The Improbable Players Pay a Visit to ORR

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The Improbable Players, a group of reformed addicts and alcoholics, visited Old Rochester Regional High School on Tuesday, September 18, for a presentation addressing the perils of addiction, alcoholism, and the opioid epidemic. Many of the members were once students who abused drugs and other substances, but have since then become sober and have made it their mission to prevent others from going down the same path.

            ORR Principal Michael Devoll said that he had watched the group perform at another school and thought they would be appropriate for ORRHS. And he was correct, as the performance made a powerful impact on the student body, leaving them thinking about the consequences of abusing dangerous substances.

            The performance began as a comedy, and students found themselves laughing and joking to each other, believing that it was just another attempt to relate to kids through humor. But as the show progressed and the humor dissipated, the issues presented to the students turned serious.

            The performance was called“Running on E.”The story revolves around four teens in their senior year of high school – the supportive and strong-willed friend, the party kid, the joiner, and the bystander. All of the roles have different backgrounds, and the performance, according to the Improbable Players website, “uses satire, clowning, and humor to drive home important information about substance use disorder and skewer commonly held misconceptions.”

            Multiple topics related to drug abuse were described throughout the show, including beer versus marijuana, peer pressure, excuses, appearance, and various others. Students were shown the escalation of drug abuse, starting with smoking marijuana/drinking beer and ending with the more dangerous substances like crack cocaine, meth, and heroin.

            “It was a great way to convey the drug epidemic,” said student Aidan Michaud. “They showed us what happens, like losing friends, getting into fights. … They made it feel more real. Unlike other assemblies, this really stuck without leaving an emotional scar.”

            What had started out as a light-hearted comedy about four teens excited to begin their senior year, soon became a story of failed dreams and high school dropouts. Many students found themselves astonished to find out that just a little taste of something could lead them down such a treacherous road.

            “The reaction from the junior and senior class was powerful,” said Devoll. “I believe many in the crowd considered choices they will be making in the future.”

            As all the actors were former addicts, part of their recovery process is to try and help others make better choices than they did. At the end of the performance the students were allowed a Q&A session with the cast, who were more than happy to answer any questions – What got them addicted first? How did they quit? How were they able to function in school with their addiction? These, and many more were asked by the student body.

            “It was very informative and different in a good way,” said Emma Vivino. “Usually the lectures are boring, but this was entertaining. Normally people get bored and they fall asleep or don’t pay attention.”

            “I would definitely bring them back in the future.” said Devoll. “The kids were engaged, and even after the performance there were students discussing it in the hallways or during lunch. The students of ORR really connected with the performance, and other schools should consider providing their students with the opportunity to experience the presentation.”

ORR Update

By Grace Mastroianni

Reading the Forested Landscape

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Tom Wessels, author of “Reading the Forested Landscape” and “Forest Forensics,” will give a special talk titled “Reading the Forested Landscape” on Saturday, October 6at 10:00 am at the Marion Natural History Museum in Marion followed by a walk at Noon at Sippican Lands Trust’s White Eagle property. This special event is co-sponsored by the Marion Natural History Museum and the Sippican Lands Trust with support from a grant from the Marion Cultural Council.

The talk will showcase the ample visual evidence that can be seen in the woods to unravel former agricultural, logging, or wind histories in our forests. Using the shapes of trees, where scars are found on their trunks, stump decay patterns, the construction of stone walls, the surface topography of the forest floor and much more, Tom will show how any forest’s history can be deciphered in great detail. The walk will feature an up-close exploration of some of the forested landscape in Marion which has seen numerous changes in its use over the past few centuries.

The Marion Natural History Museum is located on the second floor of a building they share with the Elizabeth Taber Library located at 8 Spring Street in Marion. Sippican Lands Trust’s White Eagle property is located off of Route 6 in Marion. Take Parlowtown Road across from the town cemetery and follow road until you reach the cul-de-sac. Bear left onto the dirt road and follow past the abandoned cranberry bog on your right. Parking is available directly past the bog and along the dirt roadside. The kiosk is a short walk beyond.

