All The News

All The News

01:20:44 pm Plymouth County Under Hurricane Warning

Categories: News, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester

The National Weather Service announced today at noon that Plymouth county is under a Hurricane Warning, prompting safety preparations in the Tri-Town.

At Mattapoisett Town Wharf, the tow trucks were busy pulling boats from the harbor as onlookers sat in the shade of the trees. Building winds tossed leaves and made the surf increasingly choppy, and the wharf ice cream stand was preparing to move back to Route 6.

The region’s Hurricane Warning indicates that Earl will bring hurricane conditions on Friday, including winds of 74 mph or more. Meteorologists are waiting to see if the hurricane will veer to the left; if this does happen, the wind speeds will be even more intense.

All three towns are urging their residents to use safety and to secure outdoor items like umbrellas, patio sets, and lawn mowers. If residents haven’t done so already, they should prepare hurricane survival kits (details can be found here: http://www.wanderer.com/information/HurricanePrep.pdf), develop family communication plans and stay informed via media sources throughout the whole warning.

The town of Marion is reminding residents of Planting Island to be especially cautious since they are “vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms”. Planting Island access has been cut off to traffic in past storms, and residents should be prepared to leave early in case a storm surge brings water over the causeway. According to a Marion press release, “it is important for Planting Island residents to realize that, once the causeway is under water, it will be virtually impossible for us to get emergency aid to you.” The Water department plans to shut off the water supply to Planting Island if the causeway is flooded.

If evacuations are necessary, Marion will open an emergency shelter at the Sippican School – no pets will be allowed into the emergency quarters. No emergency quarters have been sanctioned in Mattapoisett or Rochester yet, but the Wanderer will update this story as it develops.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

 

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11:31:21 pm Marion Block Party Honors Zora

Categories: Marion

A quintessential community event, the Marion’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Benjamin D. Cushing Post No. 2425’s Annual Block Party and Dance, offered a little of something for everyone last Saturday, August 28. Attendees feasted on swordfish kabobs, calamari, fish and chips and clam cakes as children took turns in the moonwalk and climbed a makeshift rock wall. Town residents also took a moment to thank Joseph Zora, a former selectman and staple personality in the community, who originally founded the Block Party event decades ago.

The threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) forced event organizers to change the usual evening event to a daytime affair. “[EEE] put a curveball on us, but we were pleased with what we saw,” reported Steve Gonsalves, the chairperson of the committee who organized the event. Mr. Gonsalves and committee members Joanne Byron, Sue Byron, Debbie Gonsalves, Rodney Hunt, Christine Winters and Peter Winters began planning the event months ago to ensure its success. “We’ve been working on this for months… it is a big undertaking but everyone came together and got it done,” commented Ms. Winters.

In addition to food and entertainment, volunteers Terri Santos and VFW Ladies Auxiliary member Joyce McWilliams manned a raffle table to support VFW programs. “They do give a certain amount of dollars to local community needs. That is what’s great about this event. It is a great time and money goes to good places,” Mr. Gonsalves said.

The time change did affect the atmosphere of the event, but Mr. Gonsalves stressed the importance of keeping the tradition alive. “We worked around it. With these types of traditions, you have to keep them going because if you have lapses, they never come back the same way,” he said, urging “young people to step up to the plate” to keep Marion traditions flourishing.

The event also is a testament to volunteerism in the community. More than three quarters of the food at the event derived from donations, Mr. Gonsalves said. Further, the event recognized Mr. Zora with a tree planting and dedication symbolizing his contributions to Marion. “He has truly been Marion’s Man of the Year many times over and is still going strong,” Mr. Gonsalves said of the man who initiated the event more than 30 years ago. “He is the man behind the dream and this day, and that is why it was very important to let him know we appreciate it, and we’ll carry it on for a long time to come,” he added.

Both Ms. Winters and Mr. Gonsalves said that attendance levels did drop this year due to the draw of the beach and the water, especially on that sunny Saturday after a long spell of rain. However, Mr. Gonsalves anticipates that the evening setting will be reinstated next year. Thirty years strong, the Marion Block Party and Dance isn’t going anywhere.

By Laura Pedulli

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11:31:18 pm Mattapoisett to Establish Aquaculture Regs

Categories: Mattapoisett

Mattapoisett’s recently formed Aquaculture Ad Hoc Committee is on “an aggressive schedule” to draft regulations or bylaws outlining protocol for current and future aquaculture applications, according to Town Administrator Michael Gagne. Such recommendations are slated to reach the Board of Selectmen (BOS), who will make the final determination on what is adopted this December.

Committee members represent interests related to new aquaculture businesses and include applicants and cove abutters. Board members include John Hinman from the Marine Advisory Board, Lisa Winsor, Horace Field III, Horace Field IV, Joyce Almeida, Paul Osenkowski and Jim O’Dowd. Mark Whalen will also advise on the committee as a non-voting member. Ex-officio members will be Mr. Gagne, Harbormaster Steve Mach and Natural Resources Officer Kathy Massey.

Mr. Gagne said the new committee will consider several issues while drafting its recommendations with a focus on establishing firm methods and measures. “They will need to look at the public versus private benefit and what we will use as a system to weigh that,” explained Mr. Gagne. He said concern over aesthetics and public recreational access will be factored into their analysis.

Six of the seven members reside in the Brandt Island Beach community, which is near a one-acre oyster farm proposed last spring by the seventh member, Mr. O’Dowd. Mr. O’Dowd emphasized that the committee will not investigate his specific application, however he hopes to educate committee members on aquaculture.

“People don’t realize what oyster farming is. You put the seed in water, keep an eye on it as oysters grow in the different bags. It is all done by hand. It’s not an industry,” commented Mr. O’Dowd, who said he has pored through “a whole stack” of state regulations, aquaculture bylaws in other towns, and information from the East Coast Growers’ Association on the practice. “People hear different things and don’t really understand what the whole thing is about. It’s a little frustrating. If people are educated, they can make informed decisions,” he said.

One issue the committee will tackle is the identification of suitable areas for aquaculture while balancing the interests of commercial shellfish businesses and general public recreational users, Mr. Gagne said. In addition to oysters, potential new applicants could pursue aquaculture businesses for quahogs, clams, and scallops, which require different environmental conditions favorable for growth. Mr. O’Dowd noted that aqua culturists tend to research at length potential locations for their businesses. “You can’t go into this blind. You’ll end up with dead animals,” he said.

How the town will benefit from aquaculture enterprises also will be studied at length. Mr. Gagne said that businesses on water do pay state taxes but do not contribute at the municipal level. Thus, members will evaluate if a leasing fee should be established to benefit the town and how that fee would be related to revenue potential. Transferability of licenses is another issue under consideration. “It could become a great money making venture,” Mr. Gagne said, stressing the need for protocol to establish the sale of a thriving aquaculture business to a new party. State regulations do require that individuals seeking to purchase an aquaculture business receive approval from a town’s BOS.

Mr. Gagne said new protocol also would include a pre-application assessment and assurance that proposed locations meet the requirements of the Division of Marine Fisheries. “It is a waste of time to have a three-hour emotionally charged meeting only to find the Division of Marine Fisheries would not allow the proposal,” he said.

Committee meetings, scheduled to occur every two weeks, are open to the public and will begin sometime in early September. “I’m hoping we can get through this with some real objectivity and develop a really good framework for aquaculture in Mattapoisett,” Mr. O’Dowd said.

By Laura Pedulli

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11:31:16 pm Library Aims to Reduce Junk Mail

Categories: News

How many times does this happen to you? You open the mailbox, hoping for a new magazine or some fun correspondence, but all you get are bills and a cascade of junk mail.

Well, nothing can be done about the bills. But the Mattapoisett Free Public Library is helping the public reduce their junk mail problems, thereby reducing paper waste and eliminating a serious source of annoyance for most people. The Junk Mail Reduction Kit, organized by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), can help you regain space in your mailbox and recycling bins again.

According to the Junk Mail Kit, the average adult is on 50 mailing lists, receives an average of 41 pounds of junk mail annually, and 44 percent of that mail goes unread.

So why do you wind up with so much junk mail? PrivacyRights.org, a non-profit consumer organization, says junk mail is the result of your information being sold to and from like-interest businesses. For instance, if you sign up for a newsletter or a contest from a flower and seed catalog, that company may turn around and sell your contact information to other gardening catalogs and companies. Likewise, if you donate money to a non-profit group, your information may be passed along to a similar non-profit group, who may send mail to solicit donations.

There are ways to avoid this, though, and that’s where the junk mail kit helps you, the consumer. You can continue ordering from the seed catalog. You can continue donating to your favorite organizations. Best of all, you can continue to enjoy a clean mailbox.

The kit helps you reduce your junk mail in three steps. The first step is removing yourself from existing lists by calling various credit groups and clearinghouses to remove your name from their lists, and by using www.CatalogChoice.org to make sure that you only receive the specific catalogs you request. The kit contains helpful phone numbers and a sheet of name removal postcards to send to the companies who are bombarding you with unwanted mail.

The second step in the kit is to prevent junk mail before it happens by being proactive: this includes writing notes in the comment field of your purchases and donations, informing the company/organization of your request to not sell your personal information to other groups.

The third step is to recycle the mail that you do receive. All of the recycling programs in Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester accept junk mail.

The whole process takes a few months, so start now! Either stop by the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, located at 7 Barstow Street, for a kit (printed on recycled paper), or visit www.mass.gov/dep/service/greenliving.htm to order your own junk mail kit. The Green Living portion of the DEP website will also help you opt out of receiving the Yellow Pages.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

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11:31:13 pm Marion Concert Season Wraps Up

Categories: Marion

The Marion Concert Band wrapped up its popular summer series last Monday with tunes by the film composer John Williams. Unlike previous years, music lovers did not listen to the orchestra under a blanket of stars, but inside the Sippican Elementary School due to the threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

“I’ve been involved with the Marion Concert Band since 1974, and I never remember anything like this happening before,” said conductor Tobias Monte. The upside of an indoor performance meant fewer bugs and more comfortable seats for attendees of the free show. However, the unique atmosphere of an outdoor show was lost. “It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t quite what it was supposed to be,” said Mr. Monte. “The biggest difference is that no kids were running around.”

The first four Marion Concert Shows – one at the beach and three at Island Wharf – went on as planned during the mid-summer. However, on July 28 the Board of Health contacted Mr. Monte about the need to change venues. Mr. Monte investigated the Music Hall, but the stage could not accommodate the entire concert band, which includes more than 45 musicians. One show did not go on as planned due to the unexpected logistical challenge.

Luckily, the schools stepped up and offered Sippican School as an alternative venue. “Everyone in the school department was very accommodating of the unusual situation. They made it work,” Mr. Monte said, noting that Principal Lyn Rivet, Facilities Director Steve Murphy and Town Administrator Paul Dawson in particular helped facilitate the arrangement. In addition, he said Hannah Moore – Sippican School’s Band Director and a member of the Marion Concert Band – provided critical assistance with the logistics due to her familiarity with the school’s facilities.

