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

Archives - March 13, 2009 - March 29, 2009

This Week on Talking Taunton Live - WSAR 1480 AM

March 26, 2009 - Taunton, MA - This week's guest on Talking Taunton is Ronald Swartz of the Taunton Redevelopment Authority to discuss the status of city  projects. Tune in and be "in the know."

Call George and Ronald 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

“Move Over” Law Now in Effect

March 25, 2009 - The new Move Over Law, that took effect on March 22, aims to protect police, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck drivers, and all roadside emergency and maintenance workers.  The law requires all drivers approaching a stationary emergency or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights to move to the next adjacent lane if it is safe to do so, and, barring that, to reduce their speed. Drivers who violate the Move Over Law face a fine of up to $100.

“We want to get the word out to all drivers to help protect our emergency and maintenance vehicle workers,” EOPSS Director of Highway Safety Sheila Burgess said at the event, held at State Police General Headquarters in Framingham. “Making it home safely can be as simple as slowing down and moving over when you are faced with vehicles on the side of the road. Not doing so can have serious or even fatal consequences.”

Every year, first responders across the country are injured or killed while providing emergency roadside help. In recent months, several Massachusetts state troopers have been injured on the job. According to the Merit Rating Board, in 2008 there were nearly 2,000 violations of Chapter 89 Sec. 7a which deals with obstructing emergency vehicles including failure to yield and following too closely.

“The Massachusetts State Police know all too dearly the consequences of drivers failing to use caution when approaching troopers, local police officers, firefighters, EMTs, tow drivers and highway workers who are performing their duties at the side of the road,” said Colonel Mark F. Delaney, superintendent of the State Police. “We are grateful to the Patrick Administration and the Legislature for making this much needed new law a priority, and helping protect those whose job is to protect the public.”

Added MassHighway Commissioner Luisa Paiewonsky: “Obeying the Move Over Law will help protect drivers, as well as officers and highway workers, from needless injury or even death. Highway safety is a top priority in Massachusetts thanks to a strong partnership among agencies who are dedicated to saving lives and reducing injuries on our roadways. This law is an important step in improving road safety.”

For more information, go to www.mass.gov/highwaysafety.

Taunton Housing Authority to Receive Water Conservation Grant

March 24, 2009 - Taunton, MA - Senator Marc Pacheco has announced that the state Department of Housing and Community Development has granted the Taunton Housing Authority $21,000 to buy and install new low-flow toilets as part of a water conservation program.

"I am pleased to see this funding, which I supported, has been awarded," Pacheco said. "The project has several benefits. It will help protect the environment by saving water resources, help to modernize public housing, provide jobs in the short term, and save money for the housing authority over the long term."

The housing authority must now publicly advertise for installation labor bids, and has a year to complete installation.

Taunton Area Chamber’s Business After Hours

March 24, 2009 - Taunton, MA - Jack Conway & Co., Inc. will be hosting the Taunton Chamber’s next Business After Hours on Thursday, March 26 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Their office is located on 125 County Street in Taunton.

The cost to attend this event is $5 for Chamber Members and $10 for Non-Members. Register by calling the Chamber at 508-824-4068.

Heart Fund Committee Donates $4,000 to Morton’s Cardiovascular Services Department

March 23, 2009 - Taunton, MA - Morton Hospital and Medical Center recently received a donation from Martin Middle School’s Heart Fund Committee. Dawn Cambra, committee member for nearly 20 years, presented a $4,000 check to Morton’s Hospital’s Cardiovascular Services Department.

The Heart Fund tournament is an annual event that brings 16 middle school basketball teams together to increase awareness of heart disease and raise funds for cardiovascular care. This year marked the tournament’s 35^th year. For the last 10 years, the Heart Fund tournament has been played in memory of Kenny Perry, founder and former Martin Middle School science teacher.

"It was an honor to represent Morton Hospital and the Cardiovascular Services Department as a beneficiary of such a wonderful community event," said Ellen Manchester, Director of Cardiovascular Services. "The friends of Kenneth Perry have worked so diligently throughout the years to continue this tournament annually, which signifies how much Mr. Perry meant to them and the young people in the greater Taunton area. We sincerely appreciate the generosity of the organizers, ballplayers, family, friends and Taunton community over the past 15 years."

For information about Morton Hospital’s Cardiovascular Services Department, call (508) 828-7290.

