Hunting Seasons Are Here

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Hunting seasons in Mattapoisett open on October 7 and continue through the end of the year, with limited small game and waterfowl hunting continuing into January and February 2020. Hunting activity will peak from December 2 to 14. Detailed information can be found at www.eregulations.com/massachusetts/huntingandfishing/summary-hunting-season- dates/. Mattapoisett is in Zone 11.

            Mattapoisett Land Trust properties are open to lawful hunting, in accordance with state regulations. Please be aware of and respect hunters who are legally using MLT lands. Dress for safety, using hats and/or vests of “Blaze Orange” to improve your visibility. And remember, hunters are generally less active during the middle of the day, and no hunting is allowed on Sundays.

            MLT welcomes hunters using Land Trust properties, but reminds them that all hunting stands must be removed at the end of the season. We hope hunters and non-hunters alike will enjoy MLT’s woods, fields and marshes.

Hockey Unlimited Prepares for 55th Season

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Hockey Unlimited, an organization founded nearly 55 years ago and committed to teaching the fundamentals of ice hockey to local youths ranging in age from 9 to 14 years, plans to begin its 55th season at Travis Roy Rink… inside Tabor Academy’s Fish Center for Health and Athletics.

            This year’s program will consist of approximately 14 weekly sessions.  The registration fee is $380 for the entire season, payable to Hockey Unlimited (at least half payable in advance).  The money covers ice rental expenses and all other operating costs.

            Sessions are expected to be held primarily on Saturday mornings. The program runs approximately from early November through February 2020. A complete schedule with exact dates and times will be available upon registration. Because of program limitations, registration is on a “first come, first served” basis.

            Each player must be equipped with a stick, knee pads, hockey gloves, elbow pads, helmet and face guard. Some type of tooth protection and hockey pants are also strongly recommended.

            To obtain an application or for more information, call Jim Hutchinson at (508) 944-4367 or email at jhutchinson77@comcast.net.

Upper Cape Tech Craft Fair

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Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School will hold their 25th annual American Made Professional Arts and Craft Fair on Saturday, November 23and Sunday, November 24from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm each day. The Craft Fair is sponsored by Upper Cape Tech’s Parent Teacher Organization, which funds student activities, scholarships, and other school events.  For additional information, please call (508) 759-7711, ext. 117.

Author Roxana Robinson at the Mattapoisett Library

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Roxana Robinson, author of the recently published historical novel Dawson’s Fall, will speak at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library as the first event in the Purrington Lecture Series on Sunday, October 27at 2:00 pm.  Books will be available for purchase and signing, courtesy of Haley Booksellers, and a reception will follow the lecture. For reservations to this free event, call the library at 508-758-4171 or email spizzolato@sailsinc.org

            Dawson’s Fall, set in 1889 in Charleston, South Carolina, draws on family letters and journals. According to Publishers Weekly: “Robinson bases her formidable novel on the lives of her great-grandparents, exposing the fragile and horrific state of affairs in the American South two decades after the end of the Civil War. Robinson’s descriptive and imaginative prose sings; this book is a startling reminder of the immoral and lasting brutality visited on the South by the institution of slavery.” 

            Roxana Robinson is the author of ten books – six novels, three collections of short stories, and the award-winning biography of Georgia O’Keeffe. Four of her books were chosen as New York Times Notable Books, two as New York Times Editors Choices. Her fiction has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Harper’s, Best American Short Stories, Tin House, and elsewhere. Her work has been widely anthologized and broadcast on NPR. She is the recipient of many awards, the most recent of which is the Barnes and Noble “Writers for Writers” Award from Poets and Writers. She has received fellowships from the NEA, the MacDowell Colony and the Guggenheim Foundation.

            The Purrington Lecture Series is sponsored by the Mattapoisett Library Trust and features several notable programs throughout the year. Other events this fall include a lecture by Dr. Bertram Zarins, “The Super Bowl New England Patriots (as seen through the eyes of the Team Physician)” on Sunday, November 3, and a holiday concert by the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra Chamber Ensemble on Sunday, December 15. These programs will also begin at 2:00 pm.

            The library is located at 7 Barstow Street and is accessible.

Leonard’s Pond Access Path Discussed

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            The much beloved Leonard’s Pond was discussed during the October 1 meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission. Before the commission was a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by the town for the purpose of making improvements to a gravel boat access path and to consider options for making the area ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.

            Speaking on behalf of the town, Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon explained that she has been exploring design options for the access path, everything from asphalt paving to timber planks to simple grading and applying more gravel to the access point.

