A Stoughton man was arrested Saturday for allegedly trying to break into his neighbor's home on Phillips Ave.

Stoughton Police received a call at 11:15 a.m. on June 15 reporting a house break-in on Phillips Ave.

An occupant in the home was sleeping and woke up to allegedly find neighbor Nicholas Anderson, 25, of Phillips Ave. in Stoughton, in the house, Lt. John Bonney said.

Once the neighbor woke up, Anderson then fled, according to Bonney.

Police set up a perimeter around the area and called for a K9 search, but while the K9 was still enroute, Officer Charles Roberts saw Anderson on foot on nearby Britton Ave. (which runs perpendicular to Phillips Ave.) and was able to place the suspect under arrest, Bonney said.

Anderson is charged with breaking and entering in the daytime, placing a person in fear (felony).

Anderson was previously arrested in January 2012 for breaking into a home on Ewing Dr., which is also in close proximity to Phillips Ave.

The highlight of this year's Party All Night Long for the Stoughton High Class of 2013 came June 7 at 3 a.m. with hypnotist Jim Spinnato making his annual appearance at PANL.

He had close to 20 graduates shouting in excitement, throwing tantrums, smelling one another, and dancing to a number of hit songs as their classmates laughed along. 

PANL is the annual alcohol-free and drug-free post-graduation bash held at the O'Donnell Middle School.

Take a look at additional photos from PANL here:

Gallery: Stoughton High Party All Night Long 2013

***

Each week, we'll feature a different outstanding criminal case from around the region. Information is courtesy of MassMostWanted.com. If you have any information regarding the case, contact your local police department.

Theft - Case No. 110457
June 15, 2011
Norfolk : Housing developement

Case Details:
Suspect(s) B & E car in town of Norfolk, Ma removed wallet containing credit cards, used credit cards Toys R' us Brockton,Ma same day. Purchased gift cards $500 dollar increments. Two Pictured suspects caught on video surveillance Suspects also used stolen credit card(s) at Dicks sporting in Brockton, and a Target store in Stoughton. Any info please contact Officer Degnim Norfolk P.D. 508-528-3206

If you have any information about the identity of this person or where they are, please contact:

Norfolk: (508) 528-3206
Investigator: Off. Thomas Degnim
Case Submission No.: 110457

Every June, I watch kids enviously as the school year dwindles and the excitement builds. Summer holds so much promise when you’re young: You can do practically anything now that you’re not spending six hours a day in school, your bedtime is extended, and you can sleep till quarter-past whenever. And there’s that whole, “no more teachers, no more books” thing.

Here are a few things I'd do this summer if I were still a kid -- what would you do?

• Time was on my side. Three months off -- enough time to beat every video game I own, go creek stomping, perfect my Frisbee throw, swim in every pool on the block, build a tree fort, work my way through my reading list, and still get bored.

• The ice cream truck. I hear the ice cream man and suddenly have the undeniable craving for a Rocket Pop that will turn my tongue purple. But it’s just not appropriate for a grown woman to go tearing down the street after a white van blaring “The Entertainer.”

• Free vacations! As kids, we had all-expenses-paid trips to the beach, to Six Flags, and to theme parks. Of course we can still take those trips as adults and enjoy them with our own families, but now we know exactly how much they cost -- a lot.

• All-you-can-eat summer food. I miss the days of going to a cookout and eating whatever I wanted, the idea of counting calories was as foreign as minding my checking account balance. Seconds on dessert? Yes, please!

• No responsibilities. As a kid you might have to take a turn mowing the lawn. As a grown up you have to do it every week. You also have to weed the garden, paint the shutters, wash the car, stain the deck and clean the grill… Permission to put my feet up? Granted. 

What about summer makes you miss being a kid? Tell us why you wish you were a kid again by posting a comment below.

Need more summer inspiration? Grown Ups 2, starring Adam Sandler, comes to theaters July 12. 

If you're looking to take the kids out for some pizza some night soon, don't confuse Chuck & Cheese House of Pizza with the more nationally-known Chuck E. Cheese's.

Both offer pizza, but while the national chain is known for being an American family entertainment center, the local pizzeria at 516 Washington St. (Route 138) in Stoughton, which has been a staple eatery in town for 25 years, actually opened first, according to current owner Peter Nellos. 

