your child is fever-free for 24 hours.
BP screening clinic continues on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Senior Center here at 27 Francis Farm Rd from 11:30am-1pm. I am still offering the COVID-19 vaccination to seniors during the Wednesdays BP screening clinic. Please contact me at 508-962-4558 to schedule your vaccine.
The podiatry clinic is on March 20th. The doctor is on vacation the first Thursday of March, hence the change in week. All appointments are filled now, but give me a call if you’d like to go on the cancellation list. The next podiatry clinic will be May 1st from 9am-12n.
We continue to offer home safety evaluation and wellness checks for those who are homebound and may need help or referral to other services so that they may stay safely at home. These visits are usually booked for Tuesday or Thursday afternoons. If you or a loved one would like to be seen, please reach out to us at 508-962-4558 or at ghamel@ rehobothma.gov
The Bereavement Group continues to run on Wednesdays from 9:30am-10:30am. All are welcome, and remember one’s loss and bereavement may not be related to the death of a loved one, but possibly to the loss of any relationship that results in a sense of grief. We are joined by Judy Rosa during some of our meeting. Judy is an intricate part of almost all of the exercise classes here at Francis Farm, and has been such a support for our group, helping us through our grief using meditation. Having experienced the loss of her husband, she has the ability to really empathize with our groups’ various grief experiences. If you are suffering after a loss, I hope you’ll join us.
Though the term ‘Ides of March” is associated with things morbid or negative, I refer to this March calendar landmark because it is sometimes used as a reference to sadness. If you are experiencing sadness, depression or anxiety that is impacting your quality of life, please reach out to your PCP for support and a referral for further care if needed. Likewise, if you are noticing a friend or family member suffering, talk about it, don’t ignore it. You will also find some resources on the Public Health Nurse’s page on the town website. I learned, many years ago, that we are Bio-Pyscho-Social beings. A disruption in any one of these facets results in disequilibrium and potentially illness. So, we shouldn’t ignore any part of our being. The protection and care of each part of us is essential to our overall health. I have said the following so often in my years of practice; we don’t ignore or discount serious physical health issues, so why do we ignore pyscho-social health issues?
We’ll chat again in April! In the meantime, be kind, be good and be safe!
Sincerely,
Geri Hamel - Public Health Nurse
27 Francis Farm Rd. 508-962-4558, ghamel@rehobothma.gov
We welcome all ideas, photos, articles, news releases and notices that affect these areas.
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It’s A Birthday Blizzard of Giving!
Birthday presents for our Rehoboth children
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, birthdate, school, clothing size, gender, and general interests.
This information can be emailed to rehobothblizzard@gmail.com Or mailed to Colleen McBride, 35 Pond Street, Rehoboth, MA 02769
To fulfill your requests, please send all the above information at least 3 weeks in advance of when you would like to receive your child’s gifts.
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 Colleen McBride, Cathy Edington, and Cheryl Santos Rehoboth Blizzard of Giving, Inc. www.rehobothblizzardofgiving.org
Rehoboth Historical Commission Selling House Markers
If your home was built before 1925 you can apply to have a historical marker placed on it. The commission is selling markers for Rehoboth homes that are over 100 years old.
The price for each marker is $100.00
These makers make great gifts for many of the coming spring holidays. Applications are available at the Rehoboth Town Office 340 Anawan Street or on the town website. Under the list of Commissions Rehoboth Historical Commission, click on “Historic Structure Marker Applications”. A drawing of the sign can be found on the Rehoboth Historical Commission website along with the application. For help or questions about the application contact: Cathy Potter
Rehoboth Historical Commission 508 252 3682
Rehoboth Animal Shelter News
The Rehoboth Animal Shelter is now the temporary home of a number of new cats. Oscar is a sweet orange boy who appears to be a former pet. He loves attention! Oscar has been neutered, vaccinated, and combo-tested negative. Find out more about Oscar and other adoptable pets at Petfinder. com. To make an appointment or to report a lost or found pet, please call 508-252-5421, ext. 126, and leave a message.
Oscar
Rehoboth Land Trust
Events Calendar
All of these events are FREE and open to the public! Please note that some events require registration.
March 15, 2025 @1pm - Cold Water Critters in Vernal Pools - Ephraim Hunt Ministerial Land, Pond St
This RLT property is home to two vernal pools that serve as important breeding sites for amphibians in March. With amphibian expert and RLT President, Carol Entin, you’ll get the chance to collect water samples, hunt for tiny creatures among leaf litter, and hopefully see frogs, salamanders, and their eggs up close! Registration required. Please email info@rehobothlandtrust.net with your name, phone number, and # of people in your party.
April 24, 2025 @6:30pm - Sustainable Landscaping: Gardening for People, the Planet, and Your Pocketbook / RLT Annual Meeting, Melanie Trecek-King (Nature’s Voices Speaker Series) - Goff Memorial Hall
If you love gardening, this is for you! Professor Melanie TrecekKing will reveal sustainable gardening methods to create beautiful backyard habitats that are also safe for native plants and animals. An active speaker, Melanie is an Associate Professor of Biology at Massasoit Community College, and founder of Thinking is Power, a science curriculum focused on critical thinking and information literacy. This is also the Rehoboth Land Trust’s Annual Meeting, so you will get an inside look at what else we’re up to! No registration necessary.
May 10, 2025 @9am - Spring Bird Walk - Reynolds Ave Conservation Area
BYOB -- binoculars, that is! Up your birdwatching game by learning the different songs and calls of spring migrating birds. Count
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how many you can spot at our property on Reynolds Ave, guided by experienced birder and RLT Trustee, Madeleine Linck. She’ll also teach you how to use the free Merlin ID birding app (download it before the walk for best results). Registration required. Please email info@rehobothlandtrust.net with your name, phone number, and # of people in your party.
June 28, 2025 @11 am - Live Animal Show, Animal Adventures (Nature’s Voices Speaker Series) - Goff Memorial Hall
Kick off your summer vacation by getting up close and personal with some cool critters! Zoo and rescue center Animal Adventures
will showcase live creatures including an alligator, hedgehog, geckos, turtles, frogs, and more. If the animals are up to it, you might even be able to pet some of them! Learn about the wildlife conservation programs at Animal Adventures, and ways you can help protect Rehoboth wildlife. This event will take place at Goff Memorial Hall in Rehoboth and is FREE and open to the public. No registration necessary.
The Rehoboth Land Trust Nature’s Voices Speaker Series is funded in part by a grant from the Rehoboth Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Thank you RCC!
Anticipating Amphibians!!
It’s hard to believe that cold-blooded creatures such as frogs, toads, and salamanders will become active during March, but this is when they emerge from their underground hideaways in the uplands (NOT the wetlands). The first to become active will be our wood frogs, spring peepers, and a few different salamander species who will be on the move from their upland habitat to the wetlands to reproduce. Crossing roads during wet, rainy nights is their greatest obstacle, so be vigilant as you drive to avoid hitting them. Their destination? Vernal (spring) pools of water that dry up in the summer are perfect nurseries for their eggs and young. Some of these pools are within forested wetlands and some are in fields, your backyard, and even along the edges of our roads in Rehoboth.
The young of these amphibians eat mosquito larvae and the adults consume all sorts of insects, including garden pests! Being rather low on the food chain, amphibians are consumed by other carnivores such as snakes, raccoons, fishers, and mink, all of whom feed on rodents and are valuable rodent controllers. Avoid using the new rodenticides that poison rodents. When an apex predator like foxes, owls, and hawks consume a rodent dying from the poison, they are then killed by the poison themselves.
Amphibian eggs develop quickly if the water temperatures aren’t terribly cold. Some frog and toad eggs hatch in as few as 3-7 days while salamanders take about a month to develop, hatch, and start eating mosquito larvae!
One very special amphibian that lives in Rehoboth is the threatened, Blue-spotted Salamander, which has small sky-blue flecks of color on a 3-5” long purple-black body and tail. They are quite elusive though! Perhaps you’ll be gardening, moving a log, or pick up a pot and find one underneath after their breeding event is over and they have left the wetlands.
Take a good look at this photo and if you spot one, take a photo of it in the wild, and mark the location with a pile of sticks or rocks you can find later. With damp hands, place it in a plastic container with a handful of wet leaves and a secure cover. Then, call or text me and I will arrange to document it before returning it to the wild! Only 7 have been documented since 2016! Maybe you will find the eighth one!! Carol Entin 508-415-6065 or president@ rehobothlandtrust.org.
Rehoboth Land Trust, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded entirely by donations and run by dedicated volunteers. We are not a town committee. Learn more at www.rehobothlandtrust.org.
Joseph Luca for School Committee
I’m Joseph Luca, a parent, active community member and proud resident of Rehoboth. I am excited to announce my candidacy for the open seat on the Dighton Rehoboth School Committee. Our schools are the foundation of our community, and I am committed to ensuring that every decision prioritizes student success, responsible spending, and open communication with parents, educators, and taxpayers.
Fiscal responsibility is a top priority for me. Our district must make smart, strategic financial decisions—analyzing the budget to cut waste while protecting the programs and resources that matter most. Every dollar should be spent in ways that directly benefit students and strengthen our schools.
I also believe that every child, regardless of background, ability, or circumstance, deserves access to the support they need to reach their full potential. That means fostering an inclusive learning
environment where all students feel valued, safe, and empowered to succeed.
Engaging with the community will be central to my work on the School Committee. I want to hear from parents, teachers, and taxpayers to ensure that all voices are part of the conversation. By working together, we can develop solutions that reflect the needs of our entire district and keep our schools moving forward.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve and make a meaningful impact. To learn more or support my campaign, please visit https://www.facebook.com/Luca4DR or email me at Luca4DR@gmail.com
Thank you, Joseph Luca
Dan Sousa for Rehoboth Housing Authority
I am seeking to secure the vacant position with the Rehoboth Housing Authority running as an Independent, I look forward to serving our community, especially those that are most vulnerable, our senior citizens and veterans, thank you for your time and attention.
Best Regards, Dan Sousa
Rehoboth Republicans Nominate Candidates
By Joe Siegel
The Rehoboth Republican Town Committee has nominated Frederick “Skip” Vadnais for Board of Selectmen in the April Town Election. Vadnais has been serving in town government for nearly 40 years.
Other nominees at last Wednesday’s caucus include:
• Stephen Green – Board of Assessors
• William A. Dalpe, Martin Parker, Sandra Phillips - Constables
• John D. Kramer – Park Commission
• Edward Bertozzi – Planning Board
• Wayne Mello – Dighton-Rehoboth School Committee
• Brian Estano – Housing Authority
• Mary Solas, Arthur Gareau - Water commission
Rehoboth Proposes $40M Budget
By Joe Siegel
The proposed budget for FY’26 is $40.5 million, a less than 3 percent increase over the previous fiscal year.
Director of Finance Sue Pimental gave the presentation at Monday’s Board of Selectmen meeting. Pimental explained there had been some retirements of town employees and their replacements are being paid lower salaries.
Fixed costs are 8 percent higher than last year, which includes pension, health insurance, town insurance and state charges.
Rehoboth’s assessment for the Dighton-Rehoboth School budget is 6.03 percent higher than it was in FY’25.
Certified free cash is $1.2 million, a decrease from last year’s amount of $2.4 million. “Again, that has to do with receipts and growth being less,” Pimental noted. “There’s not a lot of fluff in the budget.”
Facility maintenance increased by 42 percent, from $185,000 to $265,000. This includes utilities costs and maintenance plans to various buildings.
Pimental noted there has been a widespread increase in electricity costs. She will look at the solar program the town has to make sure all the credits are applied.
In addition, money will be put into the Capital Stabilization Fund for projects which are needed for a three year period. The plan is to put any excess FREE cash into a capital Stablization account to continue to fund capital projects with these monies.
The budget the finance committee approves will be voted on at a town meeting in early June.
Attleboro Youth Honors Rehoboth First Responders
By Joe Siegel
Jeremiah Cooper, a 16 year old student who attends Attleboro High School, has produced a calendar honoring Rehoboth’s K-9 first responders. Also featured are K-9s from the Abington Police Department, Barrington Police Department, Dartmouth Police Department, Fall River Fire Department, and North Attleboro Police Department. “He’s doing such great work that I felt I had to share his story and his work with the whole town,” Officer David Aguiar told the Board of Selectmen Monday.
Cooper took all of the photos for the calendar. He told the board he does police and fire photography. Work on the calendar began last June. Cooper said he took a trip to the town of Berlin, where
the K-9 officer there told him about wanting to keep his own comfort dog. “All he wanted to do was keep the dog, he didn’t want to lose the dog,” Cooper explained. The officer didn’t have the money to pay for the dog so he launched a T-shirt drive. Cooper bought a T-shirt and decided to produce the calendar to help other K-9 officers.
The proceeds from the sale of the calendars will be distributed to all the K-9s which were part of the project. “It’s awesome to see a young guy like you who has talent putting it to use like that,” said Selectman Dave Pereira. “Thank you very much. It’s a pleasure meeting you.”
The 2025 Cash For K-9s calendar’s cover features Edo, Aguiar’s K-9 partner. “We’ve very humbled and very blessed that people support us and believe us,” Aguiar added.
The calendars are on sale for $20 each. They can be purchased from the Rehoboth Police Department or by visiting the website 848photography.com.
t U E S D AY, A P R I L 1
I have been a Rehoboth resident for 31 years My wife and I have 4 children (3 graduated from DR and 1 is currently at DR) I am the owner of a company in town that has been in business for over 60 years My work ethics and attention to detail have allowed me to become an effective communicator I look forward to working with our Superintendent and our School Committee I want to give back to our special community I ask for your vote -- Thank You
I’m excited to announce my candidacy for the Rehoboth Housing Authority As a dedicated professional with a diverse background from serving in the U S Navy to working in home renovation, transportation, and small business ownership I’ve always believed in the importance of strong communities and the value of safe, stable housing for all I would be honored to have your support
Rehoboth Assistant Fire Chief Mark Haskell Promoted to Fire Chief
by Joe Siegel
Effective October 1, Mark Haskell will succeed Chief Frank Barresi, who is retiring after serving in the department for 38 years, the past 11 as Chief. “Frank did a lot for this department,” Selectman Rob Johnson said Monday. “He was a great leader. He’s a good friend. Frank put a good department together as far as leadership.”
Johnson said Haskell had the “right attitude” to lead the department. Haskell has been a member of the department for 34 years. “I’ve never heard you complain about anything,” Selectman George Solas told Haskell.
“Rehoboth is a better place moving forward with you here,” said Selectman Lenny Mills.
Chairman Skip Vadnais praised Haskell for his “dedication to a viable call fire department.” Vadnais noted the Rehoboth Fire Department was unique: “You’ve got third and fourth generation firefighters here. You have whole families that are firefighters. We’re definitely blessed. We don’t use mutual aid very much. We give out probably more mutual aid than we receive.”
Dr. Lisa Daft
Dr. Lisa Daft and Dr. Jared Stubbs
Vanderpool
Rehoboth Ambulance Contract
By Joe Siegel
The Town of Rehoboth has signed a new contract with Rehoboth Ambulance. Under the terms of the contract, which was signed by the Board of Selectmen on February 3 and runs through June 30, 2026:
• Rehoboth Ambulance shall acquire, maintain, and pay all attendant vehicle costs necessary to comply with this Agreement.
• Rehoboth Ambulance shall assume all costs of its staffing, supplies, telephone, diesel fuel, gasoline, oil, maintenance, materials, communication system, equipment, and all other items required in the proper operation of the service. Rehoboth Ambulance shall maintain all mobile radios, portable radios, pagers and other notifications, apps or devices to the latest system capability.
• Service records of any Rehoboth Ambulance vehicles utilized in the Town shall be made available to the Town at the request of the Fire Chief, Police Chief, or the Board of Selectmen.
• Rehoboth Ambulance shall provide the Town with an employee roster of all EMTs. The roster will be updated on a quarterly basis, or as needed based on personnel actions.
• The ALS and assigned minimum staff will remain on-duty in the centrally located headquarters provided by the Town of Rehoboth (334 Anawan St.) unless dispatched by Rehoboth 911.
The Town, through the Board of Selectmen, may terminate the Agreement at any time for convenience after giving ninety (90) days’ written notice to Rehoboth Ambulance.
The Town may terminate for cause if the service being provided is not consistent with the terms of the agreement by providing thirty (30) days’ written notice of such termination and an opportunity to cure as set forth below. Notice of termination for cause shall include any and all alleged contractual violations.
Last October, the town was awarded Bristol County ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to purchase a new ambulance. The Rehoboth Ambulance Committee will be able to use it as they see fit.
Runey Proposes $53.9M Budget for D-R
Dighton-Rehoboth
By Joe Siegel
Regional School District Superintendent Bill
Runey has proposed a tentative budget of $53.9 million for FY’26. That figure represents a 4.1 percent increase over the current fiscal year’s budget of $51.8 million. For the two towns, Dighton’s increase would be 4.36 percent and Rehoboth an increase of 6.03 percent.
The Public Budget hearing will be held on March 25. Runey gave his presentation at the February 25 school committee meeting.
There are no plans to cut positions this year. One full time position will be added. “Despite declining enrollment, there had been little to no definitive “rightsizing” of staff or resources for years prior to my arrival,” Runey said. “It was left to me and my team to course-correct by recalibrating our staffing through cuts, putting our positive culture at risk. In FY25, I proposed a cut of 20.5 positions. This was catastrophic from a personnel (and personal) standpoint. Again, we had no choice because, in spite of exorbitant inflation rates, the expiration of ESSER funds, and an increase in enrollment, we received less revenue from the state than the year prior.”
Runey said the FY’25 budget had been stripped “of virtually every security and technology upgrade.”
The district’s financial troubles are far from over, with a reduction in state aid. “While we are still in a very deep hole based on FY24 & 25, the good news is that I am proposing a FY26 budget to you that does not perpetuate the downward spiral. Yes, we had to find efficiencies, but we are also proposing small measures to recoup staffing and resources.”
The new budget includes cuts to supplies and equipment.
Runey said health insurance increases have not been finalized yet, noting an eight percent increase has been budgeted. However, he said other school districts have reported possible increases of 10 percent for their health insurance costs.
Negotiations are continuing with the district’s two largest bargaining units, the DRRTA and DRRPA. The 4.11 percent proposal does factor in an increase for each group, although that figure may change.
Runey explained Special Education costs have increased 26 percent in three years.
Another challenge is “replenishing curriculum and technology that is outdated, with no ESSER relief,” Runey added.
Bill Cute Moderator
Dan Sousa Housing Authority
Joe Luca School Committee
SEEKONK DENTAL
Runey Featured Speaker at Superintendents Forum
By Joe Siegel
Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Superintendent Bill Runey has been chosen to speak at the National Superintendents Forum (NSF) which will be held on February 23 and 24 in Atlanta, Georgia. “I’m so fortunate to have an amazing District Leadership Team and a supportive School Committee who have empowered my success and consistently ignite my passion for what we are accomplishing in our #WeAreDR community, where we are #BuiltDifferent,” said Runey.
The presentation, “Channeling Chaos into Clarity - Controlling the Narrative during Times of Crisis,” outlines that adverse situations can escalate quickly, leaving district leaders scrambling to address the angst of their community. The session will empower educational leaders with proactive strategies to react calmly, respond effectively, and establish control of the narrative.
Attendees will also learn how to leverage social media and other communication strategies to share clear and timely information, engage school committees and local government leaders, address the media, and collaborate with police and fire departments to ensure coordinated communication.
Palmer River Principal Nominated by MSAA
By Joe Siegel
Kristine Kefor, Principal of Palmer River Elementary School, has been nominated for consideration as the 2025 Principal of the Year by the Massachusetts School Administrators Association (MSAA).
This prestigious recognition highlights Principal Kefor’s dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to empowering her students, staff, and school community. The entire PRES Community shares in this recognition.” Superintendent Bill Runey said on Thursday.
“As part of this honor, Kefor is required to submit an application detailing her accomplishments and best practices, which will be reviewed by a selection committee of MSAA members. This nomination is a reflection of not only her outstanding leadership but also the collective efforts of the entire Palmer River educational community,” Runey stated.
“I am truly honored to be nominated for the esteemed title of MSAA Principal of the Year,” Kefor said. “Since becoming the principal of Rehoboth’s Palmer River Elementary School in August 2022, I have focused on shaping a school community that welcomes and supports students, staff, and families. My dedicated team has been instrumental in fostering a positive, inclusive culture where students thrive both socially and academically.”
The Seekonk Scene
From the Seekonk Town Clerk’s Office
We have happily noticed the days are getting longer. Don’t forget to “spring forward” on Sunday, March 9th at 2:00AM. Spring officially arrives on March 20th and hopefully we will begin to see the crocus and daffodils bloom soon.
Please mark your calendars for our Town Election on Monday, April 7th and Spring Town Meeting on Monday, May 12th at 7:00PM.