Surprisingly, the venue change did not affect attendance levels. “The numbers were fairly comparable, which was a pleasant surprise to me,” Mr. Monte reported. He also recalled an impressionable moment when attendees stacked their own chairs at the end of the August 30 performance. “It was a wonderful community effort that made the situation work,” he said.

By Laura Pedulli

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11:31:07 pm Marion Aquaculture Project Continued

Categories: Marion

A meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission was held on Wednesday, August 25, and called to order at 7:00 pm by Chairman Norman A. Hills. Also present were members Lawrence B. Doman, Wendy Carreau, Sherman E. Briggs Jr., and Secretary Diane R. Drake.

The first order of business was a notice of intent filed by Lawrence E. Reinhart to construct a single-family dwelling, a septic system, a driveway, and associated filling and grading at Lot 70 East Avenue, Planting Island. Rick Charon of Charon Associates represented the applicant. Mr. Charon presented a revised site plan, which involved a dwelling with a 35-foot elevation with a drive in garage on the first floor. In order to avoid driving over the septic system, a gravel pathway will be used to access the garage. Details of the leaching field and other issues were discussed. ConCom asked about the water runoff from the roof and requested that “drip strips” or dry wells be used to manage the roof runoff.

Another issue raised by the ConCom was that the current plan has water running off onto the adjoining lot, which is also owned by the applicant. If the property was sold in the future, the water runoff onto the lot might become an issue with a new owner. “Let’s do all we can, now, to avoid a future problem,” said Mr. Briggs. The committee requested a revised plan to see how the water runoff issues would be addressed. The Commission voted to continue the hearing until the September 8 ConCom meeting.

The next order of business was a notice of intent by Catherine A. Brodeur to establish two 100-by-220-foot aquaculture projects – one off the north side of Ram Island and one off the easterly tip or “spit” of Planting Island. Ms. Brodeur and Bill Madden of G.A.F. Engineering addressed the committee in regards to the application. A request was made to approve the plans for both locations as Phase 1 and Phase 2.

The Ram Island project is a half-acre, 22,000 square foot area marked by four moorings connected by large poly balls. A series of bags that run between the floats are suspended and hung from a grid held together with chains. According to Mr. Madden, nothing will be submerged, no bottom disturbances will occur and the water quality should improve due to the “filter feeder” type of shellfish to be grown there. The committee noted that they were awaiting a report from the National Heritage and Endangered Species Program regarding an impact study on local wildlife, such as terrapin turtles, that needed to be reviewed. The Board voted to continue the hearing until their September 8 meeting.

The next order of business was a discussion of a request to raze and replace the existing shed at 3 Main Street, renovate and modify the dwelling, and make site improvements, including landscaping. Dave Davignon of Schnieder Associates represented the applicant. Mr. Davignon noted that the majority of work to be done was cosmetic, and included enclosing an existing porch, resurfacing the driveway with pea stone and extending it to the back of the house and repointing of the seawall. Several small bump-outs off the footprint were included to install and “square up” several bay windows. No work would be within 50 feet of the buffer zone, noted Mr. Davignon. Some trees and shrubs will be removed. The committee voted to approve and closed the hearing.

The next item discussed was a request by John Ludes to confirm that the stream running through 135 Converse Road is an Intermittent Stream. Dave Davignon, of Schnieder Associates accompanied Mr. Ludes. Photos of the area of the stream, taken on four consecutive days in early July 2010, were presented along with an aerial view of the stream, which flows into Sippican Harbor when active. It was agreed that the area was dry. It was noted that the property contains two lots, which Mr. Ludes plans to combine into one lot. The combined lots would allow ample room for a dwelling, with a water view, to be built if placed on the upland knoll on the property. The stream discussed, runs through both lots. The committee voted to approve the request and closed the hearing.

An appointment with John and Craig Lawrence for discussion regarding work in the buffer zone to wetlands at 5 Pawkechatt Way was rescheduled for the September 8 meeting.

In further business, Sherman Briggs handed out an “Informal Project Review Form,” used by the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission, which he thought the committee should review and consider using. The board agreed to review it and discuss it at another meeting.

In other business, minutes of prior meetings were approved.

The board voted to adjourn at 8:33 pm.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

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11:31:04 pm Heritage Days Canceled Outright

Categories: Mattapoisett

After a mid-August Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) scare in mid-August canceled and postponed most outdoor evening events, the annual Mattapoisett Heritage Days were rescheduled for mid-September. Now, Chairperson of the Heritage Days committee, Bobbi Gaspar, has announced that the 2010 Heritage Days have been canceled outright.

Part of the reason for the cancelation was the continued threat of EEE in the southeastern Massachusetts region. Despite the recent aerial spray that temporarily reduced the adult mosquito population, the threat of EEE remains significant. Both the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the local Boards of Health in Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester are enforcing a 6:00 pm curfew on town activities until the first hard frost comes to the region.

Heritage Days has been an August tradition since the town’s sesquicentennial in 2007, when the event was born. The Heritage Days committee tries to make a week of fun, family-friendly events available to the public at low-to-no cost. These events celebrate Mattapoisett’s past, and showcase all of the thriving industries of the region’s yesteryear.

The EEE postponement created an issue with vendor and event availability. Some of the events scheduled for Heritage Days – like the kite fly, the ecumenical service at Ned’s Point and the Salt and Cranberries presentation planned for the Museum and Carriage House – were easy enough to reschedule. Other events, like the Fairhaven Militia encampment on the Mattapoisett River and the American Legion clambake that were supposed to coincide with Heritage Days activities couldn’t be rescheduled. The organizers had difficulty getting vendors to reschedule as well, leading Ms. Gaspar to call the postponement “impractical.”

“It was hard to let go,” said Ms. Gaspar. The event was all set to go forward, despite the Board of Health curfew, but two-thirds of the crafters signed up for the event could not attend the rescheduled date.

Not wanting to operate at a loss, the Heritage Days committee started to consider a cancelation, since they feared that the threat of EEE would affect turn-out anyway. “We thought people aren’t going to come out because of the mosquitoes,” said Ms. Gaspar, “so we opted to cut our losses, basically. We run on a no-budget kind of thing.”

Heritage Days is a fairly new town tradition, and Ms. Gaspar hopes that the event’s absence for one year won’t remove it from the minds of residents. “The ideas for next year are already bubbling,” she said, urging people to get excited for Heritage Days 2011, and encouraging residents to even consider volunteering for the event and its preparation.

The t-shirts for the 2010 Heritage Days are still available though, and Ms. Gaspar thinks that they may be considered collector’s items for local Heritage Days enthusiasts. Those interested in purchasing a t-shirt can do so by emailing Ms. Gaspar at theseamstress@verizon.net. Anyone interested in volunteering for the Heritage Days committee can also email Ms. Gaspar.

Next year’s Heritage Days will take place from August 5-7, 2011, and will include some of the canceled events from this year, plus other new events.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

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11:31:01 pm Police Station Work is “Making Progress”

Categories: Mattapoisett

Work at the Mattapoisett police station is coming along nicely, according to police chief Mary Lyons on August 30. “We’re making progress,” said Chief Lyons, who listed electrical work and a transfer of 911 services as the remaining projects before the station can re-open. She said the process would likely take about two weeks.

The Mattapoisett police station has been closed since May 28, when a water pipe on the second floor burst and sent water cascading throughout the first and second floor. The building’s damage was “extensive,” according to Chief Lyons, and the building’s first floor was completely gutted. Damage on the second floor was mostly limited to floor damage.

Since the pipe disaster three months ago, the police station has been operating out of the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department Mobile Command Center with some assistance from the Fairhaven police department.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

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11:30:58 pm Students Return to Transformed RMS

Categories: Rochester

Rochester Memorial School (RMS) students will return to a transformed landscape this week, witnessing the result of the first major phase of construction for RMS’s $26.5 million renovation and expansion project.

“I’m very, very excited,” said school Principal Jay Ryan. “The entire construction crew worked miracles all summer. It’s amazing the amount they got done.” Mr. Ryan was confident that despite rumors, RMS would open as planned with few hassles for new and returning students.

The most notable change is the two-story addition that was constructed from brick precast panels with the help of a 190-foot crane during the hot July months. The crane swung panels, some of them weighing up to 22,000 pounds, into place, essentially building the entire structure in a matter of weeks. The new 34,000 square foot school building, which will include a new art room, 14 classrooms in addition to tutorial and special education facilities, will be ready for occupancy by fourth, fifth and sixth graders by Christmas. In the meantime, Mr. Ryan said the new building would be sealed off to ensure safety.

In addition, the existing school was gutted out and renovated extensively. According to Town Facilities Michael Meunier, who is overseeing the project, renovations included new seismic bracing and diagonal steel beams, the addition of HVAC and water lines, new heating pipes, a new sprinkler system for the cafeteria and gymnasium, and technology and electrical upgrades. He said the crews scrubbed, waxed and painted the interior to get the building in tip-top shape for returning students. Future improvements include the addition of a music room on the northeast corner of the building.

“I’m glad I’m on the job to make sure the town gets the most bang for its buck,” said Mr. Meunier. “We are working with great people and we have checks and balances to make sure things get done correctly,” he added.

“Wow, wow, wow!” said Diane Legasse, the principal’s secretary, upon reentering her office after spending the summer with Mr. Ryan at the Old Rochester Regional administrative headquarters. The teachers spent last weekend unpacking supplies and prepping the rooms for the first day of school on September 1.

Town Administrator Richard LaCamera also expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the work. “The project has gone extremely well. I’m happy with what we’ve accomplished over the summer. I’m so excited about the pre cast addition that will be set in January. Things have gone really well,” he said.

The project will continue with the old section’s renovation during school vacations over the next year, and has a projected finish date of September 2011.

By Laura Pedulli

 

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11:30:54 pm Letters to the Editor

Categories: News

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

 

To the Editor:

It has been 45 years now since it was first recommended that Mattapoisett do something to protect its wetlands. It was in 1965 that Mattapoisett’s Master Plan recommended “town conservation of all wetlands and drainage ways”.

In 1989, the town’s Growth Management Committee urged adoption of “local wetland regulations.” In 1995, the Coalition for Buzzard’s Bay recommended the town “improve wetlands protection through the adoption of a local Wetlands Protection by-law which includes provisions for the maintenance of vegetated buffer strips between developed areas and adjacent wetlands.”

Several town meetings ago, a citizens’ non-binding petition asking the Conservation Committee to come forward at the next annual town meeting with a wetlands protection by-law passed by a vote of 72-18. That request was ignored.

Now at this year’s special town meeting, it is hoped voters will finally get a chance to enact comprehensive wetlands protection regulations. This should have been done generations ago. In the meantime, our wetlands – so vital to preserve groundwater resources – have been abused and desecrated. The losers are the taxpayers of Mattapoisett and the generations to follow as residents of this and neighboring towns look to us for their drinking water.

For several months now, at out request, the Coalition for Buzzard’s Bay has been guiding in drafting the necessary regulations to protect wetlands and buffer zones. The next hurdle will be gathering more than 100 signatures to place the matter on the October warrant.

