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Operation
Diesel Snags 30 in Taunton
20
More Individuals to be Charged in Multi-Agency Illegal
Drug Investigation |
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Taunton,
MA - District Attorney Sam Sutter announced that a
multi-agency large-scale illegal drug investigation
dubbed "Operation Diesel" resulted in the
arrest of 30 individuals in the City of Taunton over two
days. In total, more than 50 people have been or will be
charged as a result of this joint operation.
The
Massachusetts State Police Unit assigned to District
Attorney Sutter's office led this year-long
investigation into illegal narcotics distribution in the
Fairfax Gardens housing complex on Dewert Avenue in
Taunton. District Attorney Sutter's office was
assisted by numerous local, state and federal partners
including the Taunton Police; The Raynham Police; State
Police Units assigned to the Plymouth County, Suffolk
County, and Cape and Islands District Attorneys'
Offices; the State Police Special Tactical Operations
Unit; the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension
Squad; various State Police Gang Units; the State Police
D-Troop CAT Team; the State Police Air Wing; the
Massachusetts State Police Fusion Center; the New
England State Police Information Network and a federal
task force known as the HITDA Group. |
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District
Attorney Sam Sutter
|
The
investigation was coordinated by District Attorney
Sutter's Chief of Drug Prosecutions, Assistant District
Attorney Stephen Butts.
The
investigation was initiated in 2009 when the State
Police Unit assigned to District Attorney Sam Sutter's
Office investigated a fatal drug overdose of a Taunton
man. That investigation lead to a large-scale narcotics
investigation into the distribution, storage and
trafficking of illegal narcotics within the Fairfax
Gardens Housing Complex. Fairfax Gardens is known
on the street as "Dewert". The main
narcotic being sold within "Dewert" is heroin,
however this investigation did not limit itself to just
the heroin trade. |
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As
the investigation continued, it grew in scale to include
other areas of Taunton, including the Paul Bunker
Housing Complex.
As
a result of this investigation, there have been
approximately 51 defendants charged with offenses
including trafficking in heroin, which ranged in weights
of over 14 grams up to 144 grams. There have also been
numerous crack cocaine distribution charges levied
against defendants targeted in this operation.
There have been 10 individuals charged who were directly
indicted in the Superior Court, along with another 24
persons charged and arrest warrants issued for District
Court. An additional 17 defendants have either
already been arrested or are waiting to be summonsed to
court on various narcotics and motor vehicle charges. In
addition to the numerous arrests, investigators seized
two motor vehicles and a motorcycle, which are believed
to have been used in furtherance of said illegal
activities or purchased with illegal drug proceeds.
Cash believed to be profits from the illegal drug trade
and properties have also been seized as a result of this
operation.
The
success of this operation could not have been achieved
without the assistance and cooperation of numerous law
enforcement groups.
As
the operation remains ongoing, no further information
can be revealed at this time. A list
of the individuals arrested during yesterday's
portion of the operation is attached to this e-mail.
Notable
Quotes
"These
51 arrests and indictments were the result of a
year-long investigation, which involved cooperation and
collaboration between prosecutors from my office, City
of Taunton detectives, and State Police
detectives," said Bristol County District Attorney
Sam Sutter. "Those individuals engaged in
illegal drug dealing in Bristol County should know that
all of us in law enforcement are committed to finding
out whom each and every one of you are, building cases
against you and then getting you arrested and
convicted."
"I
want to applaud the efforts of District Attorney Sam
Sutter, Taunton Police Chief Edward Walsh and the
members of the State Police Unit for their extraordinary
efforts in leading the task force to take the drug
dealers off our city streets," said Taunton Mayor
Charles Crowley. "A successful operation like this
requires teamwork and the citizens of my community are
grateful for the team effort displayed during Operation
Diesel."
"This
operation reflects the effectiveness of law enforcement
agencies working in true partnership to address issues
of crime in the community," said Taunton Police
Chief Edward James Walsh. "In a time of
diminishing resources, we were able to leverage assets
from both agencies to achieve a common goal.
Hopefully this will be one of many future successful
collaborations."
"Police-wise
it is extremely important to routinely be breaking up
these criminal networks and conspiracies, of equal
importance is the leadership shown by the District
Attorney's Office in creating a professional
collaborative climate where all of the state, local and
county law enforcement agencies can cooperate and work
together to make our communities a safer and a better
place to live. Every one of our communities pays a price
for these problems, with house break, robberies, thefts,
and prostitution. We all have to work together to keep
it under control," Raynham Police Chief Louis
Pacheco said. "In these tough economic times it is
great seeing law enforcement working together helping
each other." |
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Operation
Diesel Arrests from July 21
Edgard Quinones-Ortiz, age 20, of 20 Meadow Street,
distribution of a Class A drug.
Tomas Ortiz, age 21, of 8 Earl Street, possession of
a Class A drug with will to distribute.
Alexander Torres, age 37, of 403 Washington Street,
distribution of a Class A drug.
Damian Carrasquillo, age 21, of 24 Second Street,
conspiracy to violate drug law.
Michael Almodovar, age 17, of 53 Paul Bunker Drive,
distribution of a Class A drug.
Alonzo Lopes, age 21, of 155 Oak Street, distribution
of a Class B drug.
Darius Jones, age 17, of 1 Kilmer Avenue,
distribution of a counterfeit drug.
Samantha Silva, age 20, of 22 Church Street,
conspiracy to violate drug law.
Adam Johnson, age 25, of 82 Cohannet Street,
distribution of a Class A drug.
Tiffany Collazo, age 21, of 206 School Street,
conspiracy to violate drug law.
Juan Padua Jr., age 18, of 42.5 Cottage Street,
distribution of a Class A drug.
Daryl Perkins, age 32, of 82 Cohannet Street,
conspiracy to violate drug law.
Kristen Burke, age 26, of 48 Dewert Avenue,
trafficking, manufacturing and distributing a Class A
drug.
Tonya Ferguson, age 39, of 7 Atwood Street,
distribution of a Class B drug.
Ralph Brown, age 36, of 89 Ashland Street,
distribution of a Class B drug.
Maynard Davis, age 33, of 208 Bay Street,
distributing cocaine.
Westley Amador-Cintron, age 20, of 50 Dewert Avenue,
trafficking cocaine, conspiracy to violate drug law and
drug violation near a school or park.
Raul J. Padua, age 29, of 128 Dewert Avenue,
distribution of a Class A drug.
Rolando Miranda, age 24, of 126 Dewert Avenue,
malicious destruction of over 250 dollars worth of
property.
16-year-old juvenile male, distribution of a Class A
drug.
Shawn Oller, age 34, of 68 Broadway, operating a
motor vehicle with a suspended license.
Terrence Wrightington, age 21, of 2 Harrison Street,
distribution of a Class A drug.
Deion McCassie, age 20, of 8 Silver Street,
conspiracy to violate drug law.
Xavier Ramos, age 20, of 26 Talbot Avenue,
distribution of a Class A drug.