The former owner of the business named it after his son Chuck, said Nellos, who bought the restaurant several years ago. 

At one point, the former owner received a letter from Chuck E. Cheese's, asking for a name change. But after investigating, the former owner discovered that Chuck & Cheese had incorporated its business in 1985, one year earlier than Chuck E. Cheese's, Nellos said, and such was able to keep its name. 

Now, the eatery is known for its food, most notably its roast beef sandwich, said Nellos, who used to work for Kelly's Roast Beef. 

The local pizzeria, which has been in its new location since late 2010 after moving from their former space in Walgreens Plaza, serves pizza, calzones, burgers, submarine sandwiches, and American classic side dishes. For those looking for lighter choices, try the soups, salads, paninis or omelets.

Patrons also have the option of sitting with friends in a large dining area, or ordering take-out.

HOFFMAN FUNDRAISER A HUGE SUCCESS: The community once again came out in full force to honor Stoughton High 2009 graduate Jake Hoffman, a Stoughton resident who perished in an Amherst apartment fire January 21, 2013 while in his senior year at UMass Amherst.

Frank Faria, who graduated SHS with Jake, organized a soccer fundraiser called Kick It 4 Jake, which was held Sunday at the Stoughton Youth Soccer League fields on West Street. 

Faria said it turned out beyond his wildest optimistic dreams.  “We had 160 participants, and another 150 people come out to watch or help out.  It appears that we took in about $9,000.  We’re going to hold this event every year,” he told About Town.

The tournament raised enough money to provide a scholarship (or two) to a Stoughton High graduating senior soccer player. Everyone that played received a t-shirt and enjoyed a meal at the Sons of Italy Hall. 

The event drew a large crowd of Jake's friends.  It also drew his family, who actively participated.  His sister Nichole and brother Riordan played on a team that went to the finals. His aunts, uncles and cousins lined the fields.

Jake's parents, Dave and Anne, were so appreciative of the response in their son’s honor.

Anne told me, “People speak about how ugly our downtown is.  But, the people of this town are beautiful. This is truly a wonderful community.”

Faria deserves much credit.  Single-handedly, he collected enough donations to produce three tables full of raffle items, and a full table of silent auction items.  His mom handled the duties of handing out the winning bids. Donna Madoff manned the T Shirt table.  Others sold popcorn, and refreshments, which also supported the charity.

The weather cooperated, as well.  It seemed like it would rain, but it held off. And, the temperature was cool enough to be comfortable for those who ran around on the soccer field.  

While Jake was at Stoughton High, he captained the soccer team, and wore the number 4 jersey.  That number was printed on all the shirts.

Faria wanted to thank all of the sponsors of the Jake Hoffman Memorial Soccer Tournament.  They included Kidsports, Town Spa Pizza, North Atlantic Medical, Living the Dream, Apex Auto Body, Vargas & Vargas Insurance, Cromwell Consulting, DMB Painting, Sons of Italy, Jake’s Wayback Burgers, Ruggiero Bros., Maltby Tree Service, Beantown Diner, Wizard Computer Services, Zachary’s Breakfast, Sign-A-Rama of Walpole, and Piesco Sporting Goods in Easton.

Those who knew Jake Hoffman loved the kid.  You couldn’t help but like him.  And, the hundreds of people, young and old, who turned out on Sunday were a living monument to a young man whose legacy will be eternal.  

Now, it is assured, that even more graduates of Stoughton High, will get a check for college, with Jake’s name attached.  To a man who did so much for charity while he was here on Earth, he will continue to do so from his perch in Heaven.    

One of Jake’s friends from college is organizing a golf tournament to raise funds for a scholarship in his name at Umass Amherst.  We’ll let our readers know about that, as soon as the details are ironed out.

***

The following is from the OASIS group (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton):

June is a time for celebrations, ending and beginning new cycles and opportunities for reflection.  

At OASIS we are celebrating nine years of substance abuse prevention work! We also took a look back at our year. Here is a sampling of some of the things we accomplished in 2012/2013:

• Built a new collaboration between the Norfolk Juvenile Court and the Stoughton Youth Commission to implement the Reclaiming Futures Program which provides mental health and substance abuse screening to all Stoughton Youth that are involved with the Norfolk Juvenile Court.

• Provided community education about the risks associated with youth marijuana use though parent workshops, web based media, articles and community presentations.