To ease that chore, the Mattapoisett Land Trust has given permission to make use of the Dunseith parking area (the home of Salty the Seahorse at the corner of Route 6 and North Street) on Friday, September 3 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm and Saturday, September 4 from 9:00 am to noon, to gather signatures. Otherwise, potential signers should call 508-758-3579 to make arrangements.

45 years is just too long to wait for nothing to happen. Our friends in Rochester first took action 17 years ago.

Brad and Priscilla Hathaway

Mattapoisett

To the Editor:

The Elizabeth Taber Library wrapped up this summer’s program for children, “Go Green,” on Thursday, August 5 with an End-of-the-Summer-Program Ice Cream Sundae Social.

Children 2-12 years old enjoyed storytimes, crafts, reading games, story tellers, a magic show, a fairy house building workshop, a pocket making workshop and drop-in activities over the course of seven weeks. Attendance for the summer program totaled 1,719. It was especially exciting, with the help of donations from a local sponsor and the Sippican Woman’s Club, to “Read for a Good Cause.” Each hour participants spent reading equaled $1 to support the work of Heifer International. Our readers were able to purchase one goat, one sheep, a flock of chickens, a trio of rabbits, honeybees and a hive to help needy families become self sufficient.

I would like to thank all of the participants (and parents, grandparents, baby-sitters, and nannies!) involved in our program, along with our eleven junior volunteers: Anthea Andrade, Alex Friedman, Lauren Gonsalves, Emily Cronin, MacKenzie Larkin, Aryana Hartley, Rachel Brealt, Julia Pardo, Christopher Savino, Ari and Bailey Sweet as well as our ever enthusiastic Library Director, Judith Kleven, and staff members Donna Ohlman and Peg Riley, and also Elizabeth Leidhold, Director of the Marion Natural History Museum.

Several agencies and businesses in town lent their kind support to the library’s summer reading program. I hope everyone enjoyed the library’s summer program and the delights of summer reading as much as I did!

Rosemary Grey

Elizabeth Taber Library

 

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03:00:53 pm State Waives EIR for Bay Watch Project

Categories: Marion

Developers of a 168-unit affordable housing complex, “Marion Village Estates,” will not have to complete a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR), said the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in a report filed on August 20, 2010.

In their report, the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (MEPA), claimed that since the “project has been reduced in size, and associated environmental impacts have decreased correspondingly,” the project’s developer, Bay Watch Realty, will not have to complete the full EIR.

At a special August 4 meeting, the Marion Board of Selectmen discussed the developer’s request for reduced environmental impact requirements. Since the project falls under the scope of 40B, the project’s authorization and ultimate approval comes from the state. After hearing from several citizens, who cited concerns about vernal pools and illegal clear-cutting allegedly committed by Bay Watch, the Board decided to have Town Counsel Jon Whitten draft up a letter to the state urging them to uphold the full EIR, despite reductions in the scope of the project.

In addition to environmental impact, opponents of the project cited concerns about impact to the town’s burdened water infrastructure and feared that the project would increase their already high taxes.

In a Notice of Project certificate (NPC) signed by MEPA secretary Ian Bowles, the preparer of the document stated, “Because the project’s impacts have decreased and several previously-identified issues have been resolved, I find that the project as currently proposed does not warrant the preparation of an EIR. I am confident that outstanding issues related to wetlands impacts and wastewater can be addressed through state and local permitting.”

The project, which is slated for construction on the Route 105 portion of Front Street, was originally filed as a 192-unit project with 425 parking spaces on 26.5 acres of land. The new project calls for 168 units with 299 parking spaces on 22.7 acres of land. The site is located within an Aquifer Protection District, but this district was not established until after Bay Watch’s initial project application.

The report from the state said that 25 percent of the project site will remain undeveloped, and the state urged the developer to consider placing a conservation restriction on that undeveloped portion.

The state requires that 10 percent of all housing in local communities be made affordable – that is, reserved for residents who make less than 80 percent of the median annual salary. Chapter 40B was established in 1969 to ensure communities work to achieve this 10 percent goal, giving jurisdiction to the state to ensure cooperation until the town reaches its requirement. Marion is currently at 4.3 percent for affordable housing inventory, and according to Town Administrator Paul Dawson, the Marion Village Estates project might bring the town up to the 10 percent threshold, but that number would have to be ultimately determined by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). If DHCD follows their usual formula, said Mr. Dawson, then Marion Village Estates would likely fulfill Marion’s affordable housing quota.

Despite the fact that the Board of Selectmen voted to uphold the EIR requirement, they expressed support for the project, which they labeled “workforce housing.” They hoped that the project would enable the Marion workforce – including teachers, police officers and firefighters – to live in the same community they serve.

A statewide ballot initiative is challenging Chapter 40B this year. On November 2, Massachusetts voters will have the chance to repeal 40B, reverting affordable housing jurisdiction to a local level.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

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02:59:06 pm Angelica Yacht Club Results

Categories: General Sports

Following are the results for the Angelica Yacht Club races held on Sunday, August 1:

• Beginners: (Race 1) First Place, Aimee Hill; Second Place, Colby Ciffollilo  Third Place, Kindler McLaughlin (Race 2) First Place, Lizzie Machado; Second Place, Riley Knight; Third Place, Matthew McCarthy Congratulations to the other beginner racers, PJ, Paul Messina, Coleman, Deklin, Chris.

• Juniors: (Race 1) First Place, Brandon Blaesser; Second Place, Carolyn Petrie; Third Place, Lenny Murphy.

• Open: (Race 1) First Place, Scott Metz; Second Place, Craig Correia; Third Place, Daniel Warren (Race 2) First Place, Brandon Blaesser; Second Place, Scott Metz; Third Place, Daniel Warren.

Following are the results for the Angelica Yacht Club races held on Sunday, August 8:

• Beginners: No races were held due to weather.

• Juniors: (Race 1) First Place, Danielle Arpino; Second Place, Chace Correia; Third Place, Mary-Grace Petrie (Race 2) First Place, Danielle Arpino; Second Place, Chace Correia; Third Place, Mary-Grace Petrie (Race 3) First Place, Danielle Arpino; Second Place, Chace Correia; Third Place, Jessica Arpino.

• Open: (Race 1) First Place, Jack Hill; Second Place, Mark Arpino; Third Place, Len Murphy (Race 2) First Place, Mark Arpino; Second Place, Jack Hill; Third Place, Randy Hill.

Following are the results for the Angelica Yacht Club races held on Sunday, August 15:

• Beginners: (Race 1) First Place, Aimee Hill; Second Place, Colby Ciffollilo, Third Place, Kindler McLaughlin (Race 2) First Place, Lizzie Machado; Second Place, Riley Knight; Third Place, Matthew McCarthy. Congratulations to the other beginner racers, PJ, Paul Messina, Coleman, Deklin, Chris.

• Juniors: (Race 1) First Place, Brandon Blaesser; Second Place, Carolyn Petrie; Third Place, Lenny Murphy.

• Open: (Race 1) First Place, Scott Metz; Second Place, Craig Correia; Third Place, Daniel Warren (Race 2) First Place, Brandon Blaesser; Second Place, Scott Metz; Third Place, Daniel Warren.

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02:58:49 pm Get Ready for the Halloween Contests!

Categories: General

Can you believe it? It’s almost time for Halloween! Once again, The Wanderer is hosting two annual Halloween Contests to get you into the spooky spirit!

• Contest 1 – The Halloween Story Contest – Write a story, and maybe even win a prize! During the month of October, The Wanderer prints Halloween stories submitted by our readers and the writer of the best story wins a great prize!

The best story will be selected by an area panel of judges and the winner will receive a Nintendo Wii!

The deadline for the story contest is Friday, October 1 at noon, in order to give our judges enough time to read the entries. Stories will be printed in the October issues of The Wanderer. The Winner will be announced in the October 28 issue.

• Contest 2 – The Halloween Cover Contest – Your best Halloween artwork could be on the cover of The Wanderer and you could win a great prize! Submit your best original Halloween drawing, photo, compilation or artwork to enter for publication on our October 28 cover.

Deadline for submitting artwork is Friday, October 15 at noon. Online voting will take place from October 16 to October 25. The cover Winner will win a Nintendo Wii and his or her artwork will be on the October 28 cover of The Wanderer!

• Halloween Gift Basket – Every person who votes in the cover contest will be entered to win a Wanderer Halloween gift basket, which will include Wanderer wear and aardvark items. Be sure to vote for your favorite cover from October 16 to 25 on our website: www.wanderer.com.

• The Fine Print – All entries must include a signed copy of the Official Entry Form, which can be picked up at The Wanderer office: 55 County Road, Mattapoisett. Entry forms can also be downloaded at www.Wanderer.com (click on “Halloween Contest”).

All entries must be original. Stories must be previously unpublished and cover entries must contain completely original artwork and/or photos. No copied items, including traced clip art, will be considered for the contest. A full list of rules and regulations can be found at www.Wanderer.com. For more information, call our office, 508-758-9055.

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02:58:30 pm Windfall Kick-Starts COA Program

Categories: Rochester

The Rochester Council on Aging (COA) was notified last week that they have been named in the last will and testament of Edward and Louise Wheeler, Rochester senior residents, who passed away 13 days apart from each other this past spring. The Wheelers had lived in Rochester for many years, and more recently became familiar with the Rochester Senior Center and its services and programs. Incredibly, the Wheelers bequeathed $50,000 to the Rochester COA from their estate with no strings attached. A plaque will be hung in the Senior Center announcing their generous gift to the COA.

According to Sharon Lally, Director of the COA, the gift came at the right time, as the Council on Aging’s Board of Directors is in the midst of a campaign to raise funds for a Senior Supportive Day Program. Grant applications for the start-up of the operation are in process and have been submitted, but this donation will kick-start construction on the 800 square-foot addition.

Ms. Lally said that the Task Force had been struggling to come up with the perfect name for the new day program, and says that “The Wheelers Day Club” is the perfect name for such a program. “We at the Senior Center are all so very grateful and humbled to be remembered by the Wheelers in this very personal and touching way,” said Ms. Lally.

The campaign goes on. The COA, through its fundraising arm, “The Friends of the Rochester Senior Center”, is hoping to raise up to $300,000 through grants and donations to construct this addition, and hopes to open the day program within the year. If anyone would like to contribute to this cause, the COA will gladly and gratefully accept your contribution in any amount, large or small. Every dollar counts. This is an opportunity to help our seniors remain safely in the community, in their own home, with additional support, stimulation, socialization, and daily supervision.

Once up and running, this Day Program will have a fee for service, and will be self-sustaining through generated fees and third party reimbursements, such as a contract through our local agency for aging, Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. A scholarship program is also planned for those who could benefit from attending the day program additional days of the week. The Senior Supportive Day program is the most cost-effective solution to allow seniors to remain living safely at home in their community with supervision and socialization.

Donations to the program may be made to The Friends of the Rochester Senior Center, 67 Dexter Lane, Rochester, MA 02770. For more information, call Sharon Lally at 508-763-8723, or email director.rcoa@comcast.net.

