December
9, 2009 - My name is Kerri, and I am a female DSH. I am
a very petite black and white cutie, with just a
spot of white on my nose. I was surrendered to the shelter
by my family, who no longer could take care of me. At
first I was scared here, but with each day I am
doing better. If you talk to me I will come over
to visit, still a little hesitant to start a
conversation on my own though, but that will get
better too with time. Safety and security makes all us
cats feel so much better, and add kindness and patience,
and there is not a better recipe! Please call the
Taunton Shelter at 508-822-1463 or e-mail ds4paws@hotmail.com.
Front
door leads into an open foyer. Lots of windows gives this home a
light & bright atmosphere. Step down living room w/ sliders
looking out to the private wooded back yd. Enjoy this beautiful
setting from the back deck. Newer kitchen has plenty of counter
space & storage is no problem w/great cabinets & pantry.
2 spacious bedrooms, updated baths, 2nd floor laundry & a 1
c garage only proves this is like no other condo. So clean &
tastefully decorated you need to do nothing BUT MOVE IN.
Details:
Asking Price: $249,500
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1.5
Living Area: 1340 sq ft
Hey
Taunton!
Send us your news, press releases & events! click
here
PRESENTATION
ON EARLY PORTUGUESE EXPLORERS AT
OLD COLONY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Taunton,
MA – November 18, 2009 – The November meeting of the
Old Colony Historical Society will explore a local
legend: Dighton Rock. Dr. Manuel Luciano da Silva
will make his presentation at the Society's Historical
Hall, 66 Church Green in Taunton, on Thursday evening,
November 19, at 7:00 p.m. The program is free and
open to the public.
The Dighton Rock, a large glacial boulder from the
Taunton River in Berkley, has numerous carvings in its
sandstone surface that have invited speculation for
ages. There are several theories about the origins
of these petroglyphs and Dr. Manuel Luciano da Silva has
developed one of the strongest arguments that early
Portuguese explorers carved some of the symbols.
Dr. da Silva, a physician, has applied scientific
methods to the study of Dighton Rock. His
illustrated presentation will show his analysis of the
petroglyphs and their similarities to symbols used by
16th century Portuguese navigators. He will
recount the proud history of Portugal as a center of
global exploration dating from 1412 when Prince Henry
the Navigator founded his famous school for mariners in
Sagres, Portugal.
Dr. da Silva's theory of the origins of the Dighton Rock
petroglyphs builds on that of Edmund Burke Delabarre, a
professor of psychology at Brown University.
Through careful study and the use of skillful lighting
and photography in 1918, Professor Delabarre was the
first to see a date, a name and symbols that point to an
early Portuguese explorer leaving his mark.
Professor Delabarre's entire collection of photographs,
notes, and publications is archived at the Old Colony
Historical Society.
Dighton Rock was privately owned for centuries, but was
donated to the Old Colony Historical Society in 1889,
making it the most unusual artifact ever to be part of
the OCHS collections. The Society donated the rock
to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1955. The
boulder was lifted out of the river in the 1960s and
placed in its own museum at Dighton Rock Park in the
1970s, largely through the persistent efforts of Dr. da
Silva, who is President of the Friends of Dighton Rock
Museum, Inc.
Dr. Manuel Luciano da Silva's more recent studies have
focused on the most famous New World explorer,
culminating in a book he wrote with his wife, Silvia
Jorge da Silva, entitled Columbus Was Portuguese!
He will touch on his evidence for this theory, and on
his interpretation of other area landmarks and sources
that point to Portuguese exploration of America even
before Columbus.
The presentation on November 19 at 7 p.m. is free and
open to the public. Visitors will have the
opportunity to view the Society's special exhibit
Soaring to New Heights: Aviation in Taunton, 1919-2009
beginning at 6:30 and following the illustrated talk.
Taunton
Animal Shelter Pet of the Week: LEELAH
November
5, 2009 - My name is Leelah, and I am a female Tiger DSH.
I was surrendered with my son, who has found a
home. I am thankful for that; I realize thou that
kittens find homes quicker than adult cats,
especially "mom" adult cats. I love to rub
against my cage door in hopes that someone will stop to
meet me. I will do a couple of rolls and twist and
turns too! I am ready to go home, all my medical
has been completed. Please call the Taunton Shelter at
508-822-1463 or e-mail ds4paws@hotmail.com.
Taunton
– Cultural diversity is the theme of this year’s
sixth annual CO-OP production titled
"The Wonderful World of Music."
The
music and dance performance will be held on Friday,
November 6, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Friedman Middle
School, 500 Norton Avenue, Taunton.
CO-OP
instructor, Maria Torques is in the director’s seat
and says this is a very different type of production for
the CO-OP Players. "We’re integrating
music and dance with this year’s production and
creating a global experience."
Seats
are limited and will be sold on a first come, first
served basis and will not be sold at the door. Tickets
prices are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children age
10 and under. Tickets can be purchase by calling Ann
Costa at 508.824.1717 or by stopping by CO-OP’s
administrative offices at 455 Somerset Avenue, North
Dighton.
CO-OP
provides a variety of residential, employment and other
services to more than 200 men and women in the
Taunton/Attleboro area with intellectual disabilities.
Now in its 37th year of service, CO-OP’’s
purpose is to assist people with disabilities gain full
presence and participation in the community.
Ed Pond is one of
the many CO-OP consumers performing in "The
Wonderful World of Music" on Friday, November 6,
2009 at the Friedman Middle School.
LOCAL NEWS
Taunton
Man Charged with Gas Station Homicide
October
27, 2009 - Taunton, MA - District Attorney Sam Sutter
and acting Taunton Police Chief John Reardon announced
that Steven Foster, 37, of 68 Broadway, Taunton, has
been charged with committing Sunday's homicide in
Taunton.
Mr.
Foster was charged after being questioned at the Taunton
Police Department this afternoon. He is charged with
murder, armed robbery, possession of a stolen firearm
and witness intimidation. He may face more charges as
the investigation progresses.
Steven Foster, 37,
charged with Taunton gas station murder
Mr.
Foster will be arraigned today in Taunton District
Court. He will be arraigned by Co-First Assistant
District Attorney William McCauley, who coordinated the
investigation for District Attorney Sutter's office.
Taunton
Police received a 911 call around 10:05 p.m. Sunday
night regarding a man shot inside Planet Petroleum on
Winthrop Street. The 911 caller apparently went
inside the store and found the clerk, identified as
Hegazy Sayed, 45, of Taunton, shot behind the counter.
Preliminary
investigation has revealed Mr. Foster allegedly entered
Planet Petroleum at 10 p.m. Sunday and attempted to rob
Mr. Sayed. At some point, Mr. Foster allegedly shot Mr.
Sayed.
Mr.
Sayed was pronounced dead at the scene once emergency
personnel arrived.
The
investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police and
the district attorney's State Police Detective Unit.
Taunton
Animal Shelter Pet of the Week: HOOCH
October
20, 2009 - HOOCH is a male American Bulldog mix, about 4
years old. Hooch is a big friendly guy! We
recommend no toddlers and that Hooch be the only pet
in the home. He does appear to have skin problems, most
likely due to allergies. We recommend a good
quality dog food recommended for dogs with allergies and
medicated baths. Hooch appears to thoroughly enjoy baths
- in the tub and/or also with the hose outside. He loves
all the TLC and extra attention - not to mention
how good he feels after! :) We recommend breed knowledge
and a fenced yard. Please call the Taunton Shelter
at 508-822-1463 or e-mail deanie7243@aol.com.
Morning Crash on 495 Leaves One Dead, One Seriously Injured more...
LOCAL NEWS
Car Chase
Ends in Crash
October
8, 2009 - Norton, MA - On October 4 at 5:40am, Taunton Police
notified Norton Police that they were pursuing a motor vehicle
northbound on Taunton Avenue (Rt. 140) reported as stolen.
Norton Patrolman David Schepis observed the suspect vehicle and
the Taunton Police approaching the intersection of Taunton
Avenue and East Main Street (Rt. 123). The vehicle attempted to
turn at the intersection, but due to its high rate of speed,
crashed through a steel fence and entered the Norton common,
finally resting approximately 20 yards into the common.
The
operator of the vehicle, Joseph Mohan IV, 18, of 46 Flintlock
Road, Taunton, was placed under arrest by Taunton Police. Mohan
was transported to Sturdy Hospital by the Norton Fire
Department. Damage to the common included the steel fence and
landscaping.
Mohan
is charged by Norton Police with Negligent Operation of a Motor
Vehicle, Speeding, and Wantonly Injuring Real or Personal
Property.
Hey
Taunton!
Send us your news, press releases & events! click
here
Taunton
Animal Shelter Pet of the Week: CHEYANNE
October
8, 2009 - My name is Cheyanne, and I am a female
Calico DSH. I am the colors of taffy candy and a
summer's sunset all wrapped up in one sweet cat. A baby
came and I was brought to the shelter. I am hoping
that a family comes very soon to bring me home. Waiting
is a slow process, each day rolls into the next; I hope
that I don't see Fall here at the shelter. CHEYANNE is
up-to-date with routine shots and spayed/neutered.
Please call the Taunton Shelter at 508-822-1463 or
e-mail ds4paws@hotmail.com.
This Cape home is filled with charm!
From the fireplaced living room with built in shelves &
hardwood floors to the antique candy store bar top in the
basement. The Master Bedroom is spacious & has walk in
closets. With the one car garage, breezeway & finished
basement there is plenty of room for everyone. And when you step
outside, you won't believe it. Sitting on over an acre of land,
the private back yard will amaze you with its above ground pool,
3 sheds, two-tier deck & yes your own fruit trees!