Town Census & Dog License Information
Thank you to all those who have submitted their census and dog license information to us. The Town Clerk’s office has been very busy processing them. If you have not returned your town census or dog license application, please do so as soon as possible. Please be sure to update and/or make any changes to the form, sign, and return it to our office by mail, in-person, or by leaving it in the drop box located at the front entrance of Town Hall.
Failure to respond to the census may result in an interruption in voter status, becoming an inactive voter, and being removed from the active voting list. As a reminder, the census does not register you to vote. If you are a registered voter, there will be a party affiliation by your name (i.e. D, R, U, etc.). Updates to your party affiliation can be made in person at our office or by going online to https:// www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/.
DOG TAGS EXPIRE ON MARCH 31st. Massachusetts General Law states dogs must be licensed annually, with proof of a current rabies vaccination. Failure to comply may result in a by-law citation fee. You can renew the license in-person or by mail. If you would like to have the dog tag mailed to you, please return your completed form to us along with a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check made payable to the Town of Seekonk. As a reminder, license fees are waived for residents 70 years of age or older. However, you still need to apply for the license and show the dog is current on their rabies vaccine.
The 2025 Rabies Clinic will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 9:00AM to 12:00PM at the Seekonk Public Safely Building Fire Division, 500 Taunton Ave. The fee is $15 cash only. Please bring proof of the 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.
Annual Seekonk Town Election
The Annual Seekonk Town Election will be held Monday April 7, 2025 from 7:00AM-8:00PM at the Seekonk High School. Whether you are voting by mail or in-person, please be sure to completely fill the oval in with a black ball point pen or finetip felt marker only. Do not put an “X” or check mark. The voting machines will not read it.
If you have a ballot to drop off on April 7th please put it in the ballot drop box located at the front doors of Town Hall. We will be checking the drop box during the day to be sure your vote counts.
We will be offering in-person early voting at the Town Hall in the Select Board Meeting Room during the following hours:
Monday, March 31 - 8:30AM-4:30PM
Tuesday, April 1 - 8:30AM-4:30PM
Wednesday, April 2 - 8:30AM7:00PM
Thursday, April 3 - 8:30AM-4:30PM
Friday, April 4 - 8:30AM-12:00PM
Absentee & Early Voting Ballot Applications Request for 2025
Absentee ballot applications are available in our office or on our website (https://www.seekonk-ma.gov/280/Town-Clerk). If you want to be put on the permanent absentee ballot mailing list, please fill out the form and check off “for all elections.” This form needs to be filled out each year.
To qualify as an absentee voter:
• You will be away from your town on Election Day
• You have a religious belief that prevents you from voting at your polling location on Election Day
• You have a disability that prevents you from voting at your polling location
• You are on active military duty
• You are a U.S. citizen living outside the U.S.
• You are requesting an emergency absentee ballot due to hospitalization
• You are currently incarcerated for a reason other than a felony conviction
If you do not qualify for as absentee voter, you can complete the vote by mail application which can be found on our website or at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/ vote-by-mail-applications/vote-by-mail-paper-application-2023.pdf. Applications for both absentee and vote-by-mail must be received by the Town Clerk by 5:00PM on March 31, 2025. We recommend applying earlier than the deadline to be sure it is received in time.
If you are not registered to vote, the last day to register to vote for the April 7, 2025 Town Election is March 28th. To register to vote or check your voter status please go to: www.vote.gov/register/ma Below is a list of the candidates who are running for elected positions for the April 7, 2025 Annual Town Election
• BOARD OF ASSESSORS – For Three Years Vote for ONE: Nelson Almeida (incumbent)
• BOARD OF SELECTMEN - For Three Years Vote for TWO: Gary Sagar
• LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES – For Three Years Vote for THREE: Ann Caldwell (incumbent), Michael Durkay (incumbent), Alyssa Richards (incumbent)
• PLANNING BOARD – For Five Years Vote for TWO: Jo-Ann Perry, Open
M-F 9-4 Sat 9-12
• PLANNING BOARD – For Four Years Vote for ONE: Open
• *Please note there is an official write in campaign for the Planning Board seat by R. Michael Bingham
• SCHOOL COMMITTEE- For Three Years Vote for TWO: Emily Field (incumbent), Michael Novinson, Robert J. Gerardi, Jr.
• WATER COMMISSIONER – For Three Years Vote for ONE: Dawn Dyer (incumbent)
*Please note there is an official write-in campaign for the Water Commissioner seat by Jeffrey Starr Mararian
The following BINDING QUESTION will be on the ballot:
Shall the Town of Seekonk be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay the Town’s allocable share of the bond issued by the Tri County Regional Vocational Technical School District for the purpose of paying costs of designing, constructing, originally equipping and furnishing a new District High School and related athletic facilities to be located at 147 Pond Street, Franklin, Massachusetts, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto? ______ Yes ______No
Other Reminders
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax 1st bills are due by March 12, 2025.
Real estate and personal property taxes:
Third quarter was due on Monday, February 3, 2025
Fourth quarter will be due on Thursday, May 1, 2025
If you have any questions regarding your taxes, please contact the Tax Collector’s Office at 508-336-2930.
We hope you have a wonderful month. As always, please contact us (508) 336-2920 or by email at townclerk@seekonk-ma.gov if you have any questions. Thank you for taking the time to read the Town Clerk’s Office monthly update.
~Kristen and Lorraine
Town of Seekonk Rabies Clinic
Saturday, March 15, 2025 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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 2025 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 2025 are due by March 31, 2025, any licenses issued after May 31st, 2025 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 MSN,RN - Board of Health
Seekonk Household Hazardous Waste Day
Registration Opening Date: February 24th, 2025 at 9:00 AM (registration closed once filled)
This widely attended event allows Seekonk residents the opportunity to bring household hazardous waste to be safely disposed of, free of charge. Household Hazardous Waste Day is an annual public service provided by the Seekonk Board of Health.
Registration will be done online via Eventleaf. The link is provided above. If you do not have access to a computer or email. Please call the Board of Health at 508-336-2950 for assistance. All registrants will be assigned an approved time slot on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is limited to the first
100 registrants. After the first 100 slots are filled, a waitlist will be created. The Seekonk Board of Health reserves the right to close this event, once the allowable threshold has been met. ID will be required as this is only open to Seekonk residents. No materials will be accepted from businesses. Once you submit your registration, you will first receive an email confirming we received your registration. We will then reply via email with an approved time slot for your collection on March 29th.
Why have a collection for Household Hazardous Waste?
Many household items contain hazardous substances that pose health and environmental risks. These substances can leach into groundwater if poured down the drain, thrown in the trash or dumped directly onto the ground. At our collection day, hazardous products will be sorted, categorized, properly packed by a licensed hauler, and disposed of in an appropriate manner. What to bring for collection at Household Hazardous Waste Day?
• Oil based paints, stains, and varnishes (no latex paint products will be accepted), paint thinners, solvents, strippers, wood preservatives, solvent adhesive and wood tar.
• Motor Oil (limit of 5 gallons per household)
• Waste fuel; Kerosene, gasoline, engine degreaser, carburetor cleaner, brake fluid, car wax and polishes, driveway sealer, charcoal lighter fluid.
• Poisons, insecticides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, weed killer, mothballs, pest strips, flea powder.
• Ni-cad, button, rechargeable, and lithium batteries.
• Propane Gas Cylinders
• Automobile/Motorcycle Batteries
What not to bring?
• Latex Paint; can be disposed of safely in the trash by opening the container and allowing the paint to dry out prior to closing it tightly and disposing in the regular trash.
• Empty Containers; are not hazardous waste and need to be disposed of with regular trash disposal.
• Smoke Detectors; should be returned to the manufacturer for proper disposal.
• Commercial or Industrial Waste from businesses or contractors.
• Ammunition, explosives or fireworks; Please contact the Seekonk Fire Department for information regarding disposal.
• Tires; please contact the Seekonk DPW regarding disposal.
• Computer/Electronics; Please contact the Seekonk DPW regarding disposal.
• Sharps/Needles/Syringes/Lancets; Please contact the Seekonk Board of Health to schedule disposal of these items. Medical Sharps containers can be purchased by Town residents for $9.00 which includes the container and disposal. These items cannot be accepted during Household Hazardous Waste Day.
• Medication; Unused or unwanted prescription medications can be disposed of at the Seekonk Public Safety Complex located at 500 Taunton Ave. Seekonk MA at a collection bin in the lobby.
• Fluorescent bulbs and Mercury items; can be accepted at the Seekonk DPW year-round. Please call if you have questions prior to arriving for routine disposal.
Used Motor Oil will be accepted in limited quantities; The Massachusetts Used Motor Oil Return Law requires that each establishment selling motor oil establish a storage unit, and accepts used motor oil for disposal from customers presenting proof of purchase with that establishment. A retailer is obligated to accept up to 2 gallons of used motor oil a day, per customer.
*Sustainable Seekonk*
By Christine Zadykovich, Recycling Coordinator @ Seekonk DPW 508-336-7407
The Seekonk Recycling Committee would like to remind residents of all the great recycling and sustainability programs and resources we have available in town:
Earth Month Activities The Recycling Committee is hosting several activities for Earth Month-including our annual Litter Patrol Trash Clean Up, Rain Barrel Sale, and Compost Bin Giveaway. Main event is scheduled for Sat April 5th
Seekonk Transfer Station/TARF (351 Fall River Ave) is open year-round Mon-Fri 8am-3pm for drop off of yard waste (leaves, grass, twigs). Upcoming Bulky Waste Days: Mar 8, Apr 12, May 10. Passes are $29 and can be purchased at the DPW offices.
Seekonk DPW Offices (871 Taunton Ave) has textile collection bins & a Terracycle collection shed in the parking lot, and rechargeable batteries collection bin and eye glasses collection inside the lobby. Drop off fluorescent light bulbs-including CFL bulbs & tubes. These should never go in your curbside bins! Single use alkaline batteries, incandescent & LED bulbs can go in your blue bag trash. String lights & extension cords are also accepted anytime. Propane tanks can be dropped off w/ purchase of blue sticker $8.50. Bulky Waste Pickup stickers available for the 2nd & 4th Weds of each month for most items, 3rd Tues for metal/electronics, & 3rd Weds for mattresses/boxsprings.
Sustainability Survey: The Recycling Committee wants to hear from you! There is a survey posted on the Recycling Committee page on the town website www.Seekonk-MA.gov please help us understand what you’re interested in, what you need help with and what you’d like to see.
Food Waste Compost Collection at TARF: Black Earth Compost collection where residents can bring household food waste.
on next page...
Accepted items include: fruits & vegetables, egg shells, bread, cereal, meat & bones, wooden chopsticks & toothpicks, coffee grinds & filters and more. See BlackEarthCompost.com for a full list and tips on collection & transport. You can dump food waste directly into the bins or use certified compostable bags-no plastic bags please!
Don’t Trash It! Consider donating items that are still usable. If items are broken or no longer usable, pick up a special recycling packet at DPW or town website for FREE recycling resources.
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, it›s an amazing way to borrow what you need & save money!
Recycling Tip of The Month: Rember to REDEEM your bottles and cans!
You probably know that you pay a 5c deposit when purchasing soda, sparkling water, beer or other beverages in cans or bottlesbut do you still remember to set them aside to return to the store to get your money back??
You might think that tossing in your curbside bin is just as goodbut it’s NOT. Bottles and cans returned via redemption machine or redemption center are sent directly to the bottling companies to be reused/recycled into new bottles and cans, instead of being sorted and processed at a recovery facility which is busy processing thousands of tons of other materials, then being sold off to an
Custom
Designed
Homes
&
Additions
• Decks • Garages
• Roofing • Siding
additional processor. Also, when you redeem your bottles & cans, the beverage industry pays for the processing-instead of being billed to the town like your curbside materials-AND you get your money back! Making a new can takes 20 times more energy than recycling an old one-it makes a difference.
Please remember to recycle right, and…. Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (in THAT order!)
Seekonk Land Conservation Trust
Annual Meeting April 9th
The annual meeting of the Seekonk Land Conservation Trust (SLCT) will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 and starts at 6:30PM at the Seekonk Public Library.
Principal Investigator Erin Flynn, of The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc. in Pawtucket, will be discussing “Seekonk’s Archaeological Heritage” and offer a slide show of local archaeological sites in Seekonk. This will include local projects Flynn has worked on with CPA funds, and an overview of all the great resources in our town.
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According to Flynn, “Archaeologists, local collectors, and professional surveys for cultural resource management have made amazing contributions to our understanding of life in Seekonk from at least 11,000 years ago. Public awareness is critical to planning since archaeological sites are non-renewable resources and information is lost when sites are disturbed or excavated.” She will also bring a collection of artifacts, Native American, stone tools, and a few historic items, for discussion.
Public archaeology aims to promote awareness about the significance of archaeological sites and the need for their preservation. Archaeological site preservation can be coupled with land/environmental conservation, which helps preserve the past for the future.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 with a short business meeting followed by the presentation by Erin Flynn. The SLCT will also announce the recipient of the annual Mary C Wilson conservation award. Free to the public and all are welcome; light refreshments will be served.
Three Run for Seekonk School Committee
By Joe Siegel
There are three candidates running for two open three year seats on the Seekonk School Committee in the April 7 town election.
Incumbent Emily Field will face opponents Michael Novinson and Robert J. Gerardi, Jr.
Gary Sagar is the lone candidate for one open three year seat on the Select Board. Sagar previously served one term on the board. Incumbent Justin Sullivan is not running for another term.
Incumbents Michael Durkay, Ann Caldwell, and Alyssa Richards are running unopposed for another term on the Library Board of Trustees.
Incumbent Nelson Almeida is running unopposed for another term on the Board of Assessors.
Incumbent Dawn Dyer is running for re-election to the Water Commission. Jeffrey Starr Mararian is a write-in candidate for the seat.
Jo-Ann Perry is running for a five year term on the Planning Board.
Mike Bingham is a write-in candidate for a four year term on the Planning Board. Bingham has been serving on the board as a replacement member since September 2024.
Michael Novinson: Ready to Meet the Challenges
Seekonk Schools Face
I’ve met so many wonderful people since moving to Seekonk seven years ago, and my oldest is over the moon about starting kindergarten at Aitken in the Fall. While I’ve heard terrific things about the teachers and staff at our schools. I’m concerned about some of the challenges our district faces.
Despite adding 10 classrooms to Aitken just a few years ago, class sizes at the elementary level are as high as 26, and art and music are once again being delivered on a cart. At the middle school, we’ve spent more than $100,000 since July just to keep a heating system that’s on its last legs operational. And at the high school, we continue to struggle with attrition, as an increasing percentage of eighth graders choose to continue their education somewhere other than Seekonk High.
I’ve spent the past decade as a business journalist, and I believe that professional experience will help with taking on these longterm challenges, as well as the ongoing responsibilities of School Committee: budget, policy, and evaluating the superintendent
From a budget standpoint, I work with balance sheets and financial statements on a daily basis, drilling into numbers and asking difficult questions of leaders. As far as policy is concerned, my deep experience writing and my attention to detail will help with the work that’s been taking place over the past year updating our policy manual.
I’ve also been fortunate enough to attend many School Committee meetings over the past few years, and it’s given me a strong sense of the areas where Superintendent Kidwell excels, as well as where there’s room for growth. If elected, I plan to focus on communicating with the public using social media, having an ongoing dialogue, and letting people know on a meeting-to-meeting basis some of the most important things we’re working on.
My youngest isn’t going to graduate from Seekonk High until 2042, and I want to ensure that our schools are just as excellent 17 years from now as they are today. I’m running to be the leader that helps our schools achieve their potential.
Visit michaelforseekonk.com or “Michael Novinson for Seekonk School Committee” on Facebook to learn more.
Thank you, Michael Novinson
Community Commitment – 20-year Seekonk resident, proud parent of SHS graduates, and active in local scouting & youth sports.
Experience & Perspective – 36 years in education as a teacher, principal, curriculum & finance director, and superintendent.
Education & Leadership – PhD in Educational Administration, proven success in budgeting, curriculum, and school improvement.
Strong Voice for Seekonk Schools
for by the Committee to Elect Bob Gerardi
Bob Gerardi for School Committee
Community Commitment:
• Seekonk resident for 20 years after living in three adjacent communities.
• All three children graduated from Seekonk High School with great pride and accomplishment.
• Family participation in Seekonk Scouting, Recreation Leagues for Soccer Basketball, Softball, Baseball, and Newman YMCA Swim Teams.
Experiences/Perspectives:
• The experience and perspective of an educator for 36 years.
– Educational roles include being a teacher for 8 years, building level administrator for 9 years, Central office positions as curriculum director for instruction and finance director for 5 years and Superintendent for 14 years.
• The experience and perspective of being an early senior citizen at the age of 62.
– A senior perspective of planning to live on a fixed income and the impact of taxes.
– A senior perspective of prudently supporting the education of our youth so that they will continue to support a healthy and safe community for all.
Educational Background:
• Bachelor of Science in Technology Education from Rhode Island College
• Master’s degree in Secondary Administration from Providence College
• Doctorate (PhD) in Educational Administration from Boston College
I moved to Seekonk 20 years ago after living in three adjacent towns. I chose Seekonk because of the exemplary reputation of the Seekonk Public Schools. The school system had broad offerings in the arts/music, athletics, and academics that appealed to each of my children’s strengths. All three of my children had different learning styles yet they all did well and graduated from Seekonk High School.
Friends urged me to run for the School Committee. As I talked to community members, I learned that there are concerns about looming challenges. It reminds me of the following quote from President John F. Kennedy “There are risks and costs to action, but they are far less than the long-range risks of comfortable inaction.” The School Committee is at a precipice of important decisions that can continue the positive reputation of the Seekonk Public Schools.
After a 36-year career in education, I am ready to serve my community in the role of School Committee Member. I have led task forces and committees to reduce expenses, increase revenue, and develop world-class curriculum. In my previous roles as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent of curriculum, finance director, and superintendent, I have the experience to maintain and expand the Seekonk Public Schools exemplary reputation.
Thank you, Bob Gerardi
Demand for Food Assistance Remains High
Doorways would like to thank our supporters, in Seekonk and beyond, for their generous support of our mission to serve the less fortunate among our friends and neighbors. The community response to our recent annual appeal was very generous and will help us to continue offering food support in the coming year. In the last twelve months, over 100 families visited the Doorways food pantry making over 2,500 shopping visits. Some households shop weekly, others only once or twice a month, but every time one of those families made a visit, it eased the stress of soaring food prices and helped to maintain their wellbeing. None of this is possible without you. Thank you for being a critical part of helping our neighbors in need.
LtoR: Hayden Quintal, Alyvia Sequiera, Chris Sequiera, Mary Ann Ayers, Clara Beausoleil, Heather & Casey Lantagne volunteered on a recent Saturday morning at Doorways
Seekonk School Enrollment Remains Steady
By Joe Siegel
Enrollment figures for Seekonk Public Schools have remained consistent for the last 10 years, although the 2024-2025 school year reveals a slight decrease, according to the New England School Development Council (NESDEC).
There were 2043 students enrolled in the 2018-2019 school year. For the 2024-2025 school year, there are 1,975 students enrolled, a drop from the previous year’s total of 2,014.
Despite the NESDEC report, School Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell said Hurley Middle School would be experiencing “a larger population in the next few years.”
“Each fall, NESDEC secures birth data from State sources, providing a snapshot in time as to actual and provisional births as reported by the State, and then uses this birth data to predict Kindergarten enrollments,” the report stated. “We only use Fall birth data to assure consistency in reporting from year to year. Estimated births, which are an average of the previous five years of birth data, are based on this same snapshot. NESDEC acknowledges the variability of the provisional and the estimated birth data, and notes that the projected Kindergarten enrollments may serve as a guide to future planning.”
“This is the first enrollment projection for Seekonk since 2022. Next fall we can determine the accuracy of NESDEC’s fall 2025-26 enrollment projection.
Births increased by 19 from a previous ten-year average of 107 to a projected average of 126. In most districts, Grades 1-8 are very stable in enrollments. However, there have been increases in 6 of the 8 most recent years, leading to a net increase averaging 23 students per year.”
NESDEC noted “over the next three years, Grades K-5 enrollments are projected to decrease by 29 students, Grades 6-8 enrollments are projected to increase by 14 students, and Grades 9-12 enrollments are projected to decrease by 9 students, as students move through the grades.”
NESDEC also released a Special Education Trend Report for 2024-2025. Kidwell said the report shows “how much our IEP need population has increased over five years.”
There were 240 students on IEPs (pre-K – Grade 8) in the 2020-2021 school year. Currently, there are approximately 333 students with IEPS.
Kidwell added the Grade 9 through 12 IEPS have remained “relatively steady” for the same time period.
Seekonk Police Officer Christopher Platt-Hanoian was promoted to the rank of Sergeant at Wednesday’s Select Board meeting.
By Joe Siegel
Chief David Enos said the recent retirement of Greg Casper created an open Sergeant position in the department. Platt Hanoian attended Seekonk High School and served in the United States Army. He held the rank of Sergeant and served in the Global War on Terror in Afghanistan and Africa.