Tom Wessels is a terrestrial ecologist and professor emeritus at Antioch University New England where he founded the master’s degree program in Conservation Biology. He has conducted workshops on ecology and sustainability throughout the country for over three decades. He is the author of numerous books including “Reading the Forested Landscape,” “The Myth of Progress,” “Forest Forensics,” and his latest publication, “Granite, Fire and Fog: The Natural and Cultural History of Acadia.”

Academic Achievements

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Bryant Universityis pleased to recognize Christopher Carando, class of 2018, of Mattapoisett and Alex Aruri, class of 2019, also of Mattapoisett, who have been named to the Spring 2018 deans’ list.

Mattapoisett Manhunt on Saturday Night

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Just after 8pm on Saturday the Mattapoisett Police Department was called to a domestic disturbance on Fairhaven Road, Route 6, near the Fairhaven Line. One of the parties in the dispute was reported as striking the other and then fleeing the scene on foot with a loaded pistol.  On arrival the Mattapoisett Police Department was joined by the Fairhaven Police Department but was unable to locate the suspect. Canine unit were called in from the Sherriff’s Department as well as a helicopter from the air wing. Parts of Route 6 were shut down while the search continued over several hours. The suspect was eventually apprehended and is in custody at this time.

This story will be updated as more details are released.

Marijuana Bylaw Language Nears Completion

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During the September 25 meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen, Planning Board Administrator Mary Crain presented draft language intended to regulate the sale of medical marijuana in the event a permit is granted by the town’s governing bodies.

Crain said that meetings were held with a committee comprised of municipal safety departments, two residents (Sandra Dawson and Don Bamberger), and one business owner (Robert Field), in partnership with the Planning Board to vet the myriad of details associated with creating a new bylaw, especially one on a topic that has elicited diverse reactions.

The draft, which the Board of Selectmen must approve before it can be included at the Fall Special Town Meeting, contains language as to where medical marijuana facilities may be located in town, including facilities that cultivate, package, and transport the plant material.

Crain said the committee had selected the “limited industrial district” located off North Street as the only viable location for a medical marijuana facility. She said that in spite of the route of Phase 2 of the bike path being located in the same area, the committee members agreed it was the only logical location within the town.

Such facilities may not be located within 500 feet of schools or any other locations frequented by children.

According to Crain, the Planning Board would be the permitting body for the town, that the board may require peer review consultants to assist, and that police, fire, Board of Health and the Building Department would also be involved. She said that marijuana business owners would have to submit a business and operation plan, site plan, and security plan. Annual reporting will be required and submitted to the Board of Selectmen and state governing body as well.

Regarding protecting the town against any liability created by a marijuana business vacating the town, Crain said that a surety would be required to cover clean up costs. She said that the town also had the option of including a “host community agreement.”

A host community agreement, as outlined by the Cannabis Control Commission, is an agreement between the host town and the medical marijuana establishment that sets forth the conditions, and may include a fee to the town capped at 3 percent of gross sales.

The selectmen voted to send the draft back to the Planning Board so that a public hearing can be set in advance of the Special Town Meeting.

In other matters, Town Administrator Michael Gagne had good news for those who have lobbied for protection of the historic arch bridge located on River Road. He said that he was in possession of the state mandated requirements for pursuing heavy commercial vehicle exclusion, and that there would be a warrant article asking voters to release funds that will be needed to complete a required engineering study. That report would accompany other documentation for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

MassDOT will take the following data under consideration before rendering their decision: vehicle traffic count over a 24-hour period; map of the area with alternate truck routes; physical characteristics of the bridge; types of buildings in the general area; zoning of the street; current traffic controls, if any; and a written letter from the municipality as to the need for the exclusion.

The selectmen also heard from John Muse of the Mattapoisett School Committee who asked the town to consider granting elected officials the option of being included in the town’s health insurance program if the elected official paid 100 percent of the premium cost.

Selectmen Jordan Collyer said, “I don’t see a problem,” but wanted to make sure town counsel reviewed the proposed benefit option. Collyer was especially concerned about officials who may not be re-elected or who step down from office.

Selectmen Tyler Macallister and Paul Silva concurred with Collyer, who asked Gagne to return in two weeks with a draft agreement letter for their review.

Gagne reported that new information regarding scenic roadways in the community had been posted on the town’s website to try and help property owners understand the restrictions imposed on trees along designated roads.