Details:
Asking Price: $314,900
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1.5
Living Area: 1758 sq ft
The brick walkway welcomes you into
this beautiful raised cape located on a cul-de-sac in desirable
Leigh High Estates. With a dining room, family room &
fireplaced living room, you will find this home is great for
family gatherings. The kitchen has plenty of cabinets, hardwood
floors & a door that leads you to an oversized Trex deck.
Enjoy the private back yard surrounded by conservation. The
lower level can easily be finished. This is a home you must
consider as your new address. Call today!
Details:
Asking Price: $344,900
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Living Area: 1638 sq ft
Acres: 0.47
LOCAL NEWS
State
Cultural Grants Benefit Local Organizations $58,320
will go to schools and nonprofit cultural groups
October
8, 2009 - Boston, MA- Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton)
announced today that grants totaling $58,320 have been
awarded to cultural organizations, schools and
communities in the First Plymouth and Bristol Senatorial
District by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC).
Senator Pacheco said that these grants support a variety
of cultural activities that benefit local residents. The
announcement was made as part of a statewide funding
program by the MCC.
Local
recipients awarded Local Cultural Council Program (LCC)
grants include: Berkley, Bridgewater, Carver, Dighton,
Marion, Middleboro, Raynham, Taunton and Wareham. The
LCC Program is the most extensive cultural funding
system of its kind in the nation. This grassroots
network provides to every Massachusetts city and town
through 329 LLC's and 2,500 volunteer members. The
councils support community-based projects that explore
local arts and history, expand education and
accessibility, and celebrate diversity.
"I'm proud to support these cultural organizations
and community groups in their work to enrich our lives
and improve our communities through arts and
culture," said Pacheco.
The Massachusetts Cultural Council is a state agency
that promotes excellence, access, education and
diversity in the arts, humanities and sciences, in order
to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts
residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our
communities.
The MCC is committed to creating a central place for the
arts, sciences and humanities in the everyday lives of
communities across the Commonwealth. The Council pursues
this mission through a combination of grants, services,
and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations,
schools, communities and artists.
Hey
Taunton!
Send us your news, press releases & events! click
here
LOCAL NEWS
MA
Housing Finance Agency Commits $4.6M Loan for Affordable
& Special Needs Housing
October
8, 2009 - Boston, MA - Senator Marc R. Pacheco
(D-Taunton) is pleased to announce that the
Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency has approved a loan
commitment of up to $4,665,000 for the Taunton Green
housing development situated in Taunton.
Taunton
Green is a development that is eligible under
MassHousing's innovative Section 8 Proactive
Preservation Program to receive funding to preserve
affordable housing rates for a minimum 20-year period.
This funding eliminates the risk of a market-rate
conversion that 71 properties, including Taunton Green,
were subject to when mortgage contracts were to mature
during the years of 2009 and 2013. The four-story,
75 unit building is an elderly and handicapped housing
facility with 66 one-bedroom units and 9 two-bedroom
units.
Although
the property has been well maintained, this funding will
address building preservation. Building improvements are
necessary for the complex to retain its fine physical
condition for the next 20 years. Improvements to
the complex include installation of energy efficient
lightening, central fire alarm/detection system
replacement, window replacement, elevator restoration as
well as upgrades to the 504/Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) unit and common area.
"I
am very pleased that MassHousing has approved this loan
commitment for Taunton Green," said Pacheco.
"This approval under the agency's Preservation
Program ensures accessibility to housing that is safe
and affordable for several decades to our district's
most vulnerable citizens."
LOCAL EVENT
Morton
Hospital "First Friday" Lecture to Feature
H1N1 Discussion
October
1, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Morton Hospital will host its
next "First Friday" lecture on Friday, October
2, at 8 a.m. in the Silver City Galleria Community Room.
Connie Schmidt, RN, Infection Control Nurse, will host
the lecture and discuss important information about H1N1
and the seasonal flu.
The
Mall Walkers Program is a fun, easy way to stay healthy
and fit, and the Galleria provides a climate-controlled
environment perfect for walking. Morton Hospital
provides breakfast and information on a variety of
health topics on the first Friday of each month. All
mall walkers and visitors are welcome to attend free of
charge.
"First
Friday" lectures are sponsored by the Hospital in
collaboration with the Silver City Galleria and its Mall
Walkers Program. For more information, contact Morton
Hospital’s Public Affairs Office at (508) 828-7015.
LOCAL NEWS
Police
Arrest Subject in Connection with Housebreak
September
24, 2009 - Norton, MA - On September 22, Norton Police
Detectives Stephen Desfosses and Todd Bramwell, assisted by
Taunton, Raynham and State Police, arrested Jeffrey Chapman, age
34 of 43 Porter St., Taunton MA, on a warrant charging him with
Receiving Stolen Property over $250.00. There is a second arrest
warrant pending for a second suspect.
Chapman's
arrest is a result of an investigation by Desfosses and Norton
Police Detective Lt. Thomas Petersen. Norton Detectives
investigated a housebreak that occurred on Monday September 21,
2009 at a residence in Norton.
MA
State Police Trooper John Santos, of the Middleboro Barracks,
stopped a vehicle on Monday in Taunton shortly after the Norton
housebreak. Chapman and the second subject were in this vehicle.
Trooper Santos recovered a large amount of jewelry at that motor
vehicle stop, which was later found to be among items taken at
the Norton housebreak.
The
investigation is on-going, and police are actively searching for
the second suspect.
LOCAL EVENT
Planning
for Your Retirement
September 24,
2009 - Taunton, MA - The Taunton Area Chamber of
Commerce and Ameriprise Financial invite you
to a special seminar - Take Control of Your
Retirement Income. It is being held
at the Holiday Inn-Taunton on Tuesday,
September 29. Registration will take
place at 8:00 a.m.
This seminar is sponsored by the Holiday
Inn-Taunton.
Whether you are already retired or are close to
retiring, you are probably concerned about having enough
money to maintain your desired lifestyle. At this
educational seminar, the Personal Advisors of Ameriprise
Financial will help you evaluate your sources of
retirement income and provide information to help you
manage taxes, mitigate risks and create a retirement
income strategy for your specific needs.
This seminar is free for Taunton
Chamber Members and $20 for Non-Members. Register
by calling the Chamber at 508-824-4068 or emailing
On
September 27th, the Old Colony Model Railroad Club of
Raynham, MA will hold it's eighth annual model railroad
show and sale. The show will be held at the Taunton
Holiday Inn on Myles Standish Blvd in the Myles Standish
Industrial Park in Taunton, Exit 9 from Route 495, from
10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Admission is $4 for Adults,
children under 12 and scouts in uniform, free.
Food
and beverage will be available for sale. Show is
handicapped accessible and there is plenty of free
parking. Dealers from Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Connecticut, and Maine will be present. A number of
operating layouts will be on display. For more
information contact Dennis Ingalls at (508) 285-3963 or
email dingalls@comcast.net.
Then step inside this beautifully
decorated ranch style home with its warm Pottery Barn colors
& decor! The Kitchen comes complete with white cabinetry,
granite counters & back-splash. Spacious family room perfect
for those family gatherings. Roof, windows, driveway &
septic are only a few years old. Located minutes away from Rte
495.
Details:
Asking Price: $224,900
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Living Area: 1340 sq ft
Acres: 0.45
You'll fall in love
when you see this beautiful condo! From the outside, located at
the end of a residential neighborhood, this end unit sits on a
wooded lot w/ a private back yard. Pride of ownership shows
throughout the spotless interior with tiled entry way, Pergo
floors, stainless steel appliances, 2nd floor laundry &
spacious bedrooms. The Master bedroom has double closets!
Walk-out Basement includes extra room and plenty of storage.
There is nothing to do but move in. Call Today!
Details:
Asking Price: $219,900
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1.5
Living Area: 1188 sq ft
Hey
Taunton!
Send us your news, press releases & events! click
here
LOCAL NEWS
Level
3 Sex Offender Arrested
September
20, 2009 - Norton, MA - Jose Pacheco, 43, of Maple
Street, Norton, a level 3 sex offender, was arrested
last week by Detectives with the Norton Police and
Massachusetts State Police for failing to register as a
sex offender in Norton and for Forgery of a Registry of
Motor Vehicles Document.
The
arrests were a result of an investigation by Trooper
Shawn Campinha of the Massachusetts State Police and
Detective Lieutenant Thomas Petersen of Norton Police.
Pacheco
was located living his girlfriend's apartment in Norton.
Pacheco was living under a false identity that he
created.
Pacheco
had registered as a sex offender in Taunton at a
previous address, but had not notified the Norton Police
Department, prior to moving into Norton as required.
Pacheco
was transported to the Norton Police Station for booking
and then to Attleboro District Court for arraignment.
Mass
House GOP Caucus Announces
New Political Initiative and Website
September
18, 2009 - Massachusetts House Republican Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) is pleased to announce the launching of the House Republican Caucus' political website,
MassHouseGOP.com. The website is aimed to give the caucus a political voice on the web, to help grow the caucus, and inform voters there is hope from one party rule, domination and corruption of our state government.
The site features the Phoenix Initiative which is an effort to help the Mass Republican House PAC and House GOP candidates in the November 2010 election. The symbol was carefully chosen as a sign of a rebirth and hope during these dark and dire times for the Commonwealth and from the abuse of the process by the overwhelming Democratic Majority in the state legislature. More than ever the citizens of Massachusetts need the Republicans to rise up from the ashes and provide a stronger two party system of checks and balances at the State House.