Front row, from left: Ellen Manchester, Director of Cardiovascular Services, and Dawn Cambra, Heart Fund Committee member. Back row, from left: Thomas Porter, President of Morton Hospital, and Michael Reilly, Operations Supervisor.

One Dead, Several Injured in Early Morning Crash

March 22, 2009 - Norton, MA - State Police are investigating an accident on Route 495 in Norton Sunday morning that claimed the life of one person and injured several others.

UPDATE - March 23, 2009 - On Sunday, March 22, 2009, at approximately 2:54 a.m., State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Route 495 South prior to Bay Street (exit 9) in Norton that resulted in one fatality, one serious injury and four minor injuries.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a 2004 Nissan Maxima sedan and a 2003 Infinity G35 coupe were both traveling in close proximity at a high rate of speed on Route 495 South in Norton when the two vehicles lost control nearly simultaneously.  The Nissan, operated by 27-year-old Juliano DaSilva of Brockton, exited the road to the right, rolled over and collided with several trees before coming to rest in the woods.  The Infinity, operated by 21-year-old Patrick Brandao of Brockton, also exited the road to the right and collided with several trees before coming to rest in the woods.  The front seat passenger of the Nissan, 25-year-old Eduardo Dias of Hyde Park, sustained serious injuries and was declared deceased at the scene.  DaSilva sustained serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital.  The rear seat passenger of the Nissan, 27-year-old Luiz Dias of Hyde Park, sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Morton Hospital.  Brandao, who was not wearing a safety belt, received minor injuries in the crash and was transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital.  The two passengers of the Infinity, 25-year-old Johnathan Alves of Brockton and 20-year-old Wilson Fernandes of Brockton, were both not wearing safety belts and were transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital for minor injuries. 

Due to the crash investigation and vehicle removal, the middle lane of Route 495 South was closed for approximately 2½ hours, and the right lane was closed for approximately 7 hours.

Taunton's Pricey Parking Lot

Click here for the 7News Report

This Weekend at Steve's Backstage Pass

Friday, March 20^th - The Greg Hoddie Band (Classic Rock)
The Hoddie Band plays some hot stuff but keeps the licks fine-tuned. The three-piece band sounds full and very musical: they are not a power trio. A variety of influences keep this band hopping and they constantly trying to stretch the envelope. Those influences include: Hendrix, Duke Robillard and Johnny Winter. Cover $5. Doors open at 7:00 PM show starts at 9:00 PM

Saturday, March 21^st - The Subterranean Cafe' Band (Rock, Folk Rock, and Eclectic)
A nice, bluesy, folk rock mix. You will surely find some of your favorites in the smooth sound of the Subterranean Cafe' Band. Classics such as “Cripple Creek,” “When things go wrong with you,” and “Ain’t no sunshine” will retrieve some warm memories. Listen for the clarity in the lead guitar, and the wisp of flute that sets the scene for a unique listening experience. Cover $5. Doors open at 7:00 PM show starts at 9:00 PM

The Subterranean Cafe' Band

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!

Accused Police Impersonators Surrender

March 19, 2009 - Raynham, MA - A pair of brothers turned themselves into police, after they allegedly impersonated police officers to steal from unsuspecting teenagers at Wal-Mart on Wednesday.

Raynham Police say Ryan Bastille, 22, and his brother, Timothy, 29, both of Fall River surrendered Thursday morning. Police say Timothy was recently released from prison after serving time for manslaughter.

Search for Suspects in Wal-Mart Mugging

March 19, 2009 - Raynham, MA - Two men allegedly posed as police officers and robbed customers at the Wal-Mart in Raynham Wednesday morning.

This Week on Talking Taunton Live - WSAR 1480 AM

March 19, 2009 - Taunton, MA - This week's guest on Talking Taunton is Eric Larivee on the state of the arts here in Taunton and his efforts to bring quality entertainment to his hometown.

Call George and Eric 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

Renowned Artist Gail Pittman to Hold Design Showcase

March 19, 2009 - DEDHAM, MA - Celebrity designer Gail Pittman shares her style secrets with Boston on March 24 at the Gail Pittman Design Showcase. Using her quick wit and Southern charm, Pittman will show guests how to decorate tablescapes and outdoor entertaining areas for the spring season. Publicity expert Gary Wright joins Pittman to discuss the style of Southern Living magazine.