Peter Hicks, age 21, of 89 Dewert Avenue,
distribution of a Class A drug.
Anthony Rezendes, age 50, of 43 Winthrop Street,
distributing cocaine.
Jeffrey Bird, age 30, of 57 Winthrop Street,
distributing cocaine.
Trevor R. Heggs, age 22, of 30 Newcomb Place,
distributing cocaine.
Jose Avelino, age 18, of 21 Godfrey Street,
conspiracy to violate drug law. |
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New
Date Set for Women's Golf Outing |
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The
Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce 8th
Annual Women’s Golf Outing has been
rescheduled for Friday, August 13, 2010. It
will be held at The Back Nine Club, 17 Heritage
Hill Drive, Lakeville.
Registration
begins at 7:45 a.m. The course will be played in
a scramble format, which begins at 8:30 a.m. The
cost is $100 per player or $360 per foursome and
includes green fees, ½ cart, breakfast, and
lunch. You can sign up as a single, twosome,
threesome, or foursome. There will be prizes on
specific holes and also raffle drawings. The
golf outing is a great opportunity to have fun,
unwind, and network.
If
you choose not to golf, you can also contribute
by sponsoring a hole, donating a prize item or
gift certificate, or providing items for the
players’ goody bags. For more information or
to register, please contact the Chamber at
508-824-4068. |
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Disaster
Officials Offer Tips to Speed Assistance |
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BOSTON – Disaster recovery
officials urge residents and businesses
dealing with severe storm damage and loss to
adopt a take-charge action plan to help speed
the possibility of obtaining state and federal
disaster aid:
Register
Now:
Don’t
wait. Homeowners, renters and business owners
who suffered disaster-related damage or loss
should call the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) registration line at
800-621-FEMA (3362) or 800-462-7585 for the
hearing- or speech impaired. Online
registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
Multilingual operators are available.
Register,
even if you are insured. Your insurance
coverage may not be adequate and some
foundation damage may not appear until later.
Anyone who suffered any damage or loss should
register for assistance.
Disaster
assistance covers a wide range of losses.
Structural damage or repair is covered, as is
damage or loss of essential personal property,
such as a major appliance or medical equipment
(wheelchairs, etc).
After Registering:
Keep
critical appointments. A FEMA-contracted
inspector will make an appointment to visit
your home, usually within a week. Make every
effort to be at home or you can authorize an
agent to be present. Use the Helpline option
at the FEMA registration toll-free numbers for
contact updates, including your agent’s
name, a new phone number, or to change
appointment times.
Return
all forms promptly. After registering, you may
receive a U.S. Small Business Administration
(SBA) disaster loan application package in the
mail. Fill out and return these forms promptly
since they are an essential part of the
disaster-assistance process.
Stay
in touch. Use the Helpline for answers to your
questions about federal assistance, the same
number you called to register for aid.
Have
realistic expectations. You should not expect
disaster assistance to restore you to
pre-disaster conditions. It is intended to
help you get safe and sanitary housing and
meet other critical needs so you can begin
your long-term recovery.
Read
all FEMA letters and documents. Applicants
deemed eligible for disaster assistance will
receive a letter from FEMA providing guidance
on their disaster relief grant. It will tell
you about ways the money can be spent in your
recovery. Be advised that federal assistance
may have to be repaid if it is duplicated by
insurance or other assistance received.
Talk
to FEMA if you have questions, especially
about insurance. If you receive a FEMA letter
saying your application has been denied, it
often means that one or more aspects of your
application require further information or
correction. An “INS-Insured” denial does
not necessarily mean “case closed,” it
means you must first settle with your insurer
to prevent any duplication of payments.
Keep
FEMA in mind after your insurance settlement.
You may have been underinsured and some
uncompensated losses may be eligible for some
form of disaster aid. Call the Helpline if
your insurance settlement is delayed, if it
does not cover all of your loss, if you
can’t find rental housing in your area, or
if your additional living expense benefits are
exhausted. Remember, failure to file a claim
with your insurer within 12 months can affect
your eligibility for FEMA assistance.
·
Rebuild with disaster prevention in mind.
Before starting any repairs or reconstruction,
check with local building officials on
required permits and inspections. If you were
displaced from your home and incurred hotel or
motel expenses, save your receipts and check
with FEMA on possible reimbursement.
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Public
Notice:
Flood Warning from the Executive Office of
Public Safety |
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March
29, 2010 - Raynham, MA
Message
to Citizens:
People
need to monitor the forecast. In many
areas, it will make a big difference whether we
get 2" to 3" of rain, in which case
there may be widespread minor flooding like we
saw during the second rain storm last week
(March 25). But, if we get as much as
5" or 6" in some places, there may be
widespread moderate and even major flooding,
similar to the first rain storm (March 12-15).
People
who had water in their homes in the last few
weeks should plan for more water in their homes.
Now is the time to check sump pumps, to move
things that may be damaged or destroyed by
rising water, to place sandbags if necessary.
And, people should have a plan if they
experience power outages and their sump pumps
won't work.
People
who had to evacuate their homes in the past two
weeks should have plans to evacuate again.
This means having a plan to leave before the
waters rise to a dangerous level, and knowing
what they will take and where they will go.
Finally,
people who live or work in areas where roads
were impassable over the past few weeks because
of high water should plan for that to happen
again.
Do
not get caught unprepared. People who need
supplies should get them now, before the storm
hits. If you don't have an emergency kit
at home, please purchase flashlights, batteries,
food, water, medicines, and other basic
supplies.
Please
remember to use extreme caution around rising
rivers and in flooded areas. Currents can
be deceptively fast and dangerous and this is
not a time to be canoeing or kayaking in our
rivers. The waters are dangerous.
People should pay particular attention to
children - fascination may draw them towards
dangerous waters.
Pay
close attention to downed power lines,
particularly around water.
As
with any rainstorm when rain is falling fast in
great quantity, drivers are encouraged to drive
carefully and drive safe. Be aware that
the commute may take a little longer than usual.
Additional
flood safety tips can be found on MEMAs website http://www.mass.gov/mema
Please
call 211 with questions or non-emergency
concerns. For emergencies, please dial
911. |
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LOCAL EVENT |
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Taunton
Chamber Annual Legislative Breakfast |
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The
Taunton Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual
Legislative Breakfast on Friday, March
26, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. at Benjamin's
Restaurant, 698 Bay Street, Taunton. Senator
Marc Pacheco, and Representatives James Fagan,
Stephen Canessa, Patricia Haddad, David
Sullivan, and David Flynn have been invited to
update you on current and pending legislation. Webster
Bank is this year’s sponsor. |
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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 business
issues, which impact us locally and statewide. |
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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 this
breakfast to hear your concerns and answer your
questions. We encourage you to submit a question
for your legislators in advance by emailing info@tauntonareachamber.org.
The
cost to attend is $25 for Chamber Members and
$35 for Non-Members. To register for this event,
please call the Chamber at 508-824-4068. |
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Sen.
