News Submission Policy
The Wanderer gladly accepts any and all news and press release items from local non-profit organizations for publication on a weekly basis. The deadline for submission of said items is Monday at 12:00 noon for publication in that week's edition. Due to the increasing number of submissions, however, publication of press material is never guaranteed. The Wanderer will make every effort to publish timely news items and announcements as the subject warrants and as often as spacing allows. All press material must be submitted in writing via fax (508-758-4845), e-mail (news@wanderer.com) or mail (The Wanderer, P.O. Box 102, Mattapoisett, MA 02739), and must be typed or word-processed. We cannot accept any handwritten material or news items via telephone, no matter how brief.
Photographs of area events and newsmakers are also accepted and encouraged. The Wanderer accepts well-lit and clearly-defined color or black and white photographs for publication provided they include a brief summary of the event or subject. Due to processing and/or cropping requirements, we cannot return photographs. Please make sure you retain your negatives or have a copy made before submitting photographs for publication. Like news items, the deadline for photos is Monday at 12:00 noon and the publication of photographs is also subject to spacing constraints and therefore cannot be guaranteed.
All submitted copy is subject to alterations and/or condensation as space allows at the editor's discretion. All submissions become the property of The Wanderer and cannot be returned, therefore please make sure to retain copies and/or negatives before submitting anything for consideration.

Letters to the Editor
To the Editor:
Questions? Questions? Questions?
It was so good to hear from (SEMASS Business Manager Tom Cipolla) that they are recycling 46,000 tons of metals at their facility.
I wonder how much per ton the town is getting?
Where is Rochester's cut?
Sincerely,
Antonio Sol
Rochester

To the Editor:
It seems like everytime I turn on the television there's another commercial pushing Verizon's FIOS service. I had FIOS installed at my house last October. The phone service is fine. The Internet service has been reliable and the picture quality on the TV is excellent.
But there's one big problem that will probably send me back to Comcast when my contract expires. The program line-up of our area does not include any news stations that focus on southeastern Massachusetts. No channels 6, 10, 12 or Fox Providence. No Rhode Island PBS. Instead, there are only Boston news channels and one irrelevant news station out of New Hampshire.
Believe me, I have called Verizon multiple times to register my concerns. Every time I have faced a brick wall where no one knows how to help me to even get to the right Verizon department to discuss the matter. Before your readers sign up for FIOS service, they need to know both what they'll be getting and what they won't.
Sincerely,
Lynda Johnson
Mattapoisett

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 greater 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 also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

Wanderer Keel Awards
The Wanderer is once again pleased to announce we are now soliciting nominations for our fifteenth annual "Wanderer Keel Awards." The yearly community service honor -- which is presented to one resident from each of the three central towns in our circulation area -- will be announced in our May 22, 2008 issue and each winner will be the subject of a short feature highlighting their contributions to the local community. But The Wanderer needs your help in selecting these "unsung heroes."
The requirements are simple. Nominees must be legal residents of Mattapoisett, Marion, or Rochester (at least five years), and must have contributed in some way to the overall benefit of the community -- either directly to town residents, or indirectly through efforts in promoting town activities, or working to keep the wheels of local government well-oiled. The only restriction is that these persons cannot benefit from their efforts in any other way -- either financially or politically (hence, sitting elected officials are not eligible).
In doing this, we hope to applaud those who are rarely recognized for their countless hours of service and focus on the many people "behind the scenes" who remain otherwise anonymous but provide crucial support to many town functions. Like the keel of a ship which keeps the vessel from capsizing, the recipients of the Annual Wanderer Keel Award will be recognized for their stalwart efforts in keeping the community on an "even keel."
Past recipients of this honor have included:
* MATTAPOISETT - Maurice "Mudgie" Tavares (1994); Priscilla Alden Hathaway (1995); Norma Holt (1996); Gale Hudson (1997); Kenneth Stickney (1998); Clara Morgan (1999); Betty and Bert Theriault (2000); John N. "Jack" DeCosta (2001); Jo Pannell (2002); Stan Ellis (2003); Evelyn Pursley (2004); Luice Moncevitch (2005); Seth Mendell (2006); Bradford A. Hathaway (2007).
* MARION - Claire Russell (1994); Ralph and Phyllis Washburn (1995); Annie Giberti (1996); Jay Crowley (1997); Tyler Blethen (1998); Olive E. Harris (1999, posthumously); Kathleen P. "Kay" Reis (2000); Loretta B. "Lori" Schaefer (2001); Ann and Warren Washburn (2002); Andrew Santos Sr. (2003); Eunice Manduca (2004); Annie Giberti (2005); A. Lee Hayes (2006); Horace "Hod" Kenney (2007).
* ROCHESTER - Joseph McCarthy (1994); Jean Fennell (1995); Katherine Hartley Church (1996); Chris Byron (1997); Albert Alderson (1998); Arthur and Aline Lionberger (1999); Kenneth E. Daggett (2000); Georgia D. Chamberlain (2001); Mary P. Wynne (2002); Evelyn F. Benner (2003); Mike Meunier Sr. (2004); Arthur F. Benner (2005); Pamela J. Robinson (2006); Anna E. White (2007).
Please send the name, address and telephone number of recommended nominees, along with a brief description of their key contributions to the community and why you feel they are deserving of this honor to: Keel Award, The Wanderer, P.O. Box 102, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 16, 2008 at 3:00 pm. Selected recipients will be contacted by telephone on Tuesday, May 20 prior to being announced in the May 22 issue. Staff members of The Wanderer and employees of Wanderer Communications are not eligible for consideration.

Mattapoisett Road Race
The Mattapoisett Road Race Committee recently met at ORR High School to begin preparations for this year's 38th run to be held on Friday, July 4, 2008. Members reaffirmed their traditional commitment to have all proceeds awarded to graduating seniors from ORR High School who have been runners. Last year's scholarships benefited nine students who each received a $1,000 award. Additional information about the race may be found on their website at www.mattapoisettroadrace.com. Sponsors and volunteers are still needed and interested parties are urged to contact Dan White at 508-758-3121 or Bob Gardner at 508-758-6061. All help is most welcomed and appreciated. The next Mattapoisett Road Race Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 27 at 7:00 pm at ORR High School in Mattapoisett. Please come and join them to continue making this worthwhile and fun event a success!

Rochester Master Plan
Do you know someone who is frustrated and upset because some town board won't give a permit or requires a Special Permit? That's your Town Government directing growth the way you told them to do it! Those "boring by-laws" at Town Meeting drive it and they are the result of needs identified by Master Plan studies.
Rochester is almost done with a new Master Plan to replace work completed in the year 2000 on the last exercise. The Master Plan Steering Committee and Town Planner Randall Kunz report that almost all of this Master Plan update is now on the town website (www.townofrochestermass.com) for review and critical comment. This work was developed by a dedicated list of interested and committed residents with assists from the Committee and Town Planner. Credits for all the contributions is in one of the lead sections on the website.
This is the document which starts the process resulting in By-Laws that direct growth the way you want it, as well as cause the frustrations when you go for a permit. Rochester is your town and any Master Plan should reflect how the majority of residents feel about what should and should not occur. The updated plan addresses a broad array of issues as specified in Massachusetts General Laws, Section 41, 81 D starting with an overview of "Planning for the Town We Want," and ranging from "Economic Development and "Housing" to "Historic Preservation and Natural Resources."
Nothing in this Master Plan is revolutionary. In addition, much of it identifies the "drivers" for the evolution the town is experiencing and then recommends the specifics needed to guide future change. This may seem like a Plan to make a Plan and it's true, to some extent, except this Master Plan attempts to set the directional focus as each recommended opportunity is addressed in the detail necessary to get it right.
The last several chapters of the Master Plan will be up on the website very soon, but the committee is seeking commentary on the vast majority as residents' time permits. Your input is needed to make this a final product. Please direct all comments to Town Planner Randall Kunz or members of the Rochester Planning Board at 508-763-5421, extension 208 or e-mail rkunz@townofrochester.com.