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02:58:14 pm House Histories with SHS

Categories: Marion

The public is cordially invited to the Marion Music Hall on Wednesday, September 15 at 7:00 pm, as expert Marian Pierre-Louis shares the various resources and methods available for house research. This program, which is appropriate for both beginners and those who have some research experience, will include information on where to find the deeds to a house, how to chain a deed and how to locate other sources of information, such as the U.S. Federal Census records.

Ms. Pierre-Louis is a house historian and genealogical lecturer who specializes in southern New England research. She frequently speaks at conferences, societies and libraries on New England topics ranging from house history research, African American research and a broad range of genealogical topics.

Whether your house is 20 years old or 150 years old, it has a unique history and a tale to tell. Come learn some tricks to get the most out of your research. This program is offered free of charge, and no reservations are necessary. For more information, please call Sippican Historical Society at 508-748-1116.

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02:57:57 pm Marion Republican Town Committee

Categories: Marion

The Marion Republican Town Committee will conduct its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 7 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street, Marion. New members are welcome.

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02:57:45 pm Rochester Republican Town Committee

Categories: Rochester

The Rochester Republican Town Committee will meet Saturday, September 18 at 10:00 am at the Underhill residence, located at 570 North Avenue, Rochester. The public is welcome to attend. 508-763-5001.

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02:57:30 pm Mattapoisett Recreation

Categories: Mattapoisett

• Gymnastics – Evaluations for gymnastics will be held on Thursday, September 9 and Wednesday, September 15 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the gymnasium at Center School. Classes will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays based on skill level. If you have any questions, contact Tammy McKane at 508-996-3399.

• Basketball League – Evaluations for the Tri-Town Grades 7 and 8 Recreational Basketball League will be held on Thursday, September 23. Grade 7 Boys will take place 5:30 to 6:15 pm and Grade 8 Boys will take place 6:30 to 7:15 pm.

Grade 7 and 8 Girls will take place from 7:30 to 8:15 pm. Once teams are made, the league cannot accept new players. The league is always in need of volunteers to coach. Please email Gretchen MacDonald if you are interested: ddgmac@aol.com.

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02:57:14 pm Marion COA News

Categories: Marion

The Marion Council on Aging (COA) announces the following September events:

• Podiatry Clinic – The next podiatry clinic will be held on September 27 beginning at 1:00 pm. Appointments are needed.

• Farmer’s Market Trip – The Marion COA van will be traveling to the Westport Farmers Market on September 11. Please call the office to reserve your spot on the van: 508-748-3570.

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02:57:02 pm Sippican Women’s Club Presents

Categories: Marion

The September 10 meeting of the Sippican Women’s Club will feature a Park Ranger from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who will provide a virtual tour of the Cape Cod Canal. She will also focus on the Canal’s impressive history and its vital function. It proves to be a very interesting presentation, especially to those who live and boat in our neighboring waters.

The Sippican Women’s Club programs are held at Handy’s Tavern, 152 Front Street, Marion on the second Friday of the month from September to March at 12:30 pm. Each program is preceded by a finger food luncheon, tea/coffee and a sweet followed by a business meeting and speaker/program. The Sippican Women’s Club is open to all women who are residents of Marion or whose interests are in Marion. Please contact Jeanne Lake at 508-748-0619 for more information.

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02:56:47 pm Has Cancer Struck Someone You Love?

Categories: General

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. People who take part in Relay also raise much-needed funds and awareness that help the American Cancer Society save lives and create a world with more birthdays – where cancer can never claim another year of anyone’s life.

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Tri-Town wrapped up the 2010 season on August 31. This year, Relay raised over $69,000 to support cancer survivors, patient services, research and advocacy, thanks to those that supported this great event. The Relay for Life organizers are always in need of volunteers to organize and recruit teams, seek community support, coordinate logistics, find refreshments and prizes, plan entertainment and lend their support in any way.  If you would like to learn more about Relay For Life of Tri-Town event please contact Tri-Chairpersons, Caryn Hodges Coulombe at 508-989-7805, or Carol Lareau at 508-758-9229 or Heather Ruel at 508-758-8017.

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02:56:33 pm Golf Tournament to Benefit Nativity

Categories: General

On Monday, September 27, the Nativity Preparatory School of New Bedford, an independent middle school for boys who come from low-income families in Greater New Bedford, will hold a golf tournament as a fundraiser in Mattapoisett. Co-chairs for the event include Charlotte and Larry Oliveira, Barbara Urquhart and John Kelleher. Auction Committee members include Karla Burke, Angela Fusco, Jennifer Kaiser, Alberta McLean, Martha Rooney and Sandra Sylvia.

The goal of Nativity is to provide a challenging, supportive, safe and structured learning environment for boys in grades 5-8. The school receives no state or federal funding and is supported by local individuals, companies, businesses and foundations. Many graduates receive academic scholarships to private high schools. For further information on the golf tournament or to visit Nativity, call Claire Carvalho at 508-994-3800.

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02:56:21 pm Tri-Town Players Wrap Up Season

Categories: Tri-Town

Four Tri-Town 12-year-olds – three from Mattapoisett and one from Marion – were prominent members of the Swansea Tigers travel team sponsored by the Swansea Independent Baseball League which enjoyed a productive campaign this summer.

Mattapoisett residents Mitchell Midwood, Cameron Coelho and Jeremiah Adams, along with Marion resident Brett Rudolph, helped the Tigers finish with an 11-6 record this year in four tournaments – two local, one state and one regional. Swansea placed first in the Dighton Youth Baseball All-Star Tournament; second in the Massachusetts State Tournament of the Pee Wee Reese Division of the American Amateur Baseball Congress held in Springfield; tied for fifth in the AABC’s North Atlantic Region Tournament, also staged in Springfield; and tied for fifth in the John B. Steele Memorial Tournament in Dartmouth.

Midwood, Coelho, Adams and Rudolph all participated this spring for the SIBL’s 12-and-Under AAU Baseball entry, which finished second in its division. The quartet also played for the regular-season Red Sox, who ended second in the SIBL’s Bronco Division American League standings.

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02:56:07 pm Mattapoisett Museum and Carriage House

Categories: Mattapoisett

• Annual Meeting – The Mattapoisett Historical Society annual meeting will take place on Sunday afternoon, September 19 at 2:00 pm at the Museum and Carriage House, 5 Church Street in Mattapoisett. Members, as well as the public, are invited to attend this meeting. The agenda will include reports from the president and curator, the treasurer’s report, an update on the status of the Clifford Ashley mural, election of persons to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors, and any other such business to come before the membership. Following the business meeting, refreshments and cake will be served.

• Closed for the Season – The Mattapoisett Museum and Carriage House is now closed for the season. If you wish to exchange one of the Museum’s incorrect calendars, please call 508-758-2844 and the Museum will arrange for an exchange.

In addition to the special summer exhibit are the museum’s on-going exhibits of items from Mattapoisetts’ past. The Museum is located at 5 Church Street in Mattapoisett.

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02:55:50 pm American Legion Post 280 News

Categories: Mattapoisett

The monthly meeting of the American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280 is held on the third Wednesday of each month at the post hall at 3 Depot Street at 7:00 pm. This month’s meeting is scheduled for September 15.

All members are welcome to attend. The post has invited eleven newly arrived veterans who currently have their membership with other posts, to attend our September meeting in the hopes that they will consider a transfer to Post 280. The board is always looking for new ideas and input as to how we can better serve our fellow veterans and the Tri-Town communities.

The meeting will include a discussion of the March 6 Spaghetti Dinner, which will have to be moved to a later date in March due to a scheduling conflict with the Brockton VA.

Information on the meetings, programs and hall rentals may be obtained by calling 508-758-9311.

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02:55:35 pm Foliage and Friends

Categories: Mattapoisett

Come join the Mattapoisett Congregational Church’s Fall Foliage Tour on Saturday, October 2. Travel will be by luxury motor coach with onboard facilities and TV. The morning ride will traverse the Blackstone Valley on Route 146 along I-190 to the Mohawk Trail. Upon crossing the breathtaking French King Bridge, there will be a spectacular view of the North Quabbin Reservoir. Lunch will be served in the heart of Vermont at the Dorset Inn. Following lunch, the coach will stop at the Hildene Artisan/Craft Festival in Manchester, Vermont.

The cost for the trip is $50 and includes transportation, an on board continental breakfast, lunch, and treats on the coach. Please contact Rick Vigeant at 508-994-6511 or rickvigeant@comcast.net for complete details and reservations.

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02:55:21 pm Harvest Moon Dance

Categories: Marion

The Wampanoag Council 15 Harvest Moon Dance will take place on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 7:00 pm in the Redman Hall, located on Main Street in Wareham. The dance, which is the annual fundraiser for the Wampanoag Council’s scholarship, will include a BBQ chicken dinner, followed by entertainment and dancing. Cost is $13 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, call Darlene at 508-748-0132.

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02:55:03 pm Mattapoisett Friends Yard Sale

Categories: Mattapoisett

Get ready for the Friends Meetinghouse Yard Sale, to take place on September 18 from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. The yard sale will be located at the Quaker Meetinghouse at 103 Marion Road on Route 6 in Mattapoisett.

For information on reserving your own table, or arranging for donations of goods (no appliances, electronics or large furniture) leave message at 508-748-0098. The cost is $10 for space outside (bring your own table) and $20 for limited table space inside. To learn more about the Meetinghouse, visit www.mattapoisettquakers.org</span>.

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02:54:49 pm Saint Rose of Lima Classes

Categories: Rochester

Religious Education Class Registration for Saint Rose of Lima, located at 282 Vaughan Hill Road in Rochester, will take place on the following dates after weekend Mass in the hall:

Saturday, September 4, after 5:00 pm; Sunday, September 5 after 9:00 am

Saturday, September 11, after 5:00 pm; Sunday, September 12 after 9:00 am

Everyone must register during these times.

Grades 1 and 2 begin on October 16; Grades 3 through 8 begin on October 13. Confirmation 1 begins on September 22; Confirmation 2 begins on September 15. Generations of Faith begin on Sunday, September 19.

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02:54:32 pm Marion Natural History Afterschool

Categories: Marion

• Tour of Bird Island – The Terns have left the island and it’s safe to explore again. Let’s learn something about the history with the Marion Harbormasters office on September 22. Space is limited so this program will close at 12 people total. Bring your own life jacket. (No life jacket, no ride, sorry!) This program will last an hour longer than normal, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. Pick up will be at the Harbormaster’s office. Registration forms are available at www.marionmuseum.org. Cost is $4.00 for members, $6.00 for nonmembers.

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02:54:19 pm Rochester Community Blood Drive

Categories: Rochester

The Rochester Council on Aging and American Red Cross will be sponsoring a Community Blood Drive on Monday, September 13 from 1:00 to 6:00 pm at the Rochester Senior Center at 67 Dexter Lane.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, and every pint donated could save up to three lives. All donors at the September 13 Rochester Community Blood Drive will receive a coupon for $7 off their next oil change.