Pacheco Reads to Middle School Students in Raynham as
Part of 'Read Across America' Week |
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March
4, 2010 - Raynham - Senator Marc R. Pacheco
(D-Taunton) spent some time on Wednesday reading to an
auditorium packed with seventh and eighth grade students
at Raynham Middle School as part of the national reading
initiative “Read Across America”.
Pacheco chose
to read the Dr. Seuss classic “The Lorax”. In
it, Seuss uses his unique literary style to stress the
importance of taking care of the environment.
Though the story was written nearly four decades ago,
Pacheco feels that it is just as relevant today as it
has ever been. |
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“I was
thrilled to participate in the Read Across America by
reading 'The Lorax' to the Raynham Middle School
students. I’ve been reading that book to
students as part of this program for many years, and
they always seem to respond positively to it,” Pacheco
said. “I must commend the Bridgewater-Raynham
School District and all of the other districts across
the Commonwealth who are participating in this
worthwhile initiative that stresses the importance of
the strong communication skills that are cultivated
through reading and writing.” |
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After reading
the story, Pacheco held a discussion with the students
about the book’s message and how it applies to the
world today. He stressed the importance of working
hard in school and developing the skills that will help
students achieve success in high school and beyond.
He also took questions from the students on a wide range
of topics including his responsibilities as a Senator
and the issue of cyber-bullying. |
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HOME OF THE WEEK |
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23 Winnecunnet
Drive Unit 23, Norton, MA
 Watch
a Slide Show of this Home
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Winnecunnet
Shores
Front
door leads into an open foyer. Lots of windows gives this home a
light & bright atmosphere. Step down living room w/ sliders
looking out to the private wooded back yd. Enjoy this beautiful
setting from the back deck. Newer kitchen has plenty of counter
space & storage is no problem w/great cabinets & pantry.
2 spacious bedrooms, updated baths, 2nd floor laundry & a 1
c garage only proves this is like no other condo. So clean &
tastefully decorated you need to do nothing BUT MOVE IN.
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Details:
Asking Price: $249,500
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1.5
Living Area: 1340 sq ft |
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HOMES OF THE WEEK |
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258 S.
Worcester Street, Norton, MA 02766 View
Map
Watch
a Slide Show of this Home
(turn on your
speakers for the full experience) |
Charming
Cape
This Cape home is filled with charm!
From the fireplaced living room with built in shelves &
hardwood floors to the antique candy store bar top in the
basement. The Master Bedroom is spacious & has walk in
closets. With the one car garage, breezeway & finished
basement there is plenty of room for everyone. And when you step
outside, you won't believe it. Sitting on over an acre of land,
the private back yard will amaze you with its above ground pool,
3 sheds, two-tier deck & yes your own fruit trees!
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Details:
Asking Price: $314,900
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1.5
Living Area: 1758 sq ft |
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2 Maggi Lane
Norton, MA 02766 View
Map
Watch
a Slide Show of this Home
(turn on your
speakers for the full experience) |
Beautiful
Raised Cape
The brick walkway welcomes you into
this beautiful raised cape located on a cul-de-sac in desirable
Leigh High Estates. With a dining room, family room &
fireplaced living room, you will find this home is great for
family gatherings. The kitchen has plenty of cabinets, hardwood
floors & a door that leads you to an oversized Trex deck.
Enjoy the private back yard surrounded by conservation. The
lower level can easily be finished. This is a home you must
consider as your new address. Call today!
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Details:
Asking Price: $344,900
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Living Area: 1638 sq ft
Acres: 0.47 |
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LOCAL NEWS |
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State
Cultural Grants Benefit Local Organizations
$58,320
will go to schools and nonprofit cultural groups |
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October
8, 2009 - Boston, MA- Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton)
announced today that grants totaling $58,320 have been
awarded to cultural organizations, schools and
communities in the First Plymouth and Bristol Senatorial
District by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC).
Senator Pacheco said that these grants support a variety
of cultural activities that benefit local residents. The
announcement was made as part of a statewide funding
program by the MCC.
Local
recipients awarded Local Cultural Council Program (LCC)
grants include: Berkley, Bridgewater, Carver, Dighton,
Marion, Middleboro, Raynham, Taunton and Wareham. The
LCC Program is the most extensive cultural funding
system of its kind in the nation. This grassroots
network provides to every Massachusetts city and town
through 329 LLC's and 2,500 volunteer members. The
councils support community-based projects that explore
local arts and history, expand education and
accessibility, and celebrate diversity.
Berkley
$4,000
Bridgewater $7,660
Carver
$4,000
Dighton
$4,000
Marion
$4,000
Middleboro $5,870
Raynham $4,000
Taunton
$20,100
Wareham $4,960
"I'm proud to support these cultural organizations
and community groups in their work to enrich our lives
and improve our communities through arts and
culture," said Pacheco.
The Massachusetts Cultural Council is a state agency
that promotes excellence, access, education and
diversity in the arts, humanities and sciences, in order
to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts
residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our
communities.
The MCC is committed to creating a central place for the
arts, sciences and humanities in the everyday lives of
communities across the Commonwealth. The Council pursues
this mission through a combination of grants, services,
and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations,
schools, communities and artists. |
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LOCAL NEWS |
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Raynham
Housing Authority Awarded Technical Assistance
and Capital Improvement Bond Funding |
| October 8, 2009 - Boston, MA-
Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) and the
Massachusetts Department of Housing and
Community Development recently announced that
the Raynham Housing Authority has been awarded
technical assistance and capital improvement
bond funding to supplement its own capital
reserve to remove 10 abandoned oil tanks and to
test and assess the level of remediation
associated with possible oil contamination at
the Authority's Pinewood Terrance development.
The amount of the award, based upon preliminary
estimates, is $105,000.
"With the announcement of this award,
the Raynham Housing Authority will be able to
modernize the Pinewood Terrace property and
ensure safe, uncontaminated soil in the future.
This formula-based funding allocation will ease
the financial difficulties the town has endured
yet still provide financial assistance to
complete necessary projects during this
financial crisis", said Pacheco. |
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Morning Crash on 495 Leaves One Dead, One Seriously Injured
more... |
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LOCAL EVENT |
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Planning
for Your Retirement |
| September 24,
2009 - Taunton, MA - The Taunton Area Chamber of
Commerce and Ameriprise Financial invite you
to a special seminar - Take Control of Your
Retirement Income. It is being held
at the Holiday Inn-Taunton on Tuesday,
September 29. Registration will take
place at 8:00 a.m.
This seminar is sponsored by the Holiday
Inn-Taunton.
Whether you are already retired or are close to
retiring, you are probably concerned about having enough
money to maintain your desired lifestyle. At this
educational seminar, the Personal Advisors of Ameriprise
Financial will help you evaluate your sources of
retirement income and provide information to help you
manage taxes, mitigate risks and create a retirement
income strategy for your specific needs.
