The Wareham Select Board honored several community members by issuing two certificates on Nov. 16 — one that recognized Raymond and Alfreida Cardoza’s years of service and another that expressed appreciation for Stephen and Theresa Beranger’s contributions to the town.

Select Board Chair Judith Whiteside read the two certificates during the board’s Nov. 16 meeting. 

The Cardozas

Raymond and the late Alfreida Cardoza spent much of their time serving the town of Wareham, Whiteside said.

Alfreida served as an assessor from 1975 to 1978 and was once a member of the Selectmen’s executive committee for Wareham’s economic development, according to the certificate of recognition. She was also a member of the Buzzards Bay RFD mail delivery committee from 1977 to 1978. 

Among other posts, Raymond was a member of the Wareham Housing Authority Trust from 1967 to 1972 and a member of the sewerage works building committee from 1969 to 1974. He served as an assessor from 1971 to 1972. He was a member of Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Planning Board in 1971 and a cemetery commissioner from 1972 to 1977. 

Another notable achievement was Raymond Cardoza’s years as a Wareham Selectman — a title he held from 1971 to 1977. 

“It is believed that Raymond Cardoza was the first member of the Cape Verdean community to serve in a senior elected official position in any town in the United States,” Whiteside read. 

The certificate recognized the “community service provided by Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Cardoza over the years” and thanked them for their service and commitment to the community. 

Raymond Cardoza, Whiteside noted, is now 88 years old.

The Berangers

As Stephen and Theresa Beranger head into retirement, the Select Board took the opportunity to honor their contributions to the community over the years. 

The Berangers owned Stevie B’s Sports Bar in Onset, which closed its doors on Nov. 6. Long-standing members of the Wareham and Onset communities, the Berangers planned and supported a number of events and initiatives. 

The certificate focused on the couple’s philanthropic work in particular. 

“The Berangers have continuously participated in a stuff-a-bus toy drive benefitting Turning Point,” Whiteside said, reading the certificate. They also sponsored “a program for Wareham Middle School students which empowers them to feel proud about being substance-free,” “a fundraiser for firefighter David Wahlstrom,” and other celebration of life fundraisers over the years. 

For 10 years, the certificate noted, the Berangers have hosted Jacob’s Motorcycle Run and Benefit in recognition of Stephen Beranger’s nephew, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at age 3. 

“The Berangers have demonstrated through their actions and generosity what it means to be a member of a community,” Whiteside read. 

She added that the board “wished them well in their retirement.”