Leader Jones said,
"MassHouseGOP.com and the Phoenix Initiative is an unprecedented move by our caucus. We are in an unprecedented situation in unprecedented times and we need to step up our efforts to make the case to voters in 2010 that positive change will only happen if more Republicans are elected to the House of Representatives. Our backs are against the wall and the abuse and arrogance of one party domination of the state legislature has only brought corruption and abuse to our legislative
process.
Leader Jones along with Representative Paul K. Frost (R-Auburn) worked extensively on the creation of the website and initiative project. "We owe it to the people of this state regardless of their political affiliation to fight as hard as we can to elect more Republicans. The Democrats in the House have continually shown they are not responsible with the overwhelming power they wield. We are the party which offers hope for good government, a strong economic recovery, and fiscal responsibility." said Frost.
Brent Andersen, Republican State Committeeman and Treasurer of the Mass Republican Party along with Rob Eno and Michael Rossettie of the Red Mass Group were given an advanced viewing of the site. "When I saw this new site, I was thrilled by the potential it will have in electing more Republicans to the House," said Andersen.
Eno, owner and operator of
RedMassGroup.com commented, "This is very exciting to see the House Republicans pushing back hard and joining us in full force in this important battle on the internet."
Rossettie, Editor of the Red Mass Group added, "I love the Phoenix Initiative. This is a creative way to rally support for this just cause and the symbolism is right on the money. They did a great job in putting this together."
The site features all 16 House Republican members and will also list House GOP candidates for 2010. There is an online donation feature to help the Mass Republican House PAC and the site will be used to hook up candidates with volunteers. The site will be also used to help inform the general public on the need for Two Party checks and balances. Headlines for the House Republican Blog, the Capitol View Live, will be updated in real time on the site.
Mechanics
Cooperative Bank is Hoping Taunton High School Football
Has a Great Season
September
16, 2009 - Taunton, MA - Mechanics Cooperative Bank has
committed a donation of $25 for every touchdown scored
during the 2009 Taunton High School Football season. All
donation dollars will be given to the Taunton High
School Football Boosters Club and will directly benefit
the Taunton High School Football Program.
“We
are hoping the Tigers have a great 2009 season and put a
lot of points on the board” said Joseph Baptista, Jr.,
President and CEO of Mechanics Cooperative Bank. “The
better their season, the bigger our donation, so we are
wishing them the very best of luck!”
Phil
Johnson, Taunton High School Football Boosters President
said “the generous support of Mechanics Cooperative Bank
will have a huge impact on our 2009 fundraising efforts.
Plus, it’s fun to be a part of – the more success this
year’s team has, the more support we get for the entire
program.”
The
Tigers scored two touchdowns in a 22-14 loss against
Wareham on Friday to start the season. Mechanics
Cooperative Bank's donation total after week one stands
at $50. You can track the donation total throughout the
season by clicking
here.
Taunton
(0-1) heads to Brockton (1-0) on Friday. Game time is
6pm.
Hey
Taunton!
Send us your news, press releases & events! click
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Taunton
Animal Shelter Pet of the Week: DYLAN
September
10, 2009 - My name is Dylan and I am a male DSH. I am a
gentle 2-year-old male who was brought to the shelter
because my owner was not taking care of me. I have a
quiet and gentle soul. I am trying to understand shelter
life, but find it hard to believe that I may be spending
days here and not hours. Is that what happens to shelter
animals? I just would like a bed to sleep on. Please
call the Taunton Shelter at 508-822-1463 or e-mail ds4paws@hotmail.com.
YARD
SALE
The
Friends of the Taunton Animal Care Facility will be
Holding Their 6th Annual Yard Sale to Benefit the
Taunton Animal Shelter.
SUNDAY,
SEPTEMBER 13, 2009 - 9am
to 2pm
(rain
date: 9/20)
WALKER
PARK, WEIR ST, TAUNTON
(located across from Weir
Pizza & Big Wong Restaurant)
There will be a large
selection of items - everything from “A to Z”!
Please stop by and support the Friends of the Taunton
Animal Care Facility
September 2009 Crime Watch Meetings:
Here is a schedule of the
September Crime Watch Meetings:
Wednesday, September
16 - Shore Street Area Crime Watch @ 6:30pm
at the Senior Center - 30 Olney St
Thursday, September
17 - Whittenton Area Crime Watch @ 6:30pm
at the Polish Club - 314 Bay St
Wednesday, Sept
23 - Weir St Crime Watch @ 6:30pm
at Neighborhood Corp - 120 Ingell St
Tuesday, Sept
29 - Downtown Crime Watch @ 6:00pm
at Volunteers of America - One Taunton Green
For more information or questions please contact: Jennifer Bastille- Safe Neighborhood Program Advisor @ the Department of Human Services 508-821-1420 or by email:
cthssni@tmlp.net
Taunton
Animal Shelter's PAWS-itively PURR-fect Day
Hey
Taunton!
Send us your news, press releases & events! click
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18th
Annual Golf Tournament Raises Nearly $70,000 for Morton
Hospital’s Women’s Diagnostic Imaging Center
September
8, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Morton Hospital’s 18th
Annual Golf Tournament, held on August 17, raised nearly
$70,000 to support equipment needs for the Hospital’s
Women’s Diagnostic Imaging Center.
The
return to Segregansett Country Club attracted a total of
125 golfers to a challenging 18-hole course, as well as
contests, raffles, a silent auction and a catered
reception.
Tournament
winners were as follows: 1st place - Jeff Bliss, Steve
Bliss, Brian Phillips and Scott Pearsons (W.B. Mason
Foursome); 2nd place - Rick Slavick, Everett Rogers, Ted
Almon and Billy McCarthy (Claflin, Co. Foursome); 3rd
place – Clint Hyland, Greg Hyland, Maureen Bryant and
Thomas Porter (MetLife Foursome); Men’s Closest to the
Pin - Scott Pearsons; Ladies Closest to the Pin - Ilene
Scalzi; Men’s Longest Drive - Steve Bliss; Ladies
Longest Drive - Kathy Slavick.
"The
great attendance at today's golf tournament is just one
of the many ways members of the Morton community
demonstrate their support for the Hospital throughout
the year," said Maureen Bryant, Morton Hospital
President. "Hospital employees, volunteers, members
of the Auxiliary, medical staff, business partners and
sponsors all contributed to the success of the 18th
Annual Golf Tournament. We are fortunate to have such
strong supporters of Morton Hospital in our community.
Did I mention my team came in third place!"
Morton
Hospital would like to express its sincere appreciation
to all of the tournament’s in-kind donors, who
contributed a wonderful array of raffle and silent
auction items for the event, as well as the tournament
sponsors: Shields Healthcare Group; Aramark; Sodexo
Health Care; Bristol County Savings Bank; The Center for
Wound Healing, Inc.; Fernandes Electric; Hinckley, Allen
& Tringale, LP; MetLife; Ocean Spray; W.B. Mason;
Altus Dental; Feeley & Driscoll, P.C.; HealthPlans,
Inc.; Bank of America; American Medical Response;
Comprehensive Pharmacy Services; ProMedical, LLC;
ProMutual Group; Provista; Morton Emergency Associates;
Mechanics Cooperative Bank; and, HarborOne Credit Union.
The
1st Place W.B. Mason Foursome: (L-R) Brian
Phillips, Steve Bliss, Scott Pearsons and Jeff Bliss.
LOCAL
EVENT
Kids Day and
Treasure Hunt at Winslow Farm
September
2, 2009 - Norton, MA - Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary, located
at 37 Eddy Street in Norton, has rescheduled KIDS DAY to
Saturday, September 5, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Kids can enjoy our
annual Treasure Hunt, crafts and games, face painting and more.
Admission is $7.00 for both adults and children; kids under 2
are free. Pony rides will be available for an additional $5.00.
For further information
or directions to the farm, please contact Winslow
Farm phone at 508-285-6451, or by email at wnslofrm@aol.com.
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Taunton!
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LOCAL
NEWS
Public
Meeting Will Discuss Taunton National Park Service Study
August
31, 2009 - Taunton, MA - A public meeting will be held
regarding the National Park Service Special Resource
Study about creating a national park unit in Taunton on
Thursday, September 10. It will take place at 7:00 PM at
the Old Colony Historical Society, 66 Church Green,
Taunton, MA. National Park Service staff will explain
the criteria for establishing a national park unit and
address questions and receive input from the audience.
The
study is being undertaken in conformance with Public Law
110-229, which calls upon the Department of the
Interior, delegating responsibility to the National Park
Service, to undertake a Taunton, MA, Special Resource
Study.
For
a determination to be made as to whether a resource
should be considered for potential designation as a unit
of the national park system, analyses are conducted
based on the following criteria: 1) possess nationally
significant natural or cultural resources; 2) be a
suitable addition to the system; 3) be a feasible
addition to the system; and 4) require direct NPS
management instead of alternative protection by other
public agencies or the private sector.
For
further information on the study and the public meeting,
contact Jim O’Connell, Project Manager, National Park
Service, 15 State Street, Boston, MA 02109;
617-223-5222; Jim_O’Connell@nps.gov
LOCAL
EVENT
TACC
Business After Hours
August
28, 2009 - Taunton, MA - The Taunton Area Chamber’s
first Business After Hours of the Fall season will
be hosted by Wynn & Wynn, P.C. on Thursday,
September 10 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Their
offices are located at 90 New State Highway, Raynham.
