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

Taunton Man Survives Ax Attack

Jan. 14—Valcenir Lira took a couple of blows to the face with an ax and lived to tell his story. One of the cuts on his face went to the bone requiring nine stitches; the other took four stitches to patch up.

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11th Annual Passion Plunge to Benefit
Special Olympics Massachusetts
January 31 in N. Falmouth and February 14 in Hull

January 14, 2009 - Taunton, MA - Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) will be hosting its 11th annual "Passion Plunge" this year in two locations on two different dates in southeastern MA. On Saturday, January 31, the first of the area's two Plunges will take place at Old Silver Beach in North Falmouth. Two weeks later, on Saturday February 14, the second local Plunge will be held at Nantasket Beach in Hull.

The Passion Plunge is a fundraising event where participants show their passion for Special Olympics by 1) raising pledges and then 2) plunging into the "invigorating" winter waters around the state. There is no registration fee for the event, although interested Plungers must agree to help raise at least $250 each for local Special Olympics athletes, teams and events. All Plungers who exceed $250 in funds raised will earn a long-sleeved event t-shirt and access to the post-Plunge party featuring a full lunch.

Interested Plungers can go to www.passionplunge.org and register either as individuals or recruit a fundraising/plunging team. Teams include two or more people and are identified by a unique - and usually fun or funny - team name of their choice. Those who want to join an existing team can contact SOMA south section director Jay O'Brien at jay.obrien@specialolympicsma.org or 508-821-3635.

All event details are available at www.passionplunge.org.

Over the past ten years, the event overall has raised nearly $2 million for SOMA, making it the largest annual statewide fundraiser for the organization. All funds raised go directly towards local Special Olympics athletes, events and activities in Massachusetts.

"Jumping into the ocean in the middle of the winter is an extremely unique and exhilarating feeling - I recommend everyone do it at least once," said O'Brien. "You'll have a story for a lifetime while helping a great cause in the process." 

For the less daring but just as good-hearted, there is still a fun way to participate in the Plunge. By registering as a "Chicken," you and/or your team can stay dry in the "Chicken Coop" during the Plunge. By meeting the $250 minimum, each Chicken can earn an official long-sleeved "Too Chicken to Plunge" t-shirt and post-Plunge party access as well.

More information - including volunteer and corporate sponsorship opportunities - is available at www.passionplunge.org. If you cannot attend the event but would like to make a donation to Special Olympics, you can send a check made out to Special Olympics MA and mail it to: SOMA, 66 Main Street, Taunton MA 02780. You can also make a secure online donation.

Local Business Collects "Coats for Kids"
22,000 Coats and Counting

For the 16^th year, Dermody Cleaners will be conducting the "Coats for Kids" program by collecting winter coats and jackets for underprivileged children in Greater Taunton. Last year the Taunton business collected over 2,000 coats and over 22,000 since the program’s inception.

Area residents are invited to bring children’s winter coats which they themselves are no longer using to any of the Dermody Cleaners outlets: Cohannet Street (downtown); 296 Winthrop Street (next to Dunkin Donuts); and, Hart’s Four Corners Shopping Center.

Dermody Cleaners will clean the donated coats free of charge and bring them to Saint Vincent de Paul Society’s Center on Washington Street in Taunton for distribution to those families in need.

"After the holidays, people are able to clean out unnecessary extra children’s coats from their closets and many youngsters in the community will be able to keep snug and warm during the cold days of winter," noted Terry Dermody.

The "Coats for Kids" program will extend throughout the month of January.

Richard Silvia, Director of the Saint Vincent de Paul Center in Taunton, reported that several hundred usable, warm winter coats were distributed, free of charge, to children in last year’s program. He anticipates that there will be a similar demand this year.

The Saint Vincent de Paul Center is located at 141 Washington Street in Taunton and is open Monday thru Friday 9 am to noon and Wednesday evenings 5:30 pm to 7 pm, for the food pantry. Mr. Silvia added that in the event of an emergency, anyone can call upon the Vincentians to respond at once. The telephone number for such an emergency is 508-823-6676.

YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts Receives Grant for Breast Cancer Awareness

January 12, 2009 – The Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund has awarded a $45,000 one-year grant to the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts to increase awareness of the life-saving benefits of early detection of breast cancer. It is the eighth year that the program has received Avon Foundation funding to support its work and in recognition of the excellence of the program.

The breast health program, ENCORE^plus at the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts will educate women in Southeastern Massachusetts and refer them to low-cost or free mammograms and clinical breast exams in their own communities. This program targets low-income, minority, uninsured and underinsured women age 40 and over. Bicultural and bilingual staff provides culturally competent breast health outreach and education to women in their own language. The program also provides translation, transportation and accompaniment services to medical screening appointments to women served in the program.

Since July of 1994, the ENCORE^plus Program at the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts has reached more than 40,000 women with information about the importance of early detection of breast cancer and has referred over 8,500 women for mammograms and clinical breast exams.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the U.S., and the leading single cause of death overall in women between the ages of 40 and 55. According to the American Cancer Society, 5,170 new cases of breast cancer will be detected in Massachusetts this year and 960 lives will be lost. Nationwide, there is a new diagnosis every three minutes and a death from breast cancer every fourteen minutes. While advances have been made in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure, early detection still affords the best opportunity for successful treatment.

"We are proud that the Avon Foundation shares our mission and has chosen to support our program. With these funds we will be able to provide outreach, education, referrals to screening services, and support services to a much broader group of women in Southeastern Massachusetts," says Gail Fortes, Executive Director of the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts.

Since 1993, the Avon Foundation has awarded more than 1,000 grants to community-based breast health programs across the United States.

    LOCAL POLITICS / STATE POLITICS / IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Facing Multiple Investigations, DiMasi Reelected as House Speaker
Local Reps. Fagan & Haddad Support, Rep. Canessa Opposes

Sal DiMasi, Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives

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Attack at Raynham Gas Station Caught on Camera

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Boston Celtics Team President to Speak at Taunton Area Chamber Annual Meeting

January 8, 2009 - The Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their 92^nd Annual Meeting on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 12:00 noon. This luncheon event will be held at the Holiday Inn-Taunton, 700 Myles Standish Boulevard. Sponsors are Rockland Trust Company and General Dynamics. Rich Gotham, the Team President for the Boston Celtics, will be the keynote speaker this year.

Celtics President Rich Gotham

Rich Gotham currently serves as President of the 2008 NBA Champion Boston Celtics professional basketball team. In this role, he is responsible for all aspects of the Celtics business operations including sales, marketing, customer service, communications, corporate partnerships, business development, community and public relations, game entertainment, broadcast partnerships and arena relations. In addition, he works with Celtics ownership, basketball staff, and the NBA on player transactions, as well as team and league related initiatives. He succeeds Arnold "Red" Auerbach as Celtics Team President. Rich joined the Celtics as the Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Corporate Development in April 2003 and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in June of 2006, prior to being named team President in 2007.

The Annual Meeting is one our largest and most important meetings of the year, with over 250 business leaders in attendance. We hope you will join us in celebrating ninety-two years of service to the greater Taunton area.

The cost to attend the Annual Meeting is $45 for Members and $55 for Non-Members. Tables of 10 can also be reserved for $400. To make reservations, please contact the Chamber at 508-824-4068.

See more events in our calendar section!

Frozen in Time: The Rogers Group Statues
Thursday, January 22nd - 7pm
Free and open to the public
Old Colony Historial Society -  66 Church Green, Taunton

The January meeting of the Old Colony Historical Society will keep to the ongoing theme for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth.  January is the month when, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation came into effect.  As a result, thousands of slaves gained freedom and the country was forever changed.    There was a well-known artist whose sculptures reflected his times of change--John Rogers.  In fact, the statuette that made him famous in 1860 was "The Slave Auction" showing a family being ripped apart by this hideous practice.  He was akin to Harriet Beecher Stowe and her Uncle Tom's Cabin in his moral attitudes, and in fact, Stowe's stories became a subject for his sculptures.