Platt Hanoian has been a member of the police department since 2015. “During his tenure, he’s established himself as a mentor for the officers on the midnight shift,” Enos noted. “He has also been placed in charge of the department’s Firearm program.
Five new Police Officers were also sworn in: Christian Ortiz, Nicholas Viveiros, Emilson Abotsi, William Dillingham, and Theodore Santos.
Sergeant Christopher Platt-Hanoian
Seekonk Swears in Six New Officers
By Joe Siegel
The Seekonk Police Department expanded its ranks Wednesday with the swearing in of six new officers. They are: Jacob Cuoco, Sean Feeney, Michaela Healy, Paul Riccio, Nicholas Viveiros, David White
Healy is the daughter of Select Board member and former Fire Chief Michael Healy. Deputy Chief Gerard LaFleur said Healy’s grandfather served as Chief of Police in the 1980s.
Captain Matthew Jardine administered the oath of office to the officers.
Six new officers Jacob Cuoco, Sean Feeney, Michaela Healy, Paul Riccio, Nicholas Viveiros, David White
SEEKONK RECYCLING COMMITTEE
Sustainable Seekonk Earth Month 2025
WHY S USTAINABILI TY?
Sustainability maintains the health and biocapacity of the environment.
Sustainability supports the well-being of individuals and communities.
Sustainability promotes a better economy where there is little waste and pollution, fewer emissions, more jobs, and a better quality of life
The Seekonk Litter Patrol has been cleaning up our roads year after year, and this year we hope to make it bigger and better than ever!
Stop by to pick up your Litter Patrol Supplies (Bags, Gloves, Pickers, T-shirts) and take coffee or water to go. Rain Date 4/12
Return in the afternoon withyour collected trash bags for a special treat!
RAIN BARREL SALE & COMPOST BIN GIVEAWAY
Rain Barrels from The Great American Rain Barrel Company Diverting rain water from your roof can help alleviate flash flooding, and can also help reduce the strain on public water supply in times of drought by allowing you to use that saved water in your garden.
PRE ORDER your barrel, using coupon code ‘SEEK25’ for $40 off your first rain barrel at: www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community (then select Seekonk from the town list) Deadline for ordering 3/23 midnight
E Earth Machine Compost Bins
These backyard compost bins can help you turn waste to soil right in your own backyard. We will have a limited number of bins for FREE, with proof of residency.
K Kitchen Compost Bins / Scrap Buckets
These bins are for use in your kitchen to collect food scraps on a daily basis for deposit into your backyard composter, or drop off at the collection bins at TARF. We will have a limited number of bins for FREE, with proof of residency.
Distribution for bins will be rain or shine!
THANK YOU!
SATURDAY APRIL 5th 8am-4pm
Seekonk DPW
Sagar Urges Board to Support Fire Station
By Joe Siegel
Gary Sagar, a former selectman, urged the Seekonk Select Board to approve a Spring Town Meeting warrant article authorizing funding for a South end fire station. Sagar, who is running unopposed for a seat on the board in the April town election, appeared with former Fire Chief Alan Jack and former Deputy Chief Allan Grocott at the February 26 meeting.
In 2023, the Select Board essentially killed the project when they voted 3-2 against placing an article on the Fall Town Meeting warrant. Voters at the May 2020 town meeting allocated $425,000 for the design of the facility at the former school administration building at 69 School Street, which the town owns. The 8300 square foot building would consist of three components, including dispatch, living quarters, and fire suppression. The construction cost would have been $11.2 million. A debt exclusion, or temporary tax increase, would’ve needed to be approved at town meeting before construction began.
Sagar suggested eliminating the communications department from the new station, which he said would reduce the overall cost of construction. “I think the numbers are confusing,” Sagar said.
“I’m not prepared to talk about (the budget for the project),” said Town Administrator Shawn Cadime.
Last July, Fire Chief Shaun Whalen shared his belief that a tax increase to pay for the project would have been too much of a burden on residents. Whalen explained the town’s other expenses had to be taken into consideration. $1 million will be used to pay Seekonk’s share of the Tri-County Regional Vocational High School’s new building.
Whalen was not present at the meeting.
The matter was tabled until the March 12 meeting, when Hines and Sullivan will be in attendance for a full board vote.
Alternative DPW Facility Proposed
By Joe Siegel
Seekonk Select Board candidate Gary Sagar has come up with a less expensive plan for a new Department of Public Works (DPW) facility. Sagar proposed keeping the current facility at 871 Taunton Avenue and combining it with a property located at 911 Taunton Avenue.
Sagar, a former selectman, said the total cost of the new project would be $16 million, a far cry from the $40 million DPW project which was going to be situated at 351 Fall River Avenue. Voters at last November’s town meeting were not supportive of the proposal, which required a debt exclusion (temporary tax increase). There were complaints about the cost and the proposed location.
Sagar noted residents were not pleased with the way the Select Board handled the project and urged them not to wait any longer. “This project has gone on for five years,” Sagar said Wednesday. “The taxpayers have been fleeced. The consultants got rich and the DPW is in a worse position than when they started. This is an action plan. It’s time to go to work.”
Renovation of 911 Taunton Avenue would cost $4 million, Sagar explained. $1.8 million has already been spent for the Fall River Avenue DPW location, including architectural designs.
Sagar proposed an article asking for authorization for the project to be placed on the Spring Town Meeting warrant.
The tax increase for the average home would be $106.88 a year, according to Sagar. All the work could be done “in house” by one company. No Office of the Project Manager (OPM) would be necessary.
Select Board members expressed their reservations about Sagar’s proposal. “I’m not comfortable moving forward on this right now,” said Pam Pozzi.
Michael Healy liked some aspects of the proposal but disagreed with Sagar’s intention to keep the current DPW facility operational after the new facility was completed.
Town Administrator Shawn Cadime said the town meeting warrant would have to be reopened to include the DPW article. Whether or not a new building committee would need to be formed is also undetermined.
Select Board chair Michelle Hines, who is a member of the DPW Building Committee, and member Justin Sullivan were absent from the meeting, so no vote was taken on Sagar’s proposal.
Stephen E. Navega, PC
- ATTORNEY AT LAW -
Administration of Estates
Probate of Wills
Wills and Trusts
Health Care Proxies
Durable Powers of Attorney
447 Taunton Avenue
Seekonk, MA 02771
T 508.336.8120
F 508.336.3350 navegalaw@aol.com
Providing legal services since 1979. Experience matters.
Seekonk Renews Town Administrator Contract
By Joe Siegel
Town Administrator Shawn Cadime has signed a new contract which will keep him in his position until 2028. Cadime has been employed by the town for 11 years. Cadime had previously served as Fall River City Administrator. He ran an unsuccessful campaign for Mayor but now serves on the City Council.
In 2015, Cadime applied to become Town Administrator in Somerset. After he was offered the job, Seekonk Selectmen convinced Cadime to stay by promising a new contract with a bump in salary.
Cadime’s current three year contract expires on July 31. His salary is $191, 830. Under the terms of the contract, Cadime will be paid $198,544 beginning August 1. Cadime’s salary will increase to $204, 500 on August 1, 2026. On August 1, 2027, Cadime will be paid $210, 635. “Upon satisfactory completion of his Master’s Degree in Business Administration, (MBA) the Town agrees to increase the Town Administrator’s then annual base pay by Five Thousand Dollars ($5000).”
The contract was dated and signed by the Select Board on October 30, 2024.
Select Board Chair Michelle Hines said employee contracts are never discussed in Open session, only in Executive session.
Hines believes Cadime’s salary increase is reasonable: “With the amount of time and experience that he has, yes, it’s justified. I believe that the town is moving in a good direction. I believe that Shawn is on top of everything and he’s doing the best that he can for the town. He keeps himself educated and informed. I haven’t seen a Town Administrator like him in all the years I’ve been in Seekonk.”
Last December, Cadime was one of the finalists for the Town Administrator position in Dartmouth. Bridget Almon, who served as Director of Finance for Fall River, was offered the position.
Cadime Warns About Financial Challenges
By Joe Siegel
Seekonk Town Administrator Shawn Cadime has published the town’s first monthly newsletter. One story is about the budget season: “In Seekonk’s case, the town is facing significant increases in fixed costs, including the Tri-County School Building Assessment,
rising health care costs, and long-term debt, all of which are putting added pressure on the budgeting process,” Cadime wrote. “Despite these challenges, we are committed to developing a budget that strikes a balance between fiscal responsibility and addressing the town’s needs. The proposed budget and annual fees will be presented to the Board of Selectmen at their meeting on March 26th.”
Cadime also provided an update on construction of the new Tri County Regional Vocational Technical High School: “The new building, expected to open in the summer of 2027, will house 16 vocational programs with a capacity of 1,000 students. Designed for energy efficiency and sustainability, the facility will feature net zero energy, solar arrays, and modern layouts. Shared core spaces like a multi-story Student Commons, cafeteria, and large courtyard are being built to enhance the learning environment, while the school’s dynamic design will meet 21st-century educational needs.”
“Seekonk’s share of the project is based on its enrollment numbers, making the town responsible for 8.8 percent of the cost. This translates to an anticipated $1 million annual debt assessment for the next 30 years. Without dedicated funding, this assessment would place a significant strain on the town’s operational budget, limiting the ability to fund vital services for both the town and its school district.”
“Although Seekonk voters rejected the debt exclusion for this project in April 2024, the town is still legally obligated to pay its portion of the assessment. To alleviate this financial burden and ensure essential services remain intact, the Select Board will ask voters to reconsider the debt exclusion in an upcoming vote. Approving the debt exclusion would allow Seekonk to fund its share of the project without compromising the town’s operational budget. As this issue directly impacts the town’s finances and services, residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the upcoming vote. For any questions, please contact the Town Administrator’s Office or the Finance Director.”
Club News & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rehoboth Lions Club News Update
The Rehoboth Lions Club finances our community charity support by holding seven clam boils per year. Our first clam boil for 2025 will be held on March 5th at the South Seekonk Rod and Gun Club, 61 Reed Street in Rehoboth. It’s usually a sold out event. If you already have your reservation, we look forward to seeing you there!
Two days later, on March 7th, we’re hosting our first Family Bingo Night at Goff Hall at 6:30 PM. Bring the kids and the grandparents and enjoy a great family evening! iPads will be checked at the door! (Just kidding) but it’s a great chance to take a break from a screen and interact with your neighbors!
Cards are just $5 each or 3 for $10. Prizes for the winners! Call Karen at 508-509-0020 or Mike at 508-222-2656 for more details! We hope to see you there!!
Back in 2001, the late Russell Latham, started an event called the Citizens Recognition Night. Our community lost Russ back in February of 2022 but his legacy lives on! If you have a community service-minded neighbor or family member that you believe deserves some special recognition, please consider nominating them for the Russ Latham Rehoboth Lions Citizens Recognition night. Get your applications submitted early in advance of the April 13th deadline. The dinner and presentation will be held on May 21, 2025. It’s a great way to acknowledge the contribution of a member of our community who makes a difference. We’ve made it easy to nominate your friend/neighbor. Just click on the recognition night link in the upcoming events section of our website and fill out the online form.
While you’re visiting the website take a look at the ‘honoring our legacy members’ page to learn more about Russ Latham and other past members who helped shape our club.
The site also contains information on how to join the Lions Club, the website address is www.rehobothLions.org.
Proud to be serving our community.
Don Nokes, President, The Rehoboth Lions Club
Now Accepting Vendor Applications for the Carpenter Museum’s 46th Annual Crafters’ Marketplace
The Crafters’ Marketplace Committee is now accepting applications for our 2025 Crafter’s Marketplace to take place Saturday, October 18th, from 9AM - 3PM. This jury selected show has been a staple of the South-Eastern Massachusetts Fall craft show season for over 46 years. Applications can be found on our website at rehobothantiquarian.org/crafters-marketplace. They can be submitted by mail or email.
This year the Committee is offering table and chair rentals to vendors who would like to travel light. The cost to rent a space at the show has NOT increased this year, making it accessible to even small hobby crafters. All proceeds from the show benefit the Carpenter Museum and their mission to provide programming, education, and research opportunities to the Rehoboth community and beyond.
The show will, once again, be held in the historic Rehoboth Village in three separate but walkable buildings; the Carpenter Museum, the Rehoboth Congregational Church Hall, and nearby Goff Hall at Blanding Public Library. The Marketplace is free for shoppers to enter, free to park.
Seekonk Knights of Columbus Charity Event
Vendors / Sellers Wanted
Seekonk Knights of Columbus will host their annual charity yard sale on Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 8 am -12 pm
Seekonk Knights of Columbus Hall, 532 Arcade Ave., Seekonk, MA 02771
• 30 outdoor sites are available - $25 each
• Sites are 15 ft x 30 ft which will accommodate a vehicle and pop-up canopy
This is the largest yard sale in the area. Last year was a sellout, so reserve your site now by calling 508.336.7952. Visit our Facebook page for more details.
Rain date Sunday, June 1, 2025
Events at the Seekonk American Legion Post 311 Annual Spring Meat Raffles Sarting April 12th
Weekly Meat Raffles will be starting April 12th through May 17th. The raffles take place each Saturday at 2 pm. There are 3 tables of steaks, chicken, seafood, TV and other prizes. 50/50 raffle. Kitchen opens at 1 pm. Call 508-336-9822 for information.
Spring Psychic Fair – April 27th
We will be holding our Spring Psychic Fair on Sunday, 4/27/25. 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 the 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
• Rock A Blues – 3/14
• Block Party – 3/28
• Rock A Blues – 4/4
• New members are welcome
American Legion - 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
150 person capacity. Contact Bob for information at 508-3369822; 351 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA 02771; 508-336-9822
Rehoboth Minutemen Company News
The United States is now celebrating the anniversary of its 250TH year of Independence. The local unit has many invitations to help many towns celebrate this important anniversary.
On Saturday March 8th the unit will hold a sewing party. We will help each other get their kits ready for the busy coming year.
On March 18th at 7:00 P.M. we will hold our monthly meeting at the Blanding Library Bay State Road Visitors are always welcome
Our first local event on April 5th will be helping the Carpenter Museum with a cemetery walk. This program will present stories about Rehoboth Soldiers from the Revolutionary War that are buried in the Village Cemetery.
We hope to see folks from Rehoboth and many surrounding towns join us for this celebration.
AOL ENTERPRISES
The towns that make up Colonel Timothy Walker’s 22nd Massachusetts Regiment were from Rehoboth, Attleboro, Norton, Dighton, Raynham, Taunton, Berkley and Easton.
If you would like information about our unit visit our website www.13thcontinentalregiment.com. Any other questions call Cathy Potter 508 252 3682.
Rehoboth Garden Club March 2025
The Rehoboth Garden Club is very fortunate to have Vermont resident Charlie Nardozzi as our very special guest speaker for our March meeting. Charlie is a Regional Emmy Award winning, nationally recognized garden writer, speaker, radio and television personality. Learn more about him at www.gardeningwithcharlie. com. Charlie will discuss foodscaping, and innovative ways to grow beautiful edibles in your gardens.
The community is invited to attend this special free event. Please join us on Monday, March 17, 2025 at Goff Hall, 124 Bay State Road, Rehoboth MA at 6:30 PM. Refreshments will be served.
New members are always welcome. For club and membership information, please contact Michael Seebeck at michaeljseebeck@ gmail.com or 401-787-5206.
Please Save the Date!
Our Annual Rehoboth Garden Club Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Francis Farm in the Miller Pavilion, from 9 AM – 1 PM
Old School Desks for Hornbine School
Thanks to our Rehoboth Reporter and Facebook friends, we’ve been given several donations of old school desks in the past. Recently, Abby Abrahamson gave us a unique old student desk. (See Picture) Thank you, Abby. (NOTE: Time Flys!) This writer taught 3rd grade at Palmer River School for years and had her father, Scott, as a student.
The Hornbine School Museum desks are becoming rare and more difficult to replace. Every once in a while, one of our desks will break and we can’t always repair the desk. Having extra desks on hand is very helpful.
We don’t have room to store extra desks at the school. This is because we need space for visiting school classes to more around in the building. We do try to display some of the extra desks in the summer for our OPEN HOUSES. We hope that someday, there will be space somewhere in Rehoboth to display school related artifacts such as these desks.
The Hornbine School Museum has begun planning for the 2025 season. We have a number of classes visiting from several towns this spring. We will have our OPEN HOUSES beginning Sunday, June 8th and continuing every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from June to September. We will be open from 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. Come visit with us. We have Hornbine School Museum magnets for sale. Do you enjoy scavenger hunts? We have a scavenger hunt for the young ones as well as ”Old Fashioned Activities” which include writing with a quill ink pen and slate pencil or playing “Roll The Hoop”.
We are planning some special events for this season. Our “Tea Party” was very successful last fall and we may have another this season. Watch our Facebook Page or the Rehoboth Reporter for details.
Seekonk Lions Club Update
with President Paul Buckley
Thank you for taking the time to read this next installment of the Seekonk Lions Club update. I would like to express my gratitude for the positive response to my last piece on Doorways, Seekonk’s local food pantry. If you missed it, be sure to check out the February 2025 edition for a great read.
I would like to get back to highlighting some of the members of our club, as it is the many dedicated members who have made it so successful over the past sixty years. One such member has been involved in the Seekonk Lions Club for many years and has been a leader in our community to boot.
There is no doubt in my mind that Gary Sagar is a prominent community leader in Seekonk. While serving the Lions for thirty-five years (a multiple Melvin Jones recipient), Gary has also found the time to serve the town in many roles. Currently, Gary is the chairperson of the Seekonk Zoning Board of Appeals and has a history as a former selectman in the town. During his tenure as a selectman, he was involved in various town projects and initiatives aimed at improving the community.
Gary Sagar has been an active participant in Seekonk’s local government for many years, advocating for projects such as the renovation of the Banna Fire Station, the addition to the Animal Shelter, and the construction of a new Senior Center just to name a few. While Gary may get some town folk upset at times, his dedication to the town’s development and his commitment to serving its residents have made him a respected figure in Seekonk.
As a member of the Lions Club Gary was involved in many of the club’s fund-raising efforts.
The GEN Run was a fundraising marathon created with the help of legendary Seekonk track and field coach Frank Mooney to honor the lives of three boys who tragically drowned in the Turner Reservoir back in 1998: Gregory Deverell, Eric Azevedo, and Nick Velardo. GEN is an acronym for the boys’ first names. With Gary’s help, a scholarship was developed in their honor. Money and donations poured in the subsequent years.
Gary never missed volunteering at the thirty-two annual golf tournaments held at various courses across the area. The tournaments started at Firefly Golf Course, moved to Swansea Country Club, and then the Lions teamed up with the Rotary Club in East Providence. Over the years, they have highlighted venues like Wannamoisett Country Club and now Ledgemont Country Club. Gary runs the putting green challenge.
Being a part of the monthly clam boils for over 20 years, Gary was on the kitchen team that cooked and served the delicious clams—a challenging task, as the team will attest. Along with all the fixings, clam lovers from all around participated in the scrumptious endeavor.
When some of our dearest members passed away, Gary was there to ensure their memory lived on. In memory of Doug Allan, a former journalist for the Pawtucket Times, Gary teamed up with George Poli to create a fishing derby in his honor
After the passing of a respected Seekonk forerunner, David Pitassi, Gary, as president, started a scholarship fund in David’s name for young musicians. David had a passion for music, and Gary wanted to see his friend’s passion live on.
Recently, Gary, with the help of Larry Hindle from Evergreen Tree and Landscape, planted a tree in Neal Abelson’s memory on the grounds of the Seekonk Congregational Church. As many of you may know, Neal was a long-time member of the Lions Club and a staple of the Seekonk community.
Working with fellow Lions member Chris Gasbarro, Gary organized an Oktoberfest fundraising event at Chris’ Fine Wines and Spirits, where attendees could taste fall adult beverages and enjoy authentic German cuisine. This partnership blossomed, and when the opportunity arose to revive a Seekonk tradition, Gary and Chris stepped up to take the reins.
For twenty-four years, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Seekonk hosted the Taste of the Town. Many residents of Seekonk and the surrounding communities looked forward to the event as a farewell to winter and a welcome to spring. When the Kiwanis decided to stop promoting the event, Gary as president of the club reached out to them for permission to have the Seekonk Lions Club, through our Seekonk Lions Charitable Trust, continue this beloved community event.
Gary, along with Chris Gasbarro and member Roger “T” Tetrault as co-chairs, revived the Taste of the Town in April 2023 at the former “Top of the Court” in the south end of Seekonk. There was a lot of planning and promotion as the co-chair team did not know if the event would be successful. Fortunately, the event was a success. The money raised quickly turned into donations for Massachusetts Lions Eye Research and our local Doorways food pantry.
This year, the twenty-seventh annual Taste of the Town is at Ledgemont Country (see flyer inside), giving our patrons and participants more room to enjoy the best local food and beverages. Under Gary’s leadership, the event has continued to thrive, offering residents an opportunity to sample dishes from local restaurants and support community causes.
