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

Archives - January 29, 2009 - February 11, 2009

Police ID Taunton Man as Suspect in Donation Jar Theft

Mastria Automotive Group Adds Cadillac
Mastria Buick, Pontiac, GMC Truck Co. acquires Santill’s Cadillac Center; Adds to their lineup

TAUNTON, MA – It is official. Rick Mastria, President and CEO of the Mastria Automotive Group in Raynham, MA has purchased Santilli’s Cadillac Center in Brockton and will be merging the franchise with their Buick, Pontiac, GMC Truck store on Route 44 in Raynham. The addition of Cadillac to the Mastria Group will give customers the option of a high-end vehicle, rounding out the line-up that Mastria has to offer. Mr. Mastria believes that being a GM dealer for over 25 years will help make the transition to Mastria for Santilli’s Cadillac customers as seamless as possible. 

"We are ready and excited to assist Mr. Santilli’s Cadillac customers with all of their vehicle needs. We are certain they will be satisfied when they have experienced The Mastria Difference", said Mr. Mastria. Mastria has the genuine parts, advanced service technology and trained technicians that are necessary to repair the Cadillac product. Additionally, new and pre-owned Cadillacs are on the lot at Mastria and are ready for delivery. Consumers looking for more information about the new Cadillac dealership in Raynham can visit www.mastria.com or they can call 1-888-693-2361 to reach a dedicated Mastria representative.

Rick Mastria started as a Buick dealer in Raynham more than 25 years ago. He added Pontiac and GMC Truck to his first dealership before being selected as a Saturn dealer in 1993. Just over three years ago, Rick was awarded a Nissan and a Subaru franchise which has added a new dimension to his business with his first entries into the import market.

Rick Mastria (left), President and CEO of the Mastria Automotive Group and John Santilli, owner of John Santilli's Center for Automobiles

Pieces of My Heart (Memoir)
Author: Robert J. Wagner with Scott Eyman
Review by Shirley Hogan

About the Author
Robert J. Wagner has been working almost constantly for over fifty years. He is well known for starring in such films as "A Kiss Before Dying", "The Longest Day". "The Pink Panther" and most recently the "Austin Powers" movies. On TV, Wagner starred in "It Takes a Thief", "Switch" and "Hart to Hart". Wagner lives in Los Angeles and is married to actress Jill St. John.

Scott Eyman is the well-known editor of "Palm Beach" and author of nine books about the movies. He lives with his wife in West Palm Beach.

GATRA Warns of "Drastic Cuts"

The proposed budget provides only $49 million of the $64 million needed to fund the regional transit authorities operating throughout the Commonwealth. "Due to the fact that we are already eight months into our fiscal year drastic cuts in service will need to be made in order to make up for this reduction in funding," said GATRA Administrator Francis Gay.

GATRA’s Advisory Board will be meeting in late February to discuss the current budget implications and to devise a plan moving forward. In the meantime the GATRA Administrator is asking residents throughout the GATRA region to contact their local Representatives and Senators to ask them to adequately fund public transportation services in the region when devising the House and Senate versions of the budget.

GATRA has an operating budget of more than $22 million and through management companies, operates more than 90 vehicles providing over 775,000 customer rides in 26 communities.

Taunton Council On Aging Newsletter

Click Here for the February 2009 Newsletter

You can always find the latest Taunton Council on Aging Newsletter by clicking the "Senior News" link above, under "Community Links".

This Weekend at Steve's Backstage Pass

The Tod Duarte Band

Saturday, Feb. 7th - The Dan Lawson Band (Urban Blues)
Dan Lawson holds his 1956 Stratocaster as if it were an extension of himself: his fingers move along the frets as naturally as someone might manipulate a fork and spoon.
Cover $5. Doors open at 7:00 PM; Show 9:00 PM

Sunday, Feb. 8th - The Xeatles
This remarkable company of four has earned a reputation as the premier Beatles tribute band in Southeastern Massachusetts. Based in the Taunton/Attleboro area, the ensemble performs "Fab Four" tunes exclusively.
Cover $5. Doors open at 6:00 PM; Show 6:30 to 9:00 PM

Steve’s Backstage Pass - 15 School St Taunton, MA
For reservations, or more information call 508-824-3436 or visit: www.stevesbackstagepass.com

See more events in our calendar section!