Wynn
& Wynn
is a regional firm covering most of Massachusetts, with
offices in Raynham, Cape Cod (Hyannis) and Martha's
Vineyard.
Food will
be provided by The Jockey Club and there will
be a cash bar available. Bring your business cards to
enter in the raffle drawing!
The
cost is $5 for Chamber Members and $10 for
Non-Members. To register for this event, call the
Taunton Area Chamber at 508-824-4068 or email info@tauntonareachamber.org.
August
26, 2009 - Rehoboth, MA – The 10th Annual PRIDE,
Inc. Golf Tournament on Monday, July 27, 2009 turned
out 117 golfers at Rehoboth Country Club. The winners of
the tournament, Rick Roblillard of Taunton, Paul
Champagne of Taunton, Armondo Rosa of Taunton and Al
Leal of Taunton donated the prize money of $200.00 from
the tournament back to the non-profit organization.
Rick
Robillard, Paul Champagne, Al Leal and Armando Rosa were
the winners of PRIDE, Inc's 10th Annual Golf Tournament.
The foursome generously donated the $200 cash prize back
to the non-profit organization.
"I
never cease to be amazed by the generosity of
people," said Doug Latham, PRIDE’s
Director of Operations and Golf Tournament organizer.
"We are so thankful for their participation in the
event alone, but then to donate their winnings back to
us is just overwhelming."
The
PRIDE, Inc. Golf Tournament has become a summer
tradition for Taunton area golfers not only for the
event itself, but the famous chicken barbeque held at
the P.A.C.C. following the tournament.
Bristol
County Savings Bank was the major sponsor for the golf
tournament with all proceeds going toward funding the
many programs provided by PRIDE to individuals
with disabilities.
Norton
Singers Announce Open Auditions for Fall Production
Joseph
and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Norton
Singers announces open auditions for Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat. Auditions for adults interested in roles
or chorus will be held on Tuesday August 25 or Thursday August
27 at the Chartley Methodist Church on S. Worcester Street in
Norton, MA, starting at 7:00 p.m. The production also features a
children's chorus (ages 10 and up). Auditions for children will
be on Wednesday September 9 at 7:00 p.m., also at Chartley
Methodist Church.
All
auditioners should prepare 16 bars each of a ballad and an
up-beat tempo song, and should bring sheet music.
The
popular musical by the famed musical theater team of Andrew
Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice is based on the "coat of many
colours" story in The Book of Genesis. It features such
well-known numbers as “Any Dream Will Do” and “Those
Cannan Days.” Performance dates for the production are
November 13,14 and 15, with rehearsals starting on September 1
on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
The
musical will be directed by Judee Bottomley, with Musical
Direction by Anthony- Alexander Torelli.
Morton
Hospital’s "First Friday" Lectures Resume
September 4
August
24, 2009 - Taunton, MA – After a two-month break,
Morton Hospital’s "First Friday" lectures
will resume on Friday, September 4, at 8 a.m. in the
Silver City Galleria Community Room. "First
Friday" lectures are sponsored by the Hospital in
collaboration with the Silver City Galleria and its Mall
Walkers Program.
The
Mall Walkers Program is a fun, easy way to stay healthy
and fit, and the Galleria provides a climate-controlled
environment perfect for walking. Morton Hospital
provides breakfast and information on a variety of
health topics on the first Friday of each month. All
mall walkers and visitors are welcome to attend free of
charge.
Joyce
Curtin, RN, Morton Hospital Elder Behavioral Health
Services (EBHS) Program Director, will host the
September lecture, which will feature a discussion about
depression and its effects on the mind and body.
For
more information, contact Morton Hospital’s Public
Affairs Office at (508) 828-7015.
LOCAL NEWS
Long-time
President and CEO of Morton Hospital to Retire
August
20, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Edward A. Roster, Chairman of
the Morton Hospital and Medical Center Board of Trustees
recently announced that Thomas C. Porter, long-time
President and CEO will retire his position effective
September 30, 2009. Porter has dedicated more than 30
years of service to the Hospital, the last 22 as
President and Chief Executive Officer. As previously
announced, Maureen Bryant, who has served as Morton’s
Chief Operating Officer for the past decade, has been
appointed by the board as the new President and CEO.
Morton
Hospital President and CEO, Thomas C. Porter
Throughout
his tenure, Porter has focused on sustaining the
Hospital’s mission of providing access to quality
health care for all patients. He guided the Hospital
through several significant changes and improvements,
including the addition of the Center for Wound Healing
and a partnership with Shields Healthcare Group and
Sturdy Memorial Hospital to open a Radiation Oncology
Center, bringing state-of-the-art cancer care to
patients close to home.
Mr.
Porter has also served as President of the Morton Health
Foundation, a group dedicated to managing joint ventures
and business relationships, as well as community
relations. He also was elected and served as chairman of
the Massachusetts Hospital Association.
"I
am eternally grateful to the employees, patients and
friends of Morton Hospital and Medical Center,"
said Porter. "They have given me many memories that
I will forever treasure."
"I
will certainly miss my daily interactions with my
colleagues at the Hospital, our volunteers, patients and
community members," Porter said. "But I look
forward to spending more quality time on Cape Cod with
my wife and two children."
***
Volunteer Opportunity ***
The
TPC Boston is going green for the Deutsche Bank
Championship!
All of the
bottles are being recycled and all proceeds will be
going to local food pantries. I'm putting together a
green team to help with this huge undertaking. We
are looking for volunteers to help sort recyclables on
site at the tourney. It is not a glamorous job
but, it is great for the environment and the perks are
super!
We are
looking for volunteers Friday, September 4th through
Monday, September 7th. Volunteers will work from
7-12 but we are very flexible. Volunteers will receive a
"go green" t-shirt, parking, a meal voucher
and admission to the tourney. Volunteers who work more
than one shift will receive 2 passes to the tournament!
If you would
like to volunteer or get additional information on going
green at the TPC please contact Michelle Petersen at petefam4@comcast.net.
Hey
Taunton!
Send us your news, press releases & events! click
here
Do you enjoy singing?
Taunton
Civic Chorus weekly rehearsals for our 2009 Holiday
Concert
begin on Thursdays starting August 20, 2009 7-9 pm
at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 45 Broadway, Taunton,
MA.
Aviation
Exhibit at the Old Colony Historical Society
August
12, 2009 - Taunton, MA - Old Colony Historical Society
at 66 Church Green in Taunton is pleased to announce a
new exhibit, "Soaring to New Heights: Aviation in
Taunton, 1919-2009" to mark the 90th anniversary of
the oldest continuously-operating airport in
Massachusetts, Taunton Municipal Airport - King Field.
This exhibit will open to the public on August 21, 2009
and run through January 7, 2010. Modest admission fees
are charged for entrance to the museum ($2 for children
and seniors, $4 for adults, free to OCHS members).
With
the cooperation of many in the area--King family
members, pilots, airport personnel, and historians--the
museum has assembled a remarkable array of aviation
artifacts and stories. The exhibit will show
airships from biplanes through jet planes. It will
depict flying in the age of barnstorming through modern
stunt plane air shows. Many of the fascinating
personalities who dedicated themselves to the art and
science of flight in our community will be included.
To complement the exhibit will be a continuously-running
documentary made by Susan McGrath from numerous King
Family photographs entitled, "Wings to Fly: A
Pictorial History of the King Family and Aviation in
East Taunton."
In
addition to the exhibit, the featured speaker on October
15 at 7 p.m. will be Fred Morin, Vice President of the
Massachusetts Aviation Historical Society. He will
put our city's airport in historical context with the
rest of the Commonwealth and the country using an
illustrated presentation. This event is free and
open to the public, and will include admission to the
exhibit. Pre-registration is not required.
World
War II era De Haviland "Chipmunk" airplane
smiles at everyone from its hangar at the Taunton
Municipal Airport - King Field. Photograph
courtesy of Old Colony Historical Society, Taunton,
Massachusetts.
LOCAL NEWS
Morton
Receives National Recognition for Quality Heart Disease
and Stroke Care
August
12, 2009 - Taunton, MA - Morton Hospital and Medical
Center has been recognized for a Silver Achievement in
using evidence-based guidelines to provide the best
possible care to patients through The American Heart
Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The
GuidelinesSM program.
Morton
Hospital and 569 other hospitals are featured in an
advertisement in the "America’s Best
Hospitals" August 2009 issue of US News & World
Report to commemorate their receipt of the Get With The
Guidelines Performance Achievement Award. The awards are
given for achievement in coronary artery disease, stroke
and/or heart failure treatment.
"We
are proud that the American Heart Association and
American Stroke Association have chosen the ‘America’s
Best Hospitals’ issue of US News & World Report to
recognize Morton Hospital for our achievements in their
Get With The Guidelines program," said Thomas
Porter, Morton Hospital CEO. "Get With The
Guidelines gives our professionals the tools and reports
they need to effectively treat our coronary artery
disease, heart failure and stroke patients."
Hospitals
are recognized in each category in which they achieve at
least 85 percent compliance to Get With The Guidelines
measures. Those hospitals marking 85 percent compliance
for 24 consecutive months are given the Gold Performance
Achievement Award, with the Silver Performance
Achievement Award going to those with 85 percent
compliance for 12 consecutive months.
Get
With The Guidelines is a hospital-based quality
improvement program designed to ensure that hospitals
consistently care for cardiac and stroke patients
following the most up-to-date guidelines and
recommendations. Currently, more than 1,450 hospitals
participate in the program.