As I have pointed out in my previous scribes, there have been dedicated people who stand up and take on many roles to contribute to the success of the Seekonk Lions Club. It takes leaders and active participants. Over the years, there have been many like Gary, but to continue to serve our town, we must deliver and invite people like you, the reader of this publication, who might be looking to join a worthy cause and organization. Give me a call; I will be happy to hear from you.
Paul Buckley 508 524-3171
Seekonklionsma@gmail.com
David C Zaluski DDS FAGD
American Legion Post 302 Public Events
• Try our Fish & Chips or Specials of the Week – every Thursday 4:00 till 7:00 P.M. & Fridays 4:00 – 7:30PM and Saturdays with a Band ONLY 6:00-7:30PM.Take Outs are welcome – call in your order in early for pickup at 508-252-9079
• “QUEEN OF HEARTS” drawing every Friday night at 8:00 PM
• Happy Hour! Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed 1/2 price Bar Menu 3-6:00PM
• Prize Bingo - 4th Sunday of every month at 5:00PM
• Trivia Tuesday every Tuesday night at 7:00pm
• 2nd Sunday of Every Month, “All you can Eat Breakfast” 7:30am – 10:30am
• Check us out on Facebook - Photos since 2018 posted by our patrons… https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-LegionHall/258235277540573
For Events: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/657024961125913/
Upcoming Events
• March 8th, 2025 – Saturday - 7:00 - 10:00 P.M., RHODE RAGE, Classic Rock – No Cover Charge! – Bar Food – Kitchens open – Fish & Chips - Check with the bar for the Specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, Dancing so sit back & have a GREAT TIME!
• March 9th, 2025 – Sunday -7:30 -10:30 A.M. American Legion Monthly Breakfast, Second Sunday of every month $12.00 donation - All you can Eat!
• March 14th, 2025 – 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
• “Special” MARCH 15th, 2025 - Saturday – 4:30-6:30 P.M. –American Legion Annual Corned Beef & Cabbage - 5:00-7:00 P.M. Saturday – Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner, $20.00 per plate No Walk-Ins – Take Out Orders are welcome……e-mail Jake at speedyjake@aol.com or Call 315-415-2277
• March 15th, 2025 – Saturday - 6:00 -10:00 P.M. - LM BACKWOODS Entertainment - Classic Rock Music – No Cover Charge! – Food - Check with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, so sit back & have a GREAT TIME! Play the Electronic Dart Board or join our Dart League https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063368911454
• March 21st, 2025 – Friday - 7:00 -10:00 P.M. – Rock-A-Blues Band with Classic Rock Music – No Cover Charge! – Food - Check with the bar for the specials of the week – Drinks – Entertainment, so sit back & have a GREAT TIME! https://www.rockablues.com
• March 22, 2025 – Saturday - 7:00-10:00 P.M. - “3 CAN JAM” from Attleboro - Live Music Entertainment playing Classic & Rock – No Cover Charge! - Food – Drinks – Dancing & having a GREAT TIME! https://www.facebook.com/3CANJAM/
• March 23rd, 2025 – Sunday -5:00 -7:00 P.M. PRIZE BINGO! American Legion Auxiliary, Third Sunday of every month $10.00 donation per 5 Games – Food – Drinks & having a GREAT TIME!
• March 28th, 2025 – 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!
• March 28th, 2025 – 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!
• March 29th, 2025 – Saturday -7:00-10:00 P.M. Gary Cummings & the G/Men Blues Band – Live Music Entertainment – No Cover Charge! – Food – Drinks – Dancing and sit back & having a GREAT TIME!
Events & Activities
Arts in the Village Concert Presents
The Sheffield Chamber Players
March 23, 2025 2:30 PM
Come and hear quality chamber music in a friendly casual atmosphere. Goff Hall at Blanding Library, 124 Bay St. Rd. Rehoboth, MA
Leo Egichi Co-Artistic Director, Alexander Vavilov, Co-Artistic Director, Viola Violinist Sasha Callahan Cello, Megumi Stohs Lewis, Violin. Founded in 2014, Sheffield Chamber Players specializes in intimate concerts of string-based chamber music played in private homes and small public spaces such as historical homes, galleries and more. The group came together with the belief that experiencing chamber music in the intimate settings for which it was written profoundly changes the way listeners respond to music, and to each other, in turn building community and fostering connection. For more information go to http://www.rehobothantiquarian.org/ arts-in-the-village or call 508-431-6879.
TV 9 Open House
TV 9 / Seekonk Cable Access Inc. is hosting an Members Open House on March 27th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. TV 9 is a private non-profit committed to providing programming to Comcast subscribers & the Town of Seekonk Its Board of Directors is dedicated to reinforcement of services to our community in a welcoming environment. Come by to meet our directors, staff, ask questions & tour our studio.
Seekonk High School Theatre Company Presents FREAKY
FRIDAY
Join Seekonk High School Theatre Company on March 21, 22 and 23 as they bring to life Disney’s Freaky Friday: A New Musical! Based on the timeless 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the beloved Disney films, this charming production brings music, laughter and a dash of magic! When an overworked mother and her high-spirited teenage daughter, in a magical twist of fate, find they have swapped bodies and have just one day to put things right. As Katherine and Ellie spend the day in each other’s shoes, they come to appreciate one another’s struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.
March 21, 22 at 7pm
March 23 at 2pm
Seekonk High School auditorium located at 261 Arcade Avenue Seekonk, Massachusetts
Tickets available at door or from a company member cash or check: General admission $15, Teachers/staff $12 Students/senior citizens/ children 12 and under $7
Bingo Night
Friday April 4th, 2025
Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity 43 Broad St. Rehoboth, Ma Open To the Public
Doors Open At 6 PM - Game Start At 7 PM
$20.00 For 10 Games Cash Prizes & Raffle Table
Food & Beverages Will Be Available Any Questions Call Connie 401-465-1839
The Sheffield Chamber Players
ChurCh News & eveNts
Seekonk Congregational Church
Sunday Services
We hope you will join us each Sunday at Seekonk Congregational Church UCC at our weekly services with Communion in the Sanctuary at 600 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA with Interim Minister Rev Dr Ruth Shaver. All services begin at 9:30 and all are welcome. Licensed infant/preschool day care is available every week. Check us out, you will be happy you did. We will continue to record our services and they are available the following day at Seekonk Congregational Church YouTube. Church School classes are also at 9:30 each Sunday with children starting in church on the 1st Sunday of each month.
Lent and Holy Week Worship and Learning Events
SUNDAY, APRIL 6TH will be “Meet Your Deacon” Sunday. We will all begin in the Sanctuary as usual, then later in worship process to Woodworth Hall, where we will celebrate Communion around tables with our assigned Deacons and then have a time of conversation that allows us to get to know each other better. Those who are new to the church or visiting and don’t have an assigned Deacon will join Pastor Ruth at a table.
PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 13TH at 9:30AM begins with the Cherub Choir and includes readings from Jesus’ time in Jerusalem after his triumphal entry. The service ends with “The Palms” as the children lead us to the Gardiner Building and a Walk Through Holy Week before Coffee Hour in Woodworth Hall.
MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 17TH at 7:00PM in the Sanctuary will be the first part of the Tenebrae sequence that leads to Jesus’ burial in the tomb, focused on the events of Thursday evening starting with the first celebration of what we call Communion. The service will be in the Sanctuary (Required attendance for 2nd graders and families) (Child Care for young children…let us know if you need it ahead of time, please!)
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 18TH at 7:30PM in the Sanctuary (please note time difference between Thursday and Friday) service will continue the Tenebrae sequence. It will include the procession of the Cross and the Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross.
EASTER CELEBRATION SERVICES: APRIL 20TH
SUNRISE Service returns at 6:00AM at the Gazebo on the Old Grist Mill Pond and 9:30AM in the Sanctuary with sacred dance and special music including the singing of Handel’s “Hallelujah!” Chorus. All children begin in church and pre-school through 5th graders are invited (unless parents want them to remain in worship) to move to the Hall for special event.
SEMINARS ~~
THURSDAY, MARCH 20th at 6:30PM at Rehoboth Congregational Church UCC (139 Bay State Road, Rehoboth, MA 02769) We will join the congregation there for the first of two conversations about the book White Poverty: How Exposing Myths About Race and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy by William J. Barber II, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove (Editor).
Each session begins with worship and ends with a time of fellowship. Pastor Ruth will be leading the conversation that evening. You do not need to have read the book to participate; this clip is a good primer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bN6LfLwvVQM
THURSDAY, APRIL 10TH at 6:30PM at Seekonk Congregational Church We will host the folks from Rehoboth Congregational Church UCC for the second conversation about Rev. Dr. Barber’s book. We will begin in the Sanctuary for worship and come to Woodworth Hall for our conversation.
Open Mic Night for 2025
Please join us on Friday March 21 from 6:30 to 9 PM in the Church Hall sponsored by the Music & Arts Committee. We hope you will come and share your talents: singing, playing musical instruments, comedy, dance - all talent is needed. All ages are invited. And if you are not ready to perform, come and enjoy the entertainment, this will be a fun night for everyone.
Any questions, see Craig Grant 401-633-3512 or Director of Music, Susan Barrow 774-226-3321
Be A Well Being, Tuesday April 1st at 6 PM
Please join us for our 45 minute monthly gathering of quiet time which includes meditation, prayer and gentle movement led by Sarah Stevenson.
The purpose of the Be a Well Being group is to provide a supportive and non-judgmental forum for exploring stress management strategies and all are invited to attend.
On-Going Mission Concerns & Needs
WE HAVE FOOD PANTRY FOR ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO HAVE FINANCIAL CHALLENGES: granola/cereal bars, cereal, food in pouches that doesn’t need heating, pasta, spaghetti sauce, rice, beans, tuna, peanut butter, all types of Non Perishable food. Donations are welcome at any time
The clothing shed is at the end of the County Street parking lot. Drop off your clothing, shoes, belts, purses, blankets, sheets, curtains, pillowcases or stuffed animal donations in a tied-up bag.
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CANS & BOTTLES MA deposit Only: Save the environment and people!! Bring donations to the green bins - Fall River Ave parking lot- lift lid - drop in clean bottles and cans. DEPOSIT ONLY, no water bottles please.
If you have any questions on the above or wish to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, please email Donna.euell@gmail.com. All events and services are open to ALL. Please check out our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/SeekonkCongregationalChurch/ for updates.
No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome at Seekonk Congregational Church.
REHOBOTH BAPTIST CHURCH
Rehoboth Baptist Church is located on Route 118, two miles south of the Route 44 intersection. Visit our website for current information about our services or to contact the pastor or an elder.
Community Covenant Church News
“Are you looking for help and hope? Every week at Community Covenant Church, we strive to bring that to everyone who walks through our door through the good news of the gospel of Jesus. Through relevant preaching and modern worship that engages all ages from birth to empty nesters. For more information on our programs and current sermon series, check out www.communitycovenant.church. We hope to see you in person or online this Sunday at 10 am.”
Newman Church Welcomes Its 22nd Settled Pastor
East Providence, RI — Newman Congregational Church has called Rev. Sam Lovett to serve as its twenty-second settled pastor. Rev. Lovett will begin in ministry with the church’s Ash Wednesday “drivethru ashes” offering on March 5 (6:30–9:00 a.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m.), and his first Sunday leading worship will be Sunday, March 9 at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend. Sam Lovett is a graduate of East Providence High School, Boston College (BA), and Boston University (MDiv). He was ordained in the United Church of Christ in 2021. Lovett comes to Newman Church from St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH, where he has served as chaplain and teacher of humanities since 2020. He previously worked as a Protestant chaplain at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.
“I’m excited to begin this new season of ministry in East Providence,” said Lovett, “joining an active community of people at Newman Church who are doing justice, seeking kindness, and walking humbly with God, inspired by their faith.”
Throughout the process of seeking a new settled pastor, Rev. Lovett’s background in teaching, community organizing, and restorative justice were seen as aligned with the congregation’s own vision for the future. When asked what he is looking forward to at Newman Church, Lovett points to being a part of the local community, leading nourishing community worship, accompanying families during major life events like weddings, baptisms, and funerals, and getting involved with Newman’s ongoing justice and music ministries.
Lovett is also the son of former Newman Church minister Rev. Dr. S. C. Campbell Lovett who served the congregation from 1996 to 2012. Sam’s ministry will seek to build on the work of former ministers Rev. Timoth Sylvia—who served Newman Church from 2013 to 2022—and Rev. Dr. Laurene Bowers—who served the church on an interim basis for the past two years. Sam is married to Grace Palmer, a public-policy professional from North Kingstown; the couple met while working at the Rhode Island State House.
As Newman Church approaches its 400th birthday in 2043, the church sees its deep roots in East Providence as a source of strength to help the community navigate the challenges of our time.
Newman Church is an inclusive Christian community dedicated to living Jesus’s message of love, peace, and justice through joyful worship, compassionate service, radical hospitality, and responsible stewardship. Shared commitment and study inform our way of being as we seek to live the love of Jesus in the world. Newman UCC is an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ and extends this invitation to one and all, living out the example of Jesus’ extravagant welcome located at 100 Newman Avenue, Rumford, RI 02916. For more information, contact the Church Office at 401-434-4742 X10.
People In The News
Junior Diver Ashley Silveira of Seekonk Earns NE10 Elite 24 Award
Colchester, Vt. - Saint Michael’s College women’s swimming & diving junior Ashley Silveira (Seekonk, Mass./Seekonk) was introduced as Northeast-10 Conference Elite 24 Award winner on Sunday during the NE10 Championship at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Mass. The Elite 24 Award honors student-athletes with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at a finals site.
Silveira holds a 3.99 GPA as a double major in international relations and anthropology & sociology who minors in education. She finished sixth in one-meter diving at this past weekend’s NE10 Championship and claimed a pair of event victories during the regular season. As a sophomore, Silveira was named NE10 Academic All-Conference and College Sports Communicators Academic All-District, just two of her now 10 career national and league academic accolades.
Silveira brings the number of Saint Michael’s Elite 24 Award winners to six since the laurel was established for the 2018-19 school year, and four since last school year alone. Men’s swimmer Trevor Johnson ‘24 was lauded at last year’s NE10 Championship after cross country’s Katie Culliton ‘24 and Swapnil Jhajharia ‘24 swept the accolades at their 2023 NE10 Championship. Women’s lacrosse’s Ashley Turner ‘21 (2020) and men’s ice hockey’s David Ciancio ‘25 (2022-23) have also won the award.
Rehoboth Resident Paul Ruhle receives Presidential Teaching Award
Paul Ruhle, Rehoboth resident, was nominated for this award in 2021 and was recently recognized as the recipient. Paul has taught mathematics at Lincoln High School for 21 years. As the high school department chair, Paul not only has the opportunity to teach secondary mathematics classes, but also to work with his amazing colleagues on curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Over the past several years, Paul’s AP Calculus AB and BC classes have consistently achieved outstanding results on the AP exams. Paul has mentored several groups of students in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest. The students have represented the state of Rhode Island three times as the representatives in the national STEM contest.
In 2021, Paul was also selected as the District Teacher of the Year. With that distinction, he was able to work collaboratively with other District Teachers of the Year throughout the state on different aspects of education.
Paul’s dedication to teaching and passion for inspiring others has made such a positive impact on his school and community. He has truly set an example of excellence, and it’s clear that his influence extends far beyond the classroom. Congratulations on this accomplishment.
University News
Salve Regina University Announces Dean’s List for Fall 2024 Semester
Newport, RI -- The following students were named to the Dean’s List during the fall 2024 academic semester at Salve Regina University. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 for full-time students completing at least 12 graded credits, or a semester grade point average of 3.8 for part-time students completing at least six credits.
From Rehoboth: Genevieve Brown
From Seekonk: Madison Mirabile, Sandra Mota
UTampa Student, Aiden Maciel
Earned Dean’s List Honors
Tampa, FL -- Aiden Maciel, of Rehoboth, earned dean’s list honors at University of Tampa for the Fall 2024 semester. Maciel is a Junior majoring in Entrepreneurship BS. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher to be eligible for the dean’s list.
Local Resident Named to William & Mary Dean’s List
Williamsburg, Va. - Maeve McNamara from Seekonk was recently named to the Dean’s List at the College of William & Mary for the fall 2024 semester.
Iowa
State University announces Fall 2024 Deans List
Ames, Iowa - More than 11,500 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the fall semester 2024 Dean’s List. Students named to the Dean’s List must earn a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work.
From Seekonk: Natalie Kach, First Year (Vet Med), Veterinary Medicine, D.V.M.
Ethan Leland Named to the University of Hartford’s Dean’s List
West Hartford, CT -- The University of Hartford is pleased to announce that Ethan Leland of Rehoboth has been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester. The entire UHart community is proud to celebrate Ethan’s hard work and academic success
Local residents named to Clark University’s Fall 2024 Deans List
Worcester, MA - Clark University announced students named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List.
Ali E. Faria, of Seekonk
Hazel A. Thomas, of Rehoboth
Abigail Gilliatt Qualified for the Fall
2024 Dean’s List at Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ -- Seton Hall University is pleased to announce Abigail Gilliatt of Rehoboth, MA has qualified for the Fall 2024 Dean’s List.
Christina Magnotta Named to Elms College’s
Fall 2024 Dean’s List
Chicopee, MA -- Christina Magnotta , of Seekonk, was named to the College of Our Lady of the Elms Fall 2024 Dean’s List.
Lauren Turenne Named to The College of Charleston Dean’s List
Charleston, SC -- Lauren Turenne of Seekonk, was named to the College of Charleston Fall 2024 Dean’s List. Turenne is majoring in Sociology.
Clara Ferrell has been offered a scholarship. Clarksville, TN -- Austin Peay State University congratulates Clara Ferrell of Riverside, RI, on being offered a scholarship for Fall of the 2025-2026 academic year. Her hard work and commitment to academic excellence has paid off, and APSU is excited to award them a scholarship!
UMass Amherst Announces
Fall 2024 Dean’s List
Amherst - The following students were named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students are appointed to the Dean’s List at the end of a semester in which they have completed a minimum of 12 graded credits and have earned a grade point average of 3.500 or better.
Rehoboth: Lindsay Allard, Kyle Bisbano, Emma Bonin, Benjamin Branco, Hunter Brierly, Hannah Bruno, Sarah Charbonneau, Andrew Lucas DaCruz, Cameron DeClercq, Laura DeGirolamo, McKenna Garcia, Madeline Glynn, Benjamin Horowitz, Mason Mello, Marshall Morgado, Luke Peltz, Jillian Pestana, Graeme Sullivan, Luke Taylor, Avery Thomas, Katherine Vitale, Rhett Whittaker
Seekonk: Noah Beausoleil, Kylie Charron, Christina Chen, Ivan Chen, Alicia Feeney, Timothy Fortin, Ava Gardner, Olivia Halajko, Shane Keiser, Megan Langlois, Vedaant Malhotra, Alexander Medeiros, Madison Ohlgren, Lukas Roodbeen, Reiley Terry, Athan Toprac
Local Students named to Emmanuel College’s
Fall 2024 Dean’s List
Boston, MA -- In recognition of their outstanding academic achievement, Emmanuel College has named more than 1,000 students to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2024 semester. To earn a spot on the Dean’s List, Emmanuel students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for a 16-credit semester.
• Caroline Reed of Rehoboth. Reed is a Double Major; Liberal Studies; Elementary Education major.
• Julia Woodcock of Seekonk. Woodcock is a Double Major; Liberal Studies; Elementary Education major.
• Olivia Hardro of Seekonk. Hardro is a Marketing major.
Malayna Bizier of Rehoboth, Massachusetts named to Spring Deans :List Lasell University Fall 2024 Dean’s List
Newton, MA -- Malayna Bizier, a Lasell University student from Rehoboth, Massachusetts was named to the Dean’s List for their academic performance in the Fall 2024 semester.
Two from Rehoboth make Dean’s List at University of New England
Jacob Suprenard of DRRHS and Rehoboth Ella Slater also of DRRHS and Rehoboth made Dean’s List at University of New England in the fall of 2024.
Local Residents make Dean’s List at Wentworth Institute of Technology
Boston - The following local students have made the dean’s list at Wentworth Institute of Technology for the Fall 2024 semester.
Ryan Tavares, Adelle Pray
Local Students Named to Holy Cross’ Fall 2024 Dean’s List
Worcester, MA -- More than 1,700 students were named to the College of the Holy Cross’ Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement during the Fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year. The following local students made the list:
• Nathan Howard of Rehoboth, class of 2025
• Kate Leinson of Seekonk, class of 2026
• Isabella Rosa of Seekonk, class of 2027
Seekonk Public Library
Estate Planning Explained
Wednesday, March 12 at 6:00 PM
Do you think estate planning is only for the wealthy? Think again. Learn why estate planning is for everybody at the Seekonk Library’s program Estate Planning Explained on Wednesday, March 12th at 6:00 PM. Kurt Jamiel from the Association of Financial Educators will lead this workshop on everything estate planning. Learn why you might need an estate plan, what constitutes an estate, and how to smoothly transfer funds to family.
