Stoughton Chamber of Commerce Honors Business, Volunteers

The Stoughton Chamber of Commerce took time to honor some of its members and recognize the new board at their annual meeting at New England Sinai Hospital, Jan. 6.

Bob Halloran of WCVB-TV, who is an author, was the guest speaker, talking about his latest book, "Impact Statement," which deals with the Davis family's fight for justice in the case against James "Whitey" Bulger and Stephen Flemmi, and the murder of Debra Davis, who was the girlfriend of Flemmi and murdered more than 20 years ago.

Her brother, Steven Davis, joined Halloran at the chamber event. When he was deciding his next book to write, Halloran didn't want to do another Whitey Bulger book, so he reached out to Steve Davis to get his side of the story.

"I wanted to do the lives that were affected by that and the fight for justice," he said.

Halloran had his book effectively done before the trial began, but that didn't stop him from being in the courtroom when Bulger went on trial.

"I went to the trial every single day," he said. "I developed a fondness for Steve. 'Impact Statement' focused on the family."

Bulger and Flemmi offer differing accounts of who actually committed the murder of Debra Davis. Halloran said you can't trust either one.

"Steve Flemmi has never said a word that you can believe," said Halloran.

Flemmi said Bulger strangled Davis. "We probably will never know who killed Debbie Davis," said Halloran.

 Sharon and Steve Fradkin were recognized as the volunteers of the year for their contributions to the chamber, and their work town-wide was also recognized. The Fradkins were unable to attend the January annual meeting, so they were recognized at the organization's holiday party in December.

Francis T. Crimmins, a former judge and Stoughton town manager, served as the master of ceremonies, and was assisted by the chamber's Terry and Joanne Schneider in making the presentations and hosting the evening.

Roger Kahan of Roger A. Kahan CPA was introduced as the chairman of the board of directors of the chamber, while John Jarvis of MAJ Business Services will be the vice chairman. They are replacing Chris Petrie of Windsor Tire, who served three years as the chairman, and vice chairman Beth Snell of Randolph Savings Bank who is staying on as a board member.

The other board members are Lester Davis, All Care Home Health; Ellen Greene, Old Colony YMCA; Jill O'Keefe, Island Street Automotive; Mark Leppo of ZIP Realty; Thomas O'Connor of Bay State Sinai Lodge; Jeffrey Pickette of Stoughton Media Access Corp.; Steve Tyer of Copley at Stoughton; Carlos Vargas of Vargas & Vargas Inc.; and Fred Yaitanes of Fred & Nadine Realtors. Honorary members are Michael Hartman, town manager; Paul Shastany, police chief; Mark Dolloff, fire chief; John Batchelder, PWD superintendent; and Dr. Maggie Rizzi, superintendent of schools.

Honored were: Business of the Year - Copley at Stoughton. Business Person of the Year - Lisa Wheeler of Copy Inks. Chamber Supporter Certificates - Peppercorns at the Y; Roger A. Kahan CPA; Roxanne's Taqueria; SMAC (Stoughton Media Access Corp.); Chris Zienko of The Music Machine; Town Spa Family Restaurant; and Randolph Savings Bank

The chamber also thanked Judy Waterson, president and CEO of New England Sinai Hospital, for inviting the group to host their annual meeting there. Joe Andrade of Andrade's Liquors provided the beer and the wine.