"The
American Heart Association is pleased to recognize its
top Get With The Guidelines participants," said Lee
Schwamm, M.D., national chairman of the Get With The
Guidelines steering committee, associate professor of
neurology at Harvard Medical School and Vice Chairman of
Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital.
"Healthcare providers who use Get With The
Guidelines are armed with the latest evidence-based
guidelines and immediate access to clinical decision
support. The goal of this initiative is to ultimately
improve the quality of life and help reduce deaths among
heart and stroke patients."
LOCAL NEWS
Taunton
Fugitive Arrested on Plane Moments Before Take-Off
Jose
Torres-Rivera is in custody on a warrant charging him
with kidnapping, assault and battery, and violating an
abuse prevention order
August
6, 2009 - Massachusetts State Police boarded an airliner
yesterday just moments before it was scheduled to take
off from Logan Airport and arrested a passenger wanted
for assaulting and terrorizing a woman last week in
Taunton.
State
Police assigned to the department’s fugitive unit and
its airport barracks tracked Jose Torres-Rivera, 30, of
Taunton to a Jet Blue Airlines flight that was scheduled
to depart from Logan for Puerto Rico at 2:10 p.m. A
State Police Sergeant and two Troopers boarded the
flight as it was preparing to roll back from the gate
and apprehended Torres-Rivera. Torres-Rivera was
arrested on a warrant charging him with kidnapping,
assault and battery, and violating an abuse prevention
order.
Evidence
suggests that Torres-Rivera, armed with a knife, broke
into his victim’s Taunton apartment shortly after
midnight on July 31. He allegedly hit the woman
repeatedly in front of her two children and threatened
to stab her. Torres-Rivera also took the woman’s cell
phone and would not let her or her children leave the
apartment. Later in the day, he allowed her to leave
when she said she needed diapers for her children. When
she left the apartment, she went to a fast food
restaurant in Taunton, where she called police. Taunton
Police were unable to locate Torres-Rivera and obtained
an arrest warrant in Taunton District Court.
The
State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section began
searching for Torres-Rivera, and by this afternoon had
tracked his route of flight to the apartment of one of
his relatives in Taunton. Although family members were
initially uncooperative, Troopers interviewed people who
live and work near the apartment and learned that
Torres-Rivera had left the relative’s apartment
carrying a suitcase this morning. Troopers also learned
that Torres-Rivera had made statements that he was going
to Puerto Rico. Further investigation revealed that the
suspect was scheduled to fly out of Logan Airport
yesterday afternoon.
Fugitive
unit Troopers contacted Troop F, the State Police Troop
that has jurisdiction over Logan. Troopers assigned to
the Logan barracks determined that Torres-Rivera was
seated on the Boston-to-Puerto Rico flight, boarded the
plane immediately, and took him into custody.
The suspect was held overnight by Taunton Police and is
expected to be arraigned today in Taunton District
Court.
Taunton
Animal Shelter Pet of the Week: LUCKY
August
6, 2009 - LUCKY is a sweet senior male Husky/Shepherd
mix about 9 years old. He appears to like everyone
and would be a welcome addition to any family. We were told
he was good with children; however, due to his age, we
recommend no toddlers. He appears fine with most
other dogs. Lucky could benefit from a good quality low
calorie senior food and supplements. He enjoys going for
walks and would make a good walking companion for a
person of any age. Lucky may be a "senior" in
years, but deep inside he still thinks of himself as a
pup and has lots of "get up and go"! A fenced
yard would be a plus. Please call the Taunton Shelter at
508-822-1463 or email deanie7243@aol.com.
August 3, 2009 -
Taunton, MA - The Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce
recently announced that Maureen Hancock will be the
guest speaker at the 11th Annual
Businesswomen’s Celebration. The event takes place
on Thursday, September 24, 2009 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
at the Holiday Inn - Taunton.
Maureen
Hancock - "Comedian Medium"
Maureen Hancock, a former
stand-up comedian and self-proclaimed, "Comedian
Medium", has the extraordinary ability to connect
to loved ones beyond the grave. Her style is unlike any
other Medium in that she uses humor to deliver messages
and soften even the hardest skeptic.
In addition to the dinner and speaker, there will
also be the opportunity for businesses to showcase their
products and services. Exhibit space is available for
$75/Member and $95/Non-Member. TACC Members will be
given first option for exhibit space. The deadline for
exhibitors is September 10, 2009.
The cost to attend the dinner is $38/Member and
$50/Non-Member.
For reservations or an exhibit table, contact the
Taunton Area Chamber at 508-824-4068 or email info@tauntonareachamber.org.
LOCAL NEWS
Taunton
Woman Charged in Deadly Crash
Cops:
Suspect drove drunk, fled scene of accident
LOCAL NEWS
Taunton
Man Charged in Connection with Fall River Murder
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Taunton!
Send us your news, press releases & events! click
here
Taunton
Animal Shelter Pet of the Week: JUDY
July
30, 2009 - My name is Judy and I am a female DSH Tiger.
I am a stately 4-year-old brown tiger who would
like nothing more than to have a companion to be with 24/7.
I am not one of those frisky kittens who just want to
run and play, not me! I prefer quiet time on the couch,
a nap in the sun and a gentle hand to pat me. I hope
that you are looking for a friend too. Without a friend
life is lonely. Please come meet me. I have a special
adoption fee. Please call the Taunton Shelter at
508-822-1463 or e-mail ds4paws@hotmail.com.
Mechanics
Cooperative Bank 2009 Scholarship Recipients
July
27, 2009 - Taunton, MA - Mechanics Cooperative Bank
recently announced that Ashleigh Chaves and Kyle Kerkoff
were the institution's 2009 scholarship recipients. The
Mechanics Cooperative Bank scholarships were created to
support local students who excelled in both academics and
community service, toward their pursuit for higher
education.
Ashleigh
Chaves recently graduated from Coyle & Cassidy High
School with National Honors Society distinction. She also
received the prestigious Coyle & Cassidy Exemplary
Citizen Award for her outstanding contributions to both
her school and the Taunton Community. Ashleigh will attend
Bridgewater State College in the fall to study Elementary
and Special Needs Education with a minor in Psychology.
Kyle
Kerkoff recently graduated from Taunton High School ranked
4th in his class with a 4.9 GPA. Kyle was also
heavily involved in extracurricular activities including
football, basketball, and baseball. Kyle also has an
impressive history of supporting community organizations
related to Taunton High School and CYO Programs in the
Taunton area. Kyle will attend Boston College this fall
majoring in Business Management and Leadership.
LOCAL NEWS
Morton
Hospital Receives Grant from Bristol County
Savings Charitable Foundation
Donation
to help purchase equipment for Women’s
Diagnostic Imaging Center
July
27, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Morton Hospital and
Medical Center recently received a grant from
the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation
in the amount of $7,500. The donation will
support the purchase of new equipment for the
Hospital’s Women’s Diagnostic Imaging
Center.
E.
Dennis Kelly, left, Bristol County Savings Bank
President, presents a donation to Thomas Porter,
Morton Hospital CEO
Bristol
County Savings Bank has been a long-standing and
generous philanthropic partner of Morton
Hospital and Medical Center. In December of
2008, the Foundation funded the purchase of a
code card and an oxygen blender for the Hospital’s
First Impressions Maternity Center. These
pieces of equipment have been a vital resource
for the Maternity Center, providing
cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency care
to infants in respiratory distress.
"Bristol
County Savings Bank is happy to support Morton
Hospital," said E. Dennis Kelly, Bristol
County Savings Bank President. "We
recognize and appreciate the services they
provide to the community and are happy to assist
in upgrading their equipment. The Bank has had a
long and supportive relationship with the
Hospital for many years, and we look forward to
working with them for many more."
Hey
Taunton!
Send us your news, press releases & events! click
here
LOCAL NEWS
DA
Sutter, Bristol County Leaders To Support Dangerous Bill
July
27, 2009 - District Attorney Sam Sutter and a host of
other community leaders from throughout Bristol County
and the state will be testifying before the Joint
Judiciary Committee Monday afternoon in support of a
bill filed by Sen. Mark Montigny which aims to allow
district attorneys throughout the state to request
dangerousness hearings for those charged with illegal
gun crimes.
The
testimony is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in the Gardner
Auditorium at the Massachusetts State House.
The
legislation, Senate Bill No. 1748, was filed by Sen.
Montigny shortly after the Supreme Judicial Court ruled
on May 4, 2009 that District Attorney Sutter's use of
the dangerousness statute to attempt to hold those
defendants charged with illegal gun crimes without bail
for 90 days was not what the Legislature intended.
Sen.
Montigny's legislation would simply put back into the
dangerousness statute what the SJC took out.
In
order to send out a clear and resounding message,
District Attorney Sutter instructed his prosecutors,
from the day he started as the new District Attorney in
January 2007, to ask for these dangerousness hearings
every single time someone was arrested and charged with
a gun felony. Combining this with other aggressive
new policies, such as rapidly prosecuting those held
after a finding of dangerousness within the 90 days
allowed by the statute, District Attorney Sutter set
about trying to change the landscape concerning gun
violence in Bristol County.
Bristol
County DA Sam Sutter
After
28 months of implementing these policies and working
closely with our county's police chiefs and mayors,
the results were eye opening. New Bedford experienced
a 33 % decline in reports of shots fired during this
time period and went for a five month stretch from
November of 2008 until April of 2009 without a single
shooting. Fall River saw a 34% decline in
reports of shots fired and Taunton a 29% decline.