Please make an appointment for a blood donation by calling 1-800-733-2767 or visit www.RedCrossBlood.org.

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02:54:04 pm Mattapoisett Council on Aging

Categories: Mattapoisett

Please call us at 508-758-4110 if you wish to learn more about our services. Call to sign up for all listings. Most events are free and open to all.

• Monday, September 13: 9:00 Garden Club; 9:00 SHINE; 12:00 Fitness with Karen; 12:30 Fairhaven Marts; 1:00 Scrabble.

• Tuesday, September 14:  8:30 Yoga; 8:30 Stop and Shop; 9:30 Public Health Nurse; AARP Safe Drivers Course all day.

• Wednesday, September 15: 10:00 Zumba Gold; 12:00 Fitness with Karen; 1:30 Bingo..... $5 Lunch: Meatloaf (RSVP by September 13).

• Thursday, September 16: 9:30 Public Health Nurse; 9:00 Bridge; Trip to Stonebridge Tavern and Tiverton Four Corners.

• Friday, September 17: 8:30 Yoga; 8:30 Shaws; 10:00 Cardio Dance Fit.

• Monday, September 20: 9:00 Garden Club; 9:00 SHINE; 12:00 Fitness with Karen; 12:30 Fairhaven Marts; 1:00 Scrabble.

• Tuesday, September 21:  8:30 Yoga; 8:30 Stop and Shop; 9:30 Public Health Nurse; Morning trip to Trader Joe's and Hanover Mall.

• Wednesday, September 22: 10:00 Zumba Gold; 12:00 Fitness with Karen; 1:30 Bingo $5 Lunch: Sheppard’s Pie (RSVP by September 20).

• Thursday, September 23: 9:30 Public Health Nurse; 9:00 Bridge.

• Friday, September 24: 8:30 Yoga; 8:30 Shaws; 10:00 Cardio Dance Fit; Trip to Bourne Scallop Festival.

Reminders for upcoming weeks:

• Bourne Scallop Festival $25 Ride and Ticket

• AARP Safe Drivers Course September 14. Call for Info.

• Odyssey Cabaret Cruise with plated lunch October 6. $45 for cruise, meal and van.

• Dinner trip to Providence. October 7, Opa restaurant. Call for reservations.

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02:53:46 pm Raise the Roof Gala

Categories: Tri-Town

Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity invites you to “Raise the Roof” for a great cause! Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity, with help from our sponsors, will open the doors of the Marion Music Hall to the community for the “2010 Raise the Roof Gala and Auction” on September 17 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

Join BBHFH for a night of live music and great food, while contributing to Habitat’s efforts to build homes for those in need. The Gala will help to raise funds for people in need of a safe, affordable place to live. As you listen to music by the Bela Sarkozy Trio and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, you can provide further support to the community by participating in the Silent and Live Auctions.

Tickets are a donation of $50 per person and are limited, so please reserve your tickets by September 13. Ticket reservations can be made by phone at 508-758-4517, or on our website at www.BuzzardsBayHabitat.org. Personal checks, Visa, or MasterCard are accepted. For more information on the event or our next build, please feel free to visit our website at www.BuzzardsBayHabitat.org.

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02:53:27 pm Gateway Babe Ruth Signups

Categories: General Sports

Gateway Babe Ruth is now accepting on line registrations for the 2010 Fall Baseball Season. Players living in the Towns of Carver, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Wareham and surrounding areas who will be 13, 14 or 15 years of age before May 1, 2011 are eligible to play. Go to www.gatewaybaberuth.org</span> to download forms. Forms must be submitted by September 7, 2010. Any youth is invited to join and any parent is invited to volunteer their time to the league. For more information go to www.GatewayBabeRuth.org</span>.

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02:53:12 pm Rochester Arts and Crafts Fair

Categories: Rochester

The First Congregational Church of Rochester will be holding their 37th Annual Arts, Crafts and Flea Market on Saturday, September 4 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on the Church green.

The event features a variety of vendors selling new, used, and antique merchandise. It also includes local organizations, tasty homemade baked goods, a lunch menu, and a “white elephant” tent.

Admission is free. The Church is located in the center of Rochester on Route 105 at New Bedford Road. Spaces are still available and can be reserved by calling the church at 508-763-4314. The rain date for the event is Monday September 6. Website: www.RochesterCongregational.org</span>.

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02:52:59 pm Friends Used Sporting Goods Sale

Categories: Mattapoisett

Are your closets cluttered with out-grown and unused sports equipment? Are you wishing your mudroom had a little more room for… mud? Are those cleats, tap shoes, life-jackets or skis too small for your children? Did your child survive "Survival"?

Now is a great time to clean out those closets, to reuse and recycle, and to get some great deals at the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library Used Sporting Goods Sale, to be held at Center School on September 25.

The Friends need donations of sports and dance equipment, such as skis, skates, cleats, ballet and tap shoes, balls, rollerblades, rackets, hockey sticks, baseball, football, golf, lacrosse, water sports equipment, and winter jackets. All donations must be in good condition. Donors will receive a receipt for their tax-deductible donation.

Donations will be accepted at Center School on September 24 from 4:00 until 7:00 pm. The sale date will be September 25. Early admittance for Friends and donors at the September 25 sale is from 8:00 until 9:00 am. The sale will be open to the public from 9:00 until noon. Proceeds benefit library programs such as talks with authors and poets, visiting artists and concerts. For more information, contact Rayna Caplan at 508-758-9494 or Elizabeth East at 508-758-4462.

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02:52:42 pm Marion Rochester Health District

Categories: Marion, Rochester

The Board of Health is still advising residents to remain vigilant and continue to use insect repellent with DEET when venturing outdoors, including during the daylight hours. Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. If you go outside during those times be sure to use insect repellent with DEET and also to wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, and socks.

Public beaches, playgrounds, and parks remain closed after 6:00 pm. All outdoor activities scheduled for the evening should be rescheduled so that they are not held during peak times of mosquito activity. For more information please contact the Board of Health office or go to www.mass.gov/dph</span>.

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02:52:26 pm St. Anthony’s Seeks Used Books

Categories: Mattapoisett

Want to get rid of used books? St. Anthony’s Parish in Mattapoisett is raising money through donations of new and used books, CDs, DVDs, videos, records and audio books. The group has recently placed a drop-off donation container to collect these items from community members who would like to repurpose their used goods while also helping the parish raise money. The group will be paid on an ongoing basis for all items collected in their donation container.

The gray book donation container, distinguished by its purple and yellow ‘Got Books?’ signs, is located in the parking lot of the parish at 26 Hammond Street. This program is an ongoing fundraiser and the public can make donations at any time. All funds raised through the collection of these donations will benefit the general funding of the parish.

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02:52:12 pm North Rochester Congregational Church

Categories: Rochester

The North Rochester Congregational Church located at 247 North Avenue is an independent church and welcomes everyone to worship at 10:00 am every Sunday. The pulpit is filled by volunteers from the congregation or guest speakers. Nancy Sparklin is in charge of the music, assisted by Charles Chace.

On the second Sunday of the month, following the service, everyone is invited to join together for food and fellowship at a brunch prepared by the members of the congregation. The church is handicap-accessible. For more information on special events or changes to the schedule please call Barbara Besse at 508-763-8838. Please note: The church is not UCC affiliated.

On September 5, NRCC will celebrate Communion.

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02:51:56 pm Annual Waterman School Reunion

Categories: Rochester

The Fourth Annual Waterman Reunion will be held on Saturday, September 11 at the Rochester Memorial School from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. Lunch will be served at noon. Price is $20 per person. Payment should be sent to the Rochester Historical Society, PO Box 171, Rochester, MA 02770. Please bring your memories, stories, and photos. For more information call 508-763-2724 or 508-763-8838.

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02:51:40 pm Marion Institute: “Allergies and Asthma”

Categories: Marion

The Biological Medicine Network (BMN), a program of the Marion Institute, is pleased to offer a free public lecture “Allergies and Asthma – Healing with Biological Medicine”, on Wednesday, September 29 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm presented by Thomas Rau, M.D. The lecture will take place at Waypoint Conference Center, Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, 185 MacArthur Drive, New Bedford, MA 02740.

Doors open at 6:30 pm and seating is first come first served. Space is limited.

Dr. Rau is Chief Medical Director and Founder of the Paracelsus Clinic in Lustmuhle, Switzerland. He will explain how allergies and asthma are only expressions of deep disturbances of the immune system. Dr. Rau will discuss the real underlying causes such as food intolerance, toxic loads, intestinal flora health, deficiencies of trace elements and more. He will talk about the diagnosis and treatment of these underlying causes using Biological Medicine and the tremendous long term success rate he has had with patients.

The free Allergies and Asthma lecture is a continuation of the Marion Institute’s effort to try and create deep and positive change through a diverse array of solution-based programs.

Dr. Rau will also be conducting a Biological Medicine Seminar in Dartmouth, MA from September 30 to October 2. This seminar will focus on Advanced Approaches to Difficult Diseases plus Advanced Applications for Rheumatic and Chronic Inflammatory Conditions using the Pleo-Sanum remedies. The seminar is designed for health practitioners and medical students. Please visit our website www.biologicalmedicinenetwork.org or call the Marion Institute at 508-748-0816 for more detailed information.

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02:51:25 pm Mosquito Dunks Available in Mattapoisett

Categories: Mattapoisett

In an effort to reduce the mosquito population and help protect our residents from mosquito borne disease, Mattapoisett is making mosquito dunks available to its residents.

The Mattapoisett Board of Health has mosquito dunks available for residents to help to stop mosquito larvae from hatching in small wet areas. Complete instructions for use and other info will be given out with the dunks. They are available at the Mattapoisett Board of Health office in the town hall at no charge. Residents can request up to two dunks at a time.

The dunks will treat 200 square feet. If you have an area larger than 200 square feet that has standing water you can call Plymouth County Mosquito Control at 781-585-5450 or contact them through www.plymouthmosquito.com and they will spray your property. These dunks are extremely effective in wet areas around the home and will last 30 days or longer depending on conditions.

If you have any questions, please contact the Board of Health at 508-758-4100 ext. 8.

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02:51:07 pm ORRHS Class of 1975 Reunion

Categories: ORR

Come share your memories, stories, accomplishments, trials and tribulations with the folks who “knew you back when…”

The 1975 Old Rochester High School Reunion will take place on Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Chowder House. The cost will be $22 per person. Please RSVP and send your check to: Susan Pina Reed, 24169 Matthew Place, Newhall, CA 91321. Include with your RSVP a note indicating who will be coming with you.

For more information, contact Ms. Reed at susanhasjoy@yahoo.com, or Tom Luiz at tom.luiz@hp.com. Bring your photos, old and new.

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02:50:53 pm Sippican Choral Society Seeks Singers

Categories: Marion

The Sippican Choral Society welcomes singers for its 2010 holiday concert, “Christmas Around the World”. Rehearsals begin Monday, September 13 and are held every Monday at 7:30 pm at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church’s Reynaud Hall, 27 Church Street, Mattapoisett. New members are welcomed to join until September 27. Please arrive to your first rehearsal at least 15 minutes early to register. Semester dues are $35. Concert dates are Friday, December 3 and Sunday, December 5. For more information, e-mail: osuch1@aol.com or visit the Sippican Choral Society website at www.sippicanchoral.org</span>.