Morton Hospital Auxiliary to Host 16th Annual
"Taste of Greater Taunton"

February 6, 2009 – The Morton Hospital Auxiliary will host the 16th Annual Taste of Greater Taunton on Thursday March 5, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Taunton Holiday Inn. The event will feature food and drink donated from some of the area’s finest restaurants, caterers, vendors and specialty establishments.

The Taste of Greater Taunton is a popular event, and tickets sell out early. The upcoming event is expected to attract a large crowd, as well as outstanding culinary and specialty products from local businesses. In addition, guests can enter to win valuable door prizes. Auxiliary President Barbara Engler and co-chairs Joan Roster and Beverly Anslow have high hopes for this year’s event.

“The Taste of Greater Taunton is an excellent way to bring everyone in the community together,” said Engler. “We’ve had great success in the past years, and the event has been a huge help in our efforts to raise money to benefit the Hospital and the community.”

Tickets are $20 each, and can be purchased at the Morton Hospital Gift Shop, located in the main lobby of the Hospital, or through the Hospital’s Development Office. Tickets are also available at the Welcome Home Realty Group, located on Washington Street in Taunton. All proceeds benefit Morton Hospital. For more information, contact Morton’s Development Office at 508-828-7010.

Some of the establishments that have already registered for the event include: Amazing Cakes, Applebee’s, Art’s International Bakery, Benjamin’s Restaurant, Bella Roma, Coletti’s Market, Columbia Cultural Center, Copper Fountain Grille, DeAvila’s Catering, Edible Arrangements, Francis Farm, Hannaford Supermarket, Harry’s La Casa Mia, Hong Kong City, LeBaron Hills Country Club, Morton Hospital Food Services, New England Hot Dog Co., Olive Garden, Pepsi Bottling Company, Poland Springs, Princess House, Raynham/Taunton Wine & Liquors, Tooey’s, Uno Chicago Grill, Venus DeMilo and Wildtree All Natural Cooking Products.

See more events in our calendar section!

This Week on Talking Taunton Live - WSAR 1480 AM

February 4, 2009 - Taunton, MA - Mayor Charles Crowley, will be the guest on this week's Talking Taunton with George Colajezzi on WSAR 1480 AM from 2-3pm.

It's going to be a bumpy fiscal ride over the next year or two in Taunton, but Mayor Crowley is ready to lead the city through the tough times.  Find out how.

Call George and Mayor Crowley during the show 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.

Only on the legendary 5,000 watts
WSAR 1480 AM
News . Talk . Sports

"Honest Abe" Celebration
Old Colony Historical Society Set for Lincoln's 200th

February 3, 2009 - Taunton, MA - On February 12, Taunton will join history enthusiasts across the nation to mark the occasion of the Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birthday.  Here in the Old Colony, where Lincoln visited as a Congressman in 1848, we will celebrate with two educational programs, an exhibit, and a charity fund drive.  All events will take place at the Old Colony Historial Society, 66 Church Green, Taunton and are free and open to the public.  Please call 508-822-1622 for more information.  All of these programs are due to the planning of the City of Taunton's Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.

On February 12 at 7:00 p.m., Dr. Charles Thayer will help us take a fresh look at Lincoln's eloquent Second Inaugural speech given as the country was coming out of the worst crisis in its history, the Civil War.  Lincoln's words "with malice toward none, with charity for all" showed a way forward on the hopeful day he was inaugurated as President for a second term, March 4, 1865.  We will all have the chance to be inspired anew by his words, and contemplate the man who created them.  A "life mask" casting of Lincoln's careworn face, done just a month before the Second Inaugural Address, is on display, along with plaster casts of his large, strong hands. February 12 will be the final day to view this exhibit, "Abraham Lincoln Was Here: Stories of Taunton and the U.S. Presidency."

Also on February 12, we can answer Lincoln's call to "charity for all" with a penny drive for families of local veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.  Taunton's schoolchildren have joined in this cause, already collecting in excess of 400 pounds of pennies.  The Taunton Fire Department has kindly agreed to transport the pennies.  Each penny, of course, bears the portrait of Lincoln.  The U.S. Mint is coming out with four new designs for pennies which are to be released into circulation on February 12, each showing a different stage in the life of Abraham Lincoln.  Through a special arrangement with the Taunton Federal Credit Union, you can be one of the first to have a new Lincoln penny as a souvenir of the occasion.  At this Bicentennial Birthday party, we will share some birthday cake after the speaking program.

