Beloved THS head custodian retiring; City Suds open for business: Top stories
Before we begin the new week in earnest, we're taking a look back at the week that was, and the stories that led the news with Taunton Daily Gazette readers.
Top stories this past week included:
Dighton-Rehoboth mourning the loss of beloved retired teacher and coach John Masciarelli. The school district was shocked by his passing on April 15. Police are investigating the fatal motor vehicle crash that claimed Masciarelli's life. “He was highly respected and revered by his students and colleagues alike for his passion, dedication and commitment to the education and development of young people,” D-R Regional School District Superintendent Bill Runey said in a Facebook post in response to the news.
The latest Greater Taunton real estate report, featuring a contemporary colonial in Berkley that sold for $525,000. The Forrest Street home features half cathedral-style ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, and a finished basement with a bonus room. Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers.
These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers:
Taunton High head custodian gets massive retirement sendoff
Steven Medeiros is retiring this year as head custodian of Taunton High School.
Altogether, Medeiros has served 25 years in Taunton Public Schools, serving as custodian also for other schools, like John F. Parker Middle School and Elizabeth Pole Elementary School.
His daughter Maggie Burrell recalled the many stories she's heard about her dad performing acts of kindness throughout the years for students and teachers alike.
On April 12, Medeiros got special recognition in front of staff and teachers after school inside the high school auditorium. Much of Medeiros’ extended family was in attendance, including Burrell and her family, as well as Steven’s wife, Dina.
Beloved THS custodian retiring: Taunton High head custodian gets massive retirement sendoff. Here's how he reacted.
Grab a haircut and do the laundry? Taunton barbershop opens City Suds in same building
Skip's City Barbershop has moved to the back of the building that it now shares with City Suds, the new laundromat on Weir Street.
Skip Woodward said he and his wife Anna have been welcoming a steady stream of customers.
City Suds also offers laundry pickup and delivery services.
Get the lowdown on the snips and suds.
Grab a haircut and do the laundry?: Taunton barbershop opens City Suds in same building
Taunton graveyard's ownership 'lost in history'; city being asked to step in
The Walker-Blake Graveyard Restoration Project has restored vandalized gravestones, trimmed grass and “protected the graveyard since 1995.”
While the property deed has been lost (the last deed goes back to 1750), Walker-Blake Graveyard Restoration Project President Bob Bates said he'd like Taunton to take ownership of the historic graveyard and for the city to prevent future burials there.
The project is offering to give Taunton $25,000 and Bates said the project would continue doing maintenance work in the cemetery if the city takes ownership.
That's not all: given the colonial graves present, and the significance to the city's history, the cemetery could become eligible for placement on the national register if Taunton assumes ownership.
Preserving colonial cemetery: Taunton graveyard's ownership 'lost in history.' Here's why city's being asked to step in.
Bridgewater-Raynham superintendent resigns after 7-month absence
The Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School Committee announced Thursday that Superintendent Derek Swenson, who's been on a leave of absence since September 2022, has officially resigned effective April 30.
Assistant Superintendent Ryan Powers will continue his role as acting superintendent until a permanent Superintendent is hired.
Swenson resigns effective April 30: Bridgewater-Raynham superintendent resigns after 7-month absence. Here's what we know.
Islands Cafe & Bakery is serving up homemade Cape Verdean delights in Taunton
Where can you enjoy Cape Verdean cakes AND cachupa?
At Islands Cafe & Bakery By Josi Sweets, 91 Weir St., Taunton.
They've got ready-made hot foods, and desserts whose recipes have been passed down for generations.
See what's on the menu, and plan your visit, right here.
Family recipes and ready-made treats: Islands Cafe & Bakery is serving up homemade Cape Verdean delights in Taunton
Taunton Daily Gazette/Herald News copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.
This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Taunton Gazette Top 5 Steven Medeiros City Suds Walker-Blake Graveyard