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02:50:39 pm Old Rochester Farmers’ Market

Categories: Tri-Town

“A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.” -James Dent.

Come join the community for a perfect summer day at the Farmers' Market. Bring along your reuseable shopping bag, and fill it up with the wonderful produce the market abounds with.

Participating in the market are a variety of vendors to bring you the best of what the area has to offer. There will be local vegetable farm vendors, bakers, local artisans and skin care product vendors.

The Old Rochester Farmers’ Market is located on the lawn of Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, and takes place on Tuesdays from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.

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02:50:23 pm Mattapoisett Town Clerk News

Categories: Mattapoisett

• State Primary – The Massachusetts State Primary is scheduled for September 14, 2010. The polls are located at Old Hammondtown School and are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Absentee ballots are available for anyone who is unable to cast their vote in person on election day. Please call the office at 508-758-4103 ext 2 if you have any questions or concerns.

• Late Dog License Letters have been mailed. There is a $10 late fee in effect. If you have not yet licensed your dog please do so as soon as possible. The fee for a spayed or neutered dog is $17 and for a male or female not neutered the fee is $20. Rabies must be up to date and on file in the Clerk’s office. If you have any questions please call the office at 508-758-4103 ext. 2

• Mooring Inspections – If your mooring number is between 500 and 912 you should be receiving a mooring inspection letter this week. Mooring inspections are done on a three-year cycle. The mooring inspection must be on file in the Town Clerk’s office before payment will be accepted for the 2011 season.

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02:50:09 pm Plumb Library News

Categories: Rochester

• Book Sale – The Annual Friends of Plumb Library book sale will take place on Saturday, September 11 from 9:00 to 2:00 pm at the First Congregational Church’s Fellowship Hall, Constitution Way, Rochester. All sorts of books, puzzles, games, and more will be for sale. Volunteers are needed for sorting, packing, and moving the books, plus setting up the sale, working on sale day, and putting books away. Volunteers receive 50 percent off their purchases. Teenagers are welcome to help, and are needed for sorting and moving. Donations of clean, used books, DVDs, puzzles, games, and audio books are also being accepted until September 9. Please call the library for more information.

• Storytimes – Registration for the fall session of both Preschool and Toddler storytimes will start Monday September 13 and end Saturday, September 25. Due to space limitations, pre-registration is required for this program. Plumb storytimes consist of interactive book read-alouds, fingerplays, action rhymes, crafts, and a snack. Sessions run for eight weeks and are free, thanks to the support of the Friends of Plumb Library. To register your child, please come into the library or call 508-763-8600 during the registration period and during library hours. Preference is given to Rochester residents. Non-residents will be put on a waiting list and will be called if space is available. Preschool storytime for ages three to five will take place on Wednesdays at 10:30 and 1:30 pm, and will start on October 6. Toddler story times for ages two to three will take place on Fridays at 10:30 am, and will start on October 8.

• Cafe Parlez Goes to the Movies will be reading Lost Horizon, by James Hilton. Deep in the Tibetan wilderness, a plane with four passengers crashes near an ancient lamasery. But their arrival in this land of eerie beauty and total tranquility is no accident. This is the fantasy classic that put the term “Shangri-La” into the world’s vocabulary. Made into a movie in 1937, it starred Ronald Colman, Jane Wyatt, and was directed by Frank Capra. We will discuss this classic on Thursday, September 30 at 6:30 pm. Books and copies of the film are available at the circulation desk.

• Just the Facts, the Nonfiction Book Discussion Group, will have its first meeting on Monday, October 18 at 6:30 pm. The group will be discussing The Gardner Heist: The True Story of the World's Largest Unsolved Art Theft, by Ulrich Boser. Books will be available starting September 13, and pre-registration is requested. For the full schedule of titles for 2010-2011, visit www.plumblibrary.com</span>.

• Computer Classes – Starting on Tuesday, September 14, there will be a rotating series of six classes on various aspects of computer use for adults. Pre-registration is required, and classes are limited to a maximum of 8. Participants may bring their own laptops, or use the library computers. The schedule is: September 14, Week 1: Using Excel, September 21, Week 2: Creating Fliers and other Word Documents, September 28, Week 3: Using Optimal Resume to Help in Job Search, October 5, Week 4: Using Overdrive and Other Audio Book Sites, October 12, Week 5: Pictures and Music, October 19, Week 6: Shopping on the Internet; Staying Safe.

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02:49:52 pm Elizabeth Taber Library

Categories: Marion

• Drop-in Activity Days – Drop by on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer program at the Elizabeth Taber Library for activity days. Instructions and materials are available in the Children’s Room during regular library hours.

All events are free of charge! The Elizabeth Taber Library is located at 8 Spring Street in Marion. For more information, call the library at 508-748-1252, check the web site at www.sailsinc.org/mario<span>n, or e-mail Rosemary Grey, Children’s Librarian, at rgrey@sailsinc.org.

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02:49:38 pm Mattapoisett Free Public Library

Categories: Mattapoisett

• Job Club – The weekly Second Club of Coffee Job Club continues to meet on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 11:30 am. Discussions cover all aspects of returning to work whether you are unemployed, retired and looking for a new career or part-time job, or thinking of starting your own business. Great for networking, job search tips, and help with resumes and cover letters. Moms ­– are you thinking of returning to the workforce? Visit the Job Club for help in getting started and organizing your new schedule. The job club is facilitated by HR Professional, Marcella Nelson.

• Summer Reading – It's not too late to get summer reading done! Visit the library and check the summer reading lists with librarian Liz Sherry. While you are here, check out the displays of award-winning young adult reading, including some book reviews. Let us know what authors you favor so we can add them to the library's order lists. Take a chance in our back-to-school raffle for students and win a gift card for school supplies and a memory stick. The drawing will be held Friday, September 17.

• Library Wish List – As summer guests prepare to leave and you are reorganizing your rooms, why not donate those summer reading books and DVDs to the library? Share adult and children's items both, and others will enjoy them. The community will benefit from your generous donations. Thanks to all who give to the library's collections!

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02:49:23 pm Tastes and Sounds of China Benefit

Categories: General

Children's Relief's Tastes and Sounds of China will take place on September 25. The annual fundraiser takes place at Salerno’s Seaside Facility, located at 196 Onset Avenue in Onset and begins at 6:30 pm.

The event also includes live entertainment, raffles, door prizes, region themed guest goodie bags, beer and wine tastings and a silent auction. Proceeds support Turning Point Day Resource Center, serving people in need from the communities of Wareham, Bourne, Carver, Middleboro, Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester. Funds also support the Massachusetts Children’s Relief’s Kid Komfort Kits, providing winter outerwear and clothing, as well as personal preference gifts for kids in need.

Due to the support of community businesses, Tastes and Sounds of China tickets will remain at last year’s reduced prices; $35 prior to the event and $40 at the door from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. Tickets are available at Plymouth County Teachers Federal Credit Union, Music of the Bay, or by contacting Sally Morrison at 508-295-7410 or sammorrison@comcast.net.

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02:49:07 pm BBBS Foundation Needs Donations

Categories: General

Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS) Foundation needs your help! Please donate your lightly used clothing, small household items, jeans, books, and shoes. The Foundation will be picking up donations door to door in Mattapoisett and Marion on Tuesday, September 7.

BBBS also offers electronics recycling for a small fee and car donations. To schedule a free at home pick up please call 1-800-483-5503, or schedule online at www.bbbsfoundation.org</span>. Your donations help support the children involved in your local Big Brother Big Sister mentoring organization. Donations are tax-deductible

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02:48:54 pm Massachusetts Veterans’ Benefits

Categories: General

• Chapter 115 Benefits – The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the only state in the Union that has made a provision by state law to provide veterans in need of financial assistance with food, housing, clothing, employment and burial assistance. Veterans and widows may qualify for a “medical only” budget if their income is below federal poverty level; single: $1,805 per month, married: $2,428 per month.

For further information, please contact the Veteran Service Office for the Towns of Mattapoisett and Rochester at 508-758-4110, ext. 212.

• How to Display Your Flag – It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24-hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union (or blue field) should be to the observer’s left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be the same way, with the union to the left of the observer in the street. No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea and for personnel of the Navy, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag. These tips are brought to you from the Office of Veterans’ Services for Mattapoisett and Rochester.

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02:48:41 pm Town of Marion Water Restrictions

Categories: Marion

The following mandatory water restriction will be in effect until September 15: Any outside watering is prohibited except between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 am, and between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 pm, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for homes on the even-numbered side of the street. For homes on the odd-numbered side of the street, watering will be allowed on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday during the same hours. No watering is allowed on Sunday.

This restriction will be strictly enforced. Any person violating this state of water supply conservation by-law shall be liable to the Town in the amount of $50 for the first violation and $100 for each subsequent violation. If you have any questions, you are encouraged to contact the Department of Public Works at 508-748-3540.

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02:48:27 pm Marion COA News

Categories: Marion

• Senior Work-Off – The Council on Aging has applications for the Senior Work Off Program. This program is available to those seniors over 62 who would like to work for various town departments and receive credit toward their real estate taxes. Please call or come into the office for more details about this program.

• Marion Community Fund – Applications for the Marion Community Fund are available at the office. An applicant must be a Marion homeowner, have owned their home for at least one year, have earned income of less than $25,000 if single and less than $37,500 if married and have assets of $46,000 or less if single and $63,500 if married (excluding their home). There is no age restriction on this program.

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02:48:08 pm Mini Bulldog Cheer Clinic

Categories: General Sports

Join ORR varsity cheerleaders on Sunday September 5, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, to learn sideline cheers, basic motions, jumps and crowd interaction cheers to keep our fans pumped up with Bulldog spirit! Clinic will be held in the ORRHS gymnasium. Participants will be taught a cheer/dance/pom routine and given a free team t-shirt to perform at a home ORR Bulldog football game. Clinic recommended for ages 7 to 13 years old. No previous experience required. Space is limited, so register now to ensure your space. Have more questions? E-mail coach Lynn Monger lexa32@comcast.net or call 508-269-2991. Forms can be found on www.oryf.com. This is a fundraiser for the ORR Bulldog varsity cheerleaders to cover the cost of uniforms and related expenses.

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02:47:52 pm Marion Community Baptist Summer Worship

Categories: Marion

Continuing through the end of August, Community Baptist Church of Marion will offer a unique summer worship experience. You are invited to worship starting at 9:00 am each Sunday with a continental Breakfast at the church followed by a Summer Worship Service at 9:30 am. The family-oriented casual worship service is the perfect opportunity to attend worship while you are visiting the South Coast for the weekend or for vacation.

Community Baptist Church, an American Baptist church, is located at the junctions of Route 105 and 195 at 441 Front Street, Marion. Our handicapped-accessible church is air-conditioned and offers plenty of parking for your convenience. The church is a diverse, friendly congregation founded about 15 years ago. Community Baptist Church is committed to living out God’s ministry in this community in exciting new ways. To learn more about our church, please visit: www.cbcmarion.org</span>.