• Hosted two Prescription Drug Take Back Events in collaboration with the Fall and Spring Stoughton Hazardous Waste Days. Over $25,000 in controlled substances were collected and incinerated as a result of these events.

• Developed a new OASIS website! Visit us at www.stoughtonoasis.org.

• Produced 2 videos on “How to Talk to Your Teen”. Find them on our website!

• Launched the 1st Youth Leadership Institute for Stoughton Teens. To find out more or register for the Fall visit www.stoughtonoasis.org/leadership

• Administered the bi-annual Youth Health Survey to Stoughton High and O’Donnell Middle School students in February. This survey provides information and insight into the health behaviors of Stoughton Youth that OASIS and other local organizations use for planning and evaluation. (Click here for a summary of the results)

• Hosted a meeting between local Brazilian Families and the Stoughton Public Schools to share information and concerns.

• Joined a Regional Opiate Prevention Collaborative with Quincy, Randolph, Weymouth and Braintree to address local heroin and other opiate overdoses and prevent use. This group successfully wrote for a grant from the MA Department of Public Health.

• Built and strengthened collaborations with many town departments to collaborate on current and future initiatives.

Coming soon......OASIS plans and initiatives for next year!

To learn more about our work or get involved, visit our website: www.stoughtonoasis.org; find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/stoughtonoasis; or follow us on Twitter @StoughtonOASIS.

***

April 15th of last year was the beginning of a new journey in life. That was the day I wrote a mediocre article about the Stoughton High Baseball Team falling to Silver Lake 3-0, in a game which featured a bench clearing tussle at home plate.

After the game on the bus ride home, I texted then junior captain Pat Jackman and said, "give me some quotes like you give Jeff."

Jackman, as always, gave a great assessment of the game despite my useless interview skills in an article where I did not even bother to get head coach Mike Armour's thoughts on the emotional game.

More importantly than all that, to me at least, it was the first article on the Patch with my name on it. Despite the content of the article (which at the time I thought was up to par with sports writer legends such as Bob Ryan), it was still something to be proud of.

Well, it's June of 2013 now, I am a graduate of Stoughton High School, I am getting prepared to continue studying journalism at Northeastern University in the fall, and I also know how to get a proper quote after a game.

I say "continue studying journalism" for a reason. Over the last year and change at the Patch I have started my study of journalism more than I can ever have imagined for a high school which lacked a sufficient newspaper for most of my high school career.

I could go on and on about how the whole town relies on Patch and all of that but I won't. We all know the hard work and time Jeff puts in. And we all know how much the town appreciates Jeff, and the countless hours he sacrifices to make sure no one feels like they have been left out.

Jeff taking me under his wing and teaching me everything I know about journalism up to this point is something that I will appreciate forever. 

Throughout my time at the Patch he has taught me so much more than just how to write an article. What Jeff has taught me is something you cannot necessarily learn in a classroom. Every young aspiring journalist is not as lucky as me to have a Jeff Pickette in their life, who takes his time whether it be, helping me with my college essay after an already busy work day, or telling me stories about the day to day life of a journalist on a car ride to a football game.

There is so much stuff I have left out due to length, but Jeff, once again thank you for everything. Wherever life takes both of us I know we will continue to stay in touch forever, and as you know I wish you the best of luck in whatever you may decide to pursue. Who knows, maybe we will end up working in the same newsroom one day.

I was asked by a friend what my favorite article I have ever written was. It took me a while to decide between a couple. I think after looking them over I would have to say my article following the events at the Boston Marathon was the most satisfying to write. Being a tragedy that happened in our own backyard, it felt good to be able to get my feelings out and write that article.

In truth though, I'm not sure I can pick one favorite. Of all of my 57 articles on the site where I am the primary author (this being the 58th) I tried to go about each one with the same mind set.  Whether it be a game recap, a feature, or a school event, I tried my hardest to leave the biased mind of a high school student aside and shed a fair light for everyone. I never wanted an article up where I would be ashamed that my name was on it.

It wouldn't be fair to write this article without thanking the people who have supported me most in my up and coming journalism career. To my mom, dad, and sister, thank you for always being there for me. Of all 57 articles to date, each one they made sure to tell me good work on, and I know wherever I end up in the journalism world they will continue to do the same.

