8th Annual ROCKOVERY - 5th Annual Paul Guzman Memorial Bike Run at Fort Taber, July 20, 2008

Eight years ago a group of volunteers spearheaded by the then House Manager of the Veterans Transition House, Paul Guzman, began what was to become an annual fundraising event for the VTH – ROCKOVERY.  The purpose then was to raise funds to help modernize the Veterans Transition House with repairs to the plumbing, roofing and kitchen renovations.  While proceeds from the first annual VTH Rockovery were certainly put to that use, the VTH main campus building which is located in the old Union Hospital building on 20 Willis St. is now, eight years later, in need of the very repairs that were necessary at the time of the first Rockovery event.

This year’s event will again be held at historical Fort Taber Park in the south end of New Bedford.

Partnering with the Interchurch Council’s Gospel Fest to be held at the same location on the day before, the VTH is able to have the event under the big, circus-like tent and therefore will be held rain or shine.  Bring your lawn chair, chaise-lounge or blanket and come enjoy the day-long festivities.

Featured bands include Shipyard Wreck, McCarthy Richards Band, and Something About Beverly plus others.  Between bands, music will be provided by DJ Doc.

A full event menu will be available at the concession stand with food being cooked and served under the watchful eye of Rockovery veteran Gene McCoy

Working towards developing this event as a signature family event for all of the residents of greater New Bedford, two Moon Bounces and a Water Slide will be available for the children as well as other lawn games.

The park is a perfect spot for flying a kite or even fishing.  For the adults, there will be a 50/50 raffle.

The event starts at Noon with the arrival of the bike run.  We urge you to park in the beach parking lot closest to Fort Taber and shuttle service to and from the event will be provided.  Tickets are a $7.00 Donation.

Paul Guzman, better and lovingly known as “Paulie” was a House Manager and later Director of the Network House Program at the VTH and a founder of the Rockovery event.  He met an untimely death in a motorcycle-car accident in the Taunton area.

As part of Rockovery, the 5th Annual Paul Guzman Memorial Motorcycle Run will leave the Bristol County Savings Bank parking lot on Route 140 in Taunton.  The run will ride through picturesque Lakeville and Freetown arriving at Fort Taber Park at Fort Rodman in the south end of New Bedford at Noon, kicking off the Rockovery event.  Prior to the run, the bikes will be blessed by Fr. Mike and Fr. Chuck.  Paulie’s sister, Margaret Guzman is the coordinator for the run.