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02:47:38 pm Marion Art Center News

Categories: Marion

The Annual Membership Drive is underway. Membership is open to the public. Privileges include invitations to gallery openings and other special events, receiving quarterly newsletters, and discounts on theater and concert tickets and classes plus eligibility to participate in the semi-annual membership shows. Members are also eligible to rent the Center for special events, meetings, showers and birthday parties. Angels, Patrons, Donors and Sponsors are listed in the Playbills and in Newsletters.

• Over the Past Year – The Marion Art Center celebrates 53 years of serving the area as a unique community center for the arts. Last year, classes and lessons in music, art, dance and theater were offered year round. ARTSTART, a summer program for children completed its 25th year. The theater produced Gold in the Hills, Uncle Vanya, Rumors, and Love Changes Everything: A Musical Revue, plus Imagine - an American Girl musical, and Young People's theater shows: The Pied Piper, Goldilocks, The Midas Touch, and Realm Wars. MAC hosted the Halloween Parade and the Fourth of July float won first prize! Special Events included Kirsten and Singing Bird's holiday tea party and Arts in the Park. The gallery hosted nine exhibitions including The Holiday Shop, Art in Bloom, and two Members shows.

Membership is open to all and the annual drive is underway. For information please call 508-748-1266, visit the website, www.marionartcenter.org</span>, or stop by during gallery hours: Tuesday through Friday, 1:00 to 5:00 pm, Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Admission is free.

Contributions are tax-deductible. The Marion Art Center can also accept gifts of appreciated stock. Community support assures the future of the arts in this area.

Fall Schedule – The Marion Art Center is offering the following classes for the fall. Please call 508-748-1266 to pre-register for all classes or email: marionartcenter@verizon.net.

• Dance: Term I – September 13 to December 13. Preschool (ages 3 and 4) meets Mondays, 4:00 to 4:30 pm and will include introduction to ballet and tap. Kinderstep (ages 5 – 6) meets Mondays, 4:30 to 5:15 pm. Students will learn more ballet and tap techniques. Beginners (ages 7 – 9) meet Mondays, 5:15 – 6:00 pm and will explore barre work, positions and more ballet and tap. Teah Mazzoni Johnson is the instructor and begins her fourth year at the art center as choreographer and head of the Dance Academy. Tuition is $135/$150 for preschool, $150/$165 for Kinderstep and Beginners.

• Children’s Theater: (ages 6 – 8) meets on Tuesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 pm. Session I is September 7 to October 12. Session II is October 19 to November 23. Each week the children will learn basic theater craft through drama games, readers’ theater and experience the fun of the stage while rehearsing for a small production of selected “Fairy Tale” plays to be performed the last week of each session. Nancy Sparklin is the instructor and has been activity head of music art ARTSTART and assistant director/accompanist for many shows, most recently Imagine, an American Girl Musical. The fee for each six-week session is $75/$90.

• Youth Theater: (ages 9 – 12) will meet on Thrusdays, 4:30 to 6:00 pm, September 9 to November 18. Students will learn basic theater craft through the process of putting on a production of Not So Grimm Tales, a humorous modernization of selected Grimm’s fairy tales. The production will be on November 19 at 7:30 pm. Nancy Sparklin, instructor. The fee for the 11-week session is $160/175.

• Saturday Morning Art: Term I: September 11 to October 16, Term II: October 23 – December 4, 10 to 11:30 am. Kendra D’Angora is the instructor and returns after a successful summer session with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. The fee for each 6-week session is $150/$165. Most materials included.

• Piano Lessons for preschoolers are offered on Friday mornings with Jamie Wiksten, instructor. Piano lessons for beginners and intermediates are offered by appointment with Nancy Sparklin, instructor.

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02:47:20 pm Mattapoisett Wharf Cruise Nights

Categories: General

It’s another year of Mattapoisett Wharf Cruise Nights! The Cruise Nights, which feature antique and restored cars with good old-fashioned rock and roll music from D.J. Johnny Angel, will take place from 5:00 to 9:00 pm on Fridays, September 3 and 17.

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02:47:01 pm St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

Categories: Mattapoisett

In their 126th year, St. Philip’s Church announces the schedule for its 2010 summer season. All are welcome to attend these services, which take place at 8:00 and 10:00 am on scheduled days. St. Philip’s Church is located at 34 Water Street in Mattapoisett.

Join the Church for a final summer service on September 5 by the Rev. Jeffrey P. Cave.

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02:46:48 pm Hospice Fall Training

Categories: General

Hospice Volunteers offer a special kind of care designed to provide support for patients and their family members coping with terminal illness at home or by providing support to the agency by supporting the work of the hospice team. Volunteers can provide one-on-one care, play music for patients, visit with a pet therapy dog, help with office work and help with event planning. Portuguese speaking volunteers are also needed.

The training sessions will introduce participants to what Hospice Care is all about and the importance of the role of the hospice volunteer.

For more information about our upcoming training on September 18 and 19, at Autumn Glen in North Dartmouth, contact Cecile Sanders at 508-717-0754 or by email csanders@communitynurse.com.

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02:46:35 pm Fairhaven Walking Tours

Categories: General

This fall you can learn more about Fairhaven and its history by taking one of the tours offered on weekends in September and early October.

In addition to these weekend tours, the Office of Tourism will continue to offer its Thursday tours through the end of September. The Henry H. Rogers tour starts at the Visitors Center, 43 Center Street, at 10:00 am each Thursday. Fort Phoenix Minuteman Tours are given at the fort between 1:00 and 4:00 pm on Thursdays. The weekend tours are:

• Poverty Point Walking Tour – On Saturday, September 11, this tour begins at the Old Stone Schoolhouse, 40 North Street, Fairhaven at 2:00 pm. Take a guided, 90-minute walk with historian Christopher Richards through what was one of the earliest village settlements in Fairhaven. Learn about Manjiro Nakahama, Captain Joshua Slocum, Elder Joseph Bates and more. The Old Stone Schoolhouse will be open for viewing before the tour.

• Fairhaven High School Tour – On Saturday, September 18, at the Fairhaven High School, 12 Huttleston Ave. at 2:00 pm, take a guided tour of Fairhaven High School, the “Castle on the Hill”, which was built by millionaire Henry H. Rogers and donated to the town in 1906. The tour, guided by Bob Foster, is sponsored by the FHS Alumni Association and lasts about 90 minutes. The tour starts inside the main entrance on the east side of the building. Donations to the Alumni Association are appreciated. For more information, email info@fairhavenalumni.org.

• Fairhaven Center Walking Tour – On Saturday, September 25, this tour begins at the Leonard E. Pierce Memorial Park, on the corner of South and Fort streets, in Fairhaven at 2:00 pm. This guided, 90-minute walk with Christopher Richards in Fairhaven center highlights the histories of some of the homes and buildings, dating from the 1830s to the beginning of the 20th Century. Learn about Henry H. Rogers, the Delano family, churches, “moving houses” and more.

• Riverside Cemetery Tour – On Sunday, October 10, this tour starts inside the main gate of Riverside Cemetery, 274 Main Street, Fairhaven at 2:00 pm. Created in 1850 by Warren Delano II, the grandfather of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, this is one of the most beautiful rural-style cemeteries in Massachusetts. The tour visits the final resting places of some of the town’s most prominent people. The Rogers mausoleum and the Delano family tomb are also on the route. You’ll also see lovely examples of early tombstone art as you walk along the beautifully landscaped paths. This tour, guided by Christopher Richard, includes walking on uneven ground. Comfortable walking shoes are suggested.

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02:46:21 pm Fairhaven Recreation Events

Categories: General

• Shopping in Maine – Come along for a shopping trip to Kittery, Maine for a chance to fill your Christmas list on October 23. The bus will leave the Recreation Center at 7:00 am and return at 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be available in the morning. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $25 and deadline for registration is October 9.

• Girls’ Basketball Fundamentals – Get ready to learn the basics in basketball. This six-week program for girls will help girls from the age of nine to 13 gain skills and confidence. Start date is October 6, and will continue for six weeks on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. Cost is $25 for members, $40 for non-members.

• NFL Punt, Pass and Kick – This free program creates a lively and engaging forum for boys and girls ages six to 15 to compete against their peers in punting, passing and kicking. The four age divisions are: 8 to 9; 10 to 11; 12 to 13; and 14 to 15 with boys and girls competing separately. The top scorer (boy and girl) in each division will advance to the Sectional Competition with the opportunity to advance to the Team Championships. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity on September 25 at Livesey Park in Fairhaven. This event is open to members and non-members. Please register online at www.NFLppk.com.

• Witches Woods Fall Trip – Come along for a hauntingly good time at the Witches Woods on October 16. Travel on a coach bus to Westford, MA and enjoy exciting attractions such as Witch’s Woods, Haunted Hayride, Castle Morbid Nightmare Mansion and more. Tickets to Witches Woods are included in the price, which is $50. The group will be leaving the Recreation Center at 4:00 pm and will return at 11:30 pm.

The Fairhaven Recreation Department is located at 227 Huttleston Avenue in Fairhaven, phone number 508-993-9269. Please pre-register for all events.

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02:46:00 pm Food Addicts in Recovery

Categories: General

Are you having a hard time controlling the way you eat? Contact Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous at 781-932-6300. If you are new, please contact the person listed below, as meeting locations and times may change.

Fairhaven meetings are on Sundays, at 6:30 pm at the Atria Fairhaven, 391 Alden Road, Fairhaven. For more information, contact Eric at 508-758-8418.

Wareham meetings are on: Sundays, at 7:00 pm and Fridays at 8:00 am at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 74 High St., Wareham. For more information on these two meetings, contact Nancy at 508-748-2894. There is also a Wednesday meeting at 9:00 am at the YMCA, 33 Charge Pond Road, Wareham. For more information on this meeting, contact Denise at 508-991-4384.

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02:45:47 pm Azorean Whaleboat Regatta Events

Categories: General

The excitement is building as plans come together for the fifth International Whaleboat Regatta to be held in New Bedford with teams from the Azores and New Bedford. In past years, the events have included men’s rowing and sailing races. The inclusion of women’s sailing and rowing events plus the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s grand opening of the Azorean Whalemen Gallery bring this weeklong event to a new level.

All water competition events are being held in Clark’s Cove in the south end of New Bedford. The best viewing will be from the boat ramp on West Rodney French Boulevard.

• Thursday, September 9 at 7:00 pm – Meet the crews from the Azores and listen to music at the Casa dos Botes adjacent to the Whaling Museum on the Water St. side. This is also AHA! night in New Bedford.

• Friday, September 10 at 10:00 am – Women’s Sailing Competition.

• Friday, September 10 at 6:00 pm – Opening of the Azorean Whalemen Gallery at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

• Saturday, September 11 at 11:00 am – Men’s Sailing Competition.

• Sunday, September 12 at 9:00 am – Men’s and Women’s Rowing Competition.

