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

Jeff Pitchell and the Texas Flood to Play Taunton

Entertainment writer Donnie Moorhouse of The Republican claims that "Pitchell can flat out play. He is highly revered locally (in Connecticut) but still way too underrated. He backs it up with a soulful voice and solid song selection."

Pitchell is a college graduate and has taught as a schoolteacher, but he himself was enrolled into the world of music at an early age and swathed in the trappings of a performer. He started singing at the age of three and playing classical piano at the age of twelve.

You can find more information on Jeff Pitchell at www.jeffpitchell.com.

Only 125 tickets available; $10 Cover; Doors open at 7pm; Show starts at 9pm; Open Seating
Email: stevesbackstagepass@verizon.net (subject line Jeff Tix)
For reservations, or more information call 508-824-3436

Steve's Backstage Pass
15 School St Taunton MA
508-824-3436
www.stevesbackstagepass.com

Taunton Area Chamber Annual Legislative Breakfast

April 15, 2009 - Taunton, MA - The Taunton Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Legislative Breakfast on Friday, April 17, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at Benjamin's Restaurant, 698 Bay Street, Taunton. Senator Marc Pacheco, and Representatives James Fagan, Patricia Haddad, David Sullivan, and David Flynn have all confirmed their attendance. The event is sponsored by Comcast.

This breakfast is a great opportunity to catch up with the delegations’ legislative agendas. Senator Marc Pacheco and Taunton area State Representatives will each be given the opportunity for a brief opening statement, followed by a question and answer period. They will bring us up-to-date on important issues, which impact us locally and statewide.

Gain visibility before an engaged and influential audience of city and state legislators in attendance at this annual event. Legislators make themselves available at forums like our breakfast to hear your concerns and answer your questions. We encourage you to submit a question for your legislators by emailing info@tauntonareachamber.org.

The cost to attend is $20 for Chamber Members and $30 for Non-Members. To register for this event, please call the Chamber at 508-824-4068

Spring Into Health Fair
Thursday, April 16, 2009 -- 6pm to 8:30pm
Benjamin Friedman Middle School  - Gymnasium & Library

April 15, 2009 - Taunton, MA - The Taunton Public Schools received a grant from the Department of Public Health called the Wellness in the Community, School and Workplace Grant. The goal of this grant is to improve eating habits and increase the physical activity level of Taunton's 5,752 elementary and middle students.

The goal of the health fair is to bring Taunton families together to learn about all of the city's wellness activities, and organizations.  The fair will include various interactive booths that deal with health and wellness. Some of the community organizations that will be present are Morton Hospital and Medical Center, Taunton Wellness Center, Boston Medical Center-Health Net Plan, Mass. Department of Public Health, Mark Doherty Dental Clinic, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Girls Inc. and many other organizations. Detective Manuel Spencer will be offering fingerprinting, Larry Gantz will offer fire and safety tips and Joe Silvia from the coast guard will offer boat, water and safety tips.

All Taunton Public Schools elementary and middle students that participate will be put in a drawing to win a Nintendo WII, several bicycles, YMCA membership for you and a friend, Girls Inc. two week summer membership for you and a friend, Boys and Girls Club two week summer camp membership for you and a friend plus other prizes.

Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament

April 14, 2009 - The Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their 23rd Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, May 18, 2009 at the Segregansett Country Club. Proceeds from the tournament support the Charles E. Volkmann Scholarship Fund and the Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce. The corporate sponsor is Bristol County Savings Bank. Supporting sponsors are Bridgewater Savings Bank, The Lopes Companies, Mechanics Cooperative Bank, Morton Hospital & Medial Center, Quality Beverage LP, and Taunton Federal Credit Union.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch. Shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m. The cost for a single golfer is $165 or $650 for a foursome. Non-Members are $200 for a single and $800 for a foursome. The cost includes green fees, a shared cart, lunch, and a steak dinner. Hole sponsorship is available for $150.

If you choose not to golf, you may also participate by sponsoring a hole, making a donation to the scholarship fund, contributing a prize item, gift certificate or promotional item for the golfers’ "goody bags". For more information or to register for this event, please contact the Chamber at 508-824-4068.

See more events in our calendar section!