The Association of Financial Educators is a nationwide network of financial professionals who have a passion for education and share a common goal: to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge they need to take control of their own financial well-being.
Kurt Jamiel is a financial advisor in Warren, RI, and an AFE educator. Before beginning his career in financial services, Kurt earned an advanced degree in Law and served his country as a U.S. Army Military Intelligence Officer in South Korea. Having spent years at several financial institutions, Kurt has created comprehensive financial plans and financial solutions for many clients. He sharpened his skills at Sage Management in Washington, D.C., and then as a vice president with the Bank of Boston. In 2003, Kurt formed Jamiel Financial Advisors, LLC, combining his investment, legal, and geo-political experience to serve his own clients.
For planning purposes and to receive important program updates, please register in the online Events Calendar at www. seekonkpl.org/events.
For more information or help registering, call Adult Services at 508-336-8230 or email library@seekonkpl.org.
Recognizing and Treating Stress and Anxiety in Your Dog
Tuesday, March 18 at 6:00 PM
Join James LaMonte, founder and director of the Seekonk K9 PTSD Center, for a presentation on PTSD and anxiety in dogs. He’ll discuss the causes and symptoms of stress-related disorders and share how the Center works with military and police K9s to help them recover and improve their quality of life. Mr. LaMonte will also explain the biology behind a dog’s stress response and provide tips for dog owners on helping their own pets deal with these conditions. The presentation will be followed by discussion and Q&A. Note: No dogs will be present at this event, and participants are kindly asked not to bring their own dogs.
This program is free and open to the public; for planning and to be notified of program updates please register in our new Events Calendar at seekonk-ma.whofi.com/calendar.
For more information, call Adult Services at the library at (508) 336-8230 or email library@seekonkpl.org.
New Technology Class
Do you want to get more out of your smartphone or tablet? Bring them to our monthly Library Tech Class. In each session we will explore a new topic for your mobile device to help you get started. Register and join Librarian Michelle Gario at the library for this upcoming new class topic:
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Password Management Tips
Tuesday, March 18 from 2-3:30 PM
Password management is a necessary part of using computers and it isn’t getting any easier! Join Librarian Michelle Gario in this 90 minute session for some tips on password management. You must bring your own device; make sure the device is fully charged. Space is limited; registration with a SAILS library card is required. Register in the Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org/ events.
For more information or for help with registration, call Adult Services at 508-336-8230 x56130 or email library@seekonkpl.org.
Oscar Buzz Movie
Thursday, March 20 at 6 PM
Oscar nominations have been delayed this year, but you can catch up on some of the predicted contenders with us! Come and watch this new DVD release for FREE at Seekonk Public Library: Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin are mismatched Jewish American cousins who reunite for a road trip Poland to honor their beloved grandmother. Rated R, Runtime 90 minutes.
Mark your calendars for this series to continue on Thursday, April 13, title and time to be announced.
Selections are subject to change based on availability. 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 important program updates.
Nonfiction Book Club: The Doctors Blackwell By Janice P. Nimura
Tuesday, March 25 At 6:00 PM
Join us for a lively discussion of The Doctors Blackwell: How Two Pioneering Sisters Brought Medicine to Women – and Women to Medicine by Janice P. Nimura on Tuesday, March 25th 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!
“The vivid biography of two pioneering sisters who, together, became America’s first female doctors and transformed New York’s medical establishment by creating a hospital by and for women. Elizabeth Blackwell believed from an early age that she was destined for greatness beyond the scope of “ordinary” womanhood. Though the world recoiled at the notion of a woman studying medicine, her intelligence and intensity won her the acceptance of the all-male medical establishment and in 1849 she became the first woman in America to receive a medical degree. But Elizabeth’s story is incomplete without her often forgotten sister, Emily, the third woman in America to receive a medical degree. Exploring the sisters’ allies, enemies and enduring partnership, Nimura presents a story of both trial and triumph: Together the sisters’ founded the New York Infirmary for Indigent Women and Children, the first hospital staffed entirely by women.”-- Provided by publisher.
For more event information, visit www.seekonkpl.org or email library@seekonkpl.org.
Stories of Health for the Greater Good: All About Kidney Donations
March 26 at 6 PM
Our personal goals to maintain and improve our health can have benefits far beyond just ourselves. Learn more at Seekonk Public Library on Wednesday, March 26 at 6 PM in the inspiring and educational program Lives Forever Changed: Kidney Donation Stories of Hope & Compassion. You’ll hear from Dr. Basma Merhi,
nephrologist at the Brown Medicine Division of Kidney Disease and Hypertension and Division of Organ Transplantation at RI Hospital. Dr. Merhi will share about the great need for kidney donors and the many ways that recipients, their family and friends can conduct a search for a living kidney donor. Donors as well as current and potential recipients will also share their particular journey in kidney donation. Your questions are welcome at the end of the presentation. This event is free and open to the public. For planning purposes and to receive important program updates, please register in the online Events Calendar at www.seekonkpl.org/events.
For more information or help registering, call Adult Services at 508-336-8230 extension 56130 or email library@seekonkpl.org.
Friends of the Seekonk Library News
Thank you to all who were able to come to our big half-price book sale in February. Your purchases of books, puzzles, and candy bars allow us to support the library with programs and materials for all ages. The success of our daily and half price sales would not be possible without your donations of books, magazines, and puzzles which provide happiness to their new owners. Thank you again for your continuing support to our library.
Teen Services
Pi Day, Pie Yay!
Thursday, March 13 at 3:00 PM
Celebrate Pi Day (March 14, or 3.14) with robots and pie! Compare slices from different sized pies and use Pi (π) to determine which piece is bigger before sampling the various flavors. Then code a Sphero Bolt to travel in a circle and calculate the area it covers using the robot’s sensor data.
This 1-hour in-person event is free and open to tweens and teens in grades 6 through 12. Registration is required. Sign up using our new Events Calendar at seekonkpl.org/events. For more information, call Teen Services at the library at (508) 336-8230 or email teens@seekonkpl.org.
Make & Take Cookies
Thursday, March 20 at 3:00 PM
Learn some baking basics from Darlene Sicard, owner of D’s Lectables right here in Seekonk. Darlene will explain various baking techniques and ingredients, then she’ll walk us through the process of making vegan cookie dough from scratch. Your cookie dough will be safe to eat raw, but Darlene will share instructions for baking it at home if you choose. She will also answer questions about baking as a career and being a business owner.
This 90-minute event is free and open to tweens and teens in grades 6 through 12. Space is limited and registration is required. Sign up using our new Events Calendar at seekonkpl.org/events. For more information, call Adult Services at the library at (508) 3368230 or email teens@seekonkpl.org.
Youth Services
Neighborhood Forest- Earth Day Free Trees!
Neighborhood Forest gave a record 67,000+ trees to kids at 900+ schools, libraries, and youth groups across North America last Earth Day and they are aiming to reach 100,000+ kids for Earth Day 2025!! Seekonk Public Library is proud to announce that we are a 2025 program partner and you can register for your child’s free tree through the library! Neighborhood Forest aims to provide native and/ or edible fruit-bearing trees in all the regions they serve. The exact species for your region will be revealed in early April. Register your child for a free tree, and pick it up at the Seekonk Library in time for Earth Day 2025! Register by March 15.
Kid Librarian of the Month
March 1-31
Ages 7-12 Starting December 26, stop by the Children’s Room to fill out an application for the chance to become the Kid Librarian of the Month. As a Kid Librarian, you will receive an official t-shirt and be in charge of creating a book display with a theme of your choice. You will also make a sign to accompany the display. If needed, the Kid Librarian can ask the Librarian for assistance setting up the display.
The Kid Librarian of the Month will be selected during the second week of January, and their display will be showcased for the rest of the month. If chosen, you will be contacted by email or phone. All applications will remain on file.
Kindness Club-March Kindness Tags
March 1-31
All ages, drop-in In March, visit the Children’s Room and pick up a kindness tag to recommend a book you love. After choosing your book, place the tag in it with just a bit of it sticking out at the top. These tags will then become bookmarks for the next person who checks out the book. Be sure to keep an eye out for other kindness tags to discover new book recommendations!
Slime Lab
Monday, March 10 6-7:30 PM (timeslots)
Grades 1-5 It’s SLIME TIME! Join Ms Sandie for a 30-minute Slime Lab session! We’ll make some slime and pick some fun additives to make your slime into your own unique creation! Yes, your hands will get sticky mixing the slime, but don’t worry! It washes right off.
Backyard Band Jams
Wednesdays, March 12, 19, 26, & April 2
9:30-10:15, Ages birth-8 At a Backyard Band Jam families engage in musical play with new and traditional songs, sing-along storybooks, props, and instruments. We sing together, move and groove together, and of course jam out together! Jams are appropriate for families with kiddos from birth to 8. Homeschoolers welcome of course! Registration is required for this 4-week session. Please understand you are committing to all 4 weeks. Please only register if you are able to attend all 4 weeks. This program is funded by a grant from the Seekonk Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Paws to Read
Wednesday, March 12, 3-4:30 PM (timeslots)
Build reading skills and gain confidence in reading aloud by coming to the Library to Paws to Read! Register to reserve a 15-minute time slot to have your child read to Gizmo and Pepe, two adorable chihuahua/pomeranian mix therapy dogs. Research has shown
that reading aloud to another person can help struggling readers with their overall performance and confidence. But did you know that reading comprehension improves even more when reading to a dog rather than an adult? It’s true! Each one-on-one private session is facilitated by Sandra Healey and her two dogs. Space is limited. Register.
Beyblade Club
Friday, March 14 & 26 4:30 PM, Grades 1-5
Drop in Join us at the library for Beyblade Club for kids in grades 1-5. We will have free play time to battle (bring your Beyblades and stadiums or use the library’s limited supply). This program is drop-in; no registration is required. Come battle some Beyblades and meet some new friends!
Little Explorers Sensory Playgroup
Saturday, March 22 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
All kids ages 2-5 with a caregiver Drop in anytime between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to play with various toys and unique materials to engage the senses and support the development of motor, memory, communication, and problem-solving skills in a fun and welcoming environment. This program is for children of all abilities. Ages 2-5 with a caregiver, are welcome to drop in and play!
Storytimes
Baby Storytime
Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1
Ages 0-18 Months Join Ms Corey for a weekly storytime designed for children 0 - 18 months old. Bring a small baby blanket for the floor and enjoy a book followed by music, fingerplays & movement. Afterward, enjoy free time for belly time. It’s an important way to help babies strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles, and improve motor skills. Babies will be free to crawl through a tunnel, play with toys, read a board book, and enjoy some bubbles with you. Drop in.
Toddler Storytime
Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Ages 18-36 months Join Ms Corey for a weekly storytime designed for children 18 – 36 months old. The storytime will include a book or two followed by music, fingerplays, movement, and yes, even bubbles! Drop in.
Preschool Storytime
Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3
Ages 3-5 Join Ms Sandie for a weekly storytime for the preschool crowd (ages 3-5)! Younger siblings are welcome! Each week we’ll be reading 2-3 stories and completing a related activity. Drop in.
As always, our storytimes focus on talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing- important principles for YOUR child’s language development and reading readiness!
Storytime on the Go
Create a storytime experience at home with Storytime On The Go packets. Each packet will include books and an age-appropriate literacy activity. The early literacy activities will support one or more of the five early literacy practices: talking, sing-ing, reading, writing, and playing.
Storytime On The Go packets are available for toddlers and preschoolers- just choose the packet that’s right for your child. Stop by the Children’s Room to pick yours up!
News and Notes from... Blanding Library
By Leslie Patterson
Crafting Programs Coming Up!
The Blanding Library will be offering a series of three craft projects on Wednesdays, March 26, April 2, and April 9, each at Goff Hall at 6:30. All classes will be led by Daisy Gilmore. For ages 15 and up. All materials are included.
• March 26: Decoupage shells - Choose your shells and decorate them with a variety of materials and finish with a gold rim.
• April 2: Painted Glasses - Choose a design (or make your own) and use glass paint to make a set of beautiful glasses.
• April 9: Decoupage Cigar Boxes - Choose from a variety of materials and decorations to make a unique keepsake. Classes are $5 each, due at the time of registration. Bonus: If you attend all three, there will be a $5 refund when you arrive at the third class. Register early as space is limited. For further information, call the library at 508-252-4236.
You can find details about upcoming programs and events on the Blanding website https://rehobothantiquarian.org/blanding-library/ Program information also includes other events held at Goff Hall and the ages the programs are intended for.
Saving and Sowing Seeds March 12
yWinds Sextet
History Discussions
Hank Coleman’s history discussion group on the Ancient Greeks continues each Wednesday morning at 11. Open to all adults with an interest in history. For more information, contact hjcoleman@ comcast.net.
M arch 28, 7:30 pm
The Blanding Public Library, 124 Bay State Rd, is open Monday through Thursday from 10 to 8, and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 to 4. Closed Sundays and holidays. Phone 508-252-4236.
Providence Mandolin Orchestra
Sharon from Brilliant Dahlia Flower Farm will present us with all the facts about seeds, including direct sowing, harvesting, and saving seeds. There will be a limited number of seeds for you to take home. This free program is at the library on Wed. March 12 from 6:30 to 7:30. No registration is needed.
Memorial Hall, Rehoboth, MA
Backyard Band Jams
Tickets at the door, $18, $16, $8 508-463-5384 – www.RehobothAntiquarian.org
Sunday, October 6th at 2;30pm Hall, 124 Bay State Rd, Rehoboth the door, $25 adults, $10 students/children
The Blanding is pleased to present a series of music programs for babies and preschoolers on Mondays in March. Come join your local coordinated Family and Children’s Music Programs (CFCE) for music and movement sessions. Miss Rhonda of Backyard Band Jams and Miss Jocelyn will lead singing, dancing and playing musical instruments and more. Dates and times are March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, from 10:30 to 11:15. Registration is recommended but not required. For more details contact JocelynCarvalho@paceccw.org.
Held at 10:30 and is designed for babies and toddlers (up to age 3). Thursday Story & Craft Time is held at 10:30 and is designed for preschoolers ages 3 to 5. The next LEGOs will be on Saturday March 8 from 11 to 2 and is a drop-in program for all ages.
Bunnies in Disguise, a Spring Scavenger Hunt!
From March 10 through April 19 literary bunnies will be hiding in the library. See if you can find them. What a great way to welcome Spring!
Kids PJ Drive through March
The Blanding Library will continue to accept NEW pajamas through March 31 for the Boston Bruins’ PJ drive helping local children (age 2 through teens) in need. Donation basket is located inside the library foyer. Thanks to all who have contributed to this drive, helping us reach our goal.
Rehoboth Ramblings
by Leslie Patterson
Keep On Reading
March may be the month of St. Patrick’s Day but there are enough excellent contemporary Irish writers to keep readers occupied all year. Sally Rooney has been getting most of the attention but she is just one of many Irish writers making names for themselves. If you want an edgy story, there is “Wild Houses”, a darkly humorous novel set in County Mayo, by Colin Barrett, who now lives in Canada.
Two of Claire Keegan’s works of fiction have been made into acclaimed films: “The Quiet Girl” is based on “Foster” and “Small Things like These” with Cillian Murphy is based on the book of the same title. These are slender novels about rural Ireland in the 1980’s but they pack quite an emotional punch.
Niall Williams is receiving well-deserved attention for his lyrical novels about small-town Ireland in the 1960’s. His latest novel, “The Time of the Child” follows “This is Happiness” from a couple of years ago. Both are well worth reading, tender and moving without being sentimental.
Another Irish writer is Emma Donoghue, who also lives in Canada. She wrote the gripping “Room” which also was made into a movie. Her latest novel is “The Paris Express.” Meanwhile, one of our most beloved American novelists, Ann Tyler, has a new story about another quirky family in Baltimore (a theme that has never failed her) called “Three Days in June”.
Novelist Geraldine Brooks’ new book is not fiction, sadly. Called “Memorial Days” it is a memoir about the loss of her husband, writer Tony Horwitz, after a heart attack. Readers may remember Mr. Horwitz for “Confederates in the Attic”, an engaging description of being a Civil War re-enactor.
There are quite a few non-fiction books about animals. Have you ever looked at the birds at your feeder on a cold winter morning and wondered how they survive bitter temperatures (aside from filling up on sunflower seed you’ve provided)? There’s a new book by Peter Dunne with beautiful illustrations by renowned birder David Allen Sibley called “The Courage of Birds and the Often Surprising Ways they Survive Winter” that will answer a lot of your questions about the resilience of our feathered friends.
Here’s a book about birds’ long distant (very long distant) ancestors, “The Lost World of the Dinosaurs: Uncovering the Secrets of the Prehistoric Age” by Armin Schmitt, a very readable look at life on Earth millions of years ago.
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Another book about animals that is sure to be a hit with petlovers is “Puppy Kindergarten: The New Science of Raising a Great Dog” by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods. This couple, who are animal scientists at Duke University, provide lots of tested advice and include many cute photos of their subjects. You may have also seen their Netflix show “Inside the Mind of a Dog”.
For all you bakers out there, here’s a book you can challenge yourself with-- “The Big Book of Bread”. The first challenge is lifting this thing; it’s as big and heavy as its name implies. Published by the King Arthur Baking Company, it includes over 125 recipes for every baker. But be warned; some of these recipes do look rather daunting. The photos however look good enough to eat.
Fans of PBS regular Rick Steves (“Keep on Traveling”) will want to check out “On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer” to learn all about his early adventures on the road way back when.
All of these books are available at your local public library, or can be sent to you there at your request through the SAILS library system (https://sailsinc.org/ Books are frequently available as audiobooks and e-books too. All you need is a library card to access great reading for free!
While browsing at the library, I found a three-volume set of “The Complete Far Side” with a gazillion of Gary Larson’s weird and wacky cartoons from the ‘80s and ‘90s. You can’t really read through the whole thing at once. It would be like eating a giant bag of potato chips in one sitting. But all your old favorites are here, such as “Don’s discount shark cages”. There is Larson’s bizarre line-up of clowns, cave men, and all those goofy animals, especially snakes. My favorite Larson cartoon shows the “Crisis Center” building on fire as it heads down the river towards a waterfall. Some of his cartoons are as timely as ever.
SCHOOL NEWS
Palmer River Elementary News
This February, Palmer River Elementary School, offered a series of enriching experiences that highlighted both hands-on learning and professional growth for its students and staff.
One of the standout events of the month took place when second graders were treated to a special visit from Officer David Aguiar and his K-9 partner, Edo. The dynamic duo gave students an inside look at the crucial work of K-9 units in law enforcement. The children were captivated as Officer Aguiar detailed the rigorous training that these skilled dogs undergo, the special equipment they use, and the important role they play in keeping our communities and officers safe. Edo, a highly trained canine, demonstrated some of his skills, leaving the second graders in awe of the incredible bond between officers and their four-legged partners.
Meanwhile, the third-grade students were immersed in the rich history of the Native American tribes of the Northeast during an informative presentation by the Plimoth Patuxet Museum. The focus of the session was on the People of the Dawn, a group of Indigenous people whose culture, traditions, and history are
often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Through this engaging program, the students gained a deeper understanding of the region’s early history and the contributions of the Native American communities who lived there long before European settlers arrived.
In addition to these exciting student experiences, the professional development of the school’s educators continued to thrive. The first and second-grade staff at Palmer River attended a specialized session focused on improving their narrative writing instruction. This professional development opportunity allowed teachers to refine their skills, ensuring that their students continue to develop strong writing abilities as they grow. By honing these crucial skills, educators are empowering the next generation of storytellers, encouraging creativity and clarity in communication.
From interactive lessons about K-9 units to deep dives into the history of Native American cultures, Palmer River is creating memorable moments that will inspire its young learners for years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting happenings at Palmer River Elementary.
Beckwith Middle School Receives National Banner Recognition
By Joe Siegel
Beckwith Middle School is one of the 19 schools in Massachusetts and one of 202 schools nationwide to receive National Banner recognition for providing Special Olympics Unified Champion School programming.
At an all school assembly held on February 26, a group of students raised the banner in the gymnasium to the cheers of their classmates, teachers, and members of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District.
The honor reflects Beckwith Middle School’s success in meeting 10 national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect.
The Unified Champion Schools model is a strategic framework for schools Pre-K through university that intentionally promotes meaningful social inclusion by bringing together students with and
without intellectual disabilities to create accepting school environments, utilizing three interconnected components: Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement.
In Massachusetts, more than 369 schools are involved in Unified Champion Schools programming, and across the United States, 10,000 schools, including those in the 49 states, the District Columbia, and Puerto Rico, are engaged in this initiative.
School Superintendent Bill Runey praised the Beckwith staff, noting they “empower our efforts to make all our students feel valued and included.”
Beckwith Principal Stephen Donovan said the banner recognition was a “testament to the passion and dedication of our students.”