To the countless teachers and coaches as well as parents who have told me they read my work, or that they liked a particular article, thank you. Also to friends (most of whom I have had to interview for one article or another), thank you as well. All of your support has helped assure me that journalism is the right career for me.

So although college is coming in the approaching months and I will be off to a familiar city to start life in Boston, I won't be too far. Although my time regularly writing for the Patch has come to an end, whether it be a big event over the summer, or when I am home on break, I'm sure my name will appear in the Patch at some point again.

I leave with a goodbye to the readers of the Patch, and a thank you for having read my work and not getting on me too much when I forgot a comma, or used the wrong form of "there, their, or they're" in an article. I will appreciate and value your readership forever.

Have outdoor plans Monday afternoon or evening? If so, keep an eye to the sky.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for most of Massachusetts. The Cape and Islands are not in the watch area.

A weak cold front is expected to approach Monday afternoon allowing for scattered showers and thunderstorms to develop.

"This cool front is a slow mover up in northern New England right now,"WHDH meteorologist Jeremy Reiner said on his blog. "This slow moving front will settle into our part of the world very late this afternoon, bringing a chance of some scattered t-storms."

The NWS says a few of the storms will become strong to severe, with large hail, damaging wind gusts and cloud-to-ground lightning.

Heavy rainfall is also expected in these storms, resulting in some localized flooding. Parts of Middlesex and Norfolk counties are already in a flood warning.

The threat of these storms is from 2-10 p.m.

A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for severe storms to develop.

After honoring the Class of 2013 the week before at Class Night and at Graduation, Stoughton High School held an assembly honoring standout students in the SHS Class of 2014.

A group of 15 deserving juniors received either certificates or book awards at the annual Junior Awards ceremony, held Wednesday, June 12 in the SHS auditorium.

The junior award recipients included Kayla Burgos, Jessica Cohen, Tess Connor, Peter DaSilva, Alec DeNapoli, Kassandra Melo, Kevin James McDonald, Megan McMahon, Jesse Miller, Robert Mone, Monica Peterson, Elizabeth Sloane, Corey Shore, Emma Sinkus and Madeline Sinkus.

"Many colleges and universities offer books and certificates to honor the academic, extracurricular, leadership and volunteer work of members of the junior class.  Recipients are encouraged to apply to the college or university from which they received their award.  While receipt of a book award does not guarantee admission to the college or university, it will get the recipient’s application a second look," according to a press release from Stoughton High.

Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award - Robert Mone

• Presented to a junior who has high achievement and rigor in science classes and a high PSAT math and/or SAT math score, and is given to a junior who demonstrates exceptional promise in the sciences.  Winners of this award are automatically considered for the Bausch & Lomb Scholarship which provides each student with $7,500 per year for a total of $30,000 over four years of college. 

Boston College Book Award - Kassandra Melo  

• Presented to a student who reflects Boston College’s ethos of academic excellence, leadership, service and high moral character.   

Brown Book Award - Elizabeth Sloane 

• Presented to honor a student who best combines academic excellence with clarity in written and spoken expression.  

Stoughton High School Outstanding Achievement Award -Megan McMahon 

• Presented to a student who has shown outstanding academic achievement and has contributed significantly to the school community.  

Dartmouth Book Award - Corey Shore 

• Given to a student in the top 10% of the Junior Class.  The student has attained an outstanding combined academic average in college preparatory classes, two of which include math and English.  Above all, the selected student has demonstrated outstanding leadership in a highly visible school sponsored activity and/or service to the community.  

Holy Cross Book Award - Madeline Sinkus

• Presented to a junior who has achieved academic excellence and has admirable personal qualities.  The student should be in the top 5-10% of their class and show sincere concern for others and a responsible attitude in all of his or her endeavors.  

Princeton Book Award - Kevin James McDonald

• Presented to a student who has demonstrated outstanding personal traits of character, leadership, and performance in sports, music, student government, service to the community, or other extracurricular activities.  The student is in the top five percent of the class academically and achieved appropriate high performance in the PSAT or SAT.  

Regis College Book Award - Tess Connor

• Presented to a student who has demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills, displayed academic promise, and exhibited exceptional leadership qualities.  