            Farinon explained that the path has been a source of concern as erosion has caused sediment flow into the pond.

            “The area needs to be stabilized,” she began. She said that the best solution would be “a low-key plan.”

            Access for people with mobility issues made finding a simple resolution and design rather difficult, Farinon shared. She said that most ADA compliant designs would require the removal of forested bank, something she said made the recreational area special and unique given its undisturbed state. 

            Continuing on, Farinon suggested the best course of action would be to maintain the access path as it currently exists using dense crushed gravel “to keep it as simple as possible.” She said the town wasn’t under any time constraints, so if the commission wished, she would continue to pursue design concepts looking for the best fit for the location. The filing was continued until November 5 to allow for more review.

            Coming before the commission with a Notice of Intent filing was John and Michelle Vinagre of 7 Ginny’s Drive for the construction of a 40×36-foot garage and associated driveway within a 100-foot buffer zone.

            Represented by engineer Stephen Chmiel, the project was described as including a 200-foot swale and permanent boundary markers. After Chmiel’s brief presentation, Farinon remarked, “The owners have been good stewards of the property.” She suggested that a positive Order of Conditions be issued. The project received conditioning.

            Also briefly coming before the commission was Sarah Rosenblat of SWEB Development USA representing Rochester Farms LLC and owner Craig Canning. Canning’s solar array project has been slowly working its way through the Conservation Commission review process for several months. All that came to a head on this night when the commission accepted the Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation of 3,850 feet of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands after Rosenblat pointed out the last remaining comments the commission requested on the plan of record. The project received the issuance of an Order of Resource Area Delineation.

            Another project receiving an Order of Resource Area Delineation was also for a solar array project. The filing of an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation by Erica Buster, Quaker Lane, for 10,100 linear feet of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands and 1,600-feet of riverfront area met with approval after Jon Connel of SITEC, Inc. made the final presentation. Farinon suggested the approval and commented that peer review consultant John Rockwell of Marion had spent considerable time in the field making recommendations.

            Continued filings were two ANRADs, one for 0 Featherbed Lane and another for 0 Cushman Road filed by Joe Harrison of SunRise Investments. The hearing was continued to October 15.

            Also continued until October 15 was an NOI filed by REpurpose Properties for property located at Rounseville Road abutting Plumb Corner.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for October 15 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall meeting room.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Francis H. Gordon

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Francis H. Gordon, 92 of Mattapoisett died Monday, Aug. 19, 2019.

            He was the husband of the late Barbara K. (Krause) Gordon.

            His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 11 am in the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church St., Mattapoisett. Visiting hours are omitted. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Tri County Music Association Scholarship fund and the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Civic Duty in the Trash?

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To the Editor;

            Civic Duty in the Trash?

            First of all, thank you for your time.

            Over a year ago now, a handful of parents, led by our young students, took on the overdue task of implementing recycling and composting in the lunch room of Sippican Elementary School.  (Yes, it is 2019 and this is not common practice yet). There were hitches, messes, spills, and learning curves but together the children persevered and, together, they made it work… that is, until a few naysayers hastily shut it down. What happened?

            One day, upon inspection, the recycling bins and the compost buckets were overlooked and not sanitized by a new-to-the-process custodial staff. In short, all progress ceased and parents/tax payers were not informed of this decision. Communication was broken. The kids’ hard work was discarded and sent to SEMASS along with the compost and the recyclables. Education and civic duty were thrown out with the trash.

            However, there was a silver lining to this tripped-up work in progress: Although the students at Sippican Elementary School were never given due credit for their efforts, they did manage to get rid of plastic straws within Sippican Elementary School and neighboring schools also took the same initiative. Bravo, young leaders and future town councilors.

            Most remarkable to witness in this tedious process was the seamless transition and growth of our young students. One day they were all habitually grabbing a plastic straw with their plastic utensils and the next day they were foregoing it for the sake of their environment, their futures, and the greater good.

            Fast forward to present time. Plastic straws are back. Why did this conscientious small measure of foregoing a plastic straw stop? And, moreover, why this deleterious setback? As of this September, not only are plastic straws back in our children’s schools but they are also pre-packaged with a plastic utensil and further wrapped in more plastic waste. Now, omitting a plastic straw is no longer an option. Each child is now forced to include a turtle-choking stick with their utensil. This is a glaring social slap and punishment for our well-informed children, our investment for the future.  