'Sanctuary' Photo Exhibit At Attleboro Museum 
Exhibit Features Animals of Winslow Farm 

April 14, 2009 - Norton, MA - 'Sanctuary', a photo exhibit by Annmarie Collette is now on display at the Attleboro Arts Museum, located at 86 Park Street in Attleboro, MA. The exhibit will be on display until April 30, with a small reception on Saturday, April 18, from 1 - 3 PM. The exhibit features beautiful photography of the animals who live at Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary. 

Debra White, President of Winslow Farm said, "These photos bring to light the beauty and soul in each of our animals. We're very proud to have our wonderful animals shown in this way."

"Annmarie exhibits masterful skill of the camera, by capturing the very essence of the animals she photographs", says Diane Rose, volunteer and board member of Winslow Farm.

Annmarie Collette is a volunteer and board member of Winslow Farm and owner of 'Sheepish Grin" Pet Photography. More information about Annmarie can be found at www.sheepishgrin.net.

14 Eddy Street, Norton, MA 02766 View Map
OPEN HOUSE - Sunday April 19th

Watch a Slide Show of this Home
(turn on your speakers for the full experience)

Stunning Colonial

Situated on a private lot this Spacious Colonial home is not only stunning on the outside but the inside as well. Welcoming foyer leads to an open floor plan including a large kitchen w/an abundance of cabinets. Double doors lead out to your oversized deck, above ground pool & woods. A touch of elegance as French doors open to the library/den & dining rm. Family room & billiards room are perfect for your family gatherings. 2nd floor has spacious bedrooms & a beautiful, sunny, window seat. A MUST SEE! Call today.

See more events in our calendar section!

Father and Son Face Drug Charges

April 12, 2009 - Taunton, MA - A father and son are facing drug charges. Police say the two men were dealing cocaine.

Morton Hospital Offers Diabetes Support Groups

April 11, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Morton Hospital and Medical Center will offer Diabetes Support Groups on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Hospital’s Quinn Conference Room. Sessions are free and open to all diabetes sufferers, as well as friends and family members.

Morton Hospital understands that living with diabetes can be difficult, which is why the support groups provide an expert offering advice on how to overcome many of the challenges and feelings associated with the disease. A diabetes patient educator and/or a dietician will facilitate each session.

“Diabetes support groups are a great way to reinforce your diabetes practices,” said Susan Bianchini, Diabetes Patient Educator. “This is an opportunity to share new ideas and interact with others who either live with diabetes or support those living with the disease.”

The Diabetes Support Groups are one of a variety of health and wellness programs offered by Morton Hospital. For more information, call (508) 828-7391.

Free Home Energy Saving Seminar in Taunton on April 16th

April 10, 2009 - Taunton, MA - Tauntonians, do you want to reduce your home energy costs? Looking for cheap, do-it-yourself solutions? Interested in ways to finance energy and heating improvements?

You’ll learn about all this and more by attending a free seminar: Introduction to Home Energy Savings on Thursday, April 16th, at 7:00 pm in Friedman’s Auditorium. Taunton Public Schools is hosting this session, one of the 130 being held statewide.

The workshop will stress the importance of reducing heat usage by providing do-it-yourself sealing techniques; information on which in-depth alterations are most cost effective; tips on reducing electricity and water usage, resources for home audits, rebates and financing alterations. Presenters will lead a slideshow to illustrate hands-on tips and provide free educational materials for everyone attending.

"Introduction to Home Energy Savings Seminars cover the key elements to reducing home energy costs," explains Matt Stellar. "These free workshops will teach residents how to be most effective in reducing energy use and costs."

To find out more about this workshop, contact Matt Stellar at 508-821-1375 or mstellar@tauntonschools.org.

See more events in our calendar section!

Serendipity at Winslow Farm

April 10, 2009 - Norton, MA -- Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary, located at 37 Eddy Street in Norton, is planning to create a magical kingdom of sorts for children who visit the sanctuary, with the addition of a Serendipity playground. In order to obtain the play set, Winslow Farm is seeking donations towards the cost.

This beautiful play set, with its international design, would be a wonderful addition to Winslow's already eclectic atmosphere and allow children to enjoy the outdoors in a safe, peaceful environment. Upon completion, the playground will be used during birthday parties and day and evening events.

"The Serendipity play set would be a perfect addition to our sanctuary to entertain children and their families while visiting our lovely animals and our beautiful grounds", says Debra White, President of Winslow Farm. "We are appreciative of any help we can get from the public."

To make a donation, please contact Winslow Farm phone at 508-285-6451, or by email at wnslofrm@aol.com.

Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit animal reserve, which is owned and operated by Debra White. The farm was established in 1996 for the care of abused and abandoned farm and exotic animals.

Silent Auction to Benefit JC Solmonese Elementary School

April 10, 2009 - Norton, MA - The Annual Silent Auction to benefit the JC Solmonese Elementary School will be open April 6th – May 6th at www.jcs.cmarket.com.

Visit our site to bid on a wide variety of gift cards, sporting event tickets, autographed sports memorabilia, theater tickets and museum passes.

Be the highest bidder on floor seats to the Boston Celtics, the 2nd Row Boston Bruins tickets or the team-signed Rask goalie stick from the Providence Bruins.

Gift cards to Emma’s Restaurant, Alberto’s, PF Changs, Wendall’s Pub and a  variety of services in town are available.   Bid and win the Deutseche Bank Championship Tour ticket package.

Proceeds from the auction will provide the school with supplies, field trips, enrichment activities, and other educational items.

State Police Sobriety Checkpoint in Bristol County

April 8, 2009 - Colonel Mark F. Delaney, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, announced that a “Sobriety Checkpoint” will be implemented by the Massachusetts State Police on a Secondary State Highway in Bristol County on Saturday, April 11 into Sunday, April 12.

Morton Hospital Pays Tribute to Outstanding Employees

April 8, 2009 - Taunton, MA - Morton Hospital and Medical Center recently held a reception honoring its first 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.

Thomas Porter (left), President and CEO, and Maureen Bryant (far right), Executive Vice President and COO, stand with Employees of the Month (l-r) Carole Mulcahy, Jeffery Dias and Sharyn Haskell.

The Hospital honored the following employees: Carol Mulcahy, ExpressMed Medical Assistant; Sharyn Haskell, S1 Unit Clerk/Unit Assistant; and Jeffery Dias, Environmental Service Aide. 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.

"One of my favorite events is to celebrate an employee who has been recognized as going the extra step for patients and fellow employees," said Porter. "It is an opportunity to acknowledge extraordinary efforts."

Taunton to Receive Transportation Improvement Grant

Chapter 90 funds can be used for local road and bridge projects for reconstruction, resurfacing, equipment, design and engineering. These funds allow cities and towns to focus on existing transportation infrastructure improvements, spurring immediate economic benefits and ensuring the long term viability of our state's infrastructure.

"It's a well-timed infusion of funding to a region hard hit with unemployment, and I certainly welcome it," Pacheco said.

The Chapter 90 formula is based on road miles, population and employees.

Other towns receiving Chapter 90 funds include: Middleborough - $653,947, Raynham - $358,035 and Dighton - $214,978.

Justice: The 150th Anniversary of the Superior Court in Bristol County
Exhibit open through July 31; Talk by William F. Hanna on Thursday April 16

April 3, 2009 - Taunton, MA - The public and members of the Old Colony Historical Society are welcome to attend the Society's Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 16, at 7:00 p.m. at 66 Church Green in Taunton. The meeting is free and open to the public, and will feature a talk by historian Dr. William. F. Hanna on the subject of the history of the court system in Taunton. Both the talk and the accompanying exhibit are titled Justice: The 150th Anniversary of the Superior Court in Bristol County.

When considering the topic of justice in Taunton, there are many stories about the buildings, the judges, the lawyers, the trials, and the criminals that could be told. No one tells them better than Dr. Hanna, who will offer his take on the subject at our 155th Annual Meeting. This well-known local professor, Historical Society board member, and author of A History of Taunton, Massachusetts will tell us what happened to the "Human Fly," just what infamous feats were performed by "The Bicycle Bandit," and how Judge David Cobb stood down a mob during Shays's Rebellion.

The talk and exhibit were born of a statewide celebration of the establishment of this court in 1859. Displays trace the development of Old Colony justice on the Mayflower through today, highlight some of the people who worked for the administration of justice through the years, pick out some of the headline news and lesser-known stories, and look at the rock-solid justice represented by the Superior Court building itself. More information on other programs for the Superior Court anniversary is available at the OCHS or through www.mass.gov/courts.

Historical Society members will vote at a brief business meeting preceding the talk to elect the year's Board Members and review Societal activities in 2008. Following the talk and a question and answer period, delicious refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact the Society at 508-822-1622 or visit www.oldcolonyhistoricalsociety.org.

See more events in our calendar section!