“You are making the world a better place,” said Denise Larrabee, Manager of the Inclusive Schools program for Special Olympics. Larrabee encouraged the students to “bring inclusion with you” and praised Carol Jerauld, the Beckwith Middle School Unified Coordinator, for creating “a culture of respect and inclusion.”
Jerauld, a coach for 35 years, began the program in the 2017-2018 school year with teacher Jennifer Enos. “I never knew how much it would change my life,” Jerauld noted. “Coaching unified sports is in a league of its own. Not only do the players improve, but they help me become a better coach and person.”
Local Students Receive Honors at Saint Raphael Academy
Saint Raphael Academy congratulates students from Bristol County who have achieved honor roll status for the second quarter marking period in academic year 2024-25. They are:
First Honors
Grade 9: Logan Franco (Seekonk)
Grade 11: Emma Chartier (Rehoboth)
Grade 12: Amanda de Abreu (Rehoboth), Lucas Rosa (Seekonk)
Second Honors
Grade 11: Cameron Faria (Rehoboth)
Saint Raphael Academy is a diocesan, Catholic, college preparatory school founded in the charism of Saint John Baptist de La Salle and rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Academy provides a comprehensive and competitive college preparatory high school experience to about 450 young men and women from diverse backgrounds and prepares each student for a life dedicated to learning, leadership and service. For 100 years, the Academy’s more than 8,000 graduates have gone on to careers in business, law, medicine, education, science and engineering. We are more than just a school community -- we are a family. Visit www.saintrays.org
Bishop Feehan Announces Second Quarter Honor Roll 2024-2025
Vice Principal for Academics, Charlotte Lourenco, is proud to announce the Honor Roll students for the second quarter. Honor Roll is a recognition of high-performing students based on the student’s overall average in any given quarter, regardless of the levels of their classes. Bishop Feehan has three levels of Honor Roll. First Honors is awarded to students whose overall average in that quarter is grade 93.00 or higher, Second Honors is grade 90.00 or higher, and Third Honors is 85.00 or higher, with no individual grade below 80.
First Honors: Emma Andrade 9 Rehoboth, Emma Rapp 9 Rehoboth, Mackayla Creighton 10 Rehoboth, Noelle Salwierz 10 Rehoboth, Grace Callaghan 11 Rehoboth, Andrew Placido 11 Rehoboth, Landyn Andrade 12 Rehoboth, Jessica Lyle 12 Rehoboth, Abigail Salwierz 12 Rehoboth, Guillianna Leitao 10 Seekonk, Lorna Nassef 10 Seekonk, Emily Rebelo 10 Seekonk, Elena Borden 12 Seekonk, Lucas Custodio 12 Seekonk
Second Honors: Gillian Creighton 9 Rehoboth, Taylor Pierce 9 Rehoboth, Sophia Andrade 10 Rehoboth, James Mello 10 Rehoboth, Andrew Sanford 10 Rehoboth, Raegan Baer 11 Rehoboth, Kaden Baltazar 11 Rehoboth, Anthony Nassif 12 Rehoboth, Isabella Silva 12 Rehoboth, Riyan Jones 9 Seekonk, Emily Azzouz 10 Seekonk, Dana Kiriaki 10 Seekonk, Sofiana Azzouz 11 Seekonk, Matthew Roslonek 11 Seekonk, Jack Desmarais 12 Seekonk, Third Honors: Dahlia Cryan 9 Rehoboth, Mayukha Reddy 9 Rehoboth, Allen Shapiro 9 Rehoboth, Ryan Avila 10 Rehoboth, Madison Coyne 10 Rehoboth, Hope Abbott 11 Rehoboth, Benjamin Bogosian 11 Rehoboth, Mackinley Garcia 11 Rehoboth, Braxtyn Andrade 12 Rehoboth, Sophia Castro 12 Rehoboth, Benjamin Cote 12 Rehoboth, Joseph DiGirolamo III 12 Rehoboth, Oliver Casasola 9 Seekonk, Hailey Ferreira 9 Seekonk, Dylan Audette 10 Seekonk, William Mal 10 Seekonk, Samuel Shaghalian 11 Seekonk
GOT STUFF ???
Support the Dighton-Rehoboth Marching Band with a donation to their annual yard sale! All types of items are needed – clothing, toys, tools, household items, etc.
Please be kind enough to make sure that all donations are in new/good, useable condition. We can’t accept upholstered furniture, televisions, mattresses, broken items, or other items at our discretion
YARD SALE
To arrange for a pick up or drop off of items, please reach out to Jenn. TEXT 774-488-4325 or E-MAIL treasurer@DRMBboosters.org
DRMB Boosters is a 501c3 charitable organization. Donation letters available upon request
WHEELER SUMMER CAMP
JUNE 16AUGUST 15 Campers
Freaky Friday Theatre Production at Seekonk High School
Join Seekonk High School Theatre Company on March 21, 22 and 23 as they bring to life Disney’s Freaky Friday: A New Musical! Based on the timeless 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the beloved Disney films, this charming production brings music, laughter and a dash of magic! When an overworked mother and her high-spirited teenage daughter, in a magical twist of fate, find they have swapped bodies and have just one day to put things right. As Katherine and Ellie spend the day in each other’s shoes, they come to appreciate one another’s struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.
March 21, 22 at 7pm
March 23 at 2pm
Seekonk High School auditorium located at 261 Arcade Avenue Seekonk, Massachusetts
Tickets available at door or from a company member cash or check:
General admission $15
Teachers/staff $12
Students/senior citizens/ children 12 and under $7
Above photos: Freaky Friday rehearsals
Financing College Expenses
Written by Lars Lambrecht, CFP, CLU, BFA, AMPA, CDFA, CLTC, CSLP, owner of Island Time Financial Services, Inc.
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 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 resource 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 resource 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, governmentsponsored 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) to 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. 617-947-6428
Lars Lambrecht
Rehoboth Council on Aging
Breakfast
Mon / Wed / Fri From 8:30-10
Lunch
Mon / Wed @ Noon. Come join us
St Patrick’s Day Lunch
Monday March 17th @ Noon SOLD OUT
Gert’s Spring Lunch
Wednesday April 16th @ Noon SOLD OUT
Nutrition and Healthy Aging
Monday March 10th @ 10:00
With Janice Marachuk one of our dedicated volunteers
Irish Music
Wednesday March 12th
Join us for Lunch and some Irish Music. from Brian Donnelly
Cable Alternatives
Weds March 19 & 26 @ 10:00
Tom Davis, one of our dedicated volunteers, will discuss alternative solutions for cable that can simplify your entertainment choices.Bring your cable bill and questions. Take control of your viewing options. Held in the Arcade
Piano Serenade
Russell Raiche Fridays 10:00 - 11:30
27
Book Club
First Monday of Month at 10:00am
Join Our Walking Club
Mon-Wed-Friday 10:00AM
Please note new start time
Join our Email List
Updates during the month COAmail@rehobothma.gov
Trivia!
Held on the First Monday of each Month
Craft Supplies Needed
We have Paper Crafting Class and a Jewelry/ Resin Making. We can always use extra supplies. Scrapbooking, Cricut Supplies, die cuts, embossing folders. Jewelry making and resin supplies. We are in need of cotton, flannel, and fleece fabric for sewing projects. We are accepting yarn donations for hats & blankets. Your donations are greatly appreciated
Meals on Wheels
Please contact Bristol Elders, Inc. at (508) 675-2101 for information on the Meals on Wheels program.
ACTIVITIES
Mondays
8:30-10 BREAKFAST
10:00 Walking Club
10:00 Bocce
10:00 Cornhole Toss
10:00 Barre Class $3.00
Noon Gert’s Café ~ Ltd seating ~ $5.00
1:00 Line Dancing $3.00
Tuesdays
9:00 Dancer-cise $3.00
10:00 Jewelry Making Class $5.00
We will be doing Glass etching, wool felting, and more. These classes will be priced accordingly
10:00 S.E.A.T Chair Exercise $3.00
10:00 Sewing & Quilting
11:00 Functional Fitness $3.00
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 Fiber Arts (Knitting & Crochet get together. Jane Williams)
10:00 Bocce
10:00 Cornhole Toss
Noon Lunch Ltd seating ~ $5.00
1:00-3:00 Acrylic Painting Class $5.00
1:00-3:00 Dominoes
Phone 508-252-3372
Fax 508-252-4716
Monday - Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm Fridays 8:00am to Noon
Thursday
9:00 Tai Chi $3.00
10:00 Drums Alive $3.00
11:00 Functional Fitness $3.00
Noon Soup to Go
1:00-3:00 Paper Crafting Class includes Card Making, Stamping, etc. $5.00
1:00-3:00 Watercolor Class $5.00
Friday
8:30 - 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 Walking Club
10:00 Bocce
10:00 Cornhole Toss
As always all pricing is a suggested donation. Please sign up for Lunch ahead of time. This helps Chef Chico plan the meals
Public Health Nurse
• Geraldine Hamel, RN MSN: Mon-Thurs 8:00AM to 4:00PM. 508-252-6502 ext. 3127 or 508-252-5947
• Stephanie Reis, RN BSN: 508-252-6052 ext. 3128
Multiple medical services for our Rehoboth citizens: Home Visits, Vaccinations. Support groups: Bereavement, Caregiver Assistance, Dementia Support and more
• Wellness Clinic Wednesday 11:00-Noon
• Podiatry Clinic: Last Thursday of the month
• Blood Pressures & Glucose Screenings Please contact Geri Hamel for more information on these services.
Rehoboth Senior Citizens Club News
Our February meeting, in the deep freeze of the day, was in the nice warm Museum Building at Francis Farm Complex, due to the painting of the ceiling in the Arcade Building. The meeting went smoothly, lunch from Chartley Country Store (deli meat platter and rolls) was super, and the home made whoopie pies, the cookies, and donuts were w o n d e r f u l! Thank you everyone for the delicious pot luck dessert choices. We missed those who could not attend.
The next RSCC meeting will be at Briggs Corner Pizzeria, on Rt 118, Attleboro, on March 20, at noon. We have the glass enclosed room by the bar area reserved just for us. Order off the menu. There will be important club business to discuss, so I’m hoping many will attend. Please call me (508-964-9491) or Jane Williams (508-7355440) to let us know if you plan to be there.
See you soon, Donna Howard, President
Seekonk Human Services
St. Patrick’s Day Karaoke Party
Wed, March 12, 2025 at 11:30am
Barney Mallon Karaoke King, Barney Mallon will be here to sing and have sing-along with all who will attend our St. Patrick’s Day party. He will be singing Irish songs that you know and some you may not know. When he performs for St. Patrick’s Day parties he usually sings some songs by Italian singers for St. Joseph’s Day too. He usually will sing songs sang by Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Perry Como, Tony Bennett etc. So, join us for some great fun and a delicious lunch! Lunch will be corned beef and cabbage. The cost will be $10 for residents and $13 for non residents. Preregistration is required.
Venice, Italy: A History and Photographic Tour
By Matt Davis
Wed, March 19, 2025 at 1:00pm
Matt Davis will be here illustrating Venice, Italy with dozens of original photos. Have you learned how this amazing city was first created? What daily life is like? Why it’s one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations? What challenges the city faces today? Preregistration is required.
Healthy AgingLunch & Learn
Wed, March 26, 2025 at 11:30am
Join us for Nutrition Jeopardy by Bristol Aging and Wellness Registered Dietitian, Dawn DiMarco. Lunch will be spaghetti and meatballs, vegetables, dinner rolls and dessert for those who attend. Preregistration is required.
“Meet and Greet” State
Senator Kelly Dooner
Monday, March 31, 2025 at 2:00pm
There will be “Meet and Greet” with your new State Senator Kelly Dooner. Learn about Kelly, her team, and her priorities for Seekonk and the Commonwealth. They will be providing pastries for all who sign up for this activity. Preregistration is required.
Arts & Crafts
1st & 3rd Friday 9:30am - 11:30am
Fees: residents $5 / non-residents $10.
• March 7th & 21st - Personalized Jewelry Making
• April 4th & 18th- Acrylic Door Hangers with Patterns
Contact the office for more information. Preregistration is required with payment. Projects are subject to change.
Blood Pressure & Glucose Clinic
Wed, March 19th 9:00am - 11:00am
Join us for our free monthly blood pressure and glucose screenings. Walk-ins welcome. Provided by Seekonk’s Public Health Nurse.
Encore
CasinoBoston Harbor
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Price: $42.00 Per Person
Depart: 8:30am Return: Approx. 5:30pm 540 Arcade Avenue, Seekonk, MA
The casino at Encore Boston Harbor brings glamour on a grand scale to the riverfront. Enter the main floor– open and airy, colorful and vibrant… Try your luck with 2,800+ slot machines, including classic favorites, automated tables and the newest game titles. Enjoy 166 table games, all at state-of-the-art tables with superior service. It all adds up to an exciting, memorable five-star experience unlike anywhere else in Boston. Trip includes: deluxe motorcoach transportation, gratuity, casino time: 10am4pm. Casino Pkg. $20 free slot play. (Casino package subject to change) Payment due at registration.
Let’s Learn Together!
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 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. This program is provided by Seekonk Public Library staff. Bring your own tablet, phone or laptop. Please make sure your device is fully charged. Preregistration is required.
Smooth R&B and Hip Hop Line Dance
Wed, April 9, 2025 at 11:30am
Seniors come on down! Move and groove to smooth R&B Hip Hop music tunes. This class is about an hour and is especially designed for seniors. There is some evidence in current research that suggests that physical activity can slow down the decline of cognitive disabilities and may improve the quality of senior life. *This program is supported by a grant from the Seekonk Cultural Council. Preregistration is required and opens March 17th.
Hearing Clinic
Mon, April 14 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Lauren Warburton from At Home Hearing Healthcare will be here for a Hearing Clinic from 1pm - 3pm. At Home Hearing Healthcare is a mobile Hearing Instrument Specialist team with over 38 years of experience. They specialize in detecting and resolving issues with hearing loss. If their Board-Certified Hearing Instrument specialist detect a hearing loss, the individual will be advised regarding the next steps for pursuing proper treatment. For individuals who do not have hearing loss, this screening establishes a valuable baseline to measure any future issues. They offer services in the comfort and security of your own home. They do accept MassHealth. Pre registration is required.
Continued on next page...
Willie Nelson Songs and Stories With Matt York
Wed, April 16, 2025 at 1:00pm
Longtime New England singer and songwriter Matt York will perform songs and tell stories about the great Willie Nelson. Matt York will focus on Willie’s long and illustrious music career that has spanned over seven decades. In both 2022 and 2023, Matt was nominated for the Boston Music Award for Best Country Artist and last year, his album, Gently Used, was named one of the top albums by The Patriot Ledger. *This program is supported by a grant from the Seekonk Cultural Council. Preregistration is required and opens March 17.
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Monday, April 28, 2025 at 2:00pm
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. World wide, 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Join us on Monday, April 28th at 2pm for a presentation on “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia” with our Public Health Nurse Lisa Valente, RN CDOE along with a representative from the Alzheimer’s Association. Preregistration is required and opens March 17.
Healthy AgingLunch & Learn
Wed, April 30, 2025 at 11:30am
Join us for Nutrition Trivia by Bristol Aging and Wellness Registered Dietitian, Dawn DiMarco. Lunch will be Macaroni and Cheese, broccoli, dinner rolls, and dessert, lunch for those who attend. Preregistration is required and opens March 17th.
Tuesday Luncheon at
12:00pm
Seekonk Human Services has partnered with The Hamilton Diner to offer weekly lunches! Lunches will cost $7 for residents and $8 for nonresidents. The menu will be available at the office and on Facebook. On the last Tuesday of each month, we will be celebrating Seekonk Senior’s birthday. On your birth month you will only pay $2.00 for that lunch (Seekonk residents only).
Nutritional Meals to Go Tues/Weds/Thurs
Bristol Elder Services provides nutritional meals for lunch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to go. Meals come completely cooked and prepackaged. Meals need to
be ordered the day before by 9:30am. Suggested donation of $2.25 per meal which will be due at the time of pickup. The March menu is available at our office and on our Facebook page.
Fuel Assistance
Income guidelines: Maximum income for one person is $49,196, for two people is $64,333, for three people is $79,470 and for four people is $94,608. Returning applicants must provide proof of income (pension, interest, dividends, 401K/IRA distribution). New applications must provide income, mortgage or rent bill, real estate taxes, homeowners insurance, utility bills (electric, gas and/or oil), social security card, government photo ID, and birth certificates for those under the age of 18.
Fuel assistance begins November 1st. For assistance, please call our office to schedule an appointment with our outreach worker. Applications are accepted until April 30, 2025.
Telephone Reassurance Program
Our office will make a telephone call to an individual’s home at approximately the same time each day Monday through Friday (during our operating business hours only). This program is designed to connect people in need with ongoing, caring human contact and conversation. If we do not receive an answer, we will call back shortly after. If we do not receive an answer the second time, Public Safety will be called to check on the individual’s status. 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.
Medical Loan Closet
Our FREE Medical Loan Closet is available for Seekonk residents. Our inventory is dependent on donated items received, but may be limited based on need and space. For more information, please call 508-3368772 *30 Day Rental
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.
Exercise Classes
Mondays
Movement & Meditation 10am
Strength & Cardio 1pm
Tuesdays
Drums Alive 9am
Wednesdays
Stability and Balance 8:45am
Drums Alive 9:30am
Thursdays
Mat Exercise 9am
Movement & Meditation 10am
Fridays
Dance Cardio 9:15am
Tai Chi 10:30am
*All activities are subject to pre-registration
Card Games
Play an old favorite or learn something new!
• Canasta Mondays at 11am - A card game of the Rummy family
• Hi-Low Jack (Pitch) Tuesdays & Thursdays at 1pm - Win the game by having the highest card played in the trump suit
• Mahjong Wednesdays at 1pm - Mahjong is a game of skill and chance that originated in China
• Cribbage Thursdays at 11am - The first person to peg 121 points and get to the end of the board is the winner
• BINGO Thursdays at 1pm - Regular games $1.00 for 6 games. Specials $2.00 per game. A game of chance played with cards having numbered squares corresponding to numbers drawn at random
The center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm, Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm and Friday 8:30am12:00pm. Come and enjoy the activities and companionship at your center. Join our email list! Things are changing 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 Zoom and virtual programs.
* 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.
In RemembeRance
Maureen A. (Duffy) Powers
Maureen Powers
Seekonk – Maureen A. (Duffy) Powers, 70, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 9, 2025 after a courageous battle with dementia. She was the beloved wife of Glen Powers for fifty beautiful years. Born in Pawtucket, she was the daughter of the late Raymond, Sr. and Gina (Giuntini) Duffy.
Maureen graduated in 1972 from Tolman High School, Pawtucket, and resided in Seekonk for over thirty years. She last worked as a secretary in the guidance department at Seekonk High School for fifteen years. Her work extended far beyond her secretarial duties and straight into the hearts of the students whom she loved working with. Maureen found solace in her garden of beautiful flowers and decorating her home during the holidays. She was avid animal lover and enjoyed traveling with her high school sweetheart throughout New England, along with frequent trips to Canada and a memorable one to Ireland. Maureen’s presence, light and smile will be dearly missed by the lives she has touched.
In addition to her devoted husband, she is survived by a beloved son, Patrick Powers of Seekonk; a brother, Stephen Duffy of Virginia and many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Her funeral was held on Sunday, January 26th, and began with visitation at 2:00 p.m. and concluded with Services at 4:00 p.m. in WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904 would be appreciated. Online condolences and photo sharing welcomed at www.trippfuneralhome.com
Richard Maxwell Longbottom, Jr.
Richard Maxwell Longbottom, Jr., age 72, a longtime resident of Seekonk, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Elizabeth Anne (Cuddy) Longbottom, with whom he shared 54 wonderful years of marriage.
He was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island; son of the late Richard Maxwell Longbottom and Leonora Gilda (Francesconi) Longbottom. He grew up in Seekonk and built a lifelong career as a Project Engineer with Altium Packaging, retiring after 50 years of dedicated service. On February 5, 2025, he was honored for his years of dedicated service when he was given a lifetime achievement award.
Richard had a passion for anything with two wheels, riding motorcycles and competing in motocross from a young age. In his later years, he continued to enjoy motorcycle riding for leisure and also found joy in golfing. He cherished time spent with his family and friends, especially hosting large gatherings in his beautiful yard, and caring for his beloved animals. Those who knew him will
remember his intelligence, kindness, and unwavering acceptance of others. He had a quick wit and a dry sense of humor that brought laughter to many.
Richard was predeceased by his son Keith Longbottom.
In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his daughters Michele Longbottom-Lopes and her husband George “Jorge” Lopes, Allison “Boo” Longbottom and her partner Tasha Daigle, and Chelsey Phillips and her partner Danielle Haydt; his daughterin-law Gina Longbottom; his sister Nora Zellmer and her husband Jim; his sister-in-law Miki Potenza and her husband Frank; his aunts Edna and Gloria Francesconi; his grandsons Samuel Longbottom, Matthieu Nadeau, Cameron Nadeau, Micah Longbottom, and Caleb Longbottom; his dear friend and cousin Ginger Denneny; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends and colleagues and his cherished pets Burton and Wilson.
