Seekonk News Notes – August

Fire Chief Alan Jack to Retire
Fire Chief Alan Jack is retiring effective September 19 after serving the town for 10 years. Jack has been a firefighter for more than 40 years. The town is considering hiring a replacement for Jack from within the fire department. A retirement party in Jack’s honor is planned for Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Ramada in Seekonk. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, call the Seekonk Fire Department at 508-336-8510. See article elsewhere in this issue for an in-depth feature on Chief Jack.

Joanne Oliviera Appointed to Board of Health
Selectmen appointed licensed nurse Joanne Oliviera to the Seekonk Board of Health for a three-year term. There was some disagreement over the appointment because Town Administrator Shawn Cadime recommended Lauren Walsh, former chair of the Capital Improvement Committee, but Chairman Dave Parker and Selectmen Nelson Almeida wanted to appoint Oliviera instead. Selectman Gary Sagar also backed Walsh.

Hillary Clinton Visits Seekonk Store for Book Signing
Hillary Clinton held a book signing for her new book “Hard Choices” at Sam’s Club in Seekonk on Saturday, July 26. Hundreds waited in line for the opportunity to say a few words to the former Secretary of State, First Lady and possible Presidential candidate. Clinton did not make a speech or speak to reporters at the event. She was scheduled to sign books from 2-5:00 p.m. About 1,000 wristbands were available for fans, who were only allowed to carry wallets, cell phones and keys into the store for the book signing. Some people reportedly lined up on Friday night for the chance to meet her and get a book signed.

School Committee Approves New Employee Policy
The school committee approved a new employee policy, effective July 1, which is being criticized by some employees. A new provision under General Employment was created called “at-will employment.” According to information on the school department website, it means “that either the employee or the School District may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.” There are reportedly about a dozen employees that now fall under this new provision. Critics are saying that the new policy was not listed as a discussion item on the school committee’s meeting agendas, but Committee Chairman Mitch Vieira reportedly said employees were notified of the proposed policy change.

Veterans Memorial Receives Donation from Stop & Shop
Representatives from Stop & Shop contributed $1,000 to the Seekonk Veterans Memorial project in a ceremony last month. About $30,000 has reportedly already been raised for the new memorial which will be located on Seekonk Library property on Newman Avenue. Additional funds are being solicited for the project which is expected to begin construction in the next few months.


Seekonk Native Wins Emmy Award
Amanda Keegan, 26, daughter of Bill and Felicia Keegan, has won an Emmy Award for her work as a producer on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Bill Keegan, who recently became Town Manager of Foxboro, previously worked as Town Administrator in Seekonk and he and his wife still reside in town. Amanda is a 2006 graduate of Seekonk High School and currently lives in Manhattan.

Group Protests at Hobby Lobby in Seekonk
About two dozen people protested outside Hobby Lobby plaza in Seekonk last month, to show their disapproval of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to give religious exemptions to privately-held corporations, allowing them to limit what they offer in their health insurance plans. The court struck down a regulation under the Affordable Care Act requiring employers to cover certain contraceptives for female employees. Hobby Lobby’s owners filed a lawsuit because they objected to the regulation for religious reasons. A spokesperson for the protestors said they are opposed to the Supreme Court decision and believe that private corporations should pay for full health care benefits.

Rhode Island Man Arrested for Setting Up Hidden Camera at Seekonk Gym
Seekonk police have filed misdemeanor charges against Mark McVay, 55, of Bristol, RI for setting up a concealed camera in the women’s locker room at Planet Fitness on Route 44. The charges are: attempting to commit a crime and photo, videotaping or electronic surveilling. According to a press release by Seekonk police, the camera had been running for over 21 minutes before it was discovered. Before his arrest, McVay reportedly told The Sun Chronicle that he left the video camera as a prank for a friend to find. An arraignment date had not been set at press time. He was recently arrested in Rhode Island on similar charges.