“Lots are being cleared; we’ve had two recent incidents of trees being removed without permission,” Gagne said. He added that the public needs to be aware that trees are not to be cleared without first contacting the Planning Board for permission if the trees are in the easement along the scenic roads. He said questions could be forwarded to the selectmen’s office. Maps outlining scenic roadways can be found at www.mattapoisett.net.

Gagne also reported that a flier would be mailed out to residents heightening their awareness of the Public Power Community Aggregate, the consortium of 27 cities and towns that purchase electrical power for residents at lower rates then available on the open market. He said the company representing Mattapoisett’s consortium is Public Power Energy. He cautioned residents that fliers might be sent to them from other agencies, and hoped that residents would take the time to understand the differences. He also reminded residents that households are automatically included in the public plan unless an opt-out option is exercised. For more information visit www.mattapoisett.net.

Macallister commented again on the illegal parking taking place at the entrance of the bike path on Mattapoisett Neck Road. Gagne said that cars will now be ticketed and towed away at the owners’ expense.

The selectmen opened the Special Town Meeting warrant that will remain open from September 25 through end of the business day on October 26.

A Veterans’ Day Breakfast will be held on November 12 at the former VFW Hall in Marion, now the Marion Council on Aging, located at 465 Mill Street. The Mattapoisett Council on Aging will provide transportation to those needing a ride. Simply call 508-758-4110.

Flu shots will be provided free of charge at the Southcoast Mobile Medical Unit on October 11 between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm in the Ying Dynasty parking lot.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for October 9 in the town hall conference room at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen

By Marilou Newell

 

The Great Blue Heron: Statuesque, Stately, Serpentine

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The great blue heron is probably the most majestic figurehead of shore birds, easily recognized and identified by bird watchers along the coastline of Buzzards Bay. It is usually sighted while standing or wading in the shallows of the water’s edge of the coastline shore. It may appear almost motionless while cautiously leaning over the water, moving guardedly, step-by-step, with a poised position of purposeful predatory intent. It looks obsessed with an aura of complete patience, intently searching for and seeking a watery prey.

The shape of the profile is a curved S-shaped serpentine figurine with neck and beak drawn back like a snake ready to strike. Then, the sudden sighting springs the barbed beak like a hair trigger, springing lethal intent. The heron can then close its air intake valve on its bill while under water to spear, skewer, and scoop up to swallow a slippery fish, all in one motion.

The latest North American Breeding bird survey estimates a continental population of 83,000 breeding birds that can be found almost all over America. A simultaneous replenishment of a beaver population has been beneficial for the heron. Their dams have increased both fresh and saltwater side habitat with a patchwork of small ponds and swamps well suited for inland foraging.

The heron can then also hunt by day or night due to a high percentage of photoreceptors in their eyes for vision in the dark. This greatly diversifies the scope and potential prey of predation to include frogs, salamanders, insects, rodents, and even smaller birds.

The great blue heron may be seen all seasons long, but it also migrates somewhat seasonally. It moves somewhat south in winter and then north in summer. In spring, they nest in colonies for the breeding season here.

There are often more than one pair sharing the same tree, but they build each nest progressively higher than the previous one, as in my illustration. The male is first to select or return to a nesting site and collects much of the nest material. Then, to attract a passing female, he flies in circles above the colony until he attracts a suitor, which may not be the same one as the year before. He performs his elaborate courtship display by erecting his regal head plumes. Once with a partner, they both loudly clack their bills together in mutual figurative avian conversation.

As a national symbol of a healthy watershed environment, the heron is for many of us almost as elite as the osprey or the bald eagle. The official Audubon Latin bird classification is Ardea herodias, appropriate for this majestic seaside figurehead of our shoreline. The Native American Algonquin word for the great blue heron means “spirit of the waters.” This primitive supernatural spirit connotation seems to capture our own intangible feeling of a kindred humane connection to animated figures of the Earth. We might even, as the Native Americans did, elevate almost all other living things as sacred.

By George B. Emmons

Marion Senior Work-Off Abatement Program Information

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This program allows taxpayers to provide services to municipalities in exchange for a reduction in their tax bill.Participants must be over the age of sixty at the time of application and own and occupy, as a principal resident, the property for which Marion taxes are paid.Only one qualifying resident of the parcel may participate and contribute time towards the same abatement credit. Hourly compensation is based on the current Massachusetts minimum wage and may not exceed $750.00.

