State to Start Round 2 of Mosquito Spraying

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The threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) continues in Plymouth County prompting state officials to conduct a second round of aerial mosquito spraying that was slated to begin Wednesday night, August 21, and continue over the next several nights.

            The first round of aerial spraying was completed between August 8-11 during nighttime hours and covered a wide section of southeastern Massachusetts, including all three of the Tri-Town communities.

            This next round of spraying comes after a second human case of EEE was confirmed, this time in Worcester County, and closer to home in Bristol County, a young goat tested positive for the mosquito-borne virus.

            “While aerial spraying is an important tool to help us reduce the public health risk of EEE, it’s critically important that everyone in high risk areas continue to take personal precautions against mosquito bites,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH in a press release. “These steps include using EPA-approved bug spray, wearing long sleeves and pants to cover exposed skin, and cancelling outdoor activities which take place during the hours from dusk to dawn when mosquito activity is at its highest.”

            While aerial spraying can result in a significant decrease in the mosquito population, the Department of Public Health cautions that spraying alone cannot completely eliminate the risk of further EEE cases in humans.

            Residents can keep track of scheduled sprayings for their area by visitingwww.mass.gov/guides/aerial-mosquito-control-summer-2019.

            There are currently 37 cities and towns currently at either a “critical” or “high” risk for the EEE virus.

            Residents with questions about the aerial spraying may contact the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Crop and Pest Services directly at 617-626-1700.

By Jean Perry

It’s All About the Animals Seeks Donations

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It’s All About the Animals, a 501c3 Cat Shelter in Rochester, is looking for donations and vendors for their largest fundraiser of the year, Octopurr Fest taking place on Sunday, October 6at the Shelter, located at 103 Marion Road in Rochester, MA. Donations could include gift baskets, restaurant certificates, food items, trips, events, or simply monetary, and every type of donation is welcome. Your items can either be dropped off to our shelter, on weekends between 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, which are also our adoption hours, or we can arrange to have your donation picked up by one of our enthusiastic volunteers. Just email us at ohnokitty1@gmail.com and we will contact you.

            It’s All About the Animals, Inc. is a cage free, no kill 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter. Our shelter operates solely on your generous donations. Please consider helping our cause. 100% of your donation will provide food, supplies, and medical care. We don’t have any paid employees, only amazing volunteers! We give abused and abandoned animals the opportunity to receive the love, care, and shelter they need until they find furrever homes. Our cats have space to run, play, and explore safe enclosed outdoor areas. All cats available for adoption have been spayed/neutered and have received all vaccines for distemper and rabies. Each cat is given a microchip and registered with a professionally managed database. Adoptions range from $200-$225 depending on the cat’s age.

Constance Olaussen Pallatroni

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Constance Olaussen Pallatroni, wife of the late Henry F. Pallatroni Jr., and late Frank M. Suzan, passed away peacefully at Langdon Place in Exeter, NH on August 18th surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Henry and Marie Olaussen, January 13th, 1934, sister to the late Henry and Swen Olaussen and Elizabeth Chase. She is survived by her children: Nancy Keating and her husband Chris of Milton, MA, Jane Chandler and her husband Chris of Edgartown, MA, Sarah Pallatroni and her partner, David Schuster of Chilmark, MA and Dr. Henry F. Pallatroni III and his wife, Justine of North Hampton NH. She leaves behind 10 grandchildren and was eagerly awaiting the birth of her first great granddaughter in September.

            Connie was a long time beloved kindergarten teacher at Center School in Mattapoisett. She was an active member, supporter and trustee of the Mattapoisett Public Library, a long time member and former Deacon of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, and spent many years as a Samaritan’s Crisis Line Volunteer in Fall River, MA. She was an avid gardener, baker, voracious reader and loved playing her piano each day.

            For 53 years, she lovingly raised her family at 3 Lebaron Way in Mattapoisett, the home built by her husband and his partner, Robert Gingrass. Mattapoisett was her beloved town, woven into the fabric of her daily life: daily walks to Ned’s Point; teaching her children to swim and sail on its shores; and showing her grandchildren the value of salt air at “Rock Beach,” the family beach on Seamarsh Way. She travelled the world with her children and grandchildren, always to return to her beloved Mattapoisett and her home, an endless beacon of happiness, unconditional love and comfort for her and her family.

            In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on her behalf to the Mattapoisett Congregational Church.