Navigation Course in Marion
A course titled "Introduction to Celestial Navigation" by the Marion-Bermuda Race and Ocean Navigator Magazine will be held at the Sippican Women's Club in Marion on May 10-11, 2008.
The two-day Ocean Navigator celestial seminar is a hands-on course covering basic celestial theory, sight reduction of sun, moon, planets, stars, and specialty sights of certain bodies, like the noon sun sight and latitude by Polaris.
The class covers related topics such as time and time zones, sight planning, sextant accessories and offshore navigation plotting techniques, especially dead reckoning. Practical plotting of each kind of sight, as well as celestial running fixes, is covered in detail. Sextant use is discussed during one session, but no sights actually are taken during the class. The emphasis is on practical use of celestial navigation, with plenty of pencil and paper work. Up to a dozen sights are reduced and plotted during the weekend, with numerous additional exercises using H.O. 249 and H.O. 229 in conjunction with the Nautical Almanac.
Students will find the Introduction to Celestial Navigation seminar to be a comprehensive, yet fast-paced, celestial navigation course. Over the past dozen years, alumni have navigated in Marion-Bermuda Races -- even won on occasion! -- and have made numerous celestial-only ocean crossings.
A review of basic navigation concepts such as chart work, plotting, true to magnetic course conversion, DR, time/speed/distance, and more is recommended. For those who have had no previous exposure to the subject reading one of the following books before the seminar would be helpful: Celestial Navigation in a Nutshell by Hewitt Schlereth, The Celestial Navigation Mystery Solved by David Owen Bell, or Celestial Navigation in the GPS Age by John Karl. For sextant use and care, try The Sextant Handbook by Robert Bauer.
Students should bring to class:
* 2008 Nautical Almanac (either blue or orange version);
* Volume 2 of H.O. 249; and
* Parallel rules and dividers; or
* Optional is volume 1 of H.O. 229.
The course cost is $295. To register or for more information, please contact: Dave Jackson, Ocean Navigator School of Seamanship, at 207-236-7014 or fair.winds@verizon.net.

Rochester Artists on Display
Two Rochester artists, Cindy Leonard and Betty Beaulieu, will exhibit their work from May 1 through May 29 at the Great Ponds Gallery at the Lakeville Public Library, 4 Precinct Street in Lakeville. An opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, May 1 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.
Exploring art in many areas since attending New Bedford High School, Betty King Beaulieu has studied with various local art teachers. Since retiring Betty has focused her interest in local history on recording the unique rural qualities of Rochester, where she grew up, and preserving past and present local scenes in watercolor and oil. She enjoys working in watercolor and oil equally, experiencing the unique qualities of both. Currently Betty lives and paints in Rochester. As a member of the Marion Art Center, Taunton Art Association, and Bourne Wareham Art Association, her work has been exhibited in many local art shows.
Cindy Walker Leonard also grew up in Rochester. She attended Waterman School and New Bedford High School and graduated from Bridgewater College in 1962. After marrying she spent the next 40 years in Acushnet raising four children and working with her husband in the steel supply business. Painting was always a hobby averaging one or two paintings a year. Cindy has exhibited in the Acushnet Art Week held in May and the Fuller Museum. Most of her paintings were for friends and family. Her favorite medium is acrylic done on canvas or gesso board. Major subjects are portraits and landscapes with ties to trips or family history. Upon retiring Cindy moved to Lakeville and with more free time has continued her favorite hobby, painting.
This exhibit is made possible by the Great Ponds Gallery at the Lakeville Public Library. For more information about this program, please contact Library Director Olivia Melo or e-mail the library at omelo@sailsinc.org. The library is closed Sunday and Monday, but open Tuesday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Wednesday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Thursday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; and Saturday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Scholarship Extended
The deadline for submitting completed applications for the Mattapoisett Woman's Club Scholarship has been extended to May 2, 2008. The Mattapoisett Woman's Club Scholarship applications have been submitted to all local high schools for Mattapoisett residents. The qualified student must be attending and graduating from either Bishop Stang High School, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, Old Rochester Regional High School,and or Tabor Academy. The qualified returning student can be either continuing school to pursue a higher level of graduate work or just enrolling in college later in life for the first time.
Each year the Mattapoisett Woman's Club awards three scholarships in the total amount of $2,500; two for $1,000 each and a $500 scholarship is awarded to a student returning to college to advance their college career after graduating high school prior to this current 2008 graduating class.
The club's fund-raising events and efforts consist of the "Taste of the Town," pie and bake sales during Harbor Days, the garden tour, and plant sales. It is with these proceeds that the club is able to afford to offer the money raised and award the deserving applicants. They look forward to the new applicants and wish them well in their academic achievement.
If anyone needs an application other than finding those at the high school guidance counselor's office, they may write to the Mattapoisett Woman's Club at P.O.Box 1444, Mattapoisett, MA 02739, or contact someone within the Mattapoisett Woman's Club. Again, the deadline for submitting completed applications has been extended to May 2, 2008.

ORR Concerts in the Park
The ORR Junior High School Concert Band, String Ensemble, and Chorus invite all to a "Concert in the Park" to be held Tuesday, May 27 at 11:00 am at Shipyard Park in Mattapoisett. (Rain date will be Wednesday, May 28). Please bring a lawn chair and a lunch and enjoy the music as these talented young musicians share the product of their hard work and dedicated rehearsals this school year. This will be a fun trip for the ensembles and an opportunity to bring their accomplishments to the town! The students will follow their performance with a picnic in the park!

Marion Property Tour
The Sippican Lands Trust will host an Open House and Property Tour on Sunday, May 4 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, rain or shine.
Looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon? Looking for a way to connect your family with nature? Then join them for this SLT property tour.
The tour will begin at the SLT's new office located at 354 Front Street (next door to Uncle Jon's). Maps and information about each property will be available as well as some refreshments to get everyone on their way. The tour will feature a handful of SLT properties boasting wildlife, woodlands, sandy beaches, and cranberry bogs. Each property will have guides to tell about the preserve and answer any questions you may have. Join them and make it a great family fun day!

Live Art at ORR
Tri-town parents, students and community members are invited to "Live Art Night" at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 14 in the auditorium.
This event will feature several students in Ms. Bodeau's art classes demonstrating their talents along with visiting artists from UMass Dartmouth. Visitors of this event will be able to watch the artists at work and try out techniques under their instruction.
Roseanette Rivera, a student teacher in Meghann Bodeau's art classes, planned this live art exhibit. Ms. Rivera is a senior art education major with a concentration in painting at UMass Dartmouth. Art students in Ms. Rivera's and Ms. Bodeau's classes will be exhibiting samples of their work completed this semester. During the course of the evening, the junior high jazz band will be performing and light refreshments will be served. Admission is free.

Lighthouses in Rochester
New England's unique, historical lighthouses will be the topic of Ed Beaulieu's multimedia presentation titled "Silent Sentinels of the Shores - Lighthouses of New England and Beyond" to be held on Saturday, May 10 at 2:30 pm at the Rochester Senior Center on Dexter Lane. This extensive educational slideshow is co-sponsored by the Rochester Historical Society and the Rochester Council on Aging.
The rocky coastline of New England is where lighthouses began in America. Many in the area preceded the birth of the nation. For countless years lighthouses, whether elaborate stone buildings or simple frameworks, have warned mariners against the dangerous coastlines and jagged shoals and guided them toward safe harbor. Because of modern electronic navigational aids, the number of operational lighthouses has steadily declined in recent years and many of these historic sentinels are threatened.
Mr. Beaulieu, a retired computer technician, uses both his technical and personal experience to create a fascinating historical and anecdotal presentation about many of New England's unique towering guides.
DVD copies of Mr. Beaulieu's 90-minute program will be available for sale at $20 each. A portion of the proceeds from the speaker fees and DVD sales will be donated by Mr. Beaulieu to the American Lighthouse Foundation, a non-profit group whose mission is to save lighthouses across the country.
Following the presentation, a Pot Luck Supper will be served at 5:00 pm for anyone wishing to stay and participate. Please call the Senior Center at 508-763-8723 to let them know which special dish you will bring and how many will plan to be there for the supper.
All are welcome to attend both the presentation and the supper, or simply just attend one or the other. Sign-up is required for the supper only.

Marion Spring Cleanup
The Marion Tree Committee, the Sippican Lands Trust, the Sippican Historical and Preservation Society, the Marion Garden Discussion Group, the Marion Natural History Museum and the Town of Marion Department of Public Works (DPW) are sponsoring "Arbor Day - Spring Clean Up" on Saturday, May 10 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon - rain or shine. Everyone is encouraged to bring their families and get down and dirty picking up all the winter trash.
Gloves and bags for the townwide clean-up have been donated by Lockheed Martin-Sippican. Uncle Jon's will provide free coffee and Harriet's Outback has donated delicious baked goods to keep everyone's energy up. The Sippican School Band, under the direction of Hannah Moore, will entertain starting at 10:00 am. There will also be a Mother's Day plant sale to give to your mother or any other important woman in your life on Sunday.
The Tree Committee will distribute tree saplings. Tree Committee and Nature Conservancy member Joyce West exhorts: "Plant a billion trees: One Dollar, One Tree, One Planet!"
There will be a box for used cell phones that will either be repaired or recycled in a planet-friendly manner. An improperly disposed of cell phone can release as much as 66 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere! Forms to order rain barrels will also be available.
Charlie Bradley's truck will make a return appearance and the Marion DPW will provide a dump truck that will hold all the trash that will hopefully be accumulated.
"What a difference many helping hands make!" said Tinker Saltonstall of the Sippican Lands Trust. "Last year over 30 volunteers of all ages spent the morning of Arbor Day picking up trash all over town -- and we built a mountain of trash bags in from of the Music Hall. Can we double that number this year and build the mountain even higher?"

