Next Meeting: September 10, 2026
5:30 p.m. at Moose Lodge in New Bedford

Club News & Announcements

• Raynham Community Day on Sunday, September 27, 12-4 pm.

• We are also gauging interest in participating in this year’s Taunton Christmas Parade, which will take place on Sunday, December 6. This is a great opportunity to showcase Rotary in the community and enjoy a fun holiday tradition together.

At Our Most Recent Meeting...

...we welcomed April Funches, the City of Taunton's Substance Use Recovery and Prevention Coordinator. April coordinates services among seven local organizations to support prevention, recovery, and harm reduction initiatives funded through the City's opioid settlement dollars.

She explained how these partnerships work together to expand access to resources and support for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.
A key focus of the City's efforts is harm reduction, including increasing the availability of Narcan throughout the community to help prevent overdose deaths. April also highlighted the addition of new disposal sites for needles and other sharps. These locations accept not only syringes associated with substance use, but also sharps used for diabetes management, weight loss medications, and other medical needs.

April shared that Morton Hospital is about to implement a case management program to connect individuals who arrive following an overdose with resources and treatment options when they are ready to seek help.
She also noted that the community task force meets monthly to coordinate efforts, share information, and identify emerging needs related to substance use prevention and recovery in Taunton.

Rotarians appreciated learning more about the important work taking place locally to address substance use challenges and support recovery efforts throughout the community, and we thank April for joining us for lunch.

 

 

• Julie shared a happy buck for her son, who recently had a job interview, and another to celebrate her 27th wedding anniversary. She also offered a happy/sad buck as her daughter began her senior year at BP today.

• Jody was happy to welcome our speaker, April, to the meeting.

• Michael C. contributed three happy bucks after successfully moving all three of his children into college over the past two and a half weeks. While he admitted he hates moving, he was grateful the process is over and that all three are doing well.

• Will offered two similar happy bucks as both of his daughters settled into their new homes for the school year.

• Zulmira was happy to have April as our speaker. She also shared a sad buck for Angie and an update on her son's continuing adventures: after getting married and buying a house, he has now inherited a chicken coop, leaving Zulmira surprised to find herself with a "Farmer Bob" in the family.

• Jenn shared a sad buck for Ed and his family.

• Ed thanked everyone who has reached out with support. He shared the heartbreaking news that his oldest daughter, Angie, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer three years ago and recently passed away. Ed noted that there will be a funeral in New Hampshire, followed by a local Celebration of Life on September 27 at the Ward 5 Club.