A gathering will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 1pm located at 253 N Wheaton Ave, Seekonk, MA 02771. Richard’s family would be honored for all who knew and loved him to come and celebrate his life with us.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Christoper and Dana Reeve Foundation https://www.christopherreeve.org/ or Dana Farber Jimmy Fund https://danafarber. jimmyfund.org/
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Richard M. Longbottom, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
Death Notices Seekonk
• Mary Stella (Coelho) Rose, a cherished pillar of her community and a beacon of kindness, passed away peacefully at her home in Seekonk, MA, on January 27, 2025, at the age of 90.
• Robert D’Adamo Jr., 64, of Andover, CT, formerly of Seekonk, MA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 28, 2025.
• *John Craveiro, 92, of Seekonk, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at his home. ~MILITARY VETERAN ~
John Petraitis
John Petraitis, 96, of Rehoboth, passed away on January 22, 2025 at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the husband of the late Claire (Marion) Petraitis. Born in Sunderland, MA., he was the son of the late Victor and Helen (Juraitis) Petraitis, as well as the brother of the late Charles Petraitis and the late Edward Petraitis. John was a 65 year resident of Rehoboth and an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Seekonk.
John was a 1946 graduate of Amherst high school and led the basketball team to the western Massachusetts championship game during his senior year. A 1958 graduate of the University of Massachusetts Stockbridge, he worked as an assistant golf course superintendent at Metacomet Country Club in East Providence after graduation. He supervised the building of the Crestwood Country Club golf course, designed by Geoffrey Cornish, at the former Lush Acres Dairy Farm during 1959 in Rehoboth. John continued to serve as the head golf course superintendent at Crestwood from the inaugural 1960 season to the end of 1994. A 66 year member of the Rhode
Real Estate Brokerage TRAVASSOS & KUSIAK
Jean M Kusiak
Island Golf Course Superintendents Association, he was also a long time member of both the New England & the America Golf Course Superintendents Associations.
An accomplished golfer, John enjoyed occasional winter golf outings to Hilton Head Island and was in attendance of several Masters Tournaments in Augusta. During his retirement years, he enjoyed watching many of the PGA Tour events. A lifelong Celtics & Red Sox fan, he was born the same week in August as Bob Cousy.
John is affectionately survived by his son Jeffrey of Rehoboth, his grandson Justin and wife Jessica of Cumberland, and his granddaughter Jennifer of Taunton. He was also the caring Uncle of Jim Petraitis, Cheryl Winter, Tom Petraitis, Denise Marion, Jerome Marion, the late Diane Wenninger, and the late Michael Wenninger.
His funeral and visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 8:30 AM from the PERRY-McSTAY FUNERAL HOME, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Taunton Avenue, Seekonk. Burial will be at the Rehoboth Village Cemetery.
Donald S. Welshman, 80 of Rehoboth, MA passed away peacefully on February 17, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Donna M. (Andrade) Welshman; together for 60 years.
Born in Providence, RI he was the son of the late Donald L. Welshman, and Lillian R. (Scott) Welshman. Donald grew up in Seekonk, MA. Following in his father’s footsteps, he was a plumber from the time he could turn a wrench. Donald loved his trade serving as a Local 51 Gold member for 35 years. He retired from Romac Plumbing and Heating in 2000 and as the Town of Rehoboth’s Plumbing inspector in 2011. Donald was a Vietnam Veteran who proudly served his country doing two tours in Vietnam between 1967-1969. He had a passion for the New England Patriots, enjoyed spending winters in Florida, and loved pulling pranks on those he loved.
Donald was a loving husband, father, grandfather (known as Zaza) and great-grandfather who adored his family and would do
Proudly serving Rehoboth & Seekonk families since 1898
Andrew J. Correia, MBIE; President/Funeral Director & Embalmer
Besides his loving wife, he leaves two children, Donald E. Welshman and his wife Donna L. of Rehoboth, Dawn Welshman and her partner Paulo Braga of Rehoboth, two grandchildren Amanda Desrosiers (Matt) and Donald F. Welshman, and one greatgranddaughter Leah Desrosiers. Several beloved nieces and nephews and lifelong friends. He was the brother of the late Donna Jeanne Bass and David J. Welshman.
The family wants to express their deep gratitude and appreciation to the Providence VA and Southcoast Hospice for their support and kindness.
Calling hours will be at Perry-McStay Funeral Home 2555 Pawtucket Ave. E. Providence RI on Thursday, March 6, 2025 5:00-8:00PM. His funeral will be held at Perry-McStay on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 11:00AM followed by a military burial at the Rehoboth Village Cemetery 190 Bay State Road, Rehoboth, MA. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Providence VA Medical Center, Attn: Voluntary Services, 830 Chalkstone Ave., Providence, RI 02908.
Donald S. Welshman
Donald S. Welshman
John Petraitis
Barbara P. (Pollard) Greenwood
Seekonk – Barbara P. (Pollard) Greenwood, 105, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 31, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Ralph P. Greenwood. Born in Providence, she was an only child of the late Guy and Mary (Montgomery) Pollard.
Barbara graduated from Pawtucket East High School and continued her education at the former Hubbard Business School, Pawtucket. She was the secretary for the Seekonk Town Accountant for seventeen years prior to retiring and resided in
the town for nearly a century. Barbara lived an active lifestyle full of golfing, bowling, crafting and dancing around the world. She played cards with her friends at the Seekonk Senior Center on a weekly basis for nearly thirty years. Barbara rode her bicycle until the age of seventy-five and enjoyed traveling the world with her late husband.
She is survived by three daughters, Marsha Thompson and her husband, Andrew, of Florida, Carol F. Greenwood of Seekonk and Donna Kmiec and her late husband, Jay, of Attleboro; four grandchildren, Jeff and Michael Thompson, Jason Kmiec and Kristen Betts; three great-grandchildren, Jessica Thompson of Germany, and Dorothy and Evelyn Thompson of Virginia; one niece and a nephew.
Relatives and friends were welcomed to attend Visitation on Thursday, February 13th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket. Interment with her late husband was held on Friday, February 14th at 11:00 a.m. in Seekonk Cemetery, Newman Ave., Seekonk. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Seekonk Senior Center, 540 Arcade Ave., Seekonk, MA 02771 would be appreciated.
Roger P. Mowry
Roger P. Mowry, 90, of Parrish, FL, formerly of Seekonk, MA, died February 12, 2025, in Tampa, FL, at Ybor City Center for Rehabilitation and Healing. He joins his late wife Ann L. (Gablinske) Mowry for Valentine’s Day, whom he was married to for 59 years. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Reginald I. Mowry, Sr., and Isabel A. (Perkins) Mowry.
Roger retired last year as a heavy-duty forklift operator with Insurance Auto Auction, Bradenton, FL. In Seekonk, he was a Special Police Officer for 25 years and a Volunteer Call Firefighter. He is past President of the Seekonk Police Association and a 24-year Florida Sheriff’s Association Honor Member.
Roger was a member of the Seekonk Congregational Church, UCC, where he served as a past Deacon.
He leaves his loving children: Deborah A. Collins and her husband Jeffrey of Tampa, FL, and Roger P. Mowry, Jr. and his wife Karen of Ludlow, MA. He loved to proudly share stories as the grandfather of Julianne, Jordan, Annmarie, Adam, and Laura Collins, Valarie Bigos-Long (Brendan Long), Sarah, Anna, Katlin, and Lucas Mowry, five great-grandchildren, and one great-greatgranddaughter. He was the grandfather of the late Jessica Travella. He was the brother of David Mowry and wife Marjorie Bunker
Mowry of Jensen Beach, Florida, and the late Jack Mowry, Eleanor Drapeau, and Reginald I. Mowry, Jr, survived by his wife Helen (Canning) Mowry of Seekonk, MA. He also leaves many loved nieces and nephews behind.
Friends may call Friday, February 21, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. in the Home of J.H. WILLIAMS & CO., 210 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI.
His Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. in the Seekonk Congregational Church, UCC, 600 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA. Burial will follow in Seekonk Cemetery, Newman Avenue.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to Seekonk Congregational Church in Roger P. Mowry, Sr.’s memory.
Death Notices
Rehoboth
• John Petraitis, 96, of Rehoboth, passed away on January 22, 2025, at Rhode Island Hospital.
• Wayne Stone, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 15th at his home in Rehoboth, MA.
Roger P. Mowry
Barbara P. Greenwood
RE/MAX Agent, Elizabeth Ruehrwein, Earns
Annual Sales Production Award
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g r i t y w i t h t h e e s t e e m e d R E / M A X P l a t i n u m C l u b A w a r d .
T h i s a w a r d h o n o r s h i g h - a c h i e v i n g r e a l e s t a t e p r o f e s s i o n a l s
f o r t h e i r t r u s t , p r o f e s s i o n a l i s m , a n d s e r v i c e t o
b u y e r s a n d / o r s e l l e r s d u r i n g t h e p a s t y e a r .
“ I t ’ s a t r e m e n d o u s h o n o r t o r e c e i v e t h i s p r e s t i g i o u s a w a r d , ” s a i d R u e h r w e i n .
“ A s a r e a l e s t a t e a g e n t w i t h R E / M A X I n t e g r i t y , I ’ m f u l l y c o m m i t t e d t o h e l p i n g
m y c l i e n t s a n d c o n s u m e r s f i n d t h e h o m e t h a t i s r i g h t f o r t h e m .
I t ’ s t r u l y a n h o n o r t o b e s u r r o u n d e d b y s u c h a n i n c r e d i b l y s u p p o r t i v e t e a m . ”
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Thrive Moving from Cold to Warm Weather
(BPT) - Keep your garden vibrant all season long with these cold weather-resistant plants.
As winter continues to keep temps fluctuating, many gardeners assume their work is done until spring. However, plenty of plants flourish in colder months, bringing color and texture to even the coldest winter landscapes. Whether you’re looking to brighten your outdoor space or maintain a thriving garden year-round, selecting the right winter-friendly plants is key to cold weather beauty and spring blossoms.
With the right plants and preparation, you can enjoy beautiful greenery and even colorful blooms throughout the coldest months. Proper planning also helps protect your landscape investments from seasonal damage.
Winter gardening facts
• Cold-hardy plants can survive freezing temperatures - Certain species, like evergreens and hellebores, are built to endure harsh weather conditions.
• Some flowers bloom even in winter - Plants like camellias and winter jasmine add pops of color to an otherwise dormant landscape.
• Soil preparation is crucial - A layer of mulch insulates plant roots, helping them withstand frost.
• Winter gardening requires less maintenance - With slower plant growth and fewer pests, winter landscapes are easier to manage than summer gardens.
Best winter-to-spring plants for your garden
• Hellebores (Lenten Roses): These hardy perennials bloom in late winter, showcasing elegant pink, purple and white flowers.
• Camellias: Their bright red and pink blooms appear in late fall and continue through early spring.
• Winter Jasmine: Producing cheerful yellow flowers, this plant thrives even in freezing temperatures.
• Pansies and Violas: These frost-resistant flowers add vibrant colors to flower beds and pots.
• Evergreens (Holly, Boxwood, Juniper): Provide year-round structure and greenery, even in snow-covered landscapes.
• Crocus - One of the first signs of spring, these hardy flowers pop up even when there’s still a chill in the air. They come in purple, yellow and white.
• Snowdrops - These delicate flowers often emerge while there’s still snow on the ground, making them perfect for the transition to spring.
• Daffodils - Bright and cheerful, daffodils bloom early in the spring and are fairly cold-resistant.
• Primrose - These early bloomers offer color in various shades, often starting in late winter or very early spring.
Cold-weather gardening tips
• Choose the right plants - Look for native species or varieties bred for winter endurance.
• Use mulch for insulation - A layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperature and protect roots.
• Water before freezing temps - Moist soil retains heat better, reducing frost damage.
• Provide wind protection - Strong winter winds can damage delicate plants, so consider placing windbreaks or using burlap wraps.
Create a Cozy Outdoor Space with a Backyard Firepit
(Family Features) A firepit can serve as a warm and inviting backyard retreat, perfect for roasting marshmallows for s’mores or stargazing while wrapped in cozy blankets. Before you can share time around the firepit with loved ones, however, consider these tips to elevate your outdoor space.
Choosing the Right Design
When it comes to building a DIY firepit, the design you choose can significantly impact the aesthetics and functionality. From classic stone pits to modern metal designs, the options are nearly endless. Think about the size and shape as well. Circular designs are traditional and encourage conversation while square or rectangular pits offer a more contemporary look.
Gathering Materials and Tools
Essential materials include bricks, stones or metal parts for the structure, as well as gravel or sand for the base. Fireproof materials are a must to ensure safety and longevity. You’ll also need tools such as a shovel for digging the base, a level to ensure even construction and adhesive or mortar for binding materials together. Depending on your design, you may require a metal fire ring, grill grate or mesh cover.
Keeping Safety in Mind
Safety should be your top priority when building and using a backyard firepit. Always place your firepit at least 10 feet away from any structures, trees or flammable materials. Make sure the area is clear of dry leaves and other debris that could catch fire. Consider installing a spark screen to prevent embers from escaping and always keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby.
Enhancing Ambiance with Seating and Lighting
Creating a cozy atmosphere around your firepit involves more than just the fire itself. Comfortable seating is essential for making your outdoor space inviting. Choose weather-resistant chairs, benches or DIY log stools arranged in a circle to foster conversation. Ambient lighting from string lights, lanterns or solar-powered path lights can elevate the mood and extend the usability of your firepit into the evening. Consider adding citronella candles or torches to keep insects at bay while enhancing the ambiance.
Visit eLivingtoday.com to find more ideas to enhance your living spaces.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
6 Steps to Spring into Lawn and Garden Care
(Family Features) If cooler weather has you longing for sunny days outdoors, take heart. Once spring rolls around, you can prepare your yard for months of warm-weather enjoyment with these tips.
Clear the Yard
Remove any leaves, rocks or sticks that may have accumulated then cut the grass as short as you can.
Dethatch
Use a thatching rake to remove dead roots and grass.
Treat Weeds
Apply herbicide to treat weed-infested areas. Allow the weed killer to work for about a week then rake to remove dead weeds.
Add Seed and Fertilizer
Depending on your lawn’s needs, overseed or spot seed to fill in thin spots. Use a grass variety that matches your climate for best results. Select and apply fertilizer consistent with your grass type then water thoroughly.
Clear Garden Beds of Debris
Remove leaves and other matter that piled up in your garden during the cooler months. Gently turn the soil and work in fresh fertilizer.
Start Planting
Early spring is the time to divide perennials and plant hardier vegetables, such as onions and potatoes. You can also start indoor seeds, if necessary, and move plants outdoors when the weather permits.
Getting some of your lawn and garden care underway now can make those warmer, sunny days feel closer in no time. Find more seasonal tips for prepping your yard at eLivingtoday.com.
First-Timer’s Guide to Kitchen Remodeling What to know before you begin
(Family Features) Kitchen upgrades are among the most common renovation projects homeowners tackle. Even so, it’s a big project for a first-time renovation, and the final results are sure to be stronger with some detailed planning from the start.
Take into account these five tips from the experts at Wellborn Cabinet to help first-time kitchen remodelers achieve the kitchens of their dreams:
1. Plan Your Budget
Establish a clear and realistic budget. Factor in costs for materials, labor and some extra for unexpected expenses. Sticking to your budget can help ensure you enjoy the outcome of the project while avoiding financial stress. Your contractor can help you strike a balance between your vision and financial resources. You may
CARLSON TREE
find it
consult with a real estate professional who can ensure your plans are in line with the overall value of your home and neighborhood.
2. Prioritize Functionality
Design with practicality in mind. Ensure there’s enough counter space and storage to create an efficient workflow. Consider the kitchen work triangle; that is, be conscious of the travel pattern among the sink, stove and refrigerator.
Additionally, look for opportunities to incorporate functional storage in unexpected places. One example is the exposed end of a cabinet run or side of the refrigerator, where there is often wasted space. One example is a shallow cleaning utility cabinet from Wellborn Cabinet that fits a broom, dustpan and everyday cleaning supplies neatly, giving you practical access to frequently used supplies. A variation on this cabinet offers a spice rack designed for easy access to cooking essentials. Other options in the line include an over-fridge cabinet with a combination of shelves, sheet pan or cutting board storage and a trash can-cutting board combination.
3. Choose Quality Materials
Consider factors such as durability, maintenance requirements and compatibility with your design aesthetic when selecting materials for your kitchen. You may be tempted to cut corners and stretch your money further, but quality materials are a critical element of successful renovations. Prioritize high-quality materials that stand the test of time. Durable countertops, solid cabinetry and reliable appliances typically save money in the long run, and they’ll enhance the overall look and value of your kitchen.
4. Hire Professionals
Work with experienced contractors and designers. Their expertise can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your remodel meets all safety and building codes. What’s more, these professionals have likely encountered and overcome all kinds of challenges, which means they’ll be well-prepared to help you navigate unexpected obstacles and provide a wealth of knowledge from previous clients to help make recommendations for the perfect finished space.
5. Stay Flexible
Be prepared for unexpected challenges and delays. Stay adaptable and open to changes and remember patience is key to achieving the kitchen of your dreams. Materials go on backorder and paperwork gets misplaced all the time. Set a realistic timeline for your project that allows for some hiccups and try to avoid becoming too rigidly attached to any single element of the design, so if you have to make a modification, it doesn’t feel like a monumental sacrifice.
Look for more ideas and inspiration for your kitchen remodel at Wellborn.com.
Inspiring Ideas for Kitchen Islands
Adding an island to your kitchen offers many functional and aesthetic benefits, and there are styles to suit every type of kitchen.
Galley Kitchen Island: This type of island is more functional than design-forward, conveniently adding extra storage and counter space. This conventional configuration works well in most kitchen layouts, both large and small, and can be constructed to fit almost any kitchen.
Table-Style Kitchen Island: If you want a unique addition, an island table is the way to go, whether you opt for a custom-made piece or upcycle an antique. The beauty of a table-style island is that it serves a functional and decorative purpose, warming up a modern kitchen and adding personality.
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Double Kitchen Island: Incorporating multiple islands – often called a double island kitchen – can improve traffic flow, increase storage space and seating, and create additional space for meal prep, cooking, washing and eating. Plus, islands are ideal for implementing design elements such as complementing materials and finishes, pops of color and unique cabinetry components including door styles and hardware.
Rolling Kitchen Island: This convenient solution adds flexibility with extra storage and counter space. You can easily tuck it away to open up more floor space when done, and this portable island can easily roam around the kitchen so you can place it where you need it.
Two-Tier Kitchen Island: While you can cook and eat on any island, the two-tier creates a clear boundary where you can cook on one side and eat on the other. This all-encompassing island is perfect for larger families and homeowners who like to entertain.
Chef’s Kitchen Island: If you want to showcase your cooking skills or have a private chef cooking for friends and family, a chef’s island is a unique solution. Installation requires the appropriate ventilation and electrical, which may be well worth it if you frequently cook for family or friends.
Round Kitchen Island: Compared to a typical rectangular island, a rounded option is an eye-catching way to add more seating in your kitchen for entertaining family and friends.
L-Shaped Kitchen Island: If you have a lot of space in your kitchen, an L-shaped island can fill the area. The design provides extra cooking space, allowing you to accommodate multiple chefs in the kitchen. You can also add seating for family and friends.
U-Shaped Kitchen Island: Best suited for large, open-concept kitchens, a U-shaped island creates storage space and room to install appliances such as a bar fridge, sink or range with prep space left to prepare meals.
Make a Positive Impact by Planting a Tree
(Family Features) There are countless ways you can make your environmental contributions felt. If you’d like to join millions of others in the fight for Mother Earth, consider one of the most popular gifts given back to the world each year: planting a tree.
Consider these tips to properly plant a tree in your own yard.
Choose the Right Tree and Location
Depending on where you live and your desired outcome, choosing the right tree and planting location are critical factors. Larger shade trees help cool homes in warmer climates, evergreens provide privacy and fruit trees offer a grocery store right in your backyard. Consider your available space along with conditions that will impact the tree itself, such as soil conditions, sun exposure, drainage and more.
Dig Safely
Before digging, remember that proper tree placement requires factoring in underground utility lines, overhead power lines and proximity to sidewalks, driveways and homes. Dial 811, the national call-beforeyou-dig number, to locate underground utilities and consider contacting an arborist or tree care professional to make sure you’ve weighed all the important factors.
Break Ground
Dig a hole that’s roughly 2-3 times wider than the root ball of your tree and equally as deep as the root ball. Be sure the trunk flare (where the trunk expands at the base of the tree) is partially visible when planted. Remove any wrapping or cover from the root ball and trunk. Lift from the root ball, not the trunk, to place in the hole then straighten vertically and firmly backfill soil around the root ball to stabilize.