But
in its May 4th ruling, the SJC said carrying an
illegal firearm is "passive and victimless."
The court said there is no substantial risk of harm to
another in the illegal possession, but the substantial
risk is in the use.
District
Attorney Sutter and many others who believe those who
carry illegal firearms are a danger to the public's
safety have two main criticisms of the Court's
decision: one logical and one empirical.
First, logically, by the time a firearm is being used
to commit a crime, the risk is over and the harm has
begun. And, second, empirically, over 95% of the
shootings in Bristol County over the past two and a
half years have been committed by illegal firearms.
Since
the SJC's decision on May 4th, gun violence in Bristol
County has sadly begun to climb. In New Bedford,
over the past eight weeks, three people have been
killed by firearms and eight others have been shot and
wounded. Fall River has also seen four recent
shootings and Taunton has been home to several reports
of shots fired.
"The
possibility of a connection between the change in my
approach necessitated by the SJC's decision and the
rise in gun violence is inescapable. The fear
criminals had of immediate and lasting incarceration
for carrying an illegal gun has been greatly
eroded," District Attorney Sutter said.
"That is why our legislature must act now to put
back in the dangerousness statute those three gun
felonies which the SJC said are not presently covered.
The Legislature has shown it can act quickly when the
need is urgent. Last year in Massachusetts, 105
people were killed by gun violence. What could be more
urgent than that?"
LOCAL NEWS
Mansfield
Father Charged with Murder of 6-Year-Old Daughter
July 24, 2009 - Mansfield,
MA - At approximately 4:05 a.m. today Mansfield police
responded to 93 Chilson Ave. where they found 6-year-old
Kaitlynn Griffin deceased.
Her father, Kristopher Griffin, 35, of 93 Chilson
Ave. and 85 Weir St., Mansfield, was arrested by state
and local police shortly after the incident. He is
charged with murder.
Mr. Grffin will be arraigned today in Taunton
District Court.
Facts of the case will be detailed during today's
arraignment.
Modern Auto
Body, Brockton -
Owned & Operated by Area Resident
July
24, 2009 - Modern Auto Body in Brockton is owned and operated by
Fran Fistori of Norton. Mr. Fistori lives in Norton with his wife
and three children. He is active in the community and helps to
coach Little League and football in the town.
Mr.
Fistori began his business in 1983 in a small rented garage. After
two years he purchased the property at 561 N. Montello Street and
began construction on the current facility. Modern Auto Body
employees 15 full-time employees and is now in the midst of
another expansion. All employees are ASE Certified and I-CAR
trained. The shop utilizes the latest equipment. Modern Auto body
takes all the worries away from your auto accident down to the
smallest details like making sure the paint color is a 100% match.
Fran
and his staff will help walk you through your claims process from
beginning to end. The shop will come and pick your vehicle up if
necessary and will return your vehicle detailed inside and out.
LOCAL NEWS
Taunton
Woman Asks City for $200K Due to Son's 'Psychological
Injuries'
LOCAL NEWS
FACES
OF REMEMBRANCE: Taunton
Exhibit Honors Fallen Soldiers
LOCAL NEWS
First
EEE Positive Mosquito Sample Identified in Massachusetts
Health
officials remind residents to take precautions to avoid
mosquito bites
July
22, 2009 - Boston, MA — The Massachusetts Department
of Public Health (DPH) announced that Eastern Equine
Encephalitis has been detected in a mosquito sample in
Massachusetts for the first time this year. The mosquito
sample was collected on July 16, in the town of
Freetown, located in Bristol County.
There
have been no human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) or
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) identified so far this
year.
In
2008, there was one human case of EEE; however there
were 13 cases with 6 deaths from 2004 through 2006. EEE
is usually spread to humans through the bite of an
infected mosquito. EEE is a serious disease for all ages
and can even cause death.
"This
is the first reminder that EEE is circulating in our
environment" said DPH State Epidemiologist, Dr. Al
DeMaria "Southeastern Massachusetts has
historically borne the brunt of EEE."
People
have an important role to play in protecting themselves
and their loved ones from illnesses caused by
mosquitoes.
Avoid
Mosquito Bites
Be
Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to
dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes.
Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur
during evening or early morning.
Clothing
Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing
long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors
will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Apply
Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with
DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin,
picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus
[p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 according to
the instructions on the product label. DEET products
should not be used on infants under two months of
age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or
less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus
should not be used on children under three years of
age.
Mosquito-Proof
Your Home
Drain
Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in
standing water. Limit the number of places around
your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining
or discarding items that hold water. Check rain
gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and
wading pools, and change water in birdbaths
frequently.
Install
or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having
tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and
doors.
More
information is available on the DPH website: www.mass.gov/dph/wnv. Information
about West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis is
also available by calling the DPH recorded information
line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968), or the
Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.
LOCAL NEWS
Morton
Hospital Performance Improvement Director Completes
Patient Safety Fellowship, Receives Prestigious Award
July
22, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Orla Brandos, RN, MBA, MSN,
CPHQ, PSF, Director of Performance Improvement/Risk
Management and Patient Safety Officer at Morton Hospital
and Medical Center, recently completed an Executive
Fellowship in Patient Safety at the Williamson Institute
for Healthcare Leadership at the Virginia Commonwealth
University in Richmond, VA. Upon graduating from the
program, Brandos was awarded the prestigious Carl W.
Armstrong Award, given to one fellow from each
graduating class, selected by the teaching faculty and
fellow students.
Orla
Brandos, Director of Performance Improvement/Risk
Management and Patient Safety Officer at Morton Hospital
and Medical Center
During
the 11-month program, which was sponsored by Morton
Hospital, Brandos completed an extensive curriculum
including courses on Medication Safety & Methods,
Advanced Issues in Error Reporting Systems, Leadership
and its Impact on Patient Safety, and Use of Technology
for Patient Safety Success.
"I
am a patient advocate and I strive to promote excellence
in providing safe, quality care for all of our patients
at Morton Hospital," said Brandos. "The
healthcare environment is constantly changing, and this
program provided me the opportunity to learn about the
most current and innovative resources and best practices
to improve patient safety."
Each
fellow in the program was required to design and
implement a patient safety project. Brandos’s project,
"Improving Handoff Communication in the Acute Care
Hospital", gave a detailed approach to the
evidence-based SBAR
(Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation)
communication tool used among caregivers, including
those at Morton Hospital. Her project was voted most
likely to promote significant advancements in patient
safety, which prompted Brandos’s award nomination. As
a result of the project’s success, Brandos was also
selected as a guest speaker at the Virginians Improving
Patient Care and Safety (VIPC&S) annual conference.
Prior
to her current position at Morton Hospital, Brandos
served as Director of a medical surgical unit at Cape
Coral Hospital in Florida. Previous to that, she worked
at Morton Hospital as a staff nurse in a variety of
clinical settings. She has more than 18 years of
hospital nursing and leadership experience, and is
responsible for all quality and safety initiatives at
Morton Hospital.
"The
patient safety fellowship provided advanced education
related to standards of excellence in safe patient care
across the continuum of care for all patients" said
Brandos. "The resources I gained during my
fellowship are some that you can’t find anywhere
else."
Hey
Taunton!
Send us your news, press releases & events! click
here
LOCAL EVENT
Taunton
Animal Shelter Fundraiser
Uno Chicago
Grill to Donate Portion of Sales
July
21, 2009 - Taunton, MA - Uno Chicago Grill located at
904 COUNTY ST (Rt. 140) in Taunton will be sponsoring a
"Dough Raiser" for The Friends of The Taunton
Animal Care Facility on Thursday, July 23 through
Saturday, July 25 from 11:30am until closing.
Uno
Chicago Grill will donate 15-20% of the total dine in or
take-out orders to The Friends of the Taunton Animal
Care Facility. Customers must have a ticket from the
shelter in order for the donation to be made. Tickets
are available at the Taunton Shelter, 821 West Water
Street, Taunton, Ventura Grain, Taunton City Hall,
Raynham Town Hall, Leahy's Liquors, Roma's Hair Fashion
and through various shelter personnel. There is no cost
for the ticket and you simply give it to your waitperson
to attach to your dinner check. This makes the server
aware that you are participating in the fundraiser for
the shelter. For more information, cal the Taunton
Animal Shelter at 508-822-1463.
Special
Olympians Compete in Taunton
July
21, 2009 - Taunton, MA – They came from as far away as
Shrewsbury and Dorchester to compete for the gold,
silver and bronze. In all, 36 bocce athletes competed in
the First Annual Special Olympics Massachusetts South
Section Bocce Tournament at the Columbia Cultural Center
on Saturday, July 18, 2009.
"We
are so pleased to be involved with this very special
event," said Dick Simmons, President, Columbia
Lodge #540, Order Sons of Italy in America. "This
(Special Olympics Massachusetts) is a very special
organization and we’re proud to be involved with
them."
"In
addition to Columbia Lodge #540, DeAvila’s Catering
and Henriques Landscaping stepped up to plan and make
certain we had a great first-time event for our Special
Olympians," said Jay O’Brien, Special Olympics
Massachusetts South Section Director."
Columbia
Lodge #540 is Taunton’s chapter of the Order Sons of
Italy in America, the largest and longest-established
organizations of Italian Americans in the United States.
Greater
Taunton team members Barbara Leary and her son Andy
Maynard of Raynham share a warm moment together after
winning bronze medals in the First Annual Special
Olympics South Section Bocce Tournament.