Mattapoisett Road Race
The Mattapoisett Road Race Committee recently met at ORR High School to begin preparations for this year's 38th run to be held on Friday, July 4, 2008. Members reaffirmed their traditional commitment to have all proceeds awarded to graduating seniors from ORR High School who have been runners. Last year's scholarships benefited nine students who each received a $1,000 award. Additional information about the race may be found online at www.mattapoisettroadrace.com.
Sponsors and volunteers are still needed and interested parties are urged to contact Dan White at 508-758-3121 or Bob Gardner at 508-758-6061. All help is most welcomed and appreciated.
The next Road Race Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 27 at ORR High School in Mattapoisett. Please come and join them to continue making this worthwhile and fun event a success!

Marion Marsh Talk
The Marion Natural History Museum is proud to sponsor an illustrated talk by John Teal, Scientist Emeritus at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute with over 140 scientific publications to his credit, on Friday, May 9 at 7:00 pm at the Natural History Museum (second floor, above the Elizabeth Taber Library).
Dr. Teal, a resident of Rochester, has spent more than 50 years studying the unique salt water marshes of North America's eastern seaboard. He has served on National Academy of Science committees, editorial boards of scientific journals, written popular articles and books, and served on local committees. He has also served on the board of the Conservation Law Foundation of New England since 1978 and serves as an advisor to local land trusts. Life and Death of the Salt Marsh, published with Mildred Teal in 1969, followed 15 years of field research from Georgia to Nova Scotia. As stated in their introduction, this seminal work "is about the marshes of the East Coast of North America: how they were formed; why they continue to exist; the interplay of plants and animals; and the effect of that influential animal, man."
Dr. Teal sent out early and consistent warnings about the negative effect human behavior was having upon the health of the salt marshes, the nurseries for the bounty of our coastal waters and offshore fisheries, and he continues to do so. In addition to research on coast wetland and ocean wildlife, he has worked on oil pollution, wastewater treatment, and restoration ecology. The outlook is not totally bleak as Dr. Teal is currently involved with constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment and with marsh restoration in fresh, brackish and salt wetlands. For the last six years, he has worked on a salt marsh restoration project in Delaware Bay that encompasses 32 square miles.
Please join the Marion Natural History Museum as they learn from this distinguished gentleman about the outlook for our own coastal environment during the seasonal reawakening of our wetlands and the return of migratory birds and fish. Ample time will be provided for questions and for informal discuss during refreshments which will follow John Teal's talk.

Mattapoisett Rummage Sale
On Saturday, May 10, the spring Rummage Sales will be held at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church Street, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Gently used clothing for infants and adults will be available as well as shoes, belts, pocketbooks, hats, scarves, gloves and ties.
In addition, there will be a White Elephant Sale which always offers a large collection of items you want and need including books (both hardcover and softcover). Come early to get your choices from the great variety on sale. The prices can't be beat!

Bird Walk in Rochester
The Rochester Land Trust (RLT) and the Coalition for Buzzards Bay (CBB) will be hosting a Spring Bird Walk and Ramble on Saturday, May 10 on two abutting properties in Rochester.
The public is invited to join birder Mindy LaBranche on a walk to look for birds of both the open fields and forests. This is high spring migration and species that have been observed on these properties in the past include towhees, flycatchers, warblers, tanager, hawks and owls. The walk will start at Red Barn Farm, an RLT and CBB conservation restricted property and proceed to the Rounseville South property, also managed by the RLT. These two properties contain both old and maintained fields, pine woods and hardwood swamps that harbor a variety of habitats.
The walk will begin at Red Barn Farm, 157 Vaughan Hill Road in Rochester at 7:00 am on Saturday, May 10. Parking will be available along the road. For this walk only, we ask that no dogs or young children join us. Bring your binoculars and wear footwear for possibly damp going. Following the walk there will be coffee and pastry in the barn. The walk will be held rain or shine. For further information, please call Russ at 508-763-9888.

Sippican Band in Boston
The Sippican School Band won a Gold Medal in the MICCA (Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association) Festival last month. The prize for their efforts is wonderful. On May 3, the Sippican School Band will be performing at Symphony Hall in Boston as part of MICCA'S "Stars at Symphony" Celebration. Seventy-three children, ages 10 to 12, make up the band. Their enthusiasm is infectious - this is a very hard working, happy group.
Band Director Hannah Moore is proud of their success, especially because they are representative of success in an inclusion program. "At Sippican School, pretty much every student gives the band a try," she said. "Because the staff has been supportive in developing a lesson schedule that can adapt for all the children in the school, and our town supports the program financially, every child gets an equal opportunity to be a part of it. Big, diverse groups make it harder to polish pieces to Gold-medal level. To receive a Gold is a very special accomplishment. And to play at Symphony Hall -- that is just too cool for words!"
The Concert at Symphony Hall is free, and the entire community is invited to attend.

YMCA Open Houses
Don't let video games and boredom consume your child this summer! Camping season at YMCASouthcoast begins in less than two months, and they welcome you and your family to visit one of our fun and informative open houses!
Camp Massasoit, located at the Mattapoisett YMCA and Camp Metacomet, located at the Dartmouth YMCA, will open their doors on Saturday, May 3 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Camp Nep-In-Nae, located at the Gleason Family YMCA in Wareham will host camp open houses on Saturday, May 10 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and again on Tuesday, May 20 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. All events will have free popcorn, balloons, camp t-shirts, giveaways, including face painting at the Camp Massasoit Open House on May 3, and tours of the camp sites. You'll also be able to meet some staff members and learn about payment plan options. Camp Metacomet's open house will include two open activity areas for participation.
Come visit one of our open houses and learn how your child can experience camp this summer! Camp season at YMCA Southcoast begins June 23, and registration has already begun. Financial assistance is available. If you have any questions, please call your local YMCASouthcoast branch. We look forward to seeing you at our open houses!

Marion Nursing Scholarships
The Friends of the Marion Visiting Nurses Scholarship applications are now available. They may be acquired at the Guidance Office of Old Rochester Regional High School, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, Bishop Stang High School, Tabor Academy, and Upper Cape Regional Technical High School.
The scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors, pursuing the nursing or medical field at an accredited two- or four-year school. Applicants must reside in the towns of Marion, Mattapoisett or Rochester.

Rochester Volunteer Appreciation
On Friday, May 2 from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, the Rochester Council on Aging (COA) will be honoring its 136 dedicated volunteers at a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the Senior Center. The COA would not be able to function without these very dedicated individuals. Appetizers, a hot luncheon, an awards ceremony, and a wonderful local, entertaining motivational speaker, Norm Bossio, will present an uplifting and inspiring directive to the corps of volunteers!

Mattapoisett Historical Lithograph
Many Mattapoisett residents are already proud owners of the Historical Society's new Mattapoisett lithograph which was introduced last summer. On Sunday afternoon, May 4 at 2:00 pm, Larry Van Alstyne, the artist who created this wonderful piece, will be at the Mattapoisett Historical Museum, 5 Church Street, to tell everyone how he goes about creating these wonderful composite paintings. Everyone is invited to attend and hear this fascinating story. He will also show a number of pieces from his portfolio including village and college scenes as well as landscapes and historical buildings. Mr. Van Alstyne will gladly sign the Mattapoisett print which will be on sale that day for $15 and $20. Don't miss what promises to be a most interesting program.