Known as "The People's Sculptor," Rogers's plaster statues were sized right to fit into a parlor and priced right so that they were affordable for most people.  These factors, along with the popular and moral topics of the day that were his subjects, made his artwork a common sight in late 19th century American households.  How, then, did this New York-based artist tie into Taunton?  A collector by the name of Mrs. Mabel Rhodes Manter, who lived on  Cedar Street, left thirty-two Rogers Group statues to the Historical Society upon her passing in 1969.   Some twenty years later, Reed & Barton Silversmiths chose to reproduce some of these statues in porcelain, which are also a part of our museum collection.

The Society's former Curator, Kristen Costa, has made a study of the statues and will treat us to an illustrated overview of the artist, his influences, and how he influenced the country through his sculptures.  Please join us to see this program whether it appeals to your interest in art history, Abraham Lincoln, or in the thought process of the average 19th century American.  We'll share some warm cider and fellowship on a chilly evening, and it will give us the opportunity to reflect together how far we have come from the Emancipation Proclamation to the impending inauguration of the nation's first African-American President.

The Council of War statue by John Rogers, 1868. Courtesy of the Old Colony Historical Society, Taunton, MA

A special exhibit will be on view in keeping with the Lincoln theme:  Abraham Lincoln Was Here? Stories of Taunton and the U.S. Presidency. The display features two life masks of the face of the 16th President, one taken just after he was elected, and one done just two months before his assassination.  Memorabilia of other Presidents and some notable ways Tauntonians have influenced Washington, DC are highlighted.

Free and open to the public, the meeting will take place at the Old Colony Historial Society, 66 Church Green, Taunton - January 22 at 7:00 p.m.  The mission of the OCHS is to collect, care for and interpret the history of the Taunton region, collaborating with the community to share meaningful connections between the past, the present and the future.  To that end, we have a museum and library that are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 4:00, except for closings on holidays and Saturdays before Monday holidays.  Admission for non-members during normal hours of operation is $7 for genealogy, $4 for adults, $2 for seniors and children 12-17, free for OCHS members and accompanied children under the age of 12.

See more events in our calendar section!

Legendary Bluesman Paul Geremia to Perform in Taunton

Blues legend Paul Geremia will perform Saturday, January 10th at Steve's Backstage Pass. A visit from Paul Geremia is something akin to having an Irish Seanchai (storyteller) rap on the doorway to your cottage. Sit back, relax, fill the bowl of your curved pipe with tarry, and take a listen as your country’s rich cultural heritage unfolds before you. In exchange for not much more than a spot on the mattress and a warm meal, the legendary bluesman whom Newport Slim has called a “living link” and “bearer of the torch” scouts out a musical odyssey, and lays it out for all to see.

An unassuming devotee to an abundant roster of Blues legends, Paul has been renowned as possibly the greatest living performer of the East Coast and Texas fingerpicking and slide styles. Geremia's performances are a blend of acoustic guitar, vocals, harmonica and sometimes piano. He has traveled far and wide, throughout the U.S.A., Canada and Europe, playing to faithful blues aficionados in both nightclubs and folk music venues.

Influenced by talents such as Robert Johnson, Blind Willie McTell, Scrapper Blackwell and Blind Blake, Geremia performs with deep respect for these blues masters, and indeed rivals them with a unique style of his own.

Paul Geremia

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Ten Safety Tips For Driving in Snow and Ice

1. Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning- nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Following by a distance of two to three seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try using low gears to keep traction.
4. Keep your gas tank at lease half full. It may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm or you may be caught in a traffic delay. It also, avoids gas line freeze-up.
5. Allow enough time. Trips can take longer during winter than other times of the year, especially if you encounter snow or ice conditions. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
6. Make certain your tires are properly inflated and never mix radial tires with other tire types.
7. Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
8. If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you.
9. Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility and your are likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
10. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

Source:

MA State Police to Host 2nd Annual AMBER Alert Child Safety Fair at Patriot Place

January 6, 2009 - On Tuesday, January 13, 2009, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the Massachusetts State Police and Patriot Place will host the 2nd Annual Massachusetts State Police National AMBER Alert Day Child Safety Fair at The Hall at Patriot Place in Foxborough, in observance of the 12th Annual National AMBER Alert Awareness Day. 

