From the Town Clerk

Happy November. Let’s hope we see more sunshine than we did in September and October. It’s never an easy transition to colder days and nights. The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a snowy winter. They’re saying to get those shovels ready as snow will be arriving early and continue through the start of spring. As we start November just a friendly reminder that real estate taxes are due on November 1.

I would like to take this time to tell the citizens of Seekonk that I will be retiring at the end of 2023.  I am looking forward to more personal time.

I first started working part time for the Town of Seekonk as secretary to the Planning Board in October of 2007. Then in 2015 a terrible tragedy not only struck the Town Clerk’s office but the entire town when the Assistant Town Clerk, Karen McHugh was killed in a hit-and run crash in January of 2015. It was a terrible loss for the community. I was asked if I wanted to apply for the Assistant Town Clerk’s job. It was a difficult decision because I had worked with Karen but I knew Jan Parker, the Town Clerk, and I knew I wanted to help out in any way I could. I was Assistant Town Clerk until Janet Parker decided to retire in 2017. I ran for the Town Clerk’s position in 2017 won and ran again in 2020 and 2023. It is a humbling experience to be elected three times, I consider it one of my greatest achievements. I will forever be grateful to the citizens of Seekonk.  

The Town Clerk’s job has been transforming over the past few years with more responsibilities from the State concerning elections. Because of that there have been many up and downs. I would say some of the most difficult days came at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and then during the elections that followed the passage of the VOTES Act in June 2022. The new laws expanded accessibility to the polls for voters by making mail-in voting permanent and expanding early voting opportunities. This increased the Town Clerk’s office workload considerably on top of the regular day to day workload.
I will miss my fellow employees and all the wonderful residents I have gotten to know through the years.

Veterans Day Parade

The Seekonk Veterans Day Parade - Saturday, November 11, 2023.
Parade participants will meet at Briarwood Plaza at 9am. The parade rolls at 10am and finishes at Seekonk Veterans Memorial Park. 

What a great way to honor our Veteran’s we hope everyone can come out, wave and say thank you to our Veterans. We owe our freedom to each and every veteran and to those who continue to serve today.

Town Hall will be closed on Friday November 10^th to celebrate Veteran’s Day.  Please take a moment to think about and thank a veteran for their dedication, service and sacrifice for our Country.

Town Meeting News

Annual Fall Town Meeting - Monday November 13, 2023.
The Town Meeting will be held 7pm, Monday November 13 at 261 Arcade Ave. Seekonk High School auditorium.

The warrant will be available to look at on the Town Web site: www.seekonk-ma.gov or if you want a copy, please come to the Town Hall we will gladly give you a copy. They will also be handed out as you go into the meeting.

Hope to see everyone turn out for this important town meeting. Get involved – your opinion and vote matters!

The Annual Seekonk Town Election 2024 will be held Monday April 1, 2024. Nomination papers for offices up for election will be available December 15, 2023 in the Town Clerk’s office. You must to be a registered voter in Seekonk to run for a position.

Nomination papers require a minimum of 50 signatures from voters registered in Seekonk. A street address not a P.O. Box is required from each person signing your papers.

Elected positions available in 2024:

• One seat for the Board of Assessors (3-year term)
• Two seats for Board of Selectmen (3-year term)
• One seat for Housing Authority (5-year term)
• Two seats for The Library Board of Trustees (3-year term)
• One seat for the Planning Board (5-year term)
• One seat for the Planning Board (1-year term)
• Two seats for the School Committee (3-year term)
• One seat for Town Clerk (2-year term)
• One seat for Water Commission (3-year term) 

The Town Hall hours for the week of Thanksgiving is as follows:
Monday & Tuesday 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Wednesday 8:30AM – 12:30PM
Thursday & Friday – Closed

Lorraine and I wish everyone a Thanksgiving filled with health, laughter, family and friendship.