Add Mulch
Mulching helps maintain moisture and improve soil conditions while controlling weed growth. Place a 2-3-inch layer in a 3-foot radius around the base of the tree without touching the trunk itself.
Keep Soil Moist
Make sure your tree has enough water to grow strong by keeping the soil moist. Typically, this means watering just once per week, barring rain, but may require more frequency during especially hot weather. Find more tips for giving back to Mother Earth at eLivingtoday.com.
Plant Zones: A Quick Overview
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a vital tool for gardeners and growers, indicating which plants are most likely to thrive in specific locations based on average annual minimum winter temperatures. Massachusetts' zones have experienced shifts due to changing climate patterns.
Massachusetts is divided into several USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, which are based on average annual minimum temperatures. This helps gardeners and landscapers choose the best plants for their region's climate.
Massachusetts Plant Hardiness Zones:
Zone 5b: Areas in western Massachusetts and some higher elevation spots. Average minimum temperatures range from -15°F to -10°F. Western Massachusetts and higher elevation regions have colder winters, limiting plant choices to hardier species.
Zone 6a: Most of the central part of the state. Average minimum temperatures range from -10°F to -5°F. Much of central Massachusetts, including cities like Worcester, has a more moderate climate that supports a wide variety of plants.
Zone 6b: Areas on the southeastern coast and parts of the Cape and Islands. Average minimum temperatures range from -5°F to 0°F. The coastal regions, including parts of the South Shore, enjoy a slightly warmer climate with the ability to grow a broader range of plants.
Zone 7a: The very southern parts of the state, including parts of the Cape Cod region. Average minimum temperatures range from 0°F to 5°F. The southernmost parts of the state, such as parts of Cape Cod, experience the mildest winters and allow for a larger variety of plant options, including more tender species.
SCOUTING AROUND
Seekonk Troop 1 and Troop 9 Scouts Winter Activities
Over the last month, Seekonk Troop 1 and Troop 9 scouts participated in regular troop meetings, worked on merit badge and rank requirements, and continued planning future adventures such as snow tubing, cabin camping, and a backpacking trip, among other activities.
Our boys’ Troop participated in the Klondike Derby at Camp Yagoog. The Klondike Derby is an annual competition in which regional scout troops compete in various winter activities. The scouts
Lenten Specials
Fried Seafood
Every Friday, Stuffed lobster, stuffed shrimp, Fresh scallops, fish, shellfish & more
competed in the centipede shoe race, fire-building competition, axe throwing, Yeti log toss, and memory challenge. During the competition, the scouts also participated in a flag retirement ceremony.
Since the beginning of the year, Troop 1 has advanced three scouts to the highest rank of Eagle Scout. The rank of Eagle Scout is achieved by approximately 5% of Scouts throughout the Country.
For more information about Seekonk Scouts, contact troop1seekonkma@gmail.com for boys or Troop9SeekonkMA@gmail. com for girls. Scouts are open to all boys and girls between the ages of 11-17.
Above photos: Scout activities
SPORTS REVIEW
Basketball at Beckwith Boys Basketball
The Beckwith Middle School Boys Basketball Team also put together an impressive 2024-25 campaign, finishing with 10 wins. The Raiders showed tremendous growth and competitive spirit throughout the season, setting the stage for continued success in the years ahead.
We wish our graduating 8th grade boys the very best as they move on to high school: Stephen Bentley, Eric Lin, Conner Ruhle, Bradley Russell, Alex Warren, and James Whittle. They represented Beckwith with pride and dedication.
Girls Basketball
The Beckwith Middle School Girls Basketball Team has made history! Under Coach Jerauld’s leadership in her final season, the Raiders captured the 2024-25 Massasoit League Championship with a perfect 18-0 record, the first undefeated season in school history. These talented student-athletes demonstrated exceptional teamwork, determination and sportsmanship throughout their historic run.
As they prepare to continue their basketball careers at the high school level, we extend special congratulations to our graduating 8th graders: Addison Bairos, Alyssa Daniels, Haley Gomes, Leah Hyder, Lanie Kazanjian, Reece Kotch, and Quinn Kotch. Their leadership helped build a remarkable legacy for Beckwith basketball.
Beckwith Boys’ Basketball Team
Seekonk Girls’ Swim Sectionals Results
In 200yd Med Relay team of Bonnie Arrigo, Lydia Craft, Emily Tonino, and Grace Baldassi surged 7 seed spots to finish 3rd with a time of 157.02.
In the 200 Free Lydia Craft improved her seed time to a 1:56.27 with a third place finish.
The 200 yd IM Emily Tonino took 3rd place with a time of 2:18.16.
In the 100 yd Butterfly Bonnie Arrigo and Emily Tonino placed 9th and 10 with times of 1:02.86 and 1:02.96.
In the 100 yd back stroke both Bonnie Arrigo(1:04.07) and Lydia Craft made the podium with 8th and 2nd place finishes.
Lydia set a new SHS HS record with a time of 59.48. beating the 2-year-old record by 0.23 seconds.
The 400 yd Freestyle relay team of Emily Tonino, Grace Baldassi, Bonnie Arrigo, and Lydia Craft swam 3:47.70 and placed 2nd in the event.
Seekonk came in 5th out of 42 teams in the 2025 MIAA Winter South Sectionals with a score of 142 points.
2025 Girls’ Division 2 States Championship Meet
The 200 Medley Relay of Bonnie Arrigo(Back), Lydia Craft (Breast), Emily Tonino(Fly), and Morgan Maher(Free) swam a time of 1:55.32 and placed 2th in the state with a relay best time.
Lydia Craft swam the 100 yd Free and placed 1st with a time of 52.26, -3.03 second off her entry time. Craft also swam the 100 yd Breaststroke and placed 1st with a time of 1:05.77 jumping her seed placing by 6 spots, cutting her best time by 3.55 seconds and tying the SHS school record. An amazing double win today for this sophomore swimmer.
Emily Tonino swam the 200 yd IM and placed 6th with a time of 2:16:99 a personal best by 1.17 sec for the event. Tonino also shaved 2.05 sec from the 500 yd Freestyle with a second personal best time of 5:28.12 and placed 9th in the state.
Bonnie Arrigo swam in both the 100 yd Fly and the 100 yd Backstroke. She placed 8th and 11th, with times of 102.69, a personal best and 1:04.17 respectively.
Lydia Craft
The 200 yd Freestyle Relay team of Craft, Maher, Keenaghan, and Arrigo placed 13th in the relay with a time of 1:48.31, dropping 3 seed places and 0.91 sec.
Congratulations to Maeve Keenaghan and Bonnie Arrigo on their first appearances at states.
The Seekonk Women’s Team placed 8 out of 41 teams with 121 points.
Seekonk Boys’ Swim
Boys’ Swim Sectionals South 2025
February 9th, 2025
The Seekonk Boys Swim Team brought a relay team to sectionals for the first time in more than five years. The 200 yd Medley Relay the boys team of Michael Cabral, Nick Cavic, Lucas Zonfrillo and Zack Carter dropped 0.41 seconds to a time of 1:50.89
In the 200 yd Freestyle Nick Cavic came in second and set a new SHS Record with a time of 1:40.24 beating his year old SHS record by 0.62 seconds.
In the 100 yd Fly Nick Cavic earned a first-place finish and a new SHS record with a time of 50.11 beating his previous HS record by 0.91 with a personal best swim.
In the 200 yd Freestyle Relay team of Zach Carter, Logan Pinheiro, Lucas Zonfrillo, and Nick Cavic swam a time of 1:38.06 dropping 2.14 seconds, placing 14th, after being seeded 30th.
In the 500yd Freestyle Lucas Zonfrillo swam a time of 5:17.11 and placed 10th in his first sectionals individual event.
In the 100 yd Backstroke Lucas Zonfrillo earned a 16th place with a time of 1:00.34.
Seekonk Placed 18th out of 47 teams with 50.5pts Teams this year at sectionals.
Boys’ Swim States Division 2
Nick Cavic swam the 200FR for the second time in a week and placed 1 with a Massachusetts State D2 Championship meet record time of 138.30. This time also qualifies for an All-American consideration and a new Seekonk High School Record.(-1.96 s)
In the 50 yd Freestyle Nick Cavic swam a time of 20.85 for a second 1st place finish in the state and improving his SHS record by .68 seconds.
Lucas Zonfrillo earned an 18th place finish in the 100 yd backstroke with a time of 58.45, a personal best time with a drop of 1.42 s in his first swim in the Division 2 State Championships. Look out for this sophomore next year.
Seekonk Mens 400 YD relay team consisting of Nicholas Cavic (45.10), Logan Pinheiro (57.97), Zachary Carter(58.08) and Lucas Zonfrillo(52.74)swam a time of 3:33.84 dropping 6.97 seconds and earning a 15th place finish. Cavic’s lead off leg was a Div 2 Meet Record, Seekonk High School Record, and tied the Massachusetts State High School Record for the 100 Freestyle and will be considered for an All-American Swim. Cavic will likely be swimming for Tampa as a Freshman in College.
The boys placed 16 out of 51 D2 teams.
Seekonk Boys’ Swim Team at States
Seekonk Boys’ Swim Team at States
Above photos: Seekonk Girls’ Swim Team at States
Representative Steven Howitt
From the State House
Representative Steven S. Howitt pushes for rules reforms to make the House and Senate more transparent and accountable
Boston – State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) continues to push for reforms to the internal rules governing the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate, saying legislators need to be
more transparent in how they conduct business and accountable to their constituents.
On February 25, Representative Howitt supported multiple Republican-sponsored reform measures filed as amendments to a comprehensive House rules package as well as a separate rules package that will govern the operations of the joint legislative committees of the two branches for the 2025-2026 session.
Representative Howitt noted that the initial rules proposals released prior to floor debate contained several positive reforms, including many provisions the House Republican Caucus has long been advocating for, such as a requirement that individual legislators’ committee votes be posted online for easy public access. However, he said the reforms do not go far enough, after the House rejected nearly all the caucus’ amendments, with the exception of a proposal to require the House journal to specify if a member participated in a vote remotely. The House and joint rules proposals were ultimately both approved on votes of 128-23, with Representative Howitt opposed.
The rules packages include a requirement that House committees post bill summaries online prior to being taken up for a vote and provide a minimum notice of 72 hours for committee hearings. Legislators will also now be required to be physically present to participate in a committee hearing, although members of the public can continue to participate remotely.
While supporting these changes, Representative Howitt also joined with his House Republican colleagues to advocate for a series of additional reforms designed to shine more light on the legislative process and give constituents a better understanding of how it works. Among the House rules amendments supported by Representative Howitt were proposals to:
• mandate that the annual internal audit of the House be conducted by the state auditor, pursuant to the new law that was overwhelmingly approved by the state’s voters last fall;
• require that the House comply with all such audits undertaken pursuant to the voter-approved law;
• prohibit House committee polls from being open for less than two hours;
• require a 12-hour notice for members prior to a House poll being released;
• give members more time to review bills and file amendments before bills come to the floor for debate;
• provide members one hour to review consolidated amendments, which are often lengthy and detailed;
• require a two-thirds vote to extend sessions beyond 9 p.m.; and
• give House Ways and Means 60 days to approve or disapprove all bills referred to the committee (with the exception of the General Appropriations Act) and allow the bill’s original sponsor to petition for the bill’s release if the committee fails to act within the specified time frame.
Representative Howitt also supported several Republicansponsored amendments to the joint rules, including proposals to:
• require roll call votes on conference committee reports, supplemental appropriations bills, and other substantive matters taken up in formal sessions conducted after July 31 in the second year of a legislative session;
• require a two-week notice of all matters to be taken up at a formal session conducted after July 31 in the second year of a legislative session;
• create a new joint rule requiring copies of audits of the General Court conducted by the state auditor to be published on the General Court website within 72 hours of receipt;
• require either branch of the General Court to request an opinion of the Supreme Judicial Court whenever they have a conflicting opinion with a constitutional officer relative to the constitutionality of legislation;
• prohibit joint committee polls from being open for less than two hours; and
• require a 12-hour notice for members prior to a joint committee poll being released.
Representative Howitt noted the new House rules are now finalized and in place, but the joint rules must still be agreed to by the Senate, and any differences will likely have to be worked out in conference committee.
Representative Steven S. Howitt continues to push for reforms to the state’s emergency assistance shelter program
Joins with House Republican colleagues to call for more transparency and accountability
Boston – State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) continues to advocate for meaningful reforms to the state’s emergency assistance shelter program to ensure greater accountability for the state’s taxpayers.
Representative Howitt recently opposed House Bill 57, a supplemental spending bill calling for the infusion of an additional $425 million in funding, arguing the state can’t continue to keep pouring money into the program without first implementing significant reforms. The bill was ultimately passed by the House of Representatives on a vote of 126-26 on February 6, but still requires Senate approval.
Representative Howitt criticized the spending bill for containing minor, and in some cases temporary, reforms that will have little meaningful impact on the shelter program, which is costing the state’s taxpayers approximately $1 billion annually. During floor debate on the bill, he supported a series of reform measures to help enhance transparency, accountability, public safety and fiscal responsibility within the emergency shelter program.
While the underlying bill requires individuals applying for emergency assistance housing benefits to disclose prior criminal convictions and calls for CORI checks prior to placement, these checks are limited to crimes committed in Massachusetts. To strengthen this requirement, the House Republican Caucus offered an amend-
ment to mandate comprehensive universal background checks that will disclose criminal records at the state, federal and international levels to help keep dangerous criminals out of the shelter system. The amendment was rejected on a vote of 26-125.
To further enhance public safety in the Commonwealth, Representative Howitt also supported several proposals to authorize the honoring of civil detainer requests issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in response to the Supreme Judicial Court’s 2017 Lunn ruling. The SJC ruled that Massachusetts law does not explicitly allow local law enforcement to hold someone based on a civil detainer request from ICE beyond the time they would otherwise be released from custody but said it would “defer to the legislature to establish and define that authority.” These amendments would have allowed officials to keep dangerous criminals who are considered removable aliens by ICE – including those engaging in criminal street gang activity, human trafficking, rape and murder – in custody for anywhere from 12 to 48 hours but each amendment was ruled out of order by leadership as being beyond the scope of the bill. The House Republican Caucus doubted the ruling of the chair, but in each instance the ruling prevailed.
During floor debate, House Republicans also pushed for reducing the funding allocation for the emergency shelter program from $425 million to $200 million, arguing that the state auditor is currently conducting a comprehensive audit of the program and noting that changes in immigration laws at the federal level should help to reduce the number of people coming to Massachusetts seeking shelter. Representative Howitt noted that the reduced funding will allow the state to continue to provide core services to Massachusetts residents in need while allowing additional time to see how the recent changes will impact enrollment. The amendment failed on a vote of 26-126.
In an attempt to restore the original intent of the state’s right to shelter law, House Republicans offered an amendment to limit program admissions to individuals who have established Massachusetts residency for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the date of application. This minimum residency requirement would be waived for victims of domestic violence and for individuals whose living situation has been affected by a fire or other natural disaster that occurred in Massachusetts. While Representative Howitt supported the amendment, it was defeated on a vote of 26-124. Additional amendments to limit shelter admission to residents and to individuals whose cause of homelessness resulted in Massachusetts were also defeated, one on a roll call vote of 25-127 and the other on a voice vote.
The one Republican amendment that was adopted during floor debate would
require all funding expended for providing services through the emergency housing assistance program to be subject to a competitive bidding process, which passed on a vote of 152-0. In March of 2024, the House Republican Caucus successfully secured language in a previous supplemental budget imposing a competitive bidding requirement for all food contracts related to the emergency shelter system, following reports of a nobid contract that cost the state close to $10 million. Representative Howitt said the new amendment will extend competitive bidding protections to all aspects of the emergency shelter system that receive state funding in an effort to help eliminate wasteful spending.
House Bill 57 now moves to the Senate for its consideration.
Representative Steven S. Howitt opposes additional funding for emergency assistance shelter program without reforms
Boston – State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) continues to oppose providing additional funding to the state’s emergency assistance shelter system, saying a newly-enacted supplemental spending bill lacks sufficient reforms to help ensure the program’s long-term financial stability.
With annual state spending on the system costing taxpayers approximately $1 billion a year, Representative Howitt voted against the enactment of the supplemental spending bill on February 26, saying he could not support allocating another $425 million to the program unless additional steps are taken to improve transparency and guarantee accountability for the state’s taxpayers. The bill is ready for Governor Maura Healey’s review and signature.
Representative Howitt initially voted against an earlier version of the supplemental budget when it passed the House on February 6 by a 126-26 margin. An amended version of the bill that was agreed to by House and Senate leadership passed the House on February 25, with Republicans again opposing the measure.
During the initial February 6 floor debate on the supplemental budget, Representative Howitt supported a series of amendments offered by the House Republican Caucus that were designed to help enhance transparency, accountability, public safety and fiscal responsibility within the emergency shelter program. While the House unanimously adopted a Republican proposal requiring all funding expended for services provided through the emergency housing assistance program to be subject to a competitive bidding process, it rejected many other substan-
tive reform proposals put forth by the caucus.
To help keep dangerous criminals out of the state’s shelter system, the House Republican Caucus previously offered an amendment to mandate comprehensive universal background checks to weed out shelter applicants with criminal records at the state, federal and international levels. Representative Howitt said the final bill falls far short of this public safety goal by simply requiring individuals applying for emergency assistance housing benefits to voluntarily disclose their prior criminal convictions and only requiring that CORI checks be conducted prior to placement, which are limited strictly to crimes committed in Massachusetts.
House Republicans also previously sought to limit shelter admissions to individuals who have established Massachusetts residency for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to applying for assistance. This proposal would have allowed for waiving the minimum residency requirement for victims of domestic violence and for individuals whose living situation has been affected by a fire or other natural disaster that occurred in Massachusetts.
Over the last two years, the demand for shelter placement has dramatically increased due to the migrant crisis, with thousands of newly arrived individuals and families from out of state seeking to access services. Representative Howitt noted that House Republicans have continued to advocate for restoring the original intent of the state’s right to shelter law by prioritizing housing for Massachusetts residents so that longtime residents in need are not displaced by those who have only recently come to the state.
CLASSIFIEDS
HELP WANTED
Help Wanted: Positions available Sundays from March 30th thru December 7th, 2025.at the Seekonk Flea Market at Seekonk Speedway every Sunday from 5am-noon. Looking for general help and also a person to direct traffic. Call Linda at 401-263-5737.
EVENTS
Seekonk Flea Market at Seekonk Speedway is opening March 30th, 2025, 7am-1pm every Sunday until December 7th. Vendors & Patrons welcome and wanted! For more information, call Linda at 401-263-5737.
WANTED
I buy Old cars, Motorcycle, Bicycles, Scooter and other wheeled vehicle and parts. One piece or a collection. Thank you, Joe in Rehoboth 508-558-5129.
WANTED - Cash paid for your Militaria items. Uniforms, Field Gear, Swords, Knives, Muskets etc. Looking for Revolutionary War, Civil War, WWI, WWII and Vietnam items. Text or call and/or send photos. 508-574-4392.
FOR RENT
2-bed, two level 1,160 SF house for rent in North Rehoboth. Private driveway, backyard, shed, and pastoral views. Tenant pays utilities, heat. First, last month rent, stable income required. No dogs, no smoking. Main floor W/D hookup and DW. $2,000 per month. Please contact Sam (508) 921-0433 or samuel.obar@gmail.com.
HOME & GARDEN
Plants for Sale: House plants, annuals, perennials, succulents, good variety from $1- $10. Free plant with visit. Call 401-433-2922.
SERVICES
Are you looking for your dream hair? Come visit me at LaCave Suzanne Salon and we can make it happen! Check me out @redone.by.reese on Instagram to book or call 508-222-4929. Enter code REPORTER and receive 20% off your first visit with Reese!
CM Cleaning Services: Residential/Office: Weekly, biweekly, monthly, post-construction. Free estimates, good references, affordable rates. Marilyn 401-497-8770 Pls TEXT or Call Residential: Weekly, biweekly, monthly. Move in - out or post construction.
I am a Personal Care Assistant & Housekeeper willing to help you! I can help you with meal prep, medication reminders, shower assistance, shopping/errands, laundry, light cleaning. Call Terri for information and rates. 774-284-7600.
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.
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 – Spring Tune-ups on all brands. 2 locations: in Riverside next to CVS 401433-4491, and in Warren next to the Police Station and the bike path. Call Art or Joe for *NEW* hours and service. 401-245-9755
BIG BLUE REMOVAL SERVICE: Attic, Cellar, Total House. We take everything! Furniture, Brush, Appliances, Yard Waste, Construction Debris, Trash…Demolition of Fences, Sheds, Decks, Pools. Let us do the work. Free Estimates. BEST PRICES. Call Tony 508-226-1295 or 508-889-0824; www. BigBlueJunkRemovals.com.