Registration is limited to twenty people.Sign up will be held on October 9thfrom 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm at the Council on Aging office, 465 Mill Street.Please bring photo identification and a copy of your current tax bill.If your real estate is held in a trust, a copy of the trust must accompany registration. For further information or questions, please call 508-748-3570.

Dennis Michael Perry

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Dennis Michael Perry, 71, of Mattapoisett, passed away on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton. He was the devoted husband of Diane (Hathaway) Perry whom he married on August 27, 1972. They shared 46 years of marriage and two children. Dennis was born and raised in Plymouth, MA. Dennis was the son of the late August and Amina (Cabral) Perry. Dennis and Diane moved to Mattapoisett in 1975. He graduated from Plymouth Carver High School in 1965 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering as well as a Master’s degree in Electrical Management from Northeastern University in Boston. He worked for Bechtel Corporation as a Lead Field Electrical Engineer for the Big Dig project in Boston and as a Lead Electrical Engineer for the LNG project in Soyo, Angola in Africa. He previously worked for Shaw Power Construction Services, Commonwealth Electric/NSTAR, and New Bedford Gas and Electric. Dennis had many interests including photography, cooking, and landscaping his property. He loved fishing and boating on Uplift, his 28 foot Albin. He was a talented handyman and enjoyed helping friends and family with projects. He was always interested in the latest technologies. Dennis was devoted and loyal to all of his family and friends. Dennis loved animals, especially dogs. He served on the Mattapoisett Master Plan Committee and for several years on the Finance Committee. His family includes his loving wife, Diane (Hathaway) Perry, his late son, Sean Michael Perry of Mattapoisett and his daughter, Laura N. Perry and her partner Peter N. Stafford of Kingston, MA; his siblings, August Perry Jr. and his wife Nancy of Falmouth, David Perry and his wife Beverly of Plymouth, Kathy Carr and her husband Andy of Carver and Roger Perry of Mattapoisett; his goddaughter Candy Carr of Plymouth, his godson Lieutenant Commander PJ Remillard of Portage, Michigan, and many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, October 5, 2018 from 4-8 pm at the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Fairlawn, 180 Washington St. in Fairhaven. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 10 am at St. Anthony’s Church, 22 Barstow St. in Mattapoisett. Burial will follow at Cushing Cemetery in Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Humane Society & Shelter SouthCoast, 31 Ventura Dr. North Dartmouth, MA 02747 or to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451. For online tributes please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com.

FinCom Reviews DPW Articles

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During its review of the Special Fall Town Meeting warrant on September 25, Marion Finance Committee member Alan Minard expressed his disappointment over certain articles that involved money.

“I’m disappointed to see any money articles on the warrant at all,” Minard said to Finance Director Judy Mooney.

Alas, said Mooney, Department of Public Works Acting Superintendent Jon Henry talked her into it.

Special fall town meeting warrants historically do not feature money appropriation articles, but Henry said sometimes emergencies pop up and money is needed.

Henry has a few articles on the warrant, including one for $65,000 for a new pickup truck with plow and sander, a $160,000 new 10-wheel dump/sander truck with plow, and a used six-wheel dump truck with plow and sander for $50,000.

The last time the Town purchased a six-wheel dump truck to plow and sand was 20 years ago in 1998, prompting a ‘Wow’ from Finance Committee member Margie Baldwin.

The DPW had four plows/sanders, and is now down to two. And with the Town accepting more private roads, the demand for sanding and plowing has increased.

Minard asked Henry if they would be seeing any further equipment articles on the Spring Annual Town meeting warrant, to which Henry said yes – one costing $70,000.

The committee gave no indication as to whether it would recommend adoption of Henry’s articles; rather, it will likely make its recommendations on the Special Town Meeting floor.

Also during the meeting, Minard resigned as chairman of the committee, although he plans to remain on the committee. He cited a desire for further world travel as his reason. Peter Winters accepted the nomination as chairman.

The Marion Finance Committee will begin meeting weekly starting in December at 6:00 pm at the Atlantis Drive facility.