Located
in the beautiful neighborhood of Maple Commons, just one glance
at this 4 bedroom Colonial home & you can clearly see a
great pride of ownership. Curb appeal is in full effect with the
well-manicured lawn & beautiful walkway. Imagine coming home
& enjoying all this property has to offer from the bright
& sunny kitchen, complete with hardwood floors, oak
cabinets, granite counters & island, to the gas fireplace
living room. Master bedroom with lots of closet space. Finished
lower level. Great access to highways & train.
Taunton
Public Library Summer Programs for Children
July
16, 2009 - Taunton, MA - If you are looking for
something to do with the kids this Summer, be sure to
check out what the Taunton Public Library has to offer.
Morton
Hospital Gears Up for 18th Annual Golf
Tournament
July
9, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Morton Hospital and Medical
Center will host its 18th Annual Golf
Tournament on Monday, August 17 at Segregansett Country
Club. The tournament brings the Greater Taunton
community together every year to help raise funds for
equipment and services at Morton Hospital.
The
return to Segregansett Country Club, a scenic, 18-hole,
par-72 course located in Taunton, is expected to draw a
large crowd, so early registration is recommended, as
space is limited. Individual golf spots are $225, and a
foursome is $900.
Event
sponsors include Shields Healthcare Group and Aramark,
who have donated golfers’ gifts and lunch coolers,
respectively. Both organizations have remained active
tournament sponsors throughout the past several years,
and the Hospital is sincerely grateful for their
continued generosity.
This
year’s event will feature food, raffles, giveaways and
contests to include "Longest Drive,"
"Closest to the Pin" and "Beat the
Pro." The tournament will kick off with a 9:30 a.m.
shotgun start.
To
register online, or to view the tournament schedule and
details, visit www.mortonhospital.org.
Hey
Taunton!
Send us your news, press releases & events! click
here
LOCAL EVENT
Psychic
Healing Arts Fair at Winslow Farm
July 9, 2009
- Norton, MA - Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary, located at
37 Eddy Street in Norton, will be holding a Psychic
Healing Arts Fair, on Saturday, July 18, from 11am –
4pm.
Admission to
the farm is $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for children,
with children under 2 free. Most fees for readings are
$1.00 per minute for 15 or 30 minutes, some vary per
reader. The fair will include intuitives and mediums
offering Reiki healing, Aura photography, Tarot card
readings, Angel readings and Animal Communication
readings.
Food and
beverages will be available for sale.
For further
information or directions to the sanctuary, please visit
www.winslowfarm.com,
or contact Winslow Farm by phone at 508-285-6451 or
email info@winslowfarm.com.
LOCAL NEWS
Explosives
Found in Vehicle, Norton Home
July
7, 2009 - Norton, MA - On July 6 at 6:49pm, Norton Police
Patrolman James Cameron stopped a vehicle in the area of 194
South Worcester Street based on information that the vehicle
contained explosives. The operator, Jason M. Driscoll, 37, of
249 South Worcester Street Apt 3, Norton, confirmed to the
officer that explosives were in the vehicle. Driscoll was
then placed under arrest.
Norton
Police Detectives, the State Police Bomb Squad, the Norton Fire
Department, and the State Fire Marshall's Office were notified
and responded to the scene. That area of South Worcester Street
was closed for approximately four hours. CSX was notified to
stop all train traffic due to the tracks in close proximity to
the incident. Four residences in the immediate area were
evacuated.
The
State Police Bomb Squad used a robot to remove the device from
the vehicle and disrupted the device at 9:24pm. The device was
described as appearing to be homemade. The regional Hazardous
Materials Team was notified and responded to the scene.
Driscoll's residence was then searched. Chemicals and explosive
making materials were removed, tested by the Hazmat Team, and
confiscated.
No
one was injured in the incident.
The
Norton Police Department has recently received several reports
of explosions in this area. The area has also seen incidents of
mailboxes being exploded, with one incident sending metal
shrapnel into a residence and breaking windows.
Driscoll
was transported to the Norton Police Department and later to the
Bristol County House of Correction where he is being held on
$5,000 cash bail. Driscoll will be arraigned today in
Taunton District Court.
Driscoll
was charged with Possession of an Infernal Device.
State
Senator Marc Pacheco Announces Office Hours
July
7, 2009 - Raynham, MA - State Senator Marc R. Pacheco,
D-Taunton will be holding office hours for
constituents on Tuesday, July 14th in
Raynham:
Raynham
Town Hall
3 – 4 pm
558 South Main Street
Sullivan Meeting Room
LOCAL NEWS
Morton
Hospital Honors Employees of the Month
July
4, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Morton Hospital and Medical
Center recently held a reception honoring its second
quarter Employees of the Month. Award recipients are
nominated by co-workers, patients or family members, and
have demonstrated a commitment to quality and dedicated
service to patient care and customer relations.
The
Hospital honored: Frank Cannizzaro, Environmental
Services; Kelley Brennan, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech Pathology;
and Rob Brien Berks, BSN, RN, Emergency Room. These
employees were recognized by Thomas Porter, President
and CEO of Morton Hospital, and joined by a group of
fellow employees, family and friends. Each award
recipient was presented with an honorary plaque and a
special thank you gift for their outstanding
contributions to the Hospital.
L-R:
Thomas Porter, Morton Hospital President, honors 2nd
quarter Employees of the Month; Frank Cannizzaro,
Environmental Services; Kelley Brennan, MS, CCC-SLP,
Speech Pathology; and, Rob Brien-Berks, BSN, RN,
Emergency Room.
LOCAL EVENT
Morton
Hospital Physician to Host "New Treatments for
Diabetes"
July
1, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Morton Hospital and Medical
Center will host the final program of its Spring/Summer
Community Education Lecture Series on Thursday, July 9.
The series consists of monthly lectures, seminars and
special events that provide important information on a
variety of health and wellness topics and promote new
services offered at Hospital.
Gilbert
Brovar, MD, Morton Hospital Endocrinologist, will host
the lecture and discuss new diabetic treatment options.
The lecture will be held in the Hospital’s Margaret
Stone Conference Room at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will
be served.
The
Community Education Series is free and open to the
public, however, pre-registration is required. To
register for this program, call the Morton Hospital
Health Services Referral Line at (508) 828-7777.
You can always find our latest
Coupons by clicking the "Coupons" link at the
top of the page.
LOCAL NEWS
Morton
Hospital Receives Beacon Hospice Excellence Award
June
25, 2009 – Taunton, MA - Morton Hospital and Medical
Center was recently selected as the recipient of the
Beacon Hospice 2009 Excellence Award. The Hospital was
nominated by Amy Ippolito-Kelly, Beacon Hospice Service
Representative, and is the only hospital in
Massachusetts to receive the award.
The
Hospital staff was honored for outstanding performance
and lasting contribution in quality end of life care,
especially on the S-1 Unit. During the recent awards
ceremony, Ippolito-Kelly and Michael Hutchinson, Vice
President-Sales, presented certificates of excellence to
Marie Lebrun, RN, BSN, S-1 Nurse Manager, and Thomas
Porter, Morton Hospital President.
Morton
Hospital was recognized for its leadership in partnering
with Beacon Hospice to provide excellence in end of life
care and working with Mohamed I. Khedr, MD, Beacon’s
in-house Medical Director, to guarantee access to
hospice care for all patients at the end of life, as
well as its commitment to continuing education.
"There are many resources available to hospitals,
and not everyone takes advantage of them, but you
do," said Hutchinson. "That shows your
commitment."
Hutchinson
also acknowledged a clear linkage between Beacon’s
mission and Morton Hospital’s mission of providing
access to quality health care. "Your mission is
exactly what you are demonstrating every day," said
Hutchinson. "That is why we are here today
celebrating your achievements."
Pictured
left to right: Amy Ippolito-Kelly, Beacon Hospice
Service Representative; Thomas Porter, Morton Hospital
President; Marie Labrun, RN, BSN, S-1 Nurse Manager;
Michael Hutchinson, Beacon Vice President-Sales; and
Mohamed I. Khedr, MD, Beacon’s In-house Medical
Director.
YOUR
MONEY
Local Mortgage Rates - up
to $417,000
-
Published 6/24/2009 11:43AM
30
Year Fixed - 0 Pts w/Closing Costs
30
Year Fixed - 1 Pts w/Closing Costs
30
Year Fixed - 2 Pts w/Closing Costs
Institution
Name
Rate
APR
Payment
Per $1000
Rate
APR
Payment
Per $1000
Rate
APR
Payment
Per $1000
Notes
Crescent
Credit Union
5.750%
5.791%
$5.84
5.450%
5.581%
$5.65
5.250%
5.471%
$5.52
Rates
Accurate
as of 6/22/09
First
Citizens Fed. CU
5.625%
5.643%
$5.76
5.375%
5.483%
$5.60
5.125%
5.322%
$5.44
Effective
Date 6/24/09
Mechanics
Cooperative Bank
5.250%
5.327%
$5.52
5.000%
5.164%
$5.37
4.750%
4.999%
$5.22
Rates
as of 4/2/09
North
Easton Savings Bank
5.375%
5.384%
$5.60
5.250%
5.349%
$5.52
5.000%
5.188%
$5.37
Effective
Date 6/22/09
Sharon
Credit Union
5.750%
5.762%
$5.84
5.500%
5.603%
$5.68
5.250%
5.443%
$5.53
Rates
as of 6/11/09
Taunton
Federal CU
6.000%
6.046%
$6.00
5.750%
5.889%
$5.84
5.500%
5.730%
$5.68
Rates
Effective as of 6/19/09
Note:
These rates are compiled directly from each lender's web site
and should be used as a guide only. Rates are current as of time
published and are subject to change without notice. Since there
are many factors that reflect lending rates and rates change
daily, please contact the financial institutions individually
for the most current rates, down payment requirements, service
area, credit qualifications, etc. Financial Institutions: To list your rates here, email
us at news@townwebs.com
LOCAL EVENT
Winslowshire
Renaissance Fair
Fundraiser for
the Animals of Winslow Farm
June
23, 2009 - Norton, MA - Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary, located
at 37 Eddy Street in Norton, will be holding a Renaissance Fair
on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
Join
us and be taken back in time where storytellers and magicians
hold you captive, where music can be heard from every corner of
the land and where elaborate costumes create a sense of majesty
and fun. Musicians, singers and dancers will abound! This year's
fair will be even bigger and more exciting than last year. Join
us for gourmet vegetarian food, fun and frolic.