Marion Art Center
Paintings and Textiles
"Paintings and Textiles" is the title of a new exhibition and sale of works by Deborah Baronas at the Marion Art Center which is now on display through May 21.
Deborah Baronas studied painting and textiles at the Rhode Island School of Design where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in textile design in 1979. During the years that she traveled as a textile designer, she had opportunities to exchange ideas and traditions in surface design with other cultures. Her inspiration in painting comes from her childhood in a farming community in Western Massachusetts. She has found that her ancestral ties to farming the land have brought her to a place in her painting where she works the painted landscape in the way a farmer brings in the harvest. Her painted landscapes on fabric evoke a sense of timelessness, enabling the observer to look beyond the pretty picture.
Deborah Baronas has participated in numerous shows, including a solo exhibition at Nat Porter Gallery in Warren RI in 2007. The exhibition is open to the public Tuesday through Friday 1:00 to 5:00 pm, and Saturdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Admission is free. The Marion Art Center is located at the corner of Main and Pleasant Streets in Marion.
Kinderstep
The Marion Art Center is offering Kinderstep, a dance program for children ages 3 to 5, now through May 7 from 4:00 to 4:45 pm. A second class for 6- to 8-year-olds, will meet from 4:45 to 5:30 pm. The fee is $75 for MAC members and $85 for non-members. There will be another session following this one with an informal recital in June.
Teah Mazzoni is the instructor. She was trained at the Sherry Gold Studios and at 18 was Miss Dance Olympus 1998. She was a teacher and choreographer at Kathy Medina's Studio in Rochester before attending the University of Massachusetts and Bridgewater State College where she received a M.Ed. She currently teaches at Rochester Memorial School.
To pre-register for dance classes, please call 508-748-1266 or stop in the Marion Art Center during gallery hours: Tuesday - Friday, 1:00 to 5:00 pm and Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Dance Program
The Marion Art Center is pleased to announce that Teah Mazzoni has joined the staff as Instructor of Dance. The Dance Program for 3-5 year olds has reopened on Wednesdays, 4:00 to 4:45 pm. There will be three six-week sessions culminating in a mini-recital in June. Tuition for each session is $75 for MAC members and $85 for non-members.
Teah Mazzoni is an enthusiastic and bright young woman. Dance has always been a large part of her life, and she looks forward to the opportunity to teach at the Art Center. She began her dance career at Sherry Gold Studios and later was a competition dancer at Kathy Medina's Studio in Rochester. At 17 she began teaching and choreographing for the 3-5 age group. At 18 she was crowned Miss Dance Olympus 1998 and performed as one of the 15 Headliner Dancers at the National Competition in Atlantic City, NJ.
She attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and received a BS, Magna Cum Laude. Although her heart was dedicated to dance, she had an equal love of working with children and pursued a Master of Education Degree at Bridgewater State College where she graduated with a GPA of 4.0 in 2007. She currently is teaching second grade at Rochester Memorial School.
For more information and registration, please call the Marion Art Center 508-748-1266, or stop by during gallery hours: Tuesday to Friday, 1:00 to 5:00 pm and Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Wellness Center
Are you, or someone you know, a caregiver for a parent, sibling, or neighbor? Have you ever considered the Council on Aging (COA) as a source of activities and socialization that could provide a change of scenery for a loved one, as well as a partner in their care? The COA's new name, "Mattapoisett Social and Wellness Center," encompasses a vast array of activities that include fitness exercises as well as games and social outings. Caregivers are invited to attend COA activities as well.
COA and FISH are partnered in providing medical transportation to seniors and those with physical disabilities, regardless of age.
Another consideration might be the Friendly Visitor Program. Local volunteers, who have been trained and CORI-checked, will visit for an hour a week and socialize with a normally-homebound person. If this might be of interest to you, or if you would like more information, please call the Mattapoisett COA at 508-758-4110 and ask for Ben Martin or Dr. Vanessa Williams.

Marion Antiques Show
The Sippican Historical and Preservation Society is pleased to announce the dates for the upcoming 2008 Marion Antiques Show. Co-Chaired by Trudy Kingery and Jilline Fearons, the event will take place Saturday, August 16 and Sunday August 17, with a Preview Party to be held on Friday, August 15. This year marks the 16th anniversary of the Show, which is a benefit fundraiser for the Sippican Historical and Preservation Society.
All proceeds from the Antiques Show go to the non-profit Society, which, in past years, has used monies raised to complete preservation and beautification projects throughout Marion. A portion of last year's show proceeds was directed toward development and publication of the popular book, A Picture Postcard History of Marion, Massachusetts. A portion of this year's proceeds will be dedicated to local history education initiatives. Through the sponsorship of in-school learning opportunities and out-of-school activities, the Sippican Historical and Preservation Society hopes to support creative, innovative ways for school-age children to explore Marion's exciting past.

Mother's Day Road Race
Volunteers are hard at work organizing the second annual Tiara Classic 5K Mother's Day Road Race in Mattapoisett. On Sunday, May 11, kids can participate in a fun run and families can run and/or walk in a 5K road race. Oxford Creamery at 98 County Road is host site for this second-time event. This race, for the whole family, honors the mind, body and spirit of women and girls. Pre-registration is ongoing at www.cfsema.org/womensfund. Pre-registration received by May 1 is $20 and after May 1 is $30.
On May 11, number pick-up and registration starts at 7:00 am; the Kids Fun Run at 9:00 am; and the Tiara Classic 5K Run and Walk at 9:30 am. There will be an Awards Ceremony at 11:00 am.
The long-term vision is to move the Tiara Classic from town to town, but organizers and runners had so much fun in Mattapoisett last year that they are staying for a second year. Runners and walkers may walk in memory of or in honor of a special woman in their lives and all proceeds support the Women's Fund at the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts -- a non-profit organization and permanently endowed fund of the Community Foundation.
This year the Women's Fund has reached out to its grantees in the WISE Women project at BCC (a workforce training program that includes college credits and an internship experience, as well as job search support), with the opportunity to run or walk with their children free of charge. The Fund has also extended this offer to families who are currently residing in the shelter run by the Women's Center, the regional agency serving victims of Domestic Violence. For mentors in the SMILES program, they are offering a "twofer" -- mentors may register with their mentees to run/walk for the price of one. Of course, if mentors want to pay for both, volunteers have no objections.
Grantees and Mentors may go to the website and download http://www.cfsema.org/womensfund/events/tiara/tiara-reg.pdf and mail in the registration form to The Women's Fund, 63 Union Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 to take advantage of this offer. All other registrants may go to http://www.cfsema.org/womensfund/events.html and click on "Register Online."
Participants are encouraged to bring a used cell phone to the race and drop it in one of the collection boxes. Recycling each phone will prevent 66 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, and will help the Women's Fund provide phones for senior citizens and other at risk populations.
For those who would like more information about getting involved, becoming a sponsor, or volunteering at the race, please contact Lara Stone at 508-612-8775 or email at lhstone@comcast.net, or contact Kate Fentress, Executive Director of the Women's Fund, at kfentress@cfsema.org or by calling 508-717-0283.

Senior Exercise in Marion
The Friends of the Marion Visiting Nurses is proud to sponsor the lively and popular exercise program, "Marion Senior Stretch and Exercise," which is led by Karen Corcoran. The course, which is a 10-week exercise class including low-impact aerobics, weights and stretching, meets at the First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall in Marion on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. The heart of the class is its beloved instructor, Karen Corcoran.
Interested in stepping out this spring and exploring one of Karen's excellent exercise courses? Come and see what they involve. All ages and fitness levels are welcome and encouraged to participate in one of her classes. In Marion the cost varies from $20 for two days a week to $30 for three days a week for each 10-week session. If you are uncertain whether a course is right for you, just try one class free-of-charge. If you enjoy it, you may join a session at any time.