Rensselaer Medal - Kevin James McDonald

• Presented to promising secondary school students who have distinguished themselves in math and science.  This award recognizes the superlative academic achievement of young men and women and serves to motivate them toward careers in science, engineering and technology.  

Saint Michael’s College Book Awards -Jesse Miller and Monica Peterson

• Two book awards presented to both a male and female student. The students should exhibit the characteristics of an ideal Saint Michael’s student, based specifically on achievement in academics and social conscience evidenced through commitment to community service, issues of peace and justice and concern for others.  

Smith College Book Award - Kayla Burgos

• Presented to young women who exemplify the academic achievement, leadership qualities and concern for others that characterize the thousands of women who have graduated from Smith College.  

Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award from the University of Rochester - Jessica Cohen

• Presented to a junior who has demonstrated commitment to understanding and addressing difficult social issues, shows leadership and a dedication to community action. The student should also have strong grades and rigorous courses taken in the humanities and social sciences. 

George Eastman Young Leaders Award from the University of Rochester - Emma Sinkus

• Presented to a junior who shows strong leadership in both school and the community, has high grades in challenging courses, and has extensive involvement in extracurricular activities.  

University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovations & Information Technology - Peter DaSilva

• Awarded to a student who has a strong interest in innovation and/or information technology and has a high level of achievement in this area.  

Yale Book Award - Alec DeNapoli

• Presented to a student who exemplifies the characteristics of a Yale University student. The junior should possess outstanding personal character and intellectual promise. 

Another U.S. Senate election for Massachusetts is drawing to a close, with the two candidates set to square off Tuesday night, one final time before voters head to the polls June 25.

Democratic Congressman Edward Markey of Malden and Republican businessman and former U.S. Navy SEAL Gabriel Gomez will hold the last of three debates Tuesday evening in the race to fill the seat formerly held by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

The debate will air live from 7 to 8 p.m. on WCVB (Channel 5). The debate will be moderated by R.D. Sahl of Boston University.

The two previous debates for the candidates were held in Boston and Springfield.

Recent polling has suggested an edge for Markey in the race.

Both candidates have received visits from high-profile supporters with Gomez welcoming former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani while Markey had both President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton stumping for him last week. 

Having a Garage or Yard Sale? Share the details here to be added to our interactive map of sales.

Later this week we'll show you a map of sales in the area. This map shows you sales in several Boston neighborhoods. You can also add your sale to your local Patch by clicking on it below:

Stoughton Patch

Sharon Patch

Walpole Patch

Wrentham Patch

Attleboro Patch

Canton Patch

Dedham Patch

Easton Patch

Foxborough Patch

Mansfield Patch

Norton Patch

Norwood Patch

Seekonk-Swansea Patch

Stoughton Patch

If you're looking at this on your mobile device, switch to desktop view.

The following is from the Farley Funeral Home website: 

John M. Bourke, 81, died Friday, June 14 at his home after a long illness. He was the husband of the late Dolores M. (Ferzoco) Bourke.

Born in Lewiston, ME, he was raised and educated in Portland and graduated from Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY.

He was a Veteran of the United States Army and a longtime member of the United States Naval Reserves, serving for 32 years and retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer.

He worked as a foreman for The Fuller Brush and Mohawk Brush Companies for many years, retiring several years ago.

Mr. Bourke was a recipient of a Kidney transplant over 15 years ago at the Mass General Hospital. He was a former President of the Berkley Lions Club. In his free time, he enjoyed researching geneology, following the stock market, spending time with his family and working around his yard.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and his youngest grandson, Owen Daniel, loved to spend time with his Papa.

He was the father of Charmaine Schaefer and her husband Richard and Debra Goyer and her husband Gary all of NY, Carola Hetzel and her husband Edward of PA and Bryan A. Bourke and Erick J Bourke both of Stoughton.

He was the brother of Bertram Bourke of CA, Theodore Bourke of DE, Leila (Mickey) Manning of CT, Carola Riley and Patricia Bourke both of NY. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Funeral will be held from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rte. 27) in Stoughton on Thursday, June 20 followed by a Funeral Mass at St. James Church in Stoughton at a time to be announced. Burial will follow at VA National Cemetery, Bourne.

Visiting hours Wednesday, June 19, from 5-8 p.m. at the Farley Funeral Home. 