Admission
for adults is $10.00, children $5.00 and kids under age 4 are
free. Visitors who dress in Renaissance costume will receive a
$2.00 discount. A $15.00, 2-day pass will be available.
For
further details about the fair, please log on to www.winslowshire.com
or contact Winslow Farm by phone at 508-285-6451, or by email at
wnslofrm@aol.com.
Hey
Taunton!
Send us your news, press releases & events! click
here
LOCAL NEWS
Route
95 Accident Claims Two Lives Including 3 Year-Old
June
22, 2009 - On Saturday, June 20, 2009, at approximately 5:36 p.m., State Police
responded to a two-vehicle crash on Route 95 northbound near Exit 2 in Attleboro that resulted in two fatalities.
Preliminary investigation indicates that a 1997 Ford Explorer operated by a 23 year-old Jessica Ebert
of Attleboro struck a 1996 Chevrolet operated by 18 year-old Jennifer Poissant from Pawtucket, RI . The 1997 Ford Explorer then rolled over ejecting some occupants and fatally injuring a 3 year old juvenile and a
20 year-old Matthew Kercado of Taunton. A 14 month- old, 42 year-old Heather Kercado from
Taunton, 40 year-old Christopher Ebert of Boston and Jessica Ebert were transported to local hospitals with injuries. The operator of the 1996 Chevrolet was not injured.
The crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section. Troopers on scene where assisted by the Attleboro Fire and Police Department and Mass
Highway.
The highway was closed for approximately 1 1/2 hours for the crash investigation and vehicle removal.
LOCAL NEWS
Parker
Middle School Receives a $10,000 Grant From Verizon for
Closing the Achievement Gap
June
19, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Parker Middle School has been
awarded a $10,000 grant to focus on "Closing the
Achievement Gap." The purpose of the grant is to
help reduce achievement gaps in English Language Arts
for students who are underperforming at Parker Middle
School. These students lack the specific skills and
strategies to access literary texts and are struggling
with increasingly complex vocabulary in literacy texts.
This grant is a classroom project that uses an online
educational tool, developed by Verizon and endorsed by
the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education.
(L to R)
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester, Richard Colon,
Verizon Regional Director External Affairs, Stacey
Pattou-Hammond, Taunton Public Schools Reading
Coordinator & Donna Cupelo, Regional President
Verizon
"This
grant presents a great opportunity for Parker School’s
staff to receive professional development and support in
order to target particular skills. This will also
support Parker’s goal to facilitate common
understandings about the role of culture and diversity
to support all students" says Taunton’s
reading/literacy coordinator Stacey Pattou-Hammond.
Dr.
Arthur Stellar Taunton’s superintendent stated,
"Reducing the achievement gap is key to school
improvement and an area of concern across the
Commonwealth. This project is an example of how one can
move urban schools forward in an era of high
accountability."
The
project is one of 15 creative educational-improvement
ideas that will come to fruition, thanks to $150,000 in
grants awarded by the Verizon Foundation as part of the
2009 Think Ahead With Thinkfinity Awards.
"Taunton’s
Reading Coordinator Stacey Hammond should be commended
for pursuing and receiving this grant which will aid
struggling students at Parker Middle School," added
Superintendent Stellar.
LOCAL NEWS
Morton
Hospital Breast Surgeon Receives "Unsung
Heroine" Award
June
19, 2009 - Taunton, MA – The Massachusetts Commission
on the Status of Women recently named Elizabeth Tito,
MD, one of its 100 "Unsung Heroines of 2009."
Dr. Tito, a breast surgeon at Morton Hospital and
Medical Center, was nominated by her colleague Ginny
Starvish, RN, Morton Hospital Breast Care Nurse
Navigator.
Dr.
Tito was honored for her outstanding contributions to
Morton Hospital and the greater Taunton community during
a ceremony at the State House in Boston. The event was
hosted by NewsCenter 5’s Liz Brunner, and featured an
introduction of each honoree, as well as a catered
reception.
According
to the Commission, the Unsung Heroines "don’t
make the news, they make the difference," and Dr.
Tito has been making a positive difference at the
Hospital for several years. Some of her most recent
accomplishments include the initiation of a nurse
navigator program to assist breast care patients, and
the creation of a Community Advisory Board (CAB) to
improve future programs and services to breast care
patients. She is a constant advocate for women’s
breast health awareness, and has helped to raise more
than $10,000 to support patients and their families.
Elizabeth
Tito, MD
"It’s
been an honor to work with such an amazing group of
women in our community," said Tito. "These
brave women faced breast cancer, and at the end said what
can we give back? The Community Advisory Board that
I created gave them a chance to serve the community and
shine."
For
more information, or to make an appointment with Dr.
Tito, call (508) 828-7693.
$339,900
- Spacious Cape that boasts a light & bright kitchen
w/ newer counter tops & stove. Living room has a
wood burning fire-place. Family room has cathedral
ceilings & another fire-place. Hardwood flooring
throughout. Bedrooms are a great size & have plenty
of closets/storage. New 2nd floor bath. Vinyl Harvey
Tilt-in windows & vinyl siding make this home easy
to maintain. Call Kathy Portway today. (508) 543-3922 x
374
$549,900
- This beautiful home has 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Approx. Sq. Ft.: 2784 Take
a Tour
LOCAL NEWS
Old
Colony Historical Society Welcomes New Staff Member
June
17, 2009 - Taunton, MA - The Old Colony Historical
Society is pleased to welcome a new member to its staff,
Ms. Christie Jackson. Her position title, the Ruby
Winslow Linn Curator, is named for a generous donor to
the museum. Col. Linn had donated more than 500 objects
to the museum over the years, and one of Ms. Jackson's
duties will be to care for these and all of the museum's
12,000 historical artifacts.In addition, the curator
will create exhibits and interpret collections to the
public through tours and educational programs.
Ms.
Jackson brings an impressive educational background to
her new position. She recently completed her tenure as a
Fellow in the Winterthur Program in American Material
Culture at the University of Delaware, where she
received a Master's Degree. This is her second
graduate-level degree; the first was a Master of
Education from Harvard University with a specialization
in museum education. Her undergraduate degree was a
double major in biology and philosophy from Dartmouth
College.
The
new curator's career experience is equally diverse and
notable. She has several years experience in college
administration, was an author and advocate for
understanding learning disabilities and has considerable
experience with underwater science and archaeology.
After re-focusing her career goals in the museum field,
Ms. Jackson worked on educational programs and exhibits
at the Japan-America Society of New Hampshire,
Winterthur Museum and Gardens and the Williams-Mystic
Program at Mystic Seaport, The Museum of America and the
Sea.
Christie
Jackson
Along
with her new curatorial duties here in Taunton, Ms.
Jackson is in demand as a researcher, writer and program
presenter. She was awarded the Williams-Mystic Alumni
Research Fellowship to investigate the interior design
of ocean liners in London. This research will take her
back to London to speak before the Frederick Parker
Foundation this coming October.
Concerning
her recent arrival at Old Colony Historical Society, Ms.
Jackson noted, "I am looking forward to drawing
upon my educational, curatorial and administrative
experience in my new role. I've felt very welcome here
and look forward to exploring the treasures at Old
Colony and in Taunton." Fellow staff, board members
and Society members have greeted the new curator with
enthusiasm. Jane Hennedy, Director of the OCHS, said,
"I'm certain that, with her background and energy,
she will be excellent at both uncovering new research on
our object collections and finding new ways to share
those great stories with our community. We are all
fortunate to have this talented and personable new
colleague."
Morton
Hospital's Free Community Lecture Series
Topics
Include Breast Health Awareness and Health Care Proxies
June
17, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Morton Hospital and Medical
Center will continue its Spring/Summer Community
Education Lecture Series this month with two new
programs. The series consists of monthly lectures,
seminars and special events that provide important
information on a variety of health and wellness topics
and promote new services offered at Hospital.
On
Monday, June 22, Ginny Starvish, RN, CURN, Breast Care
Nurse Navigator, will host "Breast Health
Awareness," at 7 p.m. in Morton Hospital’s
Margaret Stone Conference Room.
In
addition, on Wednesday, June 24, Anne Sauerbier and
Maria Leal, Patient Registration and Scheduling, will
host "Why You Should Consider Health Care
Proxy," at 5:30 p.m. in the Margaret Stone
Conference Room.
The
Community Education Lectures and free and open to the
public, however, pre-registration is required. To
register for either of these programs, call the Morton
Hospital Health Services Referral Line at (508)
828-7777.
For
more information on these lectures, or to learn about
upcoming programs, call the Public Affairs Office at
(508) 828-7015.