Taunton Council On Aging Newsletter

Click Here for the April 2009 Newsletter

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

Notice of Public Hearing

Notice is hearby given that a public hearing will be held by the Taunton Planning Board of the City of Taunton on April 2, 2009 at 5:30 PM in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers at City Hall, Taunton, MA on the petition of Taunton Development Corp., 12 Taunton Green, Taunton, MA.

Proposed Zoning Map Amendment  - To re-zone a parcel of land currently located in the Open Space Conservation to Industrial District. The property is located in the Myles Standish Industrial Park, West of the Industrial Park Lead Railroad Track, North of the Penn Central Railroad Track, Attleboro Branch, Easterly of Crane Avenue South, and Southerly of Pond View Circle and is known as Property I.D. 29-14 – Prince Henry Drive.

UPDATE - Concerned residents from Crane Ave. South and Pondview Circle showed up in force, some with 100+ signatures in hand, to air their concern about the proposed zoning change. 

Board Member Richard Faulkner made it clear very early that he would vote against the petition, re-zoning a parcel of land currently located in the Open Space Conservation to Industrial District. The petitioner, Taunton Development Corp., said the land would then be used to store wood chips for a company that turns wood pallets into wood pellets to heat homes.

After only a portion of the residents on hand voiced their opinion and a short recess, the petitioner decided to withdraw the proposal which was followed by applause. Residents thanked Mr. Faulkner after the meeting for his strong opinion on the issue.

TAUNTON ARTISTS MAKE THEIR MARK
One Student Nominated for National Award; 25 Win State Awards

April 2, 2009 - Taunton students demonstrated their outstanding talents at the 59th Annual Boston Globe Scholastic Art Competition coming home with 24 total awards – the most ever in Taunton’s history! One Taunton High School artist, Katherine Hackett, had her Gold Key Award winning sculpture judged as one of five "Best of Show" submissions out of 5,274 entries. Ms. Hackett’s sculpture received the most prestigious American Visions nomination to be reviewed in a special adjudication for the regional National American Visions Medal. Another Taunton artist, Ana Gwozdz also won one of the 363 Gold Key awards for her sculpture.

For the first time ever, the Taunton Industrial Technology Department entered student work with students receiving three Silver Awards and four Honorable Mentions. The Silver Key Award winners are: Katherine Hackett, (Graphic Design), Brian Boyer, (Wood) and Thomas Koss (Wood Manufacturing).

Industrial Technology students receiving Honorable Mention are: Christopher Gately, Matthew Monteiro, Matthew Wezowicz (all in Computer Assisted Design) and Jennifer Murphy (Graphic Design).

Darla Hartung, Industrial Technology Curriculum Supervisor, pronounced, "We are so excited! This is the first time that the Industrial Technology Department entered students’ work, so needless to say we are quite pleased."

Another Taunton artist, Sarah Hackett, won a Silver Award for her ceramic piece. Kelli St. Pierre, was recognized with an Honorable Mention for her drawing.

Friedman Middle School artists also did extremely well garnering more awards than Taunton middle schools have ever received – twelve total! This year all Taunton middle school awards were for drawing. Five Friedman Middle School student artists received Silver Key awards: Tyler Diniz, Gregory Gundberg, Tyler Rountry-McGrath, Morgan Shofield and Katie Stewart.

Seven Friedman Middle School artists were acknowledged for Honorable Mention drawings: Benjamin Baptiste, Mercedes Lamb, Rosemary Laranjo, Eric Melanson, Derek Nedell, Katelyn Rogers and Courtney Woodward.

Superintendent Arthur Stellar exclaimed, "These students and their teachers have captured the message of excellence we have been promoting! This is truly outstanding art work as judged against the best in the state."

"As Art Curriculum Supervisor for Taunton Public Schools, it is my pleasure to announce these Boston Globe Scholastic Art Award winners from the high school and Friedman Middle School," stated Caitlin Antrim.

She continued, "I am especially proud to say that a Taunton artist, Katherine Hackett, has been nominated for the very high distinction of "American Visions" Award for her sculpture – one of only five submissions in Massachusetts to be considered for this national award."

In summary, out of 5,274 entries from 343 Massachusetts schools and students in grades 7 through 12, there were 363 Gold Key Awards – Taunton students won two of them. Of the 602 Silver Key Awards – nine were captured by Taunton students. Twelve Taunton students received Honorable Mentions out of the 1,154 so cited. And, of course, out of the five "Best of Show" Gold Key Awards – one was a Taunton student – Katherine Hackett.

