Raynham mom helps others during cancer fight; ballroom back at Roseland: Our 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:
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court mostly siding with Fairhaven-based cannabis dispensary Bask in litigation between the company and the city of Taunton. In a July 21 ruling, the SJC upheld the previous ruling made by Land Court, which, in December 2020 said the City Council acted arbitrarily and capriciously when it didn’t grant Bask a special permit back in October 2019. That's far from the end of things though, for either Bask or the city; Gazette Reporter Daniel Schemer has the story, here.
Does a home on the Assonet River with room to dock a yacht sound too good to be true? Well, it is in fact real, and in Berkley, but only a viable option for the folks who recently bought it for $1.5 million. That's yacht-not-included. The custom-built 5,400-square-foot colonial features an open floor plan, nine-foot ceilings and a gas fireplace on the first floor. Other features include a basketball half-court. Explore this whopper of a property, as well as other recent top-sellers, in the latest Greater Taunton real estate report.
These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers:
Raynham mom is fighting stage 4 breast cancer and helping others through it all
Since being diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2019, Raynham mother of three Jenna Lyons has found a way to give a little something back to others who need it, after an outpouring of support from family, friends, and others over the past few years.
Her Amazon wish list, The Little Things: Jenna’s Wish List, asks for a variety of practical, and pretty items, for helping people get through their cancer treatments.
“Just so many different things are on there that have helped me, or you know, that I know would help other people,” Lyons said.
Things like phone chargers — handy for long appointments — face masks, or water bottles, and comfort items to make a person feel good, like lotion and nail polish.
During the time she has left, Lyons says the wish list will keep going for the foreseeable future. See how you can help her brighten someone's day and provide a little comfort.
"Some good can come of it": This Raynham mom is fighting stage 4 breast cancer. Through it all, she's helping others.
Taunton insurance agency CEO pleads guilty to embezzlement
The CEO and president of a Taunton-based insurance agency pleaded guilty in connection with an embezzlement scheme that left client companies uninsured, Attorney General Maura Healey announced on Friday, July 29.
David G. Pietro, 67 of Sandwich, and his company DGP Miles Insurance Agency of Taunton, have each pleaded guilty in Bristol Superior Court to five felony counts of larceny by embezzlement.
Follow along with the case: Taunton insurance agency CEO pleads guilty to embezzlement
Lt. Shawn Cronin elevated to Dighton police chief
On Aug. 26, Dighton Police Chief Robert McDonald will retire after 43 years with the Dighton Police Department.
Veteran Dighton police Lt. Shawn P. Cronin will then become the new department chief.
Selectman Kenneth Pacheco said Cronin is "the right person for the job."
Cronin has been a member of the Dighton Police Department since 2006 and currently serves in a supervisory role as lieutenant.
'The right person for the job': Lt. Shawn Cronin elevated to Dighton police chief
Roseland Ballroom past and present: A look at iconic hall's big band history, as ballroom dancing returns on Sundays
Go ahead, call it a comeback, because that's exactly what it is:
Ballroom dancing has returned to Taunton's historic Roseland Ballroom!
For two Sundays a month, anyone is welcome to grab a ticket ($15) and come and dance the afternoon away, or just enjoy a nice day out.
The ballroom is now part of popular local restaurant Hong Kong City, with property owner Philip Fei Pan agreeing to host the events, organized by Mikki Micarelli. See how they teamed up to get locals cutting a rug at Roseland once more.
Ballroom's back: How a local woman brought dancing back to the Roseland Ballroom
Roseland Ballroom has certainly been no stranger to music and merriment over the years. In fact, at one time, it was a draw for some of the most famous names in big band music.
In the latest Curious Taunton, we take a look back at Roseland during its big band heyday, when the likes of Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, and even the First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald, were gracing the stage.
Curious Taunton: Roseland Ballroom was a hot spot for big bands during its heyday
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 Jenna Lyons Roseland ballroom Shawn Cronin