This seminar is free for Taunton
Chamber Members and $20 for Non-Members. Register
by calling the Chamber at 508-824-4068 or emailing info@tauntonareachamber.org. |
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LOCAL NEWS |
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First
Positive Mosquito Sample for EEE in Raynham |
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September
16, 2009 - Raynham, MA - The Raynham Board of
Health recently released a public notice
regarding the town's first positive mosquito
sample for EEE, identified in Raynham on
September 1 and again on September 3.
Due
to the possible increase in risk to human
health, the Raynham Board of Health has provided
approval to the Bristol County Mosquito Control
Project to increase spraying efforts. This
approval includes the use of adulticide in the
day light hours.
Please
contact Bristol County Mosquito Control at
508-823-5253 to request spraying. If you have
any questions contact the Raynham Board of
Health Office at 508-824-2766. |
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18th
Annual Golf Tournament Raises Nearly $70,000 for Morton
Hospital’s Women’s Diagnostic Imaging Center |
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September
8, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Morton Hospital’s 18th
Annual Golf Tournament, held on August 17, raised nearly
$70,000 to support equipment needs for the Hospital’s
Women’s Diagnostic Imaging Center.
The
return to Segregansett Country Club attracted a total of
125 golfers to a challenging 18-hole course, as well as
contests, raffles, a silent auction and a catered
reception.
Tournament
winners were as follows: 1st place - Jeff Bliss, Steve
Bliss, Brian Phillips and Scott Pearsons (W.B. Mason
Foursome); 2nd place - Rick Slavick, Everett Rogers, Ted
Almon and Billy McCarthy (Claflin, Co. Foursome); 3rd
place – Clint Hyland, Greg Hyland, Maureen Bryant and
Thomas Porter (MetLife Foursome); Men’s Closest to the
Pin - Scott Pearsons; Ladies Closest to the Pin - Ilene
Scalzi; Men’s Longest Drive - Steve Bliss; Ladies
Longest Drive - Kathy Slavick.
"The
great attendance at today's golf tournament is just one
of the many ways members of the Morton community
demonstrate their support for the Hospital throughout
the year," said Maureen Bryant, Morton Hospital
President. "Hospital employees, volunteers, members
of the Auxiliary, medical staff, business partners and
sponsors all contributed to the success of the 18th
Annual Golf Tournament. We are fortunate to have such
strong supporters of Morton Hospital in our community.
Did I mention my team came in third place!"
Morton
Hospital would like to express its sincere appreciation
to all of the tournament’s in-kind donors, who
contributed a wonderful array of raffle and silent
auction items for the event, as well as the tournament
sponsors: Shields Healthcare Group; Aramark; Sodexo
Health Care; Bristol County Savings Bank; The Center for
Wound Healing, Inc.; Fernandes Electric; Hinckley, Allen
& Tringale, LP; MetLife; Ocean Spray; W.B. Mason;
Altus Dental; Feeley & Driscoll, P.C.; HealthPlans,
Inc.; Bank of America; American Medical Response;
Comprehensive Pharmacy Services; ProMedical, LLC;
ProMutual Group; Provista; Morton Emergency Associates;
Mechanics Cooperative Bank; and, HarborOne Credit Union. |
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The
1st Place W.B. Mason Foursome: (L-R) Brian
Phillips, Steve Bliss, Scott Pearsons and Jeff Bliss.
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Generous
Golfers for PRIDE |
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August
26, 2009 - Rehoboth, MA – The 10th Annual PRIDE,
Inc. Golf Tournament on Monday, July 27, 2009 turned
out 117 golfers at Rehoboth Country Club. The winners of
the tournament, Rick Roblillard of Taunton, Paul
Champagne of Taunton, Armondo Rosa of Taunton and Al
Leal of Taunton donated the prize money of $200.00 from
the tournament back to the non-profit organization. |
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Rick
Robillard, Paul Champagne, Al Leal and Armando Rosa were
the winners of PRIDE, Inc's 10th Annual Golf Tournament.
The foursome generously donated the $200 cash prize back
to the non-profit organization.
|
"I
never cease to be amazed by the generosity of
people," said Doug Latham, PRIDE’s
Director of Operations and Golf Tournament organizer.
"We are so thankful for their participation in the
event alone, but then to donate their winnings back to
us is just overwhelming."
The
PRIDE, Inc. Golf Tournament has become a summer
tradition for Taunton area golfers not only for the
event itself, but the famous chicken barbeque held at
the P.A.C.C. following the tournament.
Bristol
County Savings Bank was the major sponsor for the golf
tournament with all proceeds going toward funding the
many programs provided by PRIDE to individuals
with disabilities. |
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LOCAL NEWS |
|
Long-time
President and CEO of Morton Hospital to Retire |
|
August
20, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Edward A. Roster, Chairman of
the Morton Hospital and Medical Center Board of Trustees
recently announced that Thomas C. Porter, long-time
President and CEO will retire his position effective
September 30, 2009. Porter has dedicated more than 30
years of service to the Hospital, the last 22 as
President and Chief Executive Officer. As previously
announced, Maureen Bryant, who has served as Morton’s
Chief Operating Officer for the past decade, has been
appointed by the board as the new President and CEO. |
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Morton
Hospital President and CEO, Thomas C. Porter
|
Throughout
his tenure, Porter has focused on sustaining the
Hospital’s mission of providing access to quality
health care for all patients. He guided the Hospital
through several significant changes and improvements,
including the addition of the Center for Wound Healing
and a partnership with Shields Healthcare Group and
Sturdy Memorial Hospital to open a Radiation Oncology
Center, bringing state-of-the-art cancer care to
patients close to home.
Mr.
Porter has also served as President of the Morton Health
Foundation, a group dedicated to managing joint ventures
and business relationships, as well as community
relations. He also was elected and served as chairman of
the Massachusetts Hospital Association.
"I
am eternally grateful to the employees, patients and
friends of Morton Hospital and Medical Center,"
said Porter. "They have given me many memories that
I will forever treasure." |
|
"I
will certainly miss my daily interactions with my
colleagues at the Hospital, our volunteers, patients and
community members," Porter said. "But I look
forward to spending more quality time on Cape Cod with
my wife and two children." |
|
LOCAL NEWS |
|
Raynham
12-Year-Olds Eliminated in 2009 Cal Ripken World Series |
|
August
18, 2009 - Winchester, MA - The dream of being
the 2009 Cal Ripken World Series Champions ended
Tuesday night for the Raynham Youth Baseball
12-year-olds as they lost to Rainbow
City/Southside, Alabama 1-0.