Mattapoisett Council on Aging
The Mattapoisett Social and Wellness Center, the location of the Mattapoisett Council on Aging is located at the Center School in Mattapoisett. Enter at the main entrance; parking is located across the street near the church carriage shed or in the school lot. The Center is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Please be reminded that with the Mattapoisett Council on Aging, as with all Councils on Aging, any and all are welcome to participate in activities or utilize services. The Mattapoisett Council on Aging works regularly with a vibrant group of individuals who are always willing to welcome a new face. Please call them at 508-758-4110 if you are interested in receiving our bi-monthly newsletter or, if you wish to learn more about our services.
Weekly Schedule
* Thursday, May 1 - 8:30 Yoga with Tricia; 9:30 Public Health Nurse; 9:30 Bridge; 1:00 Crafters Circle; 1:00 Art Class 7:00PM Swan Lake Boston Ballet;
* Friday, May 2 - 8:00 Shaw's; 9:00 Norman Bird Sanctuary; 9:30 Weight Training; 10:30 Post Office; Reminder: SERVE orders due for May;
* Monday, May 5 - 8:00 Water Aerobics; 9:00 SHINE; 10:00 Garden Club; 1:00 Fairhaven Marts; 1:00 Scrabble; 1:30 Fitness with Karen;
* Tuesday, May 6 - 8:30 Stop and Shop; 9:30 Public Health Nurse; 10:30 Tedeschi's; 2:00 Weight Training;
* Wednesday, May 7 - 8:00 Water Aerobics; 12:30 Senior Lunch with Grade 3; 1:30-3:30 Bingo; 1:30 Fitness with Karen;
* Thursday, May 8 - 8:30 Yoga with Tricia; 9:30 Public Health Nurse; 9:30 Bridge; 11:30 Kozy Nook, Westport; 1:00 Crafters Circle; 1:00 Art Class;
* Friday, May 9 - 8:00 Shaw's; 9:30 Weight Training; 10:30 Post Office.
Upcoming Events
* Stimulus Package: Seniors who do not ordinarily file Federal Income Tax will have to file a 2007 For 1040A to receive the upcoming $300 or $600 rebate. They have until November 2008 to do this. Libraries and Town COA's have these forms. The information required is name (s), address, Social Security number(s) and on line 14a, amount of Social Security received in 2007. If the person filing has dependents others than spouse, add them to the dependent section. When form is completed, mail to IRS, Andover, MA 05501-0002.
* Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown, RI - Friday, May 2. Join the COA on a guided tour tailored specifically for the group. The tour will involve very light walking for a short distance. Van leaves 8:30 am, cost of the tour is $6, and the van is $7. Lunch to follow at Coddington Brewing Company. Six lunch specials for $10. Call and reserve your spot today!
* Kozy Nook - On May 8 at 12:00 noon, enjoy a pleasant meal among friends at the Kozy Nook in Westport. Lunches range from $2-$13 and include soups, salads, sandwiches and dinner plates. Van donation $3. Let the COA know if you wish to join them for this comfortable lunch.
* Christmas Tree Shop and IHOP - May 15. Travel to Bourne with the Mattapoisett COA to shop the Christmas Tree Shop and have lunch at IHOP with Senior Specials. Van leaves at 9:00 am and the donation is $5. Please call the COA to save your space.
* Annual Third Grade Luncheon - May 21 at 1:00 pm. This annual luncheon is funded and prepared entirely by the third graders at Center School as a way to serve the seniors. The event is free and includes a full lunch as well as entertainment. RSVP to the COA no later than Wednesday, May 14.
* Elder Law Essentials with Attorney Suzanne J. Sequin on Friday May 23 at 10:00 am. Attorney Sequin will be presenting pertinent information to all elders, documents, laws, support and other information. Make a point to attend and learn a multiple of items that affect the elder community. Free and open to all.
* Tour Fenway Park: Thursday, May 29 join the Mattapoisett COA for a tour that includes walking onto the field, entering the press box, and much more! Some walking required, though it is handicap accessible. Tour is $11 (paid there), and the van is $10 (reserves your space). Lunch to follow across the street at Cask n' Flagon, prices range from $6-$15. Reserve your spot early, this will be a great day!
* Swan Lake Boston Ballet at the Wang Center Opening Night, Thursday evening, May 1 at 7:00 pm. Seating is Orchestra, Left. Cost $46 includes ticket and van. This a great price for a wonderful show. Call the COA to reserve your seat soon.
* Zeiterion Theatre Tickets: Tickets are available for seniors at a discounted rate for a variety of shows through this Spring. Call the COA for a list of shows and the reduced cost. You don't want to miss out on these terrific shows at great rates. Plan early, seats are limited. Van may be available.
* Art Classes: A new class for Thursday afternoons. Classes are 1:00 to 2:30 pm and registration is limited so contact the COA soon. If you have an interest in trying your talent at painting, this beginner's class is for you. Instructor is a talented local artist who will instruct you on how to use you talent, or find your talent. Bring a watercolor kit, (basic one from WalMart or such). Class is no charge but registration is required.
* Tax Counseling: AARP Tax Foundation will provide tax counseling and tax preparations by appointment. Please call the COA for an appointment and more information.
* Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty and Little Italy: On May 20 join the COA for a bus ride to New York, ferry to Ellis Island, Museum tours and dinner in Little Italy. Expected cost to be $96. (based on number attending). If this is something you would enjoy, and we will have fun, call and reserve your seat.
* Library Van Service (now every Saturday) - Call COA by Friday to schedule pick up at 9:00 am on Saturday.
* Cribbage: on Tuesdays at 11:00 am. A fun game that exercises the brain, too.

Rochester Town Cleanup
The Rochester Annual Town Cleanup Week will be taking place through May 5. It will be overseen by a committee of volunteers from the Police Department, Fire Department, Conservation Commission, Boy Scouts, and in large part by the Rochester Highway Department. Volunteers are welcome to choose a street or neighborhood, or elect to be assigned one. Bags and gloves will also be available throughout the week at Lloyd's Market and Bold Moves Real Estate (upstairs at Plumb Corner). For further information, please contact event coordinator Cathy Mendoza at 508-763-5617.

Friends of the Elderly
The Friends of the Elderly is collecting Shaw's receipts. They earn 1 percent cash rewards to be used in the Friends' endeavors to serve the Mattapoisett's elderly. Boxes for the receipts are located in the Town Hall, the COA office in Center School, and in the Seaport Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop. They hope to have many more Shaw's receipts. Thank you for your help in this project. For more information, please call the Mattapoisett COA at 508-758-4110.
In addition, the Friends of the Elderly has a pretty clear glass cake plate which was left at the Cake Sale for Easter in the Seaport Shop. It is imprinted with a clear floral print. If this is yours, please call the COA at 508-758-4110.

Trip to Washington
This summer will mark the 30th consecutive year that students and parents from the tri-town area will be visiting our nation's capitol. The four-day August tour is once again being privately organized by retired teacher Leo Paradis. By visiting Washington's monuments and historic sites, it is hoped that the students will begin to learn a little about our country's 20th century history.
The highlight of the trip will occur on Monday, August 11 at 3:15 pm, when four students will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in honor of all members past and present of the Benjamin D. Cushing VFW Post 2425 of Marion. A day at Baltimore's Six Flags America will conclude the tour. For more information about the trip, please call 508-763-4225.

Benefit Golf Tournament
Community Connections will hold its 22nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Monday May 12 at The Bay Club at Mattapoisett to benefit people with disabilities living on the SouthCoast, South Shore, and Cape Cod. The Bay Club at Mattapoisett boasts an exceptional location in a quaint coastal town for this highly anticipated "SouthCoast Golf Gala."
The tournament is a "Best Ball of the Foursome" format with a shotgun start at noon. The tournament will be followed by a reception that includes passed hors d'oeuvres, carving stations, cash bar, silent and live auctions. Golf costs $250 per person or $1,000 per foursome and includes greens fees, cart, box lunch and evening reception. The price for attending the evening reception and auctions only is $35 per person. This will be the only golf tournament in 2008 to benefit Community Connections.
Since 1985, Community Connections has been providing opportunities for people with disabilities. Locally, the agency operates two facilities in Marion and Fairhaven, where SouthCoast residents receive Day Habilitation, Life Skills and Supported Employment services. The agency depends on the support of local individuals and businesses to continue fulfilling its mission and supporting providing the highest quality services to people with disabilities. By participating in this golf tournament or attending the evening reception beginning at 5:00 pm, you can help people with disabilities realize their full potential while leading active and meaningful lives.
To register or learn more about this event, please contact Hadley Luddy at 1-800-308-1321, extension 107 or via email at hluddy@commcon.org. To learn more about Community Connections and to read about this event, visit www.communityconnectionsinc.org.

Mattapoisett Machacam Club
The Machacam Club will hold its May meeting on Wednesday, May 7 at the American Legion Hall on Depot Street in Mattapoisett. Social time is 5:30 pm with dinner service beginning at 6:00 pm.
The speaker for this last meeting before the summer break will be Mattapoisett's own Seth Mendell. Seth's presentation will be "Mattapoisett and World War II." The talk will focus on Convoys, Blackouts and Civil Defense. Seth will also cover key events in both the European and Pacific Theaters of the war. All World War II buffs should find this presentation very interesting.
Callers are asked to bear in mind the importance of call list accuracy. Please report your lists no later than 9:00 pm on Monday, May 5 by calling 508-758-9311. Last minute changes can be made by members by calling the same number no later than 9:00 pm on May 5.

Mattapoisett Transfer Station
The summer hours for the Mattapoisett Transfer Station are Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. If you have any questions, please call the Mattapoisett Board of Health at 508-758-4100, extension 8.

Veterans Office Closed
The Veterans Service Office for the Towns of Mattapoisett and Rochester located in the Mattapoisett Town Hall will be closed through May 7. Any veteran in need of assistance during this period should contact the Veterans Agent by calling the Board of Selectmen's office at 508-758-4100, extension 204.

