From the Town Clerk

Hello All ~ Happy July.  I can’t believe we are more than half way through 2021.  I also can’t believe eight full years have passed since I became your Town Clerk.  I have to say . . . time sure does fly when you are having fun!!!  I am definitely having fun and absolutely love being your Town Clerk.  Thank you for another exciting, interesting, challenging, and informative year! 

CONGRATULATIONS CHERYL GOUVEIA  ON YOUR RETIREMENT
On Friday, June 18, 2021, Rehoboth’s Treasurer and Tax Collector Cheryl Gouveia, retired after 26 years of service.  I would personally like to thank Cheryl for the commitment, dedication, and expertise she brought to her position in service to the Town of Rehoboth and its residents.  Cheryl embodies the definition of Public Servant. Cheryl always went above and beyond the requirements of her position; most times working late or on weekends so others would benefit. As our Treasurer, Cheryl chartered a steady course to ensure Town assets were protected throughout all the ups and downs of the financial markets. As our Tax Collector, Cheryl always demonstrated a willingness to quietly assist residents when they found themselves facing difficult times.

Cheryl has also been a caring and supportive co-worker to all who have worked for the Town over the past quarter of a century. Cheryl is always doing nice things for others, remembering special occasions, decorating town hall for every season/holiday at her own expense and leading the charge whenever someone at town hall or in the town needed help.   

But most of all, Cheryl is a wonderful friend. There is an old saying that says a “good friend is like a four leaf clover . . . hard to find and lucky to have”. Cheryl you are my four leaf clover. I am truly going to miss working with you Cheryl, but thrilled you will now be able to spend more quality time with Frank, who also is another retired, hardworking, dedicated, public servant for the Town of Rehoboth!  The Town has been very fortunate to have you both working for us for so many years.  However, now that you have decided to move onto a new phase of your life, we wish you both a wonderful retirement, enjoying time with family in your beautiful new travel trailer.  Cheryl, may the joys you bring to so many be returned to you during your retirement, and “may you be proud of all the work you have done, the person you are and the difference you have made”.  Enjoy, please stay healthy and safe ~ much happiness ~ Happy Retirement!! 

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
As of June 24^th, 50% of Rehoboth residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine; 45% of residents are fully vaccinated. This compares 69% of all Massachusetts residents receiving one dose and 60% being fully vaccinated.  COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone over the age of 12-years are available at the Anawan Pharmacy, located at 224 Winthrop Street in Rehoboth. Vaccination appointments can be scheduled by visiting:   www.anawanpharmacy.com.

STREET LISTINGS
We received the Annual Street Listings based on the 2021 Census data we gathered this year.  If you would like a copy, there is a $15.00 charge.  You may purchase at town hall or online at https://www.invoicecloud.com/rehobothgovsvcs and click on Street Listings.

NON-RESPONDENTS TO ANNUAL TOWN CENSUS
If you have not responded to the census, your voter status will change to inactive unless you return the signed confirmation card you received stating that you still live in the Town of Rehoboth.  Last month we mailed 804 voter inactivation cards to those Rehoboth voters who did not complete their 2021 Annual Town Census, as per Massachusetts General Law.   Individuals who are on the Inactive Voter List (those who do not return our acknowledgement card or who have not answered our annual town census) will need to provide proof of continuous residency before being allowed to vote in any federal, state, or town election and/or town meeting.  If you received a postage paid voter inactivation card in the mail, please complete, sign and return to us as soon as possible so we may reinstate your “active” voting status ~ thank you.

BUSINESS CERTIFICATES
Business owners are reminded that the application fee for a business certificate and/or business certificate renewal is $50.00 and that your certificate is valid for four years.  If your business license is expiring within the next six months, you should have received your renewal letters and applications last month. New business owners must first go to Building Inspector/Zoning Officer Office to complete a sign off sheet and then to the Town Clerk’s Office as your final step to be issued a Business Certificate.  Information and forms are available on the Town Clerk’s website:

http://www.town.rehoboth.ma.us/town-clerk/pages/business-certificates

DOG LICENSES
All dog licenses were due and payable by April 1^st.  Unfortunately, a $15.00 late fee was assessed for any licenses that were not renewed by June 1^st, after a 60-day grace period.  We still have 336 dogs that are unlicensed for this year.  A total of 1,881 dogs have been licensed as of June 24, 2021 ~ thank you all. A non-criminal citation with an additional charge of $25.00 will be issued for any dogs that are not licensed by July 15^th, so please, license your dog(s) to avoid any further late charges.  229 letters were sent during the last week of June to remind dog owners to renew their dog’s license before the added expense of $25 is added to their dog’s license fee.  Delinquent dog owners were sent a postcard reminder and two reminder letters this year.  If your dog has a valid rabies vaccine, you may register your dog online on the Town Website www.RehobothMA.gov – click on “Online Payments” then “Town Clerk Payments” followed by clicking on “Dog Tags” or drop off your payment in the drop box at Town Hall, 148 Peck Street.  Thanks so much.

In closing, Lynn, Odete and I wish you all a wonderful 4^th of July and a happy, healthy, safe, and memorable summer!  Please stay healthy and safe!!  I look forward to chatting with you again in August.

Sincerely,
Laura