The
World Series Championship will be decided
Thursday night in Winchester. Still in the hunt
alongside Rainbow City/Southside, Alabama are
Visalia, CA, West Lewis County, WA and South
Lexington, KY. |
|
2009
Cal Ripken World Series Update |
|
Raynham
Wins Final Two Games in World Series Pool Play
Earns
Second Place in Division with a Record of 3-1
Single
Elimination Tournament Begins Tues
Aug 18 @ 5pm
Next
Game - Tues Aug 18 @ 5pm vs. Team To Be Determined
Meet
the Raynham Team
Raynham's
World Series Scores & Schedule |
| |
| |
|
2009
Cal Ripken World Series Update |
|
Raynham
Wins First Game in World Series Pool Play
Raynham
9, Johnson County,
AR, 3 |
|
August
13, 2009 - Winchester, MA - The Raynham Youth
Baseball 12-year-olds were victorious in their
first game in the 2009 Cal Ripken World Series on
Thursday by defeating Johnson County, Arkansas
9-3. The Raynham squad will play three more games
before qualifying teams begin single-elimination
tournament play on Tuesday, Aug 18.
The
World Series teams are divided into two pools of
five teams. Each team plays four games. The top
team in each pool advances to the semifinals; the
second and third place teams in each pool will
play in single-elimination quarterfinal games to
determine the other two semifinal slots. The
semifinal winners will meet in the World Series
championship game on August 20th at 6 p.m. and
play for the national title.
|
| |
|
LOCAL NEWS |
|
Raynham
12-Year-Olds Set for World Series Play
Winchester,
MA Hosting 10th Annual Cal Ripken World Series |
|
August
12, 2009 - Winchester, MA - The Winchester (MA)
Sachem Youth Baseball / Softball Association
recently announced that Massachusetts Lieutenant
Governor Timothy P. Murray will appear at the
opening ceremonies for the 10th Annual Cal
Ripken 12-Year Old World Series on August 12,
2009 at 8:00 p.m. on Robert J. Nutile Field in
Winchester. Lt. Governor Murray will also take a
few moments to speak to the players, coaches,
families and fans in attendance. |
|
|
SYBS
President Bob Nutile said, “We’re excited,
honored and grateful that Lt. Governor Murray
will join us for the World Series’ opening
ceremonies.” Nutile added, “His presence
will send a terrific, inspirational message to
the young baseball players who will be playing
in the tournament as well as our guests from
across Massachusetts, New England and the
country who are coming to Winchester for this
national tournament.”
While
the opening ceremonies will feature the players,
coaches and teams participating in the World
Series, the evening will also feature a live
performance by Ayla Brown, a singer and
songwriter who recently earned national acclaim
with her appearance on American Idol. Ms. Brown,
a senior at Boston College, also plays
basketball, starting 30 games last season as a
guard for the Eagles. |
|
The
2009 Cal Ripken World Series tournament will
feature ten 12-year old teams from all across
the United States, including Raynham (Eastern
Massachusetts State Champion), Winchester
(host), Burlington (New England Regional
Champion), Visalia, California, South Lexington,
Kentucky, Waite Park, Minnesota, West Lewis
County, Washington, Johnson County, Arkansas,
Rainbow City (Coosa), Alabama and Kingsbridge,
NY.
When
the games begin, the World Series teams will be
divided into two pools of five teams. Each team
will play four games. All games will be played
at Winchester’s Robert J. Nutile Field. The
top team in each pool will advance to the
semifinals; the second and third place teams in
each pool will play in single-elimination
quarterfinal games to determine the other two
semifinal slots. The semifinal winners will meet
in the World Series championship game on August
20th at 6 p.m. and play for the national title. |
|
Lt.
Gov. Tim Murray
|
Nutile,
a 43-year veteran of Winchester youth baseball,
added, “The Cal Ripken World Series represents a
truly unique opportunity for the kids and our
community. The quality of the baseball played here
will be unlike anything New England has ever seen.”
Tickets
for the 2009 Cal Ripken World Series for 12-year
olds are available online via the SYBS website at www.winchesterworldseries.com.
Ticket options will include individual game
passes, tournament packages and family packages.
The World Series web site also contains
information about local travel and events,
scheduling, sponsorships, and the like.
During
the tournament, the Winchester Chamber of Commerce
(25 Waterfield Road) will serve as the Cal Ripken
World Series Headquarters. Out of town visitors
and others arriving by car or commuter rail may
visit the Headquarters location to obtain
suggestions about dining, shopping, tourism and
other activities to enhance their stay in
Winchester and the Greater Boston area. |
|
For
additional information about the Cal Ripken World
Series in Winchester, internet users should visit
the SYBS website at: www.winchesterworldseries.com. |
| Meet
the Raynham Squad: |
|
|
|
Manager:
Coaches:
Players: |
Stephen Peck
Rob Horsman
Tim Reid
Kevin Bushlow
Shaun Bushlow
Dylan Carreiro
Justus Daniels
Cameron Goodrich
Kyle Horsman
Ryan Irvine
Andrew Noviello
Ryan Peck
Cameron Polson
Connor Reid
Travis Reid
Patrick Whooley |
Raynham
Pool Games
Win
8/13/09
- Raynham 9,
Johnson County, AR 3
Loss
8/14/09 - Raynham 5,
South Lexington, KY 13
Win
8/15/09
- Raynham 13, Burlington, MA
3
Win
8/16/09
- Raynham 7, West Lewis County,
WA 2
Raynham
Finishes in Second Place in Pool Play with
a Record of 3-1
Single
Elimination Tournament Begins
Tues
Aug 18 @ 5pm vs. Team To Be Deteremined
World
Series Game Schedules |
|
|
LOCAL
EVENT |
|
Aviation
Exhibit at the Old Colony Historical Society |
|
August
12, 2009 - Taunton, MA - Old Colony Historical Society
at 66 Church Green in Taunton is pleased to announce a
new exhibit, "Soaring to New Heights: Aviation in
Taunton, 1919-2009" to mark the 90th anniversary of
the oldest continuously-operating airport in
Massachusetts, Taunton Municipal Airport - King Field.
This exhibit will open to the public on August 21, 2009
and run through January 7, 2010. Modest admission fees
are charged for entrance to the museum ($2 for children
and seniors, $4 for adults, free to OCHS members).
With
the cooperation of many in the area--King family
members, pilots, airport personnel, and historians--the
museum has assembled a remarkable array of aviation
artifacts and stories. The exhibit will show
airships from biplanes through jet planes. It will
depict flying in the age of barnstorming through modern
stunt plane air shows. Many of the fascinating
personalities who dedicated themselves to the art and
science of flight in our community will be included.
To complement the exhibit will be a continuously-running
documentary made by Susan McGrath from numerous King
Family photographs entitled, "Wings to Fly: A
Pictorial History of the King Family and Aviation in
East Taunton."
In
addition to the exhibit, the featured speaker on October
15 at 7 p.m. will be Fred Morin, Vice President of the
Massachusetts Aviation Historical Society. He will
put our city's airport in historical context with the
rest of the Commonwealth and the country using an
illustrated presentation. This event is free and
open to the public, and will include admission to the
exhibit. Pre-registration is not required. |
|
World
War II era De Haviland "Chipmunk" airplane
smiles at everyone from its hangar at the Taunton
Municipal Airport - King Field. Photograph
courtesy of Old Colony Historical Society, Taunton,
Massachusetts.
|
| |
|
LOCAL NEWS |
|
Morton
Receives National Recognition for Quality Heart Disease
and Stroke Care |
|
August
12, 2009 - Taunton, MA - Morton Hospital and Medical
Center has been recognized for a Silver Achievement in
using evidence-based guidelines to provide the best
possible care to patients through The American Heart
Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The
GuidelinesSM program.