Gail Pittman

Pittman runs a multi-million dollar operation named one of the 500 fastest growing companies in the country by Inc. magazine. Her work has also caught the eye of many celebrities. She has created exclusive work for Oprah Winfrey, Katie Couric, Donald Trump and Paula Deen.

Wright has worked developing brand recognition for clients ranging from Martha Stewart to Oprah Winfrey, from Williams-Sonoma to Pottery Barn. At party-planning company Southern Living At Home, Wright holds the position of Director of Marketing and Field Development, serving as a liaison between that company and Southern Living magazine.

The Gail Pittman Design Showcase, hosted by Southern Living At Home, runs from 6-9 p.m. on March 24 at the Dedham Place Hilton Hotel. The event is open to the general public, but seats are extremely limited. Tickets are $15, and attendees will be entered in a raffle for free Southern Living At Home products. For tickets, contact Christine Dimino at christinedimino@comcast.net or 508-369-1266.

Interested in an online video for your business? Contact Marc at marc@townwebs.com

Louis Armstrong:  An American Icon Audio Presentation
by Norman Dunphe at the Old Colony Historical Society

March 17, 2009 - Taunton, MA - On March 19 at 2pm the Old Colony Historical Society at 66 Church Green in Taunton will take a journey to the not-so distant past through the music of one of our country's greatest jazz musicians, Louis Armstrong.  Radio and music expert Norman Dunphe will be our tour guide to the life of Satchmo, his visits to Taunton, and best of all, his music.  A cornet and trumpet virtuoso, Armstrong was also revered fro his recognizable style of scat singing.  Learn more about this cultural icon or relive the great times at Roseland Ballroom through Mr. Dunphe's program.

Free and open to the public; refreshments to follow
www.oldcolonyhistoricalsociety.org

See more events in our calendar section!

One Day at a Time (Fiction)
Author: Danielle Steel
Review by Shirley Hogan

About the Author
Danielle Steel is one of the most popular authors today. She is an internationally known author, selling over 580 million books world wide. A few of her best sellers include - A Good Woman, Rogue, Honor Thyself and Amazing Grace. She also penned His Bright Light, a story of the life and death of her son.

This Weekend at Steve's Backstage Pass

Friday March 13^th - Final Hour (Hard Rock)
It has been a while since we had this hard rockin' band in the house. They have been working on a new CD. The band plays mostly originals: if you like it loud you got it! Nevertheless, the last time they stopped by they did a killer acoustic set as well. Cover $5. Doors open at 7:00 PM show starts at 9:00 PM

Saturday, March 14^th - The Fools
Originally known as “The Rhythm A’s,” this is one band that not only performs “outside the box,” but turns the box inside out and backwards as well. Their fans scout out the band’s appearances and scramble to their shows, ready for a pop-rock ruckus and performers with pluck (and we don’t just mean the rubber chickens).

Not just another night out, a Fools show might include buffoonery, practical jokes, and audience participation.

After the Fools thrilled radio audiences with their first two hits named above, they signed with EMI. Following a roaring success on tour with “The Knack,” the Fools headed to Miami to record their first album, “Sold Out.” Since then the Fools have met with smashing success in all of their endeavors, including TV appearances galore, European Tours, dizzying record sales, music videos and MTV spots.

The Fools

Their first album was followed by the release of “Heavy Mental" and "World Dance Party.” The latter album was an independent issue that included a title track of the same name, a "Doo Wah Diddy" remake, "Life Sucks…Then You Die" and "She Makes Me Feel Big".

Open Seating, Only 125 tickets available, Get your tickets early, the show is sure to be a sell out!
Email: stevesbackstagepass@verizon.net (subject line Fools Tix) Call: 508-824-3436
Cover $20. Doors open at 7:00 PM show starts at 9:00 PM

Dark and Stormy - Joel Greene (left) and Rick Demers (right)

Sunday, March 15^th - Dark and Stormy (Acoustic)
Dark and Stormy are Rick Demers of Norton, MA and Joel Greene of Bristol, RI.

This will be a CD release party for one of Steve's favorite duo's. Celtic, folk, blues, tasteful pop and rock covers, as well as their own compositions. Come on down and enjoy this special Sunday afternoon event!

Learn more about Dark and Stormy: www.darkandstormymusic.com

Cover $5. Doors open at 12:00 PM show starts at 1:00 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!

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