On February 7, you can find out for yourself if you are linked to a Lincoln, or a Booth, or have any other presidential ties.  Find out how Abraham Lincoln is related to Tauntonians--and here is a hint--their last names were not Lincoln!  Cynthia Booth Ricciardi and Andrew D. Boisvert will talk about the Taunton regional connections and guide you on your own family tree search.  Though the program is free of charge, please sign up in advance for this program by phoning the office at 508-822-1622.

Courtesy of the Old Colony Historical Society. Just some of the pennies collected by local schoolchildren that will benefit the families of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Old Colony Historical Society Director, Jane Hennedy, said that "The programs and exhibit are planned at the perfect time to take advantage of this nationwide recognition of a President who is still respected as the best one in U.S. history.  It is a great time to look back and get some perspective on how far we've come since the days of Lincoln and how his ideals are still being carried out today."  Hennedy said, " I know that Dr. Thayer will capture the spirit of the occasion perfectly and I hope everyone is able to join us."

Old Colony Historial Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1853 whose mission 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.  The Society maintains a museum and library of local history which is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 4:00, but closed on holidays and Saturdays before Monday holidays, such as on February 14.  Admission, when not attending the public programs described above, is $4 for adults, $2 for children and seniors, and $7 for genealogical research.
Click here for more

See more events in our calendar section!

Parking Ban
Tuesday February 3rd, 7am to Midnight

February 3, 2009 - Taunton - Mayor Charles Crowley has issued the following statement regarding Tuesday’s, February 3, 2009, snowstorm:

Based on the National Weather Service’s storm prediction for a significant snowfall (2 to 4 inches) to overspread the area on Tuesday, I have declared a city-wide parking ban, commencing at 7 a.m. Tuesday, February 3, through midnight Tuesday, February 3. In an effort to keep roadways clear for emergency vehicles and snow plowing operations, all city residents should make every effort to park their vehicles in areas off city streets. Municipal parking lots behind City Hall and lots located on Cedar, Trescott, Weir (rear of new TMLP office), West Water (behind Weir House of Pizza), and Whittenton (at Goldstein’s 5 & 10) Streets will be available to anyone who needs a parking space during the storm period. Should the storm meet or exceed current predictions, many city residents could have questions. I encourage all to avoid calling Taunton Police and Fire for non-emergencies. Resident questions should be directed to the Taunton's Emergency Management Agency’s public information line at 508-880-1513. City residents may also get updated information on local radio station WVBF, 1530 AM, Comcast Cable Station 17, and the Taunton Emergency Management Agency’s web site at www.taunton-ma.gov. Click on Emergency Management at the bottom of the page. Then, click on Storm and Current Emergency Information link.

Police Arrest Man in Road Rage Incident
Teenager driven off the road by the man's rage

Now Available in Raynham
Meet RaynhamWeb.com, TauntonWeb's Sister Site

February 1, 2009 - It's official! TauntonWeb has a little sister. At midnight on February 1, 2009, TownWebs, publisher of TauntonWeb.com, officially launched RaynhamWeb.com.

RaynhamWeb will have the same features as its Taunton counterpart but with a focus on, you guessed it, Raynham.

Browse RaynhamWeb yourself and be sure to tell your friends and relatives in Raynham to take a peek.

Click the logo below to visit RaynhamWeb.com.

Taunton Chorus Reaches New Mark With Five All-Staters

January 30, 2009 - The Taunton High School Chorus has reached a new all time high with all five seniors who were recommended for all-state auditions being selected for the Massachusetts All-State Chorus. Having five All-State vocalists exceeds the previous high of four All-State vocalists in 2006-07 which was an historical record for Taunton at the time. Prior to 2006-07, Taunton did not have an All-State vocalist in twenty years. Last year Taunton had two All-State vocalists with one – Jeremy Novick – making All-Eastern (U.S.) Chorus.

The new All-State Chorus vocalists from Taunton are: John Cardoza, Jeremy Novick, Elizabeth Riendeau, David Rodrigues and Juliette Sallaway.

Through competition among other high schools, eleven Taunton vocalists made the "Senior District Chorus" which is another all-time high for Taunton. There was only one vocalist that reached that level in 2004-05. In the past four years there have been twenty-seven Taunton vocalists making the Senior District Chorus. This year’s vocalists are: Jeremy Novick, David Rodrigues, Juliette Sallaway, Anna McDonald, John Cardoza, Elizabeth Riendeau, Devin Chaves, Rachel Cesarini, Annabella Jassy, Jared Johnson and Rebecca Phalen.