Morton
Hospital and 569 other hospitals are featured in an
advertisement in the "America’s Best
Hospitals" August 2009 issue of US News & World
Report to commemorate their receipt of the Get With The
Guidelines Performance Achievement Award. The awards are
given for achievement in coronary artery disease, stroke
and/or heart failure treatment.
"We
are proud that the American Heart Association and
American Stroke Association have chosen the ‘America’s
Best Hospitals’ issue of US News & World Report to
recognize Morton Hospital for our achievements in their
Get With The Guidelines program," said Thomas
Porter, Morton Hospital CEO. "Get With The
Guidelines gives our professionals the tools and reports
they need to effectively treat our coronary artery
disease, heart failure and stroke patients."
Hospitals
are recognized in each category in which they achieve at
least 85 percent compliance to Get With The Guidelines
measures. Those hospitals marking 85 percent compliance
for 24 consecutive months are given the Gold Performance
Achievement Award, with the Silver Performance
Achievement Award going to those with 85 percent
compliance for 12 consecutive months.
Get
With The Guidelines is a hospital-based quality
improvement program designed to ensure that hospitals
consistently care for cardiac and stroke patients
following the most up-to-date guidelines and
recommendations. Currently, more than 1,450 hospitals
participate in the program.
"The
American Heart Association is pleased to recognize its
top Get With The Guidelines participants," said Lee
Schwamm, M.D., national chairman of the Get With The
Guidelines steering committee, associate professor of
neurology at Harvard Medical School and Vice Chairman of
Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital.
"Healthcare providers who use Get With The
Guidelines are armed with the latest evidence-based
guidelines and immediate access to clinical decision
support. The goal of this initiative is to ultimately
improve the quality of life and help reduce deaths among
heart and stroke patients." |
|
LOCAL
NEWS |
|
State
Funds Approved for Bridgewater-Raynham HS Green
Project
B-R
one of 16 K-12 schools to receive a total of
more than $3 million in to incorporate energy-
and money-saving features into new buildings and
additions/renovations. |
|
August
4, 2009 - Boston, MA - Senator
Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) and The Massachusetts
Renewable Energy Trust announces funding
approval totaling more than $3 million for
high-performance green schools. Funding is being
awarded to five schools for green school design
assistance and to nine schools for solar
photovoltaic (PV) arrays; one additional school
is being awarded funding for both green school
design assistance and a solar PV array. |
|
Bridgewater-Raynham
Regional High School is one of nine schools that
have been approved for solar PV installation
funding. The installation awards will range from
$150,000 to $300,000 per school, with combined
funding from the Trust’s Green Schools
Initiative and Commonwealth Solar rebate
program. Funding for each project will be
contingent on the school’s Massachusetts
Collaborative for High Performance Schools (MA-CHPS)
score. MA-CHPS rates schools based on
implementation of a variety of energy-saving
features and conservation measures.
Click
here to learn more about Photovoltaic Arrays. |
Bridgewater-Raynham
Regoinal High School
|
|
"These
projects will not only help the schools operate
in an energy friendly manner and become more
efficient, but they will also help teach the
students in these communities the importance of
energy awareness. Everyday that students attend
these schools they will be reminded how
important it is for their generation to be
energy conscious today, and in the future. These
schools can be proud to know they will serve as
models for future projects", said Pacheco.
Through
the Green Schools Initiative, the Trust has made
awards to public school districts for green
building design—including green design team
support and energy, acoustic, and daylight
modeling—and for renewable energy system
design and installation. This highly successful
initiative has led to the adoption of state
regulations that have required all new school or
major renovation projects approved for
construction reimbursement from the
Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)
after July 1, 2007 to implement numerous green
design measures. The MSBA has provided an
additional funding incentive of up to two
percent of construction costs for MA-CHPS
Verified high-performance green schools.
High-performance green school buildings save an
average of 25% in energy costs over traditional
schools and have superior indoor environmental
qualities.
Since
2002, the Trust has supported more than 80
schools in their efforts to incorporate
renewable energy systems and other green
elements into their facilities through the Green
Schools Initiative, Commonwealth Solar,
Commonwealth Wind, and previous initiatives.
Going forward, the Trust will continue to
support clean energy installations at schools
throughout Massachusetts through Commonwealth
Solar—which has a new rebate adder for green
schools—and Commonwealth Wind. |
|
LOCAL
SPORTS |
|
Raynham
12-Year-Olds Win Trip to World Series
|
|
July
29, 2009 - Raynham, MA - The Raynham Youth
Baseball 12-year-old team recently won the
Eastern Massachusetts State Championship and
earned a spot in the 2009 Cal Ripken World
Series being held in Winchester, MA. On Monday,
July 27, Raynham earned its way to the World
Series by winning both games of a doubleheader
against Burlington.
|
|
The
10th Annual Cal Ripken Baseball World Series for
12-year olds is being hosted in New England for
the first time ever and will feature 10 teams of
12-year-olds from across the United States. The
tournament will take place from August 11
through August 20, 2009. Games will be played at
Nutile Field in Winchester. Click
here for more World Series information. |
|
|
|
|
LOCAL NEWS |
|
Morton
Hospital Receives Grant from Bristol County
Savings Charitable Foundation
Donation
to help purchase equipment for Women’s
Diagnostic Imaging Center |
|
July
27, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Morton Hospital and
Medical Center recently received a grant from
the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation
in the amount of $7,500. The donation will
support the purchase of new equipment for the
Hospital’s Women’s Diagnostic Imaging
Center. |
|
E.
Dennis Kelly, left, Bristol County Savings Bank
President, presents a donation to Thomas Porter,
Morton Hospital CEO
|
Bristol
County Savings Bank has been a long-standing and
generous philanthropic partner of Morton
Hospital and Medical Center. In December of
2008, the Foundation funded the purchase of a
code card and an oxygen blender for the Hospital’s
First Impressions Maternity Center. These
pieces of equipment have been a vital resource
for the Maternity Center, providing
cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency care
to infants in respiratory distress.
"Bristol
County Savings Bank is happy to support Morton
Hospital," said E. Dennis Kelly, Bristol
County Savings Bank President. "We
recognize and appreciate the services they
provide to the community and are happy to assist
in upgrading their equipment. The Bank has had a
long and supportive relationship with the
Hospital for many years, and we look forward to
working with them for many more." |
| |
|
LOCAL NEWS |
|
DA
Sutter, Bristol County Leaders To Support Dangerous Bill |
|
July
27, 2009 - District Attorney Sam Sutter and a host of
other community leaders from throughout Bristol County
and the state will be testifying before the Joint
Judiciary Committee Monday afternoon in support of a
bill filed by Sen. Mark Montigny which aims to allow
district attorneys throughout the state to request
dangerousness hearings for those charged with illegal
gun crimes.