Darla Hartung added, "The award ceremony at John Hancock Hall was awesome. I would like to thank Dr. Stellar for encouraging me to look into design competitions for my students. We are going for Gold next year!"

In the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Competition each work is reviewed by a panel of arts professionals based upon these criteria: originality, technical skill and emergence of personal vision or voice.

"A lot of publicity has rightfully gone to our outstanding progress in Taunton on MCAS," cited Superintendent Stellar. "However, we are also increasing student achievement in the arts. The quality of work in the visual arts is clearly improved as evidenced by these awards. Let us not forget that we just had five musicians make All-State Chorus – another first ever for the arts."

"Art and music are often cited as improving student discipline, focus and mental capacity for academic areas resulting in higher test scores. May be increasing academic learning contributes to improvement in the arts," commented Stellar. "Or just quite possibly, higher expectations and promoting excellence begets excellence in all areas."

Taunton spends $1628 less per pupil than the state average and $2,638 less than other urban districts. Taunton also has 41.3% low income families. Yet, Taunton students and staff prove the point that hard work prevails.

"Seeing students achieve at these levels certainly makes my day as a superintendent," said Stellar. "I am sure the good people of Taunton recognize the significance of these students’ accomplishments."

This Week on Talking Taunton Live - WSAR 1480 AM

April 1, 2009 - Taunton, MA - This week's guest on Talking Taunton is Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson. He will discuss state and federal funding cuts to his department and how he will adjust to the reductions.

Call Sheriff Hodgson during the show at 508-673-1480 with your questions and comments. Tune in and be "in the know."

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

Now Available in Mansfield
TownWebs Launches MansfieldWeb.com

April 1, 2009 - Mansfield, MA -- TownWebs, publisher of TauntonWeb.com, officially launched MansfieldWeb.com today, it's fourth community website in as many months.

MansfieldWeb.com will have the same features as its Taunton counterpart but with a focus on Mansfield, Massachusetts. On February 1st, TownWebs launched RaynhamWeb.com, a community site for Raynham, MA and NortonReporter.com a month later on March 1st. TauntonWeb.com began publishing on New Year's Day.

Click the logo below to visit MansfieldWeb.com.

DeAvila’s Catering Lends a Helping Hand

March 30, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Senior citizens in Bristol County are receiving grocery items thanks to the efforts of The Greater Boston Food Bank, Bristol Elder Services, Inc. and DeAvila’s Catering at The Columbia Cultural Center.

(left to right) Karen Cote, Bristol Elder Services, Christina Peretti, The Greater Boston Food Bank, Joy and Carlos DeAvila, DeAvila’s Catering at The Columbia Cultural Center

On the fourth Wednesday of each month a truckload of food staples arrives at the Columbia Cultural Center in the Myles Standish Industrial Park. The food is unloaded and a small army of volunteers places eight to 12 items in a brown bag for delivery to over 600 seniors in more than 15 communities in Bristol County.

"We’re so happy to be part of this great effort," said Carlos DeAvila of the Columbia Cultural Center. "We have the room to sort, bag and get the hundreds of bags of food items on vehicles and to the various senior centers throughout the area."

While DeAvila’s provides the venue, they are also actively involved in the process. "We get right in there and sort and package up the items," said Joy DeAvila. "We’ve been blessed in the hospitality business and this is our way of giving back."

Seniors in need of food are encouraged to apply for assistance by calling Bristol Elder Services at 508.675.2101 to request a brief one page application. For more information on the Senior Brown Bag Program visit www.bristolelder.org.

One of dozens of volunteers packs up a vehicle with food items to be delivered to seniors in need with the Senior Brown Bag Program.

Dozens of bags of food staples packed and ready to go to needy senior citizens enrolled in the Bristol Elder Services Brown Bag Program.

Morton Hospital’s “First Friday” Breakfast and Lecture on April 3rd: Stress Awareness

March 30, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Morton Hospital will host its next “First Friday” lecture on Friday, April 3, at 8 a.m. in the Silver City Galleria Community Room, located near the mall’s food court. “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.

This month’s lecture will be given by Kristy Wyman of Morton Hospital’s Cardiovascular Services Department. In recognition of “Stress Awareness Month,” Wyman will discuss how stress can have a negative impact on your health. For more information, contact Morton Hospital’s Public Affairs Office at (508) 828-7015.

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