Taunton High School

"We have made absolutely outstanding progress with the Taunton High School vocal music program," stated Superintendent Arthur Stellar. "If we had just one musician reaching such levels, it could be said that that was a case of rare natural talent. The fact that over a four year stretch the numbers of All-District, All-State and All-Eastern keeps increasing, means there is plenty of natural talent here along with a high quality music program, great teachers, and good leadership throughout," added Superintendent Stellar.

Steve Lagarto, Taunton High School’s Choral Director, beamed: "Senior District and All-State are extremely tough to get into because each year the adjudication team seems to ‘raise the bar’. These vocalists will have the honor of performing at Symphony Hall in Boston – an experience they will never forget."

Ten juniors also auditioned which is five times the number that auditioned in 2004-05. The future looks bright as four of these juniors made all-district junior chorus.

"Steve Lagarto has done a phenomenal job of teaching and motivating these students to reach for ever higher levels of performance," stated Superintendent Stellar. "Steve represents model teaching which engages these young people to work hard to achieve lofty goals."

"I am very proud of these student musicians and would like to thank their parents and former music teachers. These results would not have been possible without their efforts and the strong support from school and district administration," summarized Taunton Choral Director Steve Lagarto.

St. Mary's Elementary School Evacuated After Manhole Fire
'Crazy Hat Day' Cut Short, School Closed Friday

Click to watch

Book Signing for Taunton Writer Norma Pimenta Saturday 
Twice Upon A Time Books Hosts "Smiling Eyes, A Cheerleading Coach's Personal Victory" Author

Who: Taunton Author Norma Pimenta
What: Book Signing
Where: Twice Upon A Time Books - 222 Center St., Middleboro, MA (508) 947-6885
When: Saturday, January 31, 2009 - 12noon to 1pm

Click here for more info

"Smiling Eyes, A Cheerleading Coach's Personal Victory"

Annual Special Olympics Ten-Pin Assessment Round a Great Success
220 Special Olympic bowlers compete, earn awards

January 29, 2009 - Taunton, MA - On Sunday, January 25, Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) hosted a crowd of more than 500 ten-pin bowling athletes, volunteer coaches, family members and spectators at the AMF Lanes in Taunton for the 2009 SOMA South Section Ten-Pin Assessment Round. This day-long competition showcased Special Olympics athletes-adults and children with intellectual disabilities-of all ages and ability levels in a fun, festive environment.

Sean McInnes, 30, and Andy Maynard, 27, of the Special Olympics Massachusetts/Greater Taunton team take a breather in between games at the Special Olympics South Section Ten Pin Bowling Tournament held Sunday at AMF Taunton Lanes.

The 220 ten-pin bowlers from southeastern Massachusetts required that the competition to be split into two sessions. The Opening Ceremonies prior to both the morning and afternoon sessions each featured a SOMA athlete singing the national anthem. SOMA athlete Julie Lynch from the Greater New Bedford Program sang to kick off the morning session, with athlete Jerry Smith from the Cape-based Sunshine Capers team handling the duties for the afternoon session.

During Sunday's assessment round, each athlete or team bowled three games apiece. The competition consisted of both "traditional" individual bowling, in which all athletes are intellectually disabled, and "UnifiedR" team bowling. A Unified team is made up of two athletes and two Unified partners (non-disabled teammates) competing together as a team against other Unified teams.

Following the completion of each division's play, each athlete and Unified partner was awarded an assessment round ribbon for their weeks of training, as well as their participation in the day's competition.

The SOMA South Ten-Pin Assessment Round is designed as a mid-season competition in which athletes' ability levels are assessed in order to ensure fair competition match-ups (i.e. divisioning) at the SOMA Winter Games, the season-ending statewide tournament. The 2009 SOMA Winter Games will be held in Worcester, MA on February 28 and March 1. The renowned Special Olympics gold, silver and bronze medals are reserved for the Winter Games.

Prospective athletes, volunteers, donors and sponsors interested in becoming involved in or learning more about Special Olympics should contact Jay O'Brien at 508-821-3635 or jay.obrien@specialolympicsma.org.

Barbara Leary of Taunton aims for a strike during "Unified" team play at Sunday's Special Olympics South Section Ten Pin Bowling Tournament in Taunton. A Unified team is made up of two Special Olympics Athletes and two Unified Partners (non-disabled teammates) competing together as a team against other Unified teams.

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