The
testimony is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in the Gardner
Auditorium at the Massachusetts State House.
The
legislation, Senate Bill No. 1748, was filed by Sen.
Montigny shortly after the Supreme Judicial Court ruled
on May 4, 2009 that District Attorney Sutter's use of
the dangerousness statute to attempt to hold those
defendants charged with illegal gun crimes without bail
for 90 days was not what the Legislature intended.
Sen.
Montigny's legislation would simply put back into the
dangerousness statute what the SJC took out. |
|
In
order to send out a clear and resounding message,
District Attorney Sutter instructed his prosecutors,
from the day he started as the new District Attorney in
January 2007, to ask for these dangerousness hearings
every single time someone was arrested and charged with
a gun felony. Combining this with other aggressive
new policies, such as rapidly prosecuting those held
after a finding of dangerousness within the 90 days
allowed by the statute, District Attorney Sutter set
about trying to change the landscape concerning gun
violence in Bristol County. |
Bristol
County DA Sam Sutter
|
|
After
28 months of implementing these policies and working
closely with our county's police chiefs and mayors,
the results were eye opening. New Bedford experienced
a 33 % decline in reports of shots fired during this
time period and went for a five month stretch from
November of 2008 until April of 2009 without a single
shooting. Fall River saw a 34% decline in
reports of shots fired and Taunton a 29% decline.
But
in its May 4th ruling, the SJC said carrying an
illegal firearm is "passive and victimless."
The court said there is no substantial risk of harm to
another in the illegal possession, but the substantial
risk is in the use.
District
Attorney Sutter and many others who believe those who
carry illegal firearms are a danger to the public's
safety have two main criticisms of the Court's
decision: one logical and one empirical.
First, logically, by the time a firearm is being used
to commit a crime, the risk is over and the harm has
begun. And, second, empirically, over 95% of the
shootings in Bristol County over the past two and a
half years have been committed by illegal firearms.
Since
the SJC's decision on May 4th, gun violence in Bristol
County has sadly begun to climb. In New Bedford,
over the past eight weeks, three people have been
killed by firearms and eight others have been shot and
wounded. Fall River has also seen four recent
shootings and Taunton has been home to several reports
of shots fired.
"The
possibility of a connection between the change in my
approach necessitated by the SJC's decision and the
rise in gun violence is inescapable. The fear
criminals had of immediate and lasting incarceration
for carrying an illegal gun has been greatly
eroded," District Attorney Sutter said.
"That is why our legislature must act now to put
back in the dangerousness statute those three gun
felonies which the SJC said are not presently covered.
The Legislature has shown it can act quickly when the
need is urgent. Last year in Massachusetts, 105
people were killed by gun violence. What could be more
urgent than that?" |
|
LOCAL
SPORTS |
|
Raynham
Loses to Norton 14-0
2009 Cal Ripken 11-year-old Eastern Mass. Tournament |
|
July
26, 2009 - Raynham Youth Baseball 11-year-olds
were shutout by Norton today 14-0 in the 2009 Cal Ripken 11-year-old Eastern Mass. Tournament.
The
loss for the Raynham squad does not spell
elimination. Raynham's championship hopes are
still alive. On Monday July 27, Raynham will
face Marblehead at 5:30pm.
Norton
is hosting the week-long tournament with the
championship game to be played on Saturday,
August 1. The tournament is being held at Burchill Fields on Plain Street in
Norton.
Tournament
Bracket |
|
|
|
Raynham
Youth
Baseball 11-Year-Olds to Play Norton
Norton Hosting 2009 Cal Ripken 11-year-old Eastern Mass. Tournament |
|
July
26, 2009 - Raynham Youth Baseball 11-year-olds
will play Norton in the 2009 Cal Ripken
11-Year-Old Eastern Massachusetts Tournament
today. Raynham received a bye in the first
round, while Norton defeated Westford yesterday
5-4 in eight innings.
The
winner will play Burlington on Tuesday, July 28.
Burlington topped Marblehead 1-0 yesterday.
Norton
is hosting the week-long tournament with the
championship game to be played on Saturday,
August 1. The tournament is being held at Burchill Fields on Plain Street in
Norton.
Tournament
Bracket |
|
| |
|
LOCAL NEWS |
|
Mansfield
Father Charged with Murder of 6-Year-Old
Daughter |
| July 24, 2009 -
Mansfield, MA - At approximately 4:05 a.m. today
Mansfield police responded to 93 Chilson Ave.
where they found 6-year-old Kaitlynn Griffin
deceased.
Her father, Kristopher Griffin, 35, of 93
Chilson Ave. and 85 Weir St., Mansfield, was
arrested by state and local police shortly after
the incident. He is charged with murder.
Mr. Grffin will be arraigned today in Taunton
District Court.
Facts of the case will be detailed during
today's arraignment.
Visit
MansfieldWeb.com for updates to this story. |
| |
|
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT |
|
Modern Auto
Body, Brockton -
Owned & Operated by Area Resident |
|
July
24, 2009 - Modern Auto Body in Brockton is owned and operated by
Fran Fistori of Norton. Mr. Fistori lives in Norton with his wife
and three children. He is active in the community and helps to
coach Little League and football in the town. |
|
Modern
Auto Body
561 N. Montello
Street
Brockton, MA 02301
508-580-6422
www.modernautobodycollision.com |
Mr.
Fistori began his business in 1983 in a small rented garage. After
two years he purchased the property at 561 N. Montello Street and
began construction on the current facility. Modern Auto Body
employees 15 full-time employees and is now in the midst of
another expansion. All employees are ASE Certified and I-CAR
trained. The shop utilizes the latest equipment. Modern Auto body
takes all the worries away from your auto accident down to the
smallest details like making sure the paint color is a 100% match.
Fran
and his staff will help walk you through your claims process from
beginning to end. The shop will come and pick your vehicle up if
necessary and will return your vehicle detailed inside and out. |
| |
|
LOCAL NEWS |
|
First
EEE Positive Mosquito Sample Identified in
Massachusetts
Health
officials remind residents to take precautions
to avoid mosquito bites |
|
July
22, 2009 - Boston, MA — The Massachusetts
Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that
Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been detected in
a mosquito sample in Massachusetts for the first
time this year. The mosquito sample was
collected on July 16, in the town of Freetown,
located in Bristol County. |
|
There
have been no human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV)
or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) identified
so far this year.
In
2008, there was one human case of EEE; however
there were 13 cases with 6 deaths from 2004
through 2006. EEE is usually spread to humans
through the bite of an infected mosquito. EEE is
a serious disease for all ages and can even
cause death. |
|
|
"This
is the first reminder that EEE is circulating in
our environment" said DPH State
Epidemiologist, Dr. Al DeMaria
"Southeastern Massachusetts has
historically borne the brunt of EEE."