Rochester Scholarship Awards
Thanks to the generosity and support of those who attended the Rochester Country Fair's 2007 Ponderosa Open Golf Tournament to benefit the Rochester Country Fair Awards, they recently announced that they will be able to award $525 for educational expenses to a graduating senior from both Old Rochester Regional High School and Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School.
The deserving students must reside in Rochester, have shown and proven positive leadership, strong work ethics, academic goals and community service. Applications are now available in each of the school's guidance offices. For more information, please call 508-763-9610.

Marion Fire Fighters Association
The Marion Fire Fighters Association is currently working with TelAmerica on two projects over the coming weeks. A telemarketing campaign is currently underway to solicit support for this worthwhile community effort. The first project is a Fire Safety Guide that will be ready for distribution, free-of-charge, in June. The second is a comedy show titled "Comedy Caravan" to take place on June 20 at 8:00 pm at the Wareham Elks Club. Proceeds from both projects will help the association in its support of the Marion Fire Department, as well as fund local scholarships. If you have any questions about these projects, please contact Allen Denham at 508-748-1177.

Rochester's Plumb Library
Museum Passes
The Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library in Rochester is pleased to offer new museum passes for use by patrons with a valid library card. Patrons can check out passes to the Buttonwood Park Zoo, Plimoth Plantation, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Massachusetts State Parks, and, thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Library, the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Call the library at 508-763-8600 for more information, or to reserve a pass.
Genealogy Club
If you're interested in researching family history, drop by the Genealogy Club, which gets together at the library every Thursday from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. Use the online resources or the library's Historical Collection to answer your questions about family or town history.
For more information about these and other programs and services at the Plumb Library, call 508-763-8600, or email info@plumblibrary.com.

Old Colony Honors
The National Honor Society (NHS) at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School announced its annual Induction Ceremony will be held on Thursday evening, May 8, 2008. The ceremony will include dinner prepared by the school's Culinary Arts Department.
The ceremony will begin at 6:00 pm with a reception followed by dinner at 6:30 pm. The candlelight induction ceremony will immediately follow dinner.
Graduate members are invited to attend and are encouraged to contact National Honor Society Advisor Christine Watling at 508-763-8011, extension 120.

Sippican Historical Museum
The Sippican Historical Society Museum in Marion is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The museum is located at 139 Front Street, in the heart of Marion village, and features artifacts and historical materials pertaining to Marion, including furnishings, paintings, photographs and maps. Special features include displays dedicated to the Mary Celeste and the Gilded Age of Marion. Please call for further information at 508-748-1116.

Tri-County Scholarship
The Tri-County Music Association, Inc. is committed to supporting music in the community through the Tri-County Symphonic Band and financial aid to student musicians. The association is proud of the many scholarships it has given over the last 45 years and is focused on helping student musicians pursue their goals and ultimately share the gift of music for years to come.
The Tri-County Music Association, Inc. is currently offering conditional scholarships to students attending a four year college or university as a music major. Current college students and college-bound high school seniors residing in Barnstable, Bristol or Plymouth counties are eligible to apply.
The Tri-County Music Association, Inc. is also offering summer music study grants to deserving high school students (Grades 9-12) residing in Barnstable, Bristol or Plymouth counties. This program helps to defray the cost for recipients' musical study in summer camps, summer programs and private lessons.
Interested student musicians should download an application form from the Tri-County Symphonic Band website at http://tricountysymphonicband.org/.
For more information, you can also contact the Tri-County Music Association, Inc. at tricountysymphband@gmail.com.

Mattapoisett Town Clerk
Second Billing
The second billing for Mooring, Boat, Wharf and Skiff Bills that includes a $50 late fee has been mailed along with a letter of privilege revocation. This bill must be paid on or before June 2, 2008 to retain privileges.
Dog Licenses
2008 Dog licenses are ready. The dog must have a current rabies on file. The fee is $10 for male or female, and $7 if the dog has been spayed or neutered. Dog owners 70 years of age or older are exempt from the fee but a current rabies must be on file. If you have any questions or concerns regarding licensing please call the office at 508-758-4103, extension 2.
Office Hours
Town Clerk's office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and the second and fourth Tuesday of the month until 6:00 pm.

Marion Dog Licenses
Marion Dog Licenses have expired as of January. Please arrange to license your dog as soon as possible. If you no longer have the dog, please call the Town Clerk's office so they can update their records. The Town House is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and Friday 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. The Town Clerk's phone number is 508-748-3502.

Camp Angel Wings
Southcoast Home Care, Hospice and Palliative Care and Infusion Services, in collaboration with the YMCA, will be hosting the fifth annual "Camp Angel Wings." This is an exciting, fun-filled, two-day camp experience for children and teens, ages 5 through 17, who are grieving the loss of a loved one. It will be held the weekend of July 26 and 27, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Camp Angel Wings provides interactive activities that include music, swimming, arts and crafts, rock climbing, and archery, designed to reduce the sense of isolation while improving self esteem for children and teens who share like experiences in grief.
Registrations are now being accepted. For more information, or to register, please call Catherine Wrobel at 508-984-0202.
Southcoast Home Care, Hospice and Palliative Care and Infusion Services, a department of Southcoast Hospitals Group, is a private non-profit agency that provides comprehensive, preventive and rehabilitative home health care to residents of the Greater New Bedford and Wareham areas.
Southcoast Health System, a not-for-profit charitable organization, is a community based health delivery system with multiple access points, offering an integrated continuum of health services throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and East Bay, Rhode Island. It includes Southcoast Hospitals Group, formed in 1996 from the merger of Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham. For more information, please visit www.southcoast.org.

Mattapoisett Land Trust
The Mattapoisett Land Trust has opportunities for summer interns. They need help documenting the condition of our properties, finding invasive species, sampling water, and recording the history of several parcels. Some knowledge of plants is helpful but not required. They provide a small stipend, something to put on a resume or college application, and a good reason to get outdoors. For an application please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Jenny Mello at 774-377-3305. Information on the Land Trust is at www.mattlandtrust.org.

Marion Council on Aging
The Marion Council on Aging (COA) would like to announce the following winter trips. Space is limited and will be on a first call basis.
* May 16: Christmas Tree Shop in Attleboro;
* June 20: Heritage Plantation in Sandwich.
Reservations for all trips are needed and may be made by calling the Council on Aging at 508-748-3570.
Parkinson's Support Group
The next monthly Marion COA meeting will be held on Thursday, May 8 at 1:00 pm at the Dartmouth COA on Dartmouth Street in South Dartmouth. The speaker will be Jennifer Sousa, Azilect Representative.

