Taunton, Massachusetts News & Information - Taunton, MA - Bristol County

Archives - May 1, 2009 - May 14, 2009

This Week on Talking Taunton Live - WSAR 1480 AM

May 14, 2009 - Taunton, MA - This week's guest on Talking Taunton with George Colajezzi is Peter Corr, TMLP Commissioner, School Committeeman, and former Taunton police officer. Although
officially retired, he's busier than ever serving the city.

George will be talking with Peter Corr LIVE from 2-3pm. Listen in to be "in the know". Join us live or call in at 508-673-1480 with your questions and comments!

Talking Taunton broadcasts live every Thursday afternoon 2-3pm from Runes Cafe in downtown Taunton.

Tune in to WSAR 1480 AM or listen live online at: www.wsar.com.

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Two Taunton Middle Schools Receive Energy and Environmental Honors

May 13, 2009 - Boston, MA – The Patrick Administration recentlyy honored programs aimed at teaching students about energy and the environment with the 15^th Annual Secretary’s Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education.

During a State House ceremony, Environment Undersecretary Philip Griffiths presented awards to 34 schools and three school districts in 34 communities across Massachusetts. The awards honored programs in categories such as wind feasibility studies, alternative fuel vehicles and river ecology.

"These programs, which go beyond standard school curriculum, encourage students, teachers and communities to embrace efforts to protect the planet, reduce waste and build awareness of how energy is produced and conserved," Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Bowles said.

Three district-wide awards were presented to Andover Public, Berkshire Hills Regional and Framingham Public School Districts. Individual awards went to teachers and students from communities across the state. In Framingham two schools were honored for projects about global warming and recycling. Two schools each were honored in Holden and Taunton, and the Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Harwich won honors for two of its programs.

Friedman Middle School’s student energy manage program, "Gang Green", organized by Energy Manager Matt Stellar and Principal John Cabral was recognized. Mulcahey Middle School’s recycling team organized by Science Coordinator Ron Griffin and Principal Christel Torres was also recognized.

"These projects comprise the type of real world, 21^st century learning that is taking place in schools across the state where classroom teachers challenge students with innovative lessons which make environmental science come to life," said Education Secretary Paul Reville.

The top winners were awarded $200 to $300 prizes. Paid for through the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, the awards are intended to fund further environmental education initiatives at the schools. Honorees voluntarily incorporated energy and environmental issues into their science curricula or after school environmental clubs or projects.

"We hope their efforts inspire other students, schools and communities to learn about environmental topics ranging from recycling and energy efficiency to wind power generation and global warming," Undersecretary Griffiths said.

EEA solicited Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education Award nominations in early 2009. Schools and organizations that voluntarily incorporate environmental education into public or private school curricula are eligible. The Secretary’s Advisory Group on Energy and Environmental Education – comprised of environmental educators from state agencies, non-profits, industry and academia – scored the project applications.

Last year Taunton’s Friedman Middle School and Martin Middle School respectfully received first honors and second honors awards.

"We are very pleased that Taunton is now a leader among Massachusetts schools in the area of energy conservation. Our innovative energy conservation program involves students and staff who work together to reduce consumption and reduce costs," noted Taunton Business Manager William Frangiamore.

Man Rams Car Into SUV Carrying Toddler

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Morton Hospital Recognizes Volunteers at Annual Luncheon

Nearly 120 Morton Hospital volunteers were honored at the Hospital’s annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at Benjamin’s Restaurant in Taunton.

May 11, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Morton Hospital and Medical Center recently hosted its Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at Benjamin’s Restaurant in Taunton, paying tribute to nearly 120 volunteers. The event is held every year during National Volunteer Recognition Week as a means of acknowledging the hard work and dedication of each individual.

Morton Hospital President Thomas Porter, Vice President of Professional Services Donna Maher and Volunteer Coordinator Patricia Carroll presented awards to the volunteers, and each received a special thank you gift. In 2008, Morton volunteers donated more than 24,000 total hours to the Hospital.

"It takes someone very special to volunteer their time and talents to helping others," said Carroll. "Morton Hospital is very fortunate to have every volunteer. Their willingness to lend a hand wherever needed, their generous gift of time and their true caring about helping others is what makes Morton Hospital shine."