Marion Finance Committee

By Jean Perry

 

ORR Girls Soccer Keeps Rolling

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The first game of the 2018 season didn’t go as planned for the Old Rochester Regional girls soccer, losing to Duxbury in the opener. Since then, the Bulldogs have played seven games and won each game, also going undefeated through six games in the South Coast Conference, including a 3-0 win on Monday against Bourne.

“They’re a good group that moves the ball well,” ORR coach Jeff Lombard said. “They play off of each other really, really well. We maintain a lot of possession.”

The centerpiece of Old Rochester’s offense has been senior forward Meg Hughes. Her performance against Bourne was no exception, scoring two goals and assisting the Bulldogs’ third. She had help from Jillian KutashandGrace Greany, who assisted Hughes’ first and second goals, respectively. Hughes’ assist came on a goal scored by Isabella Wierzbicki.

ORR football is already three games into the season and defense still hasn’t allowed an opponent to score, defeating GNB Voc-Tech 42-0 on Friday. The Bulldogs have now outscored the opposition 123-0.

ORR did lose their lead running back, Will Garcia, in the second quarter after he rushed for a touchdown and 72 yards on eight carries. The Bulldogs accrued an additional 266 yards (338 total) in his absence.

QuarterbackCole McIntyretook charge in Garcia’s absence, logging 202 total yards, 104 passing and 98 rushing. He scored once on the ground and connected with Tyler Noefor two touchdowns through the air. McIntyre’s 104 passing yards came off three completed passes on four attempts, all falling in the hands of Noe.

ORR (3-0, 2-0 South Coast Conference Large Division) hosts SCC large opponent Dighton-Rehoboth on Friday at 7:00 pm.

Old Colony

Old Colony boys soccer remains undefeated through the first six games of the season, winning their last match in a 4-3 nail-biter against Southeastern. Zach Soucyand Marcus Ashleyeach scored twice in the Cougars’ win. Soucy’s goals were assisted by Christian SenraandDoug Smith. Ashley scored the game-winner in the 70th minute of the match on a direct free kick.

Old Colony football suffered its first loss of the 2018 season at the hands of Mayflower Athletic Conference Small Vocational Division opponent Upper Cape, 8-0 on Saturday. The Cougars’ defense held Upper Cape to only 20 yards in the first half of football, but the Rams would strike with five minutes left in the third quarter, making it 8-0 after a two-point conversion. Mitchell Wilsonled the Cougars in the ground attack, rushing for 51 yards on 13 attempts. Kyle Scholzlogged 42 yards on seven tries, while Matt Bumpusfinished with 39 yards on 11 carries. In addition to failing to get on the scoreboard, Old Colony failed to complete a pass.

The Cougars (2-1, 1-1 Mayflower Small Vocational) hit the road for the first time in 2018 to take on Blue Hills under the lights on Friday at 6:30 pm.

Old Colony volleyball continues to outperform the opposition in 2018, most recently sweeping Southeastern 3-0. The Cougars won the first set 25-20, the second 25-19, and the third 25-16. Lauren McGowanled the Cougars with 10 kills, while Kat Kirbyadded seven kills and Hannah L’Heureuxcontributed three kills, and also had seven aces. Old Colony setters Molly Lankowskiand Jordyn Dextercombined for 24 assists (12 apiece).

Tabor Academy

Tabor Academy quarterback Reid Tolleytook control in Saturday’s matchup against St. Marks football, leaving the Seawolves to a 34-22 win. Tolley finished with four touchdowns – two through the air and two on the ground – and passed for 278 yards. He connected with Connor Petersonon one passing touchdown as a part of Peterson’s seven-reception, 102-yard performance at wide receiver. Tabor visits St. Sebastian’s School in Needham on Saturday at 10:30 pm.

Tabor girls soccer lost 2-1 to Rivers School on Saturday, following a 4-0 win on Thursday against Governor’s Academy. Cat Barryhad three goals between the two games, scoring twice in the win over Governor’s Academy and once on a penalty kick against Rivers School. Barry’s goals against Governor’s Academy were assisted by Caroline Gelinaand Julia Rood. Riley Muttonand Abby Newhookalso scored one goal apiece in Tabor’s win over Governor’s Academy.

High School Sports Update

By Nick Friar