Selectman Brenda Eckstrom introduced her idea for a "Stop the Violence" rally in Wareham during Tuesday night's Board of Selectmen meeting, an idea which got the community talking during a preliminary discussion on the feasibility of the event on Friday.

"It seems like every time something happens in Wareham we're splashed across the front page of the regional newspaper," she told the crowd of town officials, church leaders, and community members that attended.

"I think it's a small group of people," Eckstrom continued, noting the young ages of suspects involved in last week's shooting on Longwood Avenue and recent stabbing at the White Pines Motel.

"South of Brockton we're the busiest town," Lieutenant Kevin Walsh said. "We're busier than a lot of cities, domestic violence is astronomical."

The group devised long-term goals to complement plans for a "quick hit" to end community violence, focusing on Wareham’s children. Board of Selectmen Chair Jane Donahue documented the key ideas coming out of the lively conversation. School essay contests, anti-bullying classes, a community code of conduct, and mentoring programs are actively being pursued by volunteers as means to engage youth.

Another meeting will be held to discuss the quick hit strategies and summarize long-term goals on Thursday, Feb. 3 at 6:00 p.m. in the Multi-Service Center, located at 48 Marion Road in Wareham in the Selectmen Meeting Room.