The following volunteers were honored for reaching cumulative milestones: Tim Gallagher for 25,500 hours; Joanne Leroy for 19,000 hours; Beverly Graham for 11,000 hours; Dinis Botelho for 9,500 hours; Theresa Flannery for 7,500 hours; Patricia Day for 7,000 hours; Priscilla Hobday for 6,500 hours; Barbara Cunningham, Donald Garrity and Frank Guay for 6,000 hours; Emily Stone for 5,000 hours; Robert Nichols for 4,500 hours; Beatrice Pereira for 3,000 hours; Rachel Andrade, Alice Maynard, Kay McGuirk and Marion Miller for 2,500 hours; Lillian Crosby and John Ruggiero for 2,000 hours; Henry Braga, Cynthia Connolly, Dolores Costa, Alice Desrosiers, Vincent Furtado, Janet Kroll and Marjorie Largey for 1,000 hours; Helen Annunziato, Carolyn deSousa, Ralph Ford, Edward Mahoney, Claire Mitchell, Marilyn Perry and Harriet Standish for 500 hours; and, Alice Boivin, Len Cabeceiras, Phyllis Dixon, Lorraine Lachapelle, Rosemary Plante and Laura Posca for 100 hours.

For more information about Morton Hospital’s Volunteer Recognition Luncheon or Volunteer Program, call Patricia Carroll at (508) 828-7352.

Showing Their PRIDE

May 6, 2009 - Taunton – If one person can make a difference, how much of a difference can 25 make? A lot if you look at the results from PRIDE, Inc.’s participation in Taunton’s Earth Day Clean-up. More than a ton of used auto parts, bicycles, TVs and mattresses has been picked up and taken away.

For the 19^th year, PRIDE consumers and staffers lent their hands to the efforts of Taunton Ecology Awareness Movement (TEAM) as the organization coordinates a citywide effort to pick-up trash.

Doug Latham, PRIDE’s director of operations said the organization’s consumers really "get into the spirit of Earth Day and the clean-up effort."

PRIDE focused its efforts on the railroad tracks off Oak Street and behind its headquarters on Maple Street.

"We get great participation from our consumers every year," added Latham. "The volunteers range from the ages of 19 – 60 and they don’t stop until the job is done."

PRIDE, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1968 to provide vocational programs to individuals with disabilities. The mission of the organization is; "Improving the quality of people’s lives."

To learn more about PRIDE, Inc., visit there website at www.pride-inc.org.

Who Ya Gonna Call?

May 6, 2009 - Taunton – Haunted Houses? Things that go bump in the night? Eerie sounds in Taunton? "Absolutely," says Rob Jacobs, co-host of a new cable TV show in Taunton titled Haunted Happenings.

A chip off the old block. Rob Jacobs (left) poses with his father Bob Jacobs for the debut of his own cable TV show, Haunted Happenings on Comcast Cable channel 15 and Verizon Cable channel 22.

Jacobs, son of Bob Jacobs who hosts a popular weekly cable show, says that he’s been interested in ghost stories and eerie tales since he was a little boy. "Sure I was scared by strange sounds and spooky sightings, but I was also fascinated by them, too. Now those things have become something of a hobby for us," added Jacobs. "Us" is Jacob’s friend and co-host Lou Toledo who also was been fascinated by "ghosts and goblins" as a youngster and has carried the fondness into adulthood.

The duo feels the show will go over well with viewers, especially when they go out to various locations throughout the area in search of haunts.

Haunted Happenings will air bi-weekly Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. on Comcast Cable channel 15 and Verizon Cable channel 22. The program will be replayed on Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

Morton to Host Spring Health Fair

May 6, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Morton Hospital and Medical Center will host its annual Spring Health Fair on Saturday, May 16, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Silver City Galleria. The Health Fair offers the opportunity to learn about the services and wellness programs Morton Hospital provides to support good health in our community.

The event will feature a wide range of health information, as well as displays and screenings from Morton Hospital and other local organizations. Several Morton Hospital and Medical Center departments are participating, including: Morton Home Care, Elder Behavioral Health Services, Women’s Diagnostic Breast Center and Taunton School-Based Health Centers.

Other organizations participating are: the American Cancer Society, American Medical Response, America’s Best Defense, Avon Products, Best Buy, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Hills Alzheimer’s Care Center, Boston Medical Center Health Net Plan, Breast Care Center, Broadway Family Chiropractic, CFC Family Planning, Clifford & Associates Medical – Orthopedic Massage, Cranberry Chiropractic, D.E.A.F. Inc., Dare Family Services, Hines Dermatology Assoc., Inc., Hospice & Palliative Care of Greater Taunton, Kool Smile, LensCrafters, Life Care Center of Raynham, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Mill River Place, Shields Radiation Oncology, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, Taunton State Hospital, Tupperware, Vitamin World, WIC/Citizens for Citizens, Work’N Gear, Zales and many more.

The event will also include a karate demonstration, face painting, a DJ and a dance workshop. Please join us for an afternoon of health information, giveaways and entertainment that will appeal to the whole family.

For more information about Morton’s Spring Health Fair, call the Public Affairs Department at (508) 828-7015.

Taunton Council On Aging Newsletter

Click Here for the May 2009 Newsletter

You can always find the latest Taunton Council on Aging Newsletter by clicking the "Senior News" link.

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