The fair will focus on Amber Alert awareness, abduction prevention education and the preparation of digital child identification kits.  Troopers from Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, along with Police Officers from the Foxboro Police Department and the MBTA Transit Police Department will be fingerprinting children and preparing digital child identification kits for parents to use in the event that their child goes missing or is abducted.  The fair is free to the public and admission to The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon is being offered free of charge to those attending the fair with a child.  New England Patriots Cheerleaders and “Pat Patriot,” the New England Patriots’ mascot, will be on hand to meet the children between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. 

National AMBER Alert Day honors the memory of Amber Hagerman, a nine-year-old girl who was abducted and murdered in Arlington, Texas on January 13, 1996.  The AMBER Alert system activates an urgent bulletin in the most serious child abduction cases in an attempt to galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and safe recovery of the child.  The AMBER Alert program has proven to represent the best hope for the safe recovery of abducted children and to date is responsible for or has assisted in the recovery of over 400 children nationwide.  In the six years since the AMBER Alert program’s inception in Massachusetts, there have been 14 AMBER Alert activations seeking a total of 22 abducted children.  The program has ensured the safe recovery of all of these children.  The success of the AMBER Alert program sends a strong message that crime against our children is grossly unacceptable and that as a society, we will work together to track down perpetrators who prey on children and safely recover the children they intend to harm. 

2008 Massachusetts Winning Poster  -  By Stephanie Ward of Marlborough Intermediate Elementary School

The event will also serve as the kickoff for the 2009 Amber Alert Poster Contest.  The United States Department of Justice sponsors this annual poster contest that challenges fifth grade students to develop posters that represent America’s united goal of bringing missing children home safely.  The winning poster from each state will be displayed at the National Missing Children’s Day Ceremony held in May.  The National winner will travel to Washington D.C., along with his/her parents and teacher, to receive an award and participate in the National Missing Children’s Day Ceremony.

See more events in our calendar section!

Ice Safety Precautions

January 5, 2006 - The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has issued information regarding safety precautions to be taken on our frozen lakes, rivers and ponds.

Always check with your local police, fire or park department to ensure that safe ice conditions exist. However, due to the uncertainty of ice conditions and the dangers presented, many departments will not endorse the safety of lakes, ponds, streams or rivers.  The strength and thickness of ice should be known before any activity takes place.

Ice Safety Tips

• Never go onto the ice alone.  A friend may be able to rescue you or go for help if you fall through the ice.
  

• Always keep your pets on a leash.  If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue your pet, go for help.
  

• New ice is usually stronger than old ice.  As ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.
  

• Beware of ice covered with snow.  Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. Snow can also hide cracks, weak and open ice.
  

• Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.
  

• Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally 15% weaker.
  

• Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate.  It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only one inch thick 10 feet away.
  

• Reach-Throw-Go.  If a companion falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.). If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.
  

• If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction from which you came.  Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet.  Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

By following safety procedures, you can be safe and enjoy the many winter activities offered by the great outdoors.

(Sources: Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Colorado State Parks Department, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)

Police: Man Dragged Trooper with SUV
Suspect due in court Monday

Fire at Paul Devers School Property
Five Teenagers Found Nearby

Taunton Fire Sends Elderly Couple to Hospital

New Marijuana Law Rolls Into MA

Taunton Receives Grant for Dropout Reduction Program
40 Fewer Students Dropout

Taunton’s project is different in that Taunton High School staff recruit ninth graders who are at-risk for dropping out and then match them up to tutor fourth graders at the Elizabeth Pole School who are struggling with math. None of the 39 high school students who have participated over two years of this CSL project has dropped out of school and the fourth grade math scores at the Pole School have risen as indicated by making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) on the MCAS.

The Taunton High ninth graders are organized into tutoring teams by high school math teachers. They develop lesson plans, teaching materials and learn how to use the district’s math program to meet the exact needs of each fourth grader. The ninth graders are also required to keep journals of their reflections about the project and the progress of the students being tutored, which helps with their English/language arts skills.

Elizabeth Pole School Principal Barbara McGuire added, "The fourth graders really look forward to being tutored by the high schools students. They all want to show up and do well."

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