Rochester Senior Center
* Extended Hours are Here - (Funded by a grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs) - The Rochester Senior Center is now open Monday and Thursday nights, 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
* Monday nights - Paul Letourneau is back in Rochester! Join the Rochester COA for their new Square Dancing class! It's a fitness program that does it all at a cost that will fit your budget. Donation of $4 per class, paid directly to the instructor. The first night is free. Class is 6:30 to 8:30 pm. All levels of expertise are welcome! Comfortable dress, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn are all that are required! Let's extend a warm welcome back to Paul Letourneau. Many of you may remember Paul from his years of teaching at the Rochester Grange! Come to just watch or dance. All ages and anyone welcome!
* Thursday Nights - Join the Rochester COA for two hours of line dancing with instructor Rose Daley, as she leads you in the most current new dance steps. The first hour will be a beginner's class: the second hour will be an intermediate's class. Why not stay for both? The cost for the night is $5, paid to the instructor.
* Interested in Ballroom Dancing? The Rochester COA has had a few requests for Ballroom Dancing lessons at the Senior Center. This is a program they would love to offer, and not just for couples! The challenge is finding an instructor/leader that will be affordable for our group. If you are interested in attending, or if you know someone willing to teach or lead the group, please call COA Director Sharon Lally! Also let her know if you would prefer a morning, afternoon or evening.
* Income Tax Appointments - It's tax season once again and Bob Walter, AARP's tax preparation consultant, will be at the Rochester Senior Center on Friday mornings to offer free hourly appointments to Rochester Seniors for income tax preparation. Please call the Center for your appointment. You will need an intake form, which he will have on hand, or bring last year's with you. You will also to bring last year's tax forms with you. Don't wait until the last minute!
* Friday Take-out Lunches are Back - Tired of eating alone? Why not join the Rochester COA on Fridays at 12:00 noon at the Senior Center for their family style restaurant take-out/eat-in lunch. Cost is $5 per person. Please sign up in advance so that we are sure enough food is ordered. Why not stay for the movie afterwards? Anyone is welcome to join in. Hope to see you then.
* Are There any Senior Instrument Players in Rochester? The Rochester COA has a volunteer guitar/fiddle player who is interested in "jamming" at the senior center with other senior musicians! All musicians are welcome to come and practice on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 am. Who knows? They might be able to organize a great senior orchestra! So come down and bring your instrument!
* Large Print Library Books - The Plumb Library has brought a large-print collection of library books at the Senior Center. Anyone who would like to sign out one of these books is welcome to do so. If you want to read a book, please sign it out in the book and sign-in when you return it.
* Warm Heads, Warm Hearts - Calling all knitters ... the Tri-Town "Welcome Baby" project is in need of knitted hats to include in a package providing information on community resources available to support tri-town families caring for newborns. The project is a family health outreach initiative sponsored by the Early Childhood Office, ORR School District and the Tri-Towns Boards of Health. A knitted hat pattern is available at the Senior Center, or feel free to choose one of your own. Finished hats may be placed in a clean, clear plastic bag and stored in the "Welcome Baby" basket at the Senior Center. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
* Piano Lessons Anyone? - Rochester resident Helen Butts would like to give piano lessons to other Rochester residents at the Senior Center. Helen has a long history of teaching piano to many over the years. These lessons would be half-hour per person for the beginners level, and will be held on Thursdays from 2:00 to 4:30 pm. Any age is welcome. Please call the Senior Center to reserve your lesson time. The lessons are free but we would appreciate any size donation for the class.
* Computer Lab - The Senior Center's online Computer Lab is available for use anytime. All computers are now online and hooked up to a printer.
* Computer Classes - On Mondays Charlie Tate has resumed his drop-in classes at 1:00 pm. Anyone is welcome.
* Billiards (Pool) Lessons - Every Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, learn the basics of shooting pool with volunteer instructor Carl Bissonnette at the Senior Center. The lessons are free, so come on down and hone your skills! Anyone is welcome.
* Decorative Acrylic Painting Class - Rochester resident Sue McMullen is teaching a weekly acrylic painting class on Monday afternoons from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Senior Center. Cost is $5 per person per week, payable directly to the instructor. Supplies are being provided by the instructor and are included in the price of the class. Just bring your brushes.
* Monday Soup and Sandwich Lunch - Every Monday at 12:00 noon you are welcome to join the Rochester COA for the weekly soup and sandwich lunch at the Senior Center. As the cold weather descends, a hot bowl of soup is most welcome at any time. To ward off your chills, a delicious hot lunch will be available for your enjoyment. No specific cost for the program, donations are welcome. Please call for a reservation so we can plan accordingly. We hope to see you. Recipes and soup suggestions are welcome!
* Blood Pressure Checks - Courtesy of the Southcoast Home Care, these check-ups are available on the third Thursday of each month from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon. All seniors are welcome to stop in to get their blood pressure checked.
* Healthy Losers - The weekly TOPS group has decided to go through a transformation! No longer a national chapter, but our very own Rochester support group, they have changed the name to "Healthy Losers"! There is no charge to join this Rochester Weight Management group. Just come! It continues to meet every Monday afternoon from 1:30 to 2:30 pm. This is a weight loss support group. Members are weighed in weekly, and information is shared weekly with attending members on experiences, healthy recipe choices, and other nutritional tidbits. No special diet is followed. It's whatever you are comfortable with. Please consider joining them. All ages and genders are welcome! In the past year, the group has enjoyed some 15 members with an average of 10 attending weekly. Of these members, 7 of them have each lost 10 pounds, for a total of 70 pounds this year! Every participant gets a rose for every 10 pounds lost! Think about joining. Spring is a good time to start!
* Wheelchairs Needed! The Rochester Council on Aging is in need of a few more wheelchairs in good, clean, working condition. Those with feet are especially appreciated. Loaning out medical equipment to residents who need it, whether it be long or short term, is just one of the services offered. Think of us if you have some medical equipment to move.
* Tri Town Friendly Visitor Program - The Tri-Town Friendly Visitor Program is looking "to Grow some New Friends" this spring and summer. This cost-free program has trained volunteers waiting to be matched up with home-bound seniors in area towns. Kindly call if you have a loved-one who would benefit from a weekly visit, Together "We Can Make This Grow." Please call Beverly at the Rochester COA (508-763-8723) on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday from 8:30 am to 12:00 noon.
* "Moving With the Oldies" Exercise Class - Jump start your morning with the toe-tapping rhythm of the "Oldies"! This upbeat exercise class offers a low impact ,moderate-level cardio workout followed by a dose of muscle toning and stretching. Wednesdays and Fridays mornings from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Suggested donation $ 4 per class.
* "Stepping and Stretching" Exercise Program meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00-2:00 pm. Join them for a great afternoon workout to improve your balance and tone your muscles. Use of music, weights, and props at various times. Donations Welcome. Sponsored in part by a grant from Coastline Elderly Services, Inc.
* Public Copy Machine - The public copy machine is set up for use in the Senior Center lobby, and just in time for tax season, too. Feel free to copy your important documents, recipes, or whatever! There is a donation can by the copier to help defray the cost of supplies. Suggested donation is 10 cents a page. Thank you!
* Billiards - The pool table is set up and ready for use. Drop-in sometime to take a crack at those billiard balls! Anyone welcome.
* Calling All TV Techs! - The newly-organized ORCTV, our local cable access station under the direction of Executive Director Kimberly Miot, has extended an offer to the Rochester Senior Center. Any Rochester Senior who is interested in learning about TV production is welcome to volunteer for a training and orientation at the ORCTV station studio. If enough (4-6) seniors volunteer for this exciting opportunity, then the COA could produce a monthly half-hour TV program on any topic related to seniors. The training could be done here or at the TV studio. Please call and let Sharon Lally know if you are interested in helping. Then they'll set a date for the training. No prior experience is necessary.
* We're always looking for new volunteers. If you have a talent or some time you'd like to share, please call us! We would love some instructors, program leaders, and also someone who is willing to keep our website regularly updated, with senior center photos posted and processed on-line. If interested, please call Sharon at 508-763-8723.

Mattapoisett Beach and Wharf
Shellfish Permits and Beach/Wharf Stickers for 2008 are now available for purchase at the Mattapoisett Treasurer/Collector's Office, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Residents can now apply for these items by completing a mail order form and mailing the completed form, proof required and payment to the Treasurer/Collector's Office. Links to the two different downloadable mail order forms -- one for Mattapoisett residents and one for non-residents -- can be found on the homepage of the town's website, www.mattapoisett.net.
The fee for Beach/Wharf stickers, which are available for Mattapoisett residents and property owners only, is $10. For Mattapoisett residents and property owners and Marion and Rochester residents, the fee for shellfish permits is $25. For other non-residents, the fee is $125. Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester residents over 65 are entitled to a free Shellfish permit, valid for the lifetime of the permit holder; and they are also entitled to a free Beach/Wharf Sticker, which must be obtained each year.

Marion Natural History Museum
New Hours
There are new hours for the Marion Natural History Museum. The museum is now open on Wednesday from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm; on Friday from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm; and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
After-School Programs
* Wildflowers and Pollination - Thursday, May 15. Martha Schroeder is a retired elementary school teacher who works with the New England Wildflower Society. She enjoys leading nature walks and is very knowledgeable about our native plant life. We will create a plant press/journal to take home from our adventures.
Unless otherwise designated, all programs are $4 for members, $5 for nonmembers and will be held at the museum from 3:30 to 4:30. Please register with the museum, not your school or library. Please send registration to Marion Natural History Museum, P.O. Box 644, Marion, MA 02738.

Mattapoisett COA Board
The Mattapoisett Council on Aging (COA) is currently accepting letters of interest from individuals wishing to be considered for a seat on the COA Advisory Board. The current board is seeking individuals interested in contributing fresh ideas for current and new programming in support of well-being throughout later life. Individuals should be prepared to attend board meetings the first Wednesday of each month at 8:00 am. Please send letters to Vanessa M.F. Williams, Ph.D. at the Mattapoisett COA, P.O. Box 528, Mattapoisett, MA.

Fairhaven Movie Nights
Movie Nights have resumed again at the Millicent Library in Fairhaven. The selections this time around have a science-fiction theme.
On Monday, May 5 at 7:00 pm, prepare for the return of Indiana Jones with a screening of his first cinematic adventure, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Whether you're a longtime Indy fan or new to the series, thrill to the action-packed exploits of the daring archaeologist as he tries to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis do. The film runs 115 minutes and is rated PG for violence and mild language.
All movies are free to the public. Screenings will be in the Millicent Library auditorium. Entrance through the elevator lobby on Walnut Street.