People
have an important role to play in protecting
themselves and their loved ones from illnesses
caused by mosquitoes.
Avoid
Mosquito Bites
-
Be
Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from
dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many
mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor
activities that occur during evening or
early morning.
-
Clothing
Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing
long-sleeves, long pants and socks when
outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from
your skin.
-
Apply
Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a
repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide),
permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of
lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)]
or IR3535
according to the instructions on the product
label. DEET products should not be used on
infants under two months of age and should
be used in concentrations of 30% or less on
older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus
should not be used on children under three
years of age.
Mosquito-Proof
Your Home
-
Drain
Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in
standing water. Limit the number of places
around your home for mosquitoes to breed by
either draining or discarding items that
hold water. Check rain gutters and drains.
Empty any unused flowerpots and wading
pools, and change water in birdbaths
frequently.
-
Install
or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside
by having tightly-fitting screens on all of
your windows and doors.
More
information is available on the DPH website: www.mass.gov/dph/wnv. Information
about West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine
Encephalitis is also available by calling the
DPH recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV
(1-866-627-7968), or the Epidemiology Program at
617-983-6800. |
|
LOCAL NEWS |
|
Morton
Hospital Performance Improvement Director
Completes Patient Safety Fellowship, Receives
Prestigious Award |
|
July
22, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Orla Brandos, RN,
MBA, MSN, CPHQ, PSF, Director of Performance
Improvement/Risk Management and Patient Safety
Officer at Morton Hospital and Medical Center,
recently completed an Executive Fellowship in
Patient Safety at the Williamson Institute for
Healthcare Leadership at the Virginia
Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. Upon
graduating from the program, Brandos was awarded
the prestigious Carl W. Armstrong Award, given
to one fellow from each graduating class,
selected by the teaching faculty and fellow
students. |
|
Orla
Brandos, Director of Performance
Improvement/Risk Management and Patient Safety
Officer at Morton Hospital and Medical Center
|
During
the 11-month program, which was sponsored by
Morton Hospital, Brandos completed an extensive
curriculum including courses on Medication
Safety & Methods, Advanced Issues in Error
Reporting Systems, Leadership and its Impact on
Patient Safety, and Use of Technology for
Patient Safety Success.
"I
am a patient advocate and I strive to promote
excellence in providing safe, quality care for
all of our patients at Morton Hospital,"
said Brandos. "The healthcare environment
is constantly changing, and this program
provided me the opportunity to learn about the
most current and innovative resources and best
practices to improve patient safety."
Each
fellow in the program was required to design and
implement a patient safety project. Brandos’s
project, "Improving Handoff Communication
in the Acute Care Hospital", gave a
detailed approach to the evidence-based SBAR
(Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation)
communication tool used among caregivers,
including those at Morton Hospital. Her project
was voted most likely to promote significant
advancements in patient safety, which prompted
Brandos’s award nomination. As a result of the
project’s success, Brandos was also selected
as a guest speaker at the Virginians Improving
Patient Care and Safety (VIPC&S) annual
conference. |
|
Prior
to her current position at Morton Hospital,
Brandos served as Director of a medical surgical
unit at Cape Coral Hospital in Florida. Previous
to that, she worked at Morton Hospital as a
staff nurse in a variety of clinical settings.
She has more than 18 years of hospital nursing
and leadership experience, and is responsible
for all quality and safety initiatives at Morton
Hospital.
"The
patient safety fellowship provided advanced
education related to standards of excellence in
safe patient care across the continuum of care
for all patients" said Brandos. "The
resources I gained during my fellowship are some
that you can’t find anywhere else." |
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Special
Olympians Compete in Taunton |
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July
21, 2009 - Taunton, MA – They came from as far away as
Shrewsbury and Dorchester to compete for the gold,
silver and bronze. In all, 36 bocce athletes competed in
the First Annual Special Olympics Massachusetts South
Section Bocce Tournament at the Columbia Cultural Center
on Saturday, July 18, 2009.
"We
are so pleased to be involved with this very special
event," said Dick Simmons, President, Columbia
Lodge #540, Order Sons of Italy in America. "This
(Special Olympics Massachusetts) is a very special
organization and we’re proud to be involved with
them."
"In
addition to Columbia Lodge #540, DeAvila’s Catering
and Henriques Landscaping stepped up to plan and make
certain we had a great first-time event for our Special
Olympians," said Jay O’Brien, Special Olympics
Massachusetts South Section Director."
Columbia
Lodge #540 is Taunton’s chapter of the Order Sons of
Italy in America, the largest and longest-established
organizations of Italian Americans in the United States. |
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Greater
Taunton team members Barbara Leary and her son Andy
Maynard of Raynham share a warm moment together after
winning bronze medals in the First Annual Special
Olympics South Section Bocce Tournament.
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HOME OF THE WEEK |
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6 Keith Drive,
Norton, MA 02766 View
Map
Watch
a Slide Show of this Home
(turn on your
speakers for the full experience) |
Stunning
Colonial
Located
in the beautiful neighborhood of Maple Commons, just one glance
at this 4 bedroom Colonial home & you can clearly see a
great pride of ownership. Curb appeal is in full effect with the
well-manicured lawn & beautiful walkway. Imagine coming home
& enjoying all this property has to offer from the bright
& sunny kitchen, complete with hardwood floors, oak
cabinets, granite counters & island, to the gas fireplace
living room. Master bedroom with lots of closet space. Finished
lower level. Great access to highways & train.
Slide
Show Tour || Circle
Pix Tour
|
Details:
Asking Price: $459,900
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5
Garage Size: 2
Acres: 0.69 |
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LOCAL NEWS |
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Morton
Hospital Honors Employees of the Month |
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July
4, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Morton Hospital and
Medical Center recently held a reception
honoring its second 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.
The
Hospital honored: Frank Cannizzaro,
Environmental Services; Kelley Brennan, MS,
CCC-SLP, Speech Pathology; and Rob Brien Berks,
BSN, RN, Emergency Room. 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. |
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L-R:
Thomas Porter, Morton Hospital President, honors
2nd quarter Employees of the Month;
Frank Cannizzaro, Environmental Services; Kelley
Brennan, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech Pathology; and, Rob
Brien-Berks, BSN, RN, Emergency Room.
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LOCAL EVENT |
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Morton
Hospital Physician to Host "New Treatments
for Diabetes" |
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July
1, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Morton Hospital and
Medical Center will host the final program of
its Spring/Summer Community Education Lecture
Series on Thursday, July 9. The series consists
of monthly lectures, seminars and special events
that provide important information on a variety
of health and wellness topics and promote new
services offered at Hospital.
Gilbert
Brovar, MD, Morton Hospital Endocrinologist,
will host the lecture and discuss new diabetic
treatment options. The lecture will be held in
the Hospital’s Margaret Stone Conference Room
at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
The
Community Education Series is free and open to
the public, however, pre-registration is
required. To register for this program, call the
Morton Hospital Health Services Referral Line at
(508) 828-7777. |
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