            Let’s please remedy this as soon as possible. Parents and the community are willing to buy the remaining inventory for the sake of our children and our environment because civic responsibility takes precedence over saving a few pennies, especially when young impressionable minds and formative learning are involved. Let’s do the right thing. And, thank you to our new principal, Ms. Marla Sirois, for supporting and advocating for our children. Let’s now unify our communities to embrace this overdue change: Let’s get rid of these insidious plastic straws and work to reduce single-use plastics. Single-use plastic bottles and bags are next, Kids. Keep striving. We’ve got this.  

Emily Field

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wandererwill 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 Wandererreserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderermay choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wandererhas the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wandereralso reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

October Open Table

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Fall is finally here and nights are getting cooler. Join us for a delicious meal on Friday, October 11in Reynard Hall at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. There is no charge for the meal although donations are gratefully accepted. Doors open at 4:30 pm and supper will be served at 5:00 pm. Invite a friend, neighbor, or family members. We look forward to seeing you.

Mattapoisett Road Race

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Thank you to all the individuals and groups who made the 2019 Mattapoisett Road Race such a huge success, including the road race committee, the sponsors, the highway department, the police department, the student volunteers, all of those volunteers from the community and the runners and walkers who braved the heat and humidity.  

            On September 5, the Road Race Committee met to select the students who are chosen to receive the Road Race Award.  

            Gates Tenerowicz is the recipient of the $1,500 Robert Gardner award, which was awarded for her essay, academic and athletic achievements and her community service.

            Each of the following individuals are recipients of $1,000 Mattapoisett Road Race Award:  

Sara Faith Campopiano of Acushnet, John Harrison Burke of Marion, Mikayla Chandler of Marion, Nicole Fantoni of Marion, Michaela Mattson of Marion, Lily Poirier of Marion, Alexandria Sheehan of Marion, Delany Soucy of Marion, Patrick Janicki of Mattapoisett, Victoria Kvilhaug of Mattapoisett, Jake Mourao of Mattapoisett, Carly O’Connell of Mattapoisett, Marc Bourgeois of Rochester, Maddie Demanche of Rochester, Sydney Green of Rochester, Amelia Isabelle of Rochester, Claire Nobel Shriver of Rochester,  Megan Shay of Rochester, and Adam Sylvia of Rochester.  These students were awarded $1,000.  

            Doug Olney won the oldest t shirt contest with a t shirt dating back to 1980 or 1981.  Congratulations Doug!

            It takes a great community to make such a wonderful event. 

October Programs at Plumb Library

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Plumb Library Knitters and Crocheters meets at the library every Monday at 6:30 pm.  Beginners are welcome and chocolate is always served. 

            Children ages 3-7 can sign up to read and dance with Plumbarina, Plumb Library’s talented ballerina! Plumbarina will read a story and teach children basic ballet on SaturdayOctober 19at 10:30 am. Register on the Event Calendar at plumblibrary.com. Plumbarina is a Plumb Library Storytime Graduate, a member of the Jr. Friends of Plumb Library, and a member of the kids’ book club, BookBuds. Plumbarina has had classical ballet training for four years at New Bedford ballet and three years at the Dance Academy. She has danced in many Nutcracker performances and with the Spindle City Jr. Ballet company dances: “Alice in Wonderland” and “Peter and the Wolf”. 

            The Friends of Plumb Library are conducting their Fall Clothing Drive until Friday, October 25. Acceptable items include all clothing, bedding, linens, jewelry, accessories, shoes, or handbags. All items must be bagged up and brought to the library during business hours. Please call the library at 508-763-8600 for more information or if you can volunteer your time to help the Friends move the items to Savers on Saturday, October 26 at 9:00 am.

            The COA Book Group will discuss The Woman in the Windowby A.J. Finn on Tuesday, October 15at 10:15 am at the Rochester COA on Dexter Lane. Books are available at the library or bring your own copy. An agoraphobic recluse languishes in her New York City home, drinking wine and spying on her neighbors, before witnessing a terrible crime through her window that exposes her secrets and raises questions about her perceptions of reality.  

            Just the Facts Nonfiction Book Group will discussStranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel on Thursday October 17at 6:30 pm at the library.  This book documents the true story of a man who endured a hardscrabble, isolated existence in a tent in the Maine woods, never speaking with others and surviving by stealing supplies from nearby cabins, for 27 years, in a portrait that illuminates the survival means he developed and the reasons behind his solitary life.  

            Cafe Parlez will discuss Melmothby Sarah Perry on Thursday October 31at 6:30 pm. A follow-up to “The Essex Serpent” finds Helen, an English translator working in Prague, disregarding an obscure local monster legend before a friend’s disappearance reveals that Helen is being watched.