Pan-Mass Challenge
Register to ride in the 29th annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge by logging on to www.pmc.org. Open to 5,500 cyclists, the PMC will be held on Saturday and Sunday, August 2 and 3, 2008. This year's goal is to raise $34 million for the Jimmy Fund, which supports cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. To date, the PMC has raised more than $204 million for the world-renowned cancer center.
Minimum fundraising requirements range from $1,300 to $4,000, depending upon the route chosen. There is a $170 registration fee. Support services, meals, and overnight accommodations will be provided. For more information, or to register, visit www.pmc.org, or call 1-800-WE-CYCLE.

Mattapoisett Transfer Station
The winter hours at the Mattapoisett Transfer Station are now Thursday and Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm; and Saturday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
If you have any questions, please call the Mattapoisett Board of Health at 508-758-4100, extension 8.

Mattapoisett Fuel Assistance
Mattapoisett residents are reminded that PACE Fuel Assistance is currently taking applications. "With the ever rising cost of oil and other heating sources, we encourage residents to take advantage of what the program has to offer," said Fran Stubbs, Director of Fuel Assistance Program at PACE. The income guidelines are generous with a household of one, the gross annual income cannot exceed $20,420 and for a household of two it is $27,380. The value of your primary residence is not taken into consideration and the first $100 of a household's annual interest is exempt under the program regulations. In addition to helping with heating cost, households found eligible for the program may also be eligible for discounted telephone and electric rates. For more information, please call PACE Fuel Assistance at 508-999-9920 or speak with Ben Martin or Vanessa Williams at the Mattapoisett COA at 508-758-4110.

FISH Volunteers Needed
Volunteering for FISH is a way to offer a meaningful contribution to the community. They currently need volunteers to transport neighbors to medical appointments. All riders are ambulatory. Volunteers use their own car. You can volunteer for one day a month or perhaps just one morning a week. If this is something you would like to assist with, please call 508-758-2140. Remember, volunteering feels good. They are also in need of FISH callers. Callers schedule about three requests a day and drivers. Just call 508-758-2140 for more information.

COA Newsletter
If you wish to receive the Mattapoisett Council on Aging newsletter, please call the center at 508-758-4110 with your name and address. The newsletter comes out every other month and is full of ideas and upcoming events that you won't want to miss. Residents of Marion and Rochester are also welcome to receive newsletter and participate in COA activities.

Overeaters Anonymous
Tired of overeating? A speaker/newcomers meeting of Overeaters Anonymous will be held at Saint Gabriel's Church, 124 Front Street in Marion, on the last Saturday of each month at 9:00 am. For more information, please call Linda at 508-947-0583.

Mattapoisett Bulletin Board
The Mattapoisett Lions Club sponsors a Community Bulletin Board for the use of the various organizations and groups within Mattapoisett. This Bulletin Board is located at the intersection of North Street and County Road (Route 6). Usage of the Board is being offered to all local educational, religious and civic organizations which are non-profit in nature. Political information such as meetings, events and election information will also be considered. Requests such as personal messages, personal political announcements and for-profit organizations will not not be considered. Requests for use of the Bulletin Board must be made on a Lions Club form which may be obtained by contacting the Mattapoisett Lions Club, P.O. Box 1022, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

Rochester Recycling Program
Recyclables are picked up twice a month in Rochester on Thursday. Acceptable items include: clean dry newspapers, newspaper inserts, magazines, phone books, soda bottles (#1), liquor bottles (#1), detergent bottles (#2), milk jugs (#2), glass jars (brown, clear and green), aluminum and tin cans (food containers only). They have also recently added corrugated cardboard to the list which is picked up once a month on Thursday (Route 1 and 3 on the third Thursday, Route 2 and 4 on the fourth Thursday).
The program does NOT accept: plastic bags or ties, junk mail, other plastic containers (#3, #4, #5, #6, or #7), eating utensils, film bags, polystyrene, juice packs, milk cartons, motor oil or chemical containers, paint cans, aerosol cans, caps and lids, plate glass and mirrors, ceramics and statuettes, dinnerware or china, decorated bottles, or light bulbs and tubes.
Residents are asked to crush all cardboard boxes flat and tie them together to prevent blowing around, to place mixed recyclables in the recycling bin, to place newspapers in a separate recycling bin or in paper bags, to place magazines in bags or bin with newspapers or tie them separately, to rinse and drain all containers so they are free of food, and place all recyclables on the curb by 7:00 am for pick up.
Pick up for Route 1 will be on the first and third Tuesday of the month. These areas include: Andrew Burke Lane, Ashley Brook Lane, Bradford Estates, Braley Hill Road, Briarwood Lane, Dr. Braley Road, Featherbed Lane, Hartley Road, Neck Road, North Avenue, Old Orchard Estates, Paulines Way, Pine Street, Quaker Lane, Robinson Road, Snipatuit Pond Estates, Snipatuit Road (Hartley Road to North Avenue), Snows Pond Road, Taber Lane, Winfield Street, and Wordell Street.
Pick up for Route 2 will be made on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. These areas include: Bates Road, Burgess Avenue, Clark Court, County Road, Cranberry Highway, Cross Road, High Street, Hiller Road, Looks Mill Lane, Marys Pond Road (Hiller Road to County Road), Mayflower Woods, Morse Court, Old Middleboro Road, Old Schoolhouse Road, Pierce Street, Perrys Lane, Porter Road, Ryder Road, Sippican Estates, Springwood Drive, Stevens Road, Walnut Plain Road (Hiller Road to town line), and Woodland Road.
Pick up for Route 3 will be made on the first and third Thursday of the month. These areas include: Alley Road, Bassett Street, Clapp Road, Deerfield Terrace, Dexter Lane, Earls Court, Haskell Ridge Estates, Marion Road, Mendell Road, Marys Pond Road (Hiller Road to Marion Road), Nathaniels Drive, Sarah Sherman Road, Union Church Terrace, Walnut Plain Road (Hiller Road to Marion Road), and Williams Way.
Pick up for Routes 4 will be made on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. These areas include: Bowens Lane, Cushman Road, Edwards Road, Jasons Lane, Mattapoisett Road, New Bedford Road, Rounseville Road, Snipatuit Road (Hartley Road to Vaughan Hill Road), Vaughan Hill Road, and Wolf Island Road.
Corrugated cardboard will be picked up along Routes 1 and 3 on the third Thursday of the month and along Routes 2 and 4 on the fourth Thursday of the month.
Recycling bins and flyers can be picked up at the Rochester Highway Barn or can be dropped off if you call 508-763-4336 and leave your name and address.

Mattapoisett Recycling Program
Curbside recycling pick-up in Mattapoisett is done on a biweekly basis. You may leave the following items for collection:
* Plastic containers (including all plastic milk, juice and water jugs, and both #1 and #2 plastic), but no plastic bags or no #3 through #7 plastic containers;
* Metal cans (all cans, tin foil, and cooking tins), but no window frames, lawn furniture, or paint/aerosol cans;
* Glass bottles and jars (clear, green, brown bottles for soda, beer and wine, also mayonnaise and baby food), but no opaque or blue glass, no ceramic or plate glass;
Newspapers (including those with Sunday supplements), but no soiled, wet newspapers, no magazines or catalogs, no phone books, paper bags, or cardboard.
Please note that all containers must be thoroughly cleaned, all caps, rings, lids and styrofoam labels must be removed (paper labels may stay on), and you should place containers in bag to protect against weather but do not tie the bag closed!
Mattapoisett residents may also drop off their recyclable materials at any time at the transfer station from Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. The following items are accepted at the transfer station:
* Yard Waste (including grass clippings, leaves ... all FREE of charge), however there is a charge for logs, stumps and branches;
* Appliances (including air conditioners, refrigerators, stoves, hot water tanks, washer/dryers, and the like), fee is $10 per item;
* Scrap Metal (including car fenders and bumpers), but no gas tanks or whole cars. There is a charge per carload/truckload;
* Car Batteries (taken FREE of charge and must be checked with attendant for storage area). Tires and paint are also taken once per year (please consult The Wanderer for date and times).
Remember, you haven't truly recycled until you buy products made with materials you place at the curbside or drop-off. For a brochure about buying recycled products, please call the DEPs Infoline at 1-800-462-0444. If you see illegal dumping or other environmental hazards occurring in your neighborhood, please call the Mattapoisett Board of Health. For major incidents, call the Massachusetts Environmental Strike Force at 1-617-556-1000.
Households in Mattapoisett without a blue recycling bin should call the Board of Health, as additional bins are available. For fee structures and further information on recycling, please call the Mattapoisett Board of Health office at 508-758-4112.

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