TOWN MEETING, SESSION 5: On a night where it was thundering and lightning outside, Town Meeting weathered the storm by plodding through a dozen or so articles on Monday, June 17, including approving repair work for two elementary schools, the issuing of quarterly tax bills, the purchase of a vacant building on Lambert Ave. near the Senior Center/Youth Commission building, and a design study for the CAPP playground.

School Repairs

Members approved four school department articles early in the evening. The first allowed National Grid an easement on property at 137 Walnut Street, the location of the E.A. Jones Early Childhood Center, for the purpose of providing electrical and communications service to the former elementary school.

The second appropriated up to $830,000 for replacement of the roof system at the West Elementary School at 1322 Central Street. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marguerite Rizzi said that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) had approved the Stoughton Public Schools to receive 56.6% state reimbursement for the roof, as well as for the $945,000 project at the Dawe Elementary School at 131 Pine Street, to replace all the window assemblies in the school. Both were passed unanimously.

The MSBA also recently approved the Statement of Interest for the Hansen Elementary School window project. Town Meeting members approved this project last year, but the schools needed to wait to get the thumbs up from the MSBA before going ahead with it.

In addition, Town Meeting also approved a large collective of deferred maintenance requests for all eight schools in the system.

Dr. Rizzi said that "each of these projects have been deferred because funding was not available.

Town Meeting member Joe Soares said, "We need to take care of our maintenance a lot sooner. I'm for repairing, but I'm against this article."

But, the article, which borrowed $492,000 and used $190,000 of "free cash," passed 87-18. 

Technology Boost

The town also took a giant technological leap forward, passing a $285,000 upgrade for Network Hardware in all eight schools and in six town buildings.

Dr. Lawrence Gray, Director of IT for the Town of Stoughton, said, "We are out of warranty with our current equipment, and the manufacturers no longer support the system. We'll be going from a 1 gig system to a 10 gig system, with hardware that can potentially handle 40 gigs (gigabytes)."

The town borrowed $283,967 for the project, and utilized money from a few old articles for the remainder. It's a major capital improvement on the technological side. 

Housekeeping

In some housekeeping, Town Meeting passed articles to rescind unissued borrowing authorizations; spend $25,000 to recover federal reimbursements of health related services provided to Chapter 766 students; and pay a $383 bill owed to Inspired Technology, a phone system vendor. 

Community Preservation Articles 

Town Meeting then dug into the Community Preservation Committee, which oversees funding from the Community Preservation Act. Their Budget was approved, which includes a 1.4 million dollar annual reserve.

Five Recommendations of the CPC were considered by Town Meeting.

TRAIN STATION 

The first seemed to draw the most discussion. It was for the rehabilitation of the exterior of the Stoughton Railroad Station, which is currently owned by the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA).

The Town has agreed to purchase the historic building, at a cost of $350,000. Half of that amount was tucked into the 2012 Transportation Bond Bill (by Reps. Kafka & Galvin, and Senator Joyce) that cleared the legislature and was signed by the Governor. (We have still not received anything.) The Redevelopment Authority had agreed to put up the remaining $175,000 cost of the station.

The Community Preservation Committee wanted to borrow $250,000 (to be repaid through CPA funds) to produce engineering, architectural, and construction services to restore the building, which is listed in the National Historic Register.

Selectman TJ Recupero fully supported the expenditure. "This is exactly what the CPA was set up for. This is an important building in this community. The plans, and the funds that are set up to preserve it, are exactly what it should be. We need to preserve this asset. It makes sense," Recupero said. 

Michael Barrett of the Redevelopment Committee and the Community Preservation Committee agreed, adding, "This will be good for the town. We're using the funds the way they are supposed to be used."

CPC Chairman John Morton termed the Rail Station "the centerpiece of the downtown restoration." It passed, 93-12. 

VITAL RECORDS

A CPC article to use $20,000 in CPA historic funds for the purpose of "conservation, restoration, and repair of the vital history in the Town Clerk's office," requested by Town Clerk Cheryl Mooney, passed unanimously.

GLEN ECHO

A sum of $38,700 to purchase a parcel adjacent to the property at Glen Echo already owned by the town, passed 100-1. Part of the property is located in the Town of Canton, and includes the historic Drum Rock, that many Stoughton natives remember.

Of the property, Morton said, "it is an essential piece to preserve the quality of the water at the lake, and to protect its historic connections, like Drum Rock." The land is to be used for "conservation and passive recreational activities (such as hiking and nature walks.)