The Azorean Maritime Heritage Society is organizing the above events. For a complete and updated schedule of all of the events, please go to the website of the Azorean Maritime Heritage Society at www.azoreanwhaleboats.com</span> or call Victor Pinheiro at 508-997-3941.

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02:45:34 pm Gallery X News

Categories: General

• Public Hanging – Gallery X's annual Public Hanging XXI will take place until September 11. This will be an open community art show. The public can submit up to three pieces of art at $10 per piece for inclusion in the show. Work must be exhibition ready, and two-dimensional pieces must be ready to hang.

• Exhibit – Gallery X will hold a 40th Anniversary Exhibit at the U Mass Dartmouth Women's Resource Center from September 15 to September 25, with a reception on Saturday, September 18, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.

• Call for Art: What Are You Afraid Of? This installment will run from September 29 to October 23. This show will enable artists to confront their deepest fears... Open to all artists, $10 per piece entry fee, no jury. Artwork must be exhibition ready, two-dimensional pieces must be ready to hang. The opening reception for this exhibit will be Saturday October 9, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.

Gallery X is located at 169 William Street, in the heart of New Bedford’s Upper William Street Arts District in the historic 1855 First Universalist Church. Gallery X hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and on the second Thursday of every month from 5:00 to 9:00 pm with exhibits and programming as one of the venues for AHA!

Gallery X is a contemporary art gallery of visual, performing, and literary artists, which promotes a mission of cultural outreach through community partnerships, educational programs, and monthly exhibits. Gallery X is a non–profit, tax–exempt organization. Visit Gallery X online: www.GalleryX.org.

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02:44:28 pm Greater NB Garden Club

Categories: General

• Meeting – The Greater New Bedford Garden Club will hold its Welcome Back Meeting at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, September 8, in the garden of Vivian Medeiros at 1520 Plainville Road, Dartmouth.

Two prizes each will be awarded for flowering perennial (one stem), hosta (one leaf), vegetables or fruit (single) and vegetables and/or fruit (small basket). All flowers, foliage, fruit, or vegetables must be grown and brought from the member’s garden. Only one item may be submitted for each of the four categories.

• Farmer’s Market – The Ways and Means Committee will have a Farmer’s Market that will include baked goods, preserves, plants and produce. The Exhibition Committee will feature flower arrangements from member’s garden for show or sale.

• Pictures – Members are asked to submit up to six four-by-six-inch snapshots of their garden for display at any meetings through November 5. Program Committee members will mount the snapshots.

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02:44:10 pm Be a Part of the Road to Recovery

Categories: General

The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program is in great need of volunteers to drive local cancer patients to and from their life-saving medical appointments. An integral part of treating cancer successfully is making sure cancer patients receive their treatments, but many find making transportation arrangements is a challenge. The American Cancer Society provided more than 7,900 rides to cancer patients in Massachusetts last year, but needs new volunteer drivers to keep up with the demand for transportation.

"I decided to get involved with the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program because it seemed like a very simple way to be able make a difference, and it was just one hour a month," said Beth Riccitelli of Somerset who has been a driver for almost two years. "I was also newly retired and didn't mind driving, so Road to Recovery was the ideal way to meet new people. It really feels good to be able to provide transportation to a patient in need of a ride. Everyone is so thankful, and I have been able to make some wonderful friends.”

You too can make a difference in the fight against cancer by becoming a driver for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery. Drivers use their own vehicle to drive patients to and from their treatments. The schedule for volunteers is flexible, treatment appointments take place weekdays, primarily during business hours. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer driver for Road to Recovery, please contact your American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

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02:43:54 pm Ocean Explorium Hours

Categories: General

Over 30,000 people visited the Ocean Explorium in 2009, and even more are anticipated in 2010. This summer, the Ocean Explorium will open six days per week, Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Admission fees will increase slightly, to $7.50 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5.50 for children. Children under three and members are always free.

Living exhibits include a coral reef, anemone fish, seahorses, jellies, local fishes and scallops. A large touch tank of marine life one might find at a local rocky shore is an instant attraction, while the coral farm demonstrates the slow accumulation of these delicate structures.

Learners of all ages can investigate and experiment at Explorers' Zone stations equipped with themed projects, while youngsters are drawn into Discovery Bay for play-and-learn activities. Local artist Arthur Moniz created the murals gracing each end of the exhibit space. One depicts a Salt Marsh teeming with shore birds and small animals. The other mural is of New Bedford harbor, with the working waterfront and a variety of watercraft plying the waters.

The Ocean Explorium is located at 174 Union Street in downtown New Bedford and is handicap accessible via the rear entrance. For more information, contact Betsy Pye at 508-994-5400 or bpye@oceanexplorium.org or go to the Ocean Explorium website at www.oceanexplorium.org.

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02:43:40 pm Baywatcher Volunteers Needed

Categories: General

The Coalition of Buzzards Bay Baywatchers water-monitoring program is still seeking volunteers to help again this year!

Now in its 19th year, Baywatchers is Massachusetts’ largest volunteer-based coastal water monitoring effort. From May through September, more than 100 dedicated volunteers help to monitor the health of Buzzards Bay by testing water samples in more than 30 harbors and coves from the Westport River to Woods Hole and the Elizabeth Islands.

A strong science background is not necessary. A good Baywatcher is someone who can consistently commit to one hour a week, between 6:00 to 9:00 am, from May to September. Baywatcher volunteers must be able to follow scientific instructions on how to test the water using the provided test kit and be agile enough to work on docks and piers along the water’s edge.

All volunteer Baywatchers participate in a training session to learn the proper sampling techniques and receive a sampling test kit, a handbook of procedures/protocols, data sheets to record results, and a sampling schedule of the 22 sampling days. On the scheduled sampling date, every volunteer goes to their assigned water testing site and with more than 100 volunteers collecting and testing the water at the same time the results give a “snap-shot” of the entire Bay’s water conditions. The data is used to track changes in Bay health throughout the summer months and from year to year.

To sign up, contact Tony Williams, Director of Monitoring Programs for the Coalition for Buzzards Bay at 508-999-6363 x203 or e-mail williams@savebuzzardsbay.org. Please provide a message that includes your name, phone number, email and contact mailing information.

To learn more about the Baywatchers Program, go to http://www.savebuzzardsbay.org.

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02:43:19 pm Crafters Wanted

Categories: General

The Fall Festival at the North Congregational Church in Middleboro is the perfect opportunity to gather with friends and stroll around Titicut Green. Whether looking for a unique gift item or locally made products like jams and jellies, the annual event has become renowned for its array of offerings.

Currently looking for new crafters and/or sellers, NCC is accepting applications for the September 25 festival. If you are interested in participating in the fair, please contact Elinore Pasquill at 508-947-0862 or you may also email her for further details or the application at edpteacher@aol.com.

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02:41:18 pm Healthy Eating for Older Adults

Categories: General

Healthy Eating is a program for seniors who want to learn more about how nutrition and lifestyle changes can promote better health. The workshop is held once a week for six weeks, on Fridays until September 10 from 1:00 to 3:30 pm. The workshop location is the Acushnet Council on Aging building, located at 59 1/2 South Main Street, Acushnet, MA. For more information about the Healthy Eating program, or to register for the workshop, please contact Kimberly Ferreira at Coastline Elderly Services, Inc., 508-999-6400, ext. 194.

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02:41:03 pm Lloyd Center Events

Categories: General

• Slocum River Regatta – Join your friends and neighbors at the Lloyd Center’ Fifth Annual Slocum River Regatta, “Southern New England’s Fall Rowing and Paddling Festival” on Saturday, September 11. Races will start promptly at 9:30 am and finish near the Lloyd Center’s new pier and dock, at the mouth of the Slocum River, traversing a two-mile closed-loop course on the tidal waters of one of New England’s most beautiful estuaries. 

The regatta is open to single and double racing and recreational shells, kayaks, canoes, fixed-seat rowboats, five-oared whaleboats, six-oared pilot gigs, and, new this year, standup paddleboards, with separate Youth, Master and Elite divisions in all categories, and a special Youth-Master division in all double and tandem events. The emphasis of the regatta is on good fun and enjoyment of the scenic Slocum River. A light post-race lunch will be provided at the Awards Ceremony, immediately following the races at the Lloyd Center’s headquarters, located at 430 Potomska Road in Dartmouth.

September 11 presents a late-morning high tide at the mouth of the Slocum River. For guaranteed acceptance, Entry Applications must be received no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 8. Any applications received after 1:00 pm on Friday, September 10 may not be accepted. Entry fees are $20 per entry, plus $10 per competitor and are not refundable. All competitors in entries whose applications are received complete and fully paid by Monday, September 6, will receive a complimentary souvenir “Slocum River Regatta” T-shirt (on sale to the public, while supplies last on race-day, for $10). Additional information or Entry Application forms can be obtained by visiting www.lloydcenter.org</span> or by calling 508-558-2917.

• About the Lloyd Center – Founded in 1978 and situated with its headquarters and spectacular nature preserve overlooking the scenic Slocum River estuary in southeastern Massachusetts, the Lloyd Center For The Environment has achieved a well-earned reputation for excellence in environmental research and education. Through its innovative outreach programs, it has established itself as a highly regarded leader in the ongoing effort to raise awareness of the area’s fragile coastal resources and the importance of protecting them.

Trails are open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. The Lloyd Center for the Environment is located at 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.lloydcenter.org or call 508-990-0505.

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02:40:47 pm Millicent Library Fall Storytimes

Categories: General

Storytimes will be scheduled in six-week sessions starting September 6, with a break between each session.

Session I will run from September 6 through October 15. Anyone is free to drop in and no registration required. There will be no Storytimes on Friday, October 8.

• Toddler Storytime is held on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 11:00 am and is open to children ages 1-3. Siblings are welcome. Playtime follows stories, songs and rhymes.

• “Big Kid” Storytime will be held on Fridays from 10:00 to 11:00 am, for ages 3 to 5. A simple craft follows storytime. Siblings are welcome.

• Baby Storytime will be held on Fridays from 11:15 to 11:45 am for ages 0-18 months. Playtime follows songs and rhymes.

Session II takes place from November 1 through December 9. The library is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday Thursday, and Friday, November 24 and 25.

Session III takes place from January 3, 2011 through February 11, 2011.

During the breaks, some special programming will be scheduled and will be announced at a later date. The Millicent Library is handicapped-accessible. For further information, contact Jane Murphy, Youth Services Librarian, at 508-993-5342, or email jmurphy@sailsinc.org.

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02:40:23 pm South Coast Community Church

Categories: General

The South Coast Community Church (SCCC), which includes attendees from the Tri-Town, has a new home. The church will now be sharing space with the First Congregational Church of Fairhaven at 34 Center Street in Fairhaven. SCCC uses the Williams Street entrance on the east side of the building. Sunday Worship will be at 10:30 am; Sunday Summer Worship 10:00 am. This schedule will take place until September 6. For more information, visit www.southcoastchurch.net</span>, e-mail brian@southcoastchurch.net or call 508-857-6526.

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