CAPP PLAYGROUND

Town Meeting members unanimously approved spending $25,000 in CPA funds to pay for final design, construction and bid documents to replace and/or refurbish the CAPP Playground on Pierce Street.

Recreation Director John Denison said the new space would be well lit, modern, and more easily viewed by police cruising by.

The current playground had fallen into disrepair, and became a hangout for teens (sometimes up to no good). It is located next to a gem in town, Halloran Park, which sports a paved walking path, basketball courts, and picnic area.

Afterwards, Denison clarified to About Town that the vote was purely for the ability to put out RFP's (Requests for Proposals) for architectural and engineering designs and plans.

"After we get the engineering and architectural blueprints, we'll know exactly what to buy, the security and lighting needs, the equipment, and where it will be located," he said. "We'll go back to the CPC and give them details of the final design and specifications, and how much money it will cost. We'll approach them, hopefully, in November at their meeting, and then we'll ask for approval at the Annual Town Meeting in May of 2014."

HISTORIC SIGNS

ATM also approved $20,000 in CPA funds for permanent high quality signs on many historic public buildings in town. CPC member John Linehan, Chair of the Open Space Committee said, "putting signs on some of our great treasures will educate our youth and enhance our town." That one was also unanimous. 

Purchase of 75 Lambert Ave.

In what could be the most important action of the evening, the Town Meeting voted to spend $235,000 for the purchase of approximately two acres and a boarded up building at 75 Lambert Avenue.

I recommended the purchase of this parcel in a previous About Town article, when a Stoughton businessman had proposed re-opening it as a garage.

The property is adjacent to the Council On Aging/Youth Commission building at 110 Rockland Street. It could provide badly-needed additional parking, and could allow the facility to be expanded. It's smart planning.

The article passed, 83-3. 

Quarterly Tax Bill & Solar Energy 

Stoughton real estate owners will be getting more mail in the future. The Board of Assessors, represented by Chairman Louis Jutras, had asked to start quarterly billing.

"Seventy-eight percent (78%) of municipalities have quarterly billing. It gives four definitive dates for billing, and better cash flow," according to Jutras.

Town Treasurer Donna Erickson said, "It would be an added burden and cost to my office, but it's more convenient for taxpayers."

The new billing system passed, 58-23.

Another Assessor's recommendation, for an Agreement in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for a solar field on a building at 139 Shuman Avenue & Providence Road, was approved, 68-14. 

Up Next

When Town Meeting reconvenes on Wednesday, June 19 at 7:15 p.m. at Stoughton High auditorium for Night 6, members will tackle Zoning and General By-Laws, a presentation from the Capital Outlay Planning Committee, and Capital Outlay Articles.

***

With a roster featuring many of the players who helped the Stoughton High varsity baseball team reach the Division 2 South Sectional finals this spring, the Stoughton Legion Post 89 baseball team is hoping to carry over some of that success this summer, and improve from a 5-17 season from a year ago. 

Dealing with some early season rainouts, the team has played two games so far, starting the season 1-1, winning the opener, 6-4, over visiting Holbrook on June 12, and falling to visiting Canton, 3-1, on June 16. 

"We have a very strong core of players who are coming off a nice run in the high school playoffs and we expect to have two key players back who missed much of last season for us, Pat Jackman and Mike Connelly.  I fully expect that this team contend for a playoff spot," Stoughton Legion manager Jim Derochea said. 

"We have a strong core of pitchers, with Mike Gallagher at the front of that pack.  Working closely with [SHS Varsity Coach] Mike Armour our plan is to continue to develop pitchers like Sam Werman, Zach Gibb and Jovani Pires," Derochea continued. 

Pat Raeke, Will McGrath, Kaleb Ballou, Jake Gibb and Brian Crimmins are also SHS varsity players who will contribute, as will Jamie Connors (SHS '12), and Kyle Silverman, who is finishing up is freshman year at SHS.

The Legion team will also receive help beyond the Stoughton High ranks, including Legion veterans Kyle Phillips and Jack Kane. 

"Despite hosting joint Legion-Babe Ruth Summer League tryouts, we only had two Babe Ruth players show up for any of the four joint tryout dates, so we had to venture outside of the Stoughton High community to add some depth to the team," Derochea explained. 

"We added three private school players, [Stoughton's] Matt Provost (CM), Tyler Alford-Getchell (Xaverian) and Braintree's Nic Panasci (Thayer  Academy).  All three are versatile players with both Provost and Panasci projected as primarily outfielders, and left-handed pitcher Alford-Getchell projected to get quality innings on the mound."

Playing the always compact Legion schedule, Stoughton will play more than 20 games in just five weeks. 

Against Holbrook to open up the season, Stoughton received a solid pitching performance from Werman, who tossed a complete game, striking out four, while allowing three earned runs, and scattering six hits. 

Provost led the offense with two hits and a pair of RBI. Ballou also had two hits and knocked in one. Connors and Panasci also had one RBI a piece. 

Against Canton, Stoughton pitchers combined to allow only four hits, but the offense was shutdown by opposing pitcher Jake Fishman, who pitched for Sharon High in the high school season. 

"It seemed that whenever we'd get a man or two on base, Jake [Fishman] seemed to come up with the clutch strikeout or a tapper back to the mound to get out of trouble." Derochea said. 

Fishman struck out seven, and scattered six hits. He also induced four comebackers to the mound, each with a man on base at the time.

"Hats off to him, he made the big pitches when it counted," Derochea said.

Zach Gibb (2 innings), Pires (3 innings) and McGrath (2 innings) combined to pitch for Stoughton.

Down 3-0 in the fifth, Phillips singled, and later came around to score on a Mike Gallagher single to make it a 3-1 game.  

Stoughton threatened in the bottom of the seventh, with Phillips and Crimmins both singling with one out, bringing Gallagher, the leadoff hitter, to the plate.  

"Gallagher slapped a line drive down the line that was stabbed by Canton first baseman, Nate Pederson, who turned the liner into a game ending double play," Derochea said. 

"It was a well played game all around and sometimes you just have to tip your cap to the opposing pitcher. It was his night," Derochea said after the tough loss.

Stoughton's Tuesday night game at Quincy was postponed. Post 89 is back in action Wednesday at home for a 5:45 p.m. tilt with visiting Braintree. 

Kelyn Rowe of the New England Revolution made an appearance at the Kolz Fields, the home of Stoughton Youth Soccer, Sunday, June 9.

The second year midfielder met with fans, posed for photos and signed autographs for the children in attendance.

The 21-year-old Rowe has two goals and five assists in 14 games so far this regular season. He is among the assist leaders in Major League Soccer. In US Open Cup play, Rowe has scored four goals in just two games. 

Revs midfielder Ryan Guy visited Stoughton Youth Soccer last year, with defender Darrius Barnes coming the year before.

Take a look at pictures from Rowe's visit this year in the media gallery of this article.

The following is from the Office of Norfolk County District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey:

The Stoughton man who shot thorough a bedroom window and killed 21-year-old Stephen Erving in his bed has been found guilty of murder, according to Norfolk County District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey.

Michael W. Blanchard, age 24, fired several rounds from a 9 mm pistol through Erving’s first-floor bedroom window on Lincoln Street in Stoughton, at roughly 3:30 a.m. on March 16, 2010.

Blanchard and Erving were known to each other and had a history of conflict.

“Our thoughts and our thanks are with Stephen’s family and friends tonight,” District Attorney Morrissey said, after a Norfolk Superior Court jury had delivered a guilty verdict on second degree murder at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday.

“This was a senseless attack. We thank them for their patience, assistance and testimony as this case came to trial.”

State Police detectives from the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office and Stoughton Police investigated the homicide with the assistance of State Police Crime Scene Services Section, Ballistics Section and other specialized investigators.

Evidence quickly developed making Blanchard as a person of interest. He was arrested and arraigned the day of the murder.

“Assistant District Attorney Greg Connor and Victim/Witness Advocate Maureen Russell again showed dedication and professionalism in the prosecution of this case,” District Attorney Morrissey said. “Michael Blanchard is held accountable for this crime.”

The jury had heard closing arguments on Monday, Morrissey said.

On Wednesday, Blanchard was sentenced to life in prison for the murder charge, with a concurrent sentence of 2.5 years to 2.5 years-and-one-day in state prison for his conviction on carrying a firearm without a license in this attack, according to a press release from the DA's office.