            A celebration of her life will be held at the Mattapoisett Congregation Church on Thursday, August 22rd at 10 am. Her burial will follow at the Pine Island Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Police Chief Oks Shooting Range Operation

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            With the OK from the police chief, the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals on August 8 approved the special permit for a tactical training and shooting range sought by Steven Morrell, owner of a secluded property off County Road.

            During the July 25 meeting, the ZBA found no problem with the proposal but held out until Police Chief Robert Small was given the chance to visit the site and provide the board feedback.

            Small said on August 8 that he had never met Morrell before he visited him at the property, but found Morrell’s resume of past experience in the field to be extensive and the site appropriate for a commercial shooting range.

            The location abuts the SEMASS solid waste processing plant, and cranberry bogs owned by Brad Morse, a Rochester selectman, who spoke at the prior meeting in favor of the application. He also said he would be granting Morrell an easement for access to his property that will be filed at the Registry of Deeds.

            There are no residences abutting the property.

            Morrell served as a U.S. Marines sniper during the ‘90s, has 29 years of military law enforcement and counter terrorism experience under his belt. He has also been a firearms and tactical shooting instructor for 15 years and holds various relevant certifications.

            “It appears to be a pretty safe property to run a firearms range,” said Small. The backstop, he said, appeared to be adequate. “I think, physically, [it’s a] pretty safe physical layout to run a firearms training program. He certainly has the background for it.”

            Small compiled his observations into written form and submitted it to the board and agreed that an annual visit to the property would be sufficient.

            “[Morrell] seems to be very conscious and obviously very knowledgeable of safety being a priority,” Small said. “After going there … I don’t have any reservations about his ability to safely conduct a firearms training at that facility.”

            ZBA Chairman David Arancio said the board also received input from retired Rochester Police Chief Paul Magee endorsing Morrell’s shooting range.

            With no further concerns about the appropriateness of the site, the board turned its attention to some proposed conditions on the special permit, with much of the conversation focused on hours of operation, specifically for Sundays.

            ZBA associate member Jeffrey Costa didn’t agree with the Sunday hours proposed for the range, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, saying he felt Morrell should be able to start earlier in the morning, perhaps at 10:00 am. The rest of the days of the week, Monday through Saturday, can operate from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm.

            “Well, I’d kind of like to get church out of the way first,” said ZBA member Richard Cutler. He later proposed allowing Morrell to start at 11:00 am on Sundays and federal holidays for silent instruction only, with an option to petition the police chief and the board of Selectmen to start earlier on specific intermittent dates, which the board ultimately approved.

            Other conditions placed on the special permit were that the permit was non-transferable, the Board of Selectmen would have to issue a range permit, the police chief must inspect the site annually, no ammunition or firearms may be stored at the site, no signage indicating the use of the property may be displayed on any public way, and all training sessions must be attended by at least one trained facilitator with their names given ahead of time to the police chief.

            The special permit was approved, pending the filing of the access easement.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for August 22 at 7:15 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Jean Perry

Friends of the Mattapoisett Council on Aging Fall Luncheon

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            The Friends of the Mattapoisett Council on Aging are hosting their Fall Luncheon on Thursday, September 12starting at noon. Seniors and members of the Friends of Mattapoisett COA, will dine on hamburgers, hot dogs, and french fries, with ice cream for dessert. There will be door prizes and a 50/50 raffle! You are asked to please bring a canned good or other non-perishable item for the local food pantries and/or school supplies to donate to the Mattapoisett schools. There will be a Guest Speaker from the Health Department, who will go over recycling. Bring in a sample of an item that you may find questionable. Reserve your meal by calling the COA at 508-758-4110.

Fair Way Golf Tournament

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The 4th Annual Fair Way Golf Tournament put on by The Church of the Good Shepherd will be held on Saturday, September 7at Little Harbor Country Club. Shotgun start at 8:00 am. $80.00 per golfer/$320.00 a team.  All proceeds benefit homeless, hunger, substance abuse programs, and other outreach ministries in Wareham and beyond. For more information or to RSVP call Natecia at 774-260-1924 or email natecia17@gmail.com.

Christine J. (DeCoff) Felix

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Christine J. (DeCoff) Felix, age 67 of Marion, passed away on Saturday August 17, 2019 in Hope Hospice and Palliative Care RI with her loving family at her side. She was the longtime companion of Philip Stanley.

            Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of Irene (Duchaineau) and the late Edmund DeCoff and was a longtime area resident. She attended New Bedford High School and was employed as a loan officer for 31 years at St. Anne Credit Union, New Bedford, retiring in 2017.

            Christine loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed the beach, trips to Florida and Jamaica. Christine also loved music, especially Bruce Springsteen and Bob Marley. She was also an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan and loved chickens. In addition to her companion Phil, she is survived by a daughter, Caren Carvalho of ME; two sisters, Joyce Winnett and her husband Mark of GA and Marilyn Nelson of Dartmouth; four grandchildren, Cayla Greenwood, Marisa Carvalho, Owen Carvalho and Kendal Carvalho all of New Bedford; two great-grandchildren, Cayden and Chase Boardman and several nieces and nephews.

            Arrangements are in the care of Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02745. To leave a note of condolence: www.rock-funeralhom

A Peak Under the Sea

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            It can be said that we are very fortunate to have the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) practically in our backyard – or should I say, neighboring shore.

            Its mission to study all environmental aspects of the world’s oceans from the health of the ocean itself to the millions upon millions of creatures whose lives are completely dependent on them requires scientists from a wide variety of disciplines: computer programmers, marine biologists, engineers, mathmagicians, oceanographers, the list is nearly endless. These dedicated professionals are on the leading edge of research and technology advancements, and, as equally important, education.

            We are also fortunate that the Marion Natural History Museum, whose mission is the education of our young people, periodically invites researchers from WHOI to speak on various ocean-related subject matter. And no ocean-related subject matter has been more in the region’s news this summer than the mighty great white shark.

            On August 8, a leading authority in the creation and operation of torpedo-shaped underwater robots called remote environmental monitoring units (REMUS), Amy Kukulya, spent an hour talking about her work in the development and deployment of REMUS robots for the study of sharks and other marine animals.

            Kukulya explained the capabilities of the robots, which includes not only tracking tagged animals as they travel through the ocean, but also collecting temperature data and current flows. The robots she said are designed to capture 3D imagery from as many as five cameras that provides very fine-scale video quality.

            Kukulya has traveled the globe deploying REMUS equipment to study the ocean and the animals that live therein, and also to collect data on natural resources such as oil and gas.

            But it is the sharks that are currently exciting the local imagination; and to understand these top predators, Kukulya and a team of scientists have been tracking them for several years.

            One of the more interesting behavioral traits the WHOI team has found is the difference between shark species’ reaction to REMUS in their environment.

            Kukulya said that great white sharks around Cape Cod are swimming in relatively shallow waters. The depth of the water has a profound impact on how the sharks hunt for prey because shallow waters minimize their capacity to sight prey from below. Interestingly, they found that local sharks weren’t that interested in what humans were doing, such as deploying REMUS, due to visibility.

            That was not the case, however, when they studied sharks on the West Coast of Mexico near Guadalupe. In this region, the ocean is very deep, Kukulya said, giving the sharks the depth needed to hunt in their traditional fashion, sighting prey from below. She explained that sharks prefer to roam close to the ocean floor looking up for possible prey, “sighting them from below.” She said, “They hunt on the edge of darkness.”

            But nothing speaks louder than visual evidence. Kukulya showed a video taken by REMUS in the waters near Guadalupe. It only takes a few minutes before the sharks notice the robot and take a great interest in its taste. Blasting up from the depths, the sharks repeatedly bite the equipment with a force that was unexpected. When REMUS was removed from the water, the sharks had been able to dent the nearly indestructible tube.

            Switching gears, Kukulya wants people to understand that plastic bags are killing turtles, as are ropes and other gear associated primarily with lobster fishing in local waters. A video taken by a REMUS of a tagged leatherback turtle demonstrates how they feed on jellyfish, their exclusive diet. As the turtle swims along, it simply opens its mouth and gobbles up the jellies. Unfortunately, a plastic bag floating in the water column resembles a jellyfish.

            Around the Cape and Islands, the researches have learned from tagged turtles that they are swimming in the same crowded waters as the island ferries and fishing boats.

            “The ocean has become crowded,” said Kukulya. “We learn all sorts of things putting a camera on an animal. It helps us to develop science applications. … The robots let us swim along beside the animals,” she said.

            Kukulya has worked with shark advocate and expert Greg Skomal, and has had her work included in episodes of the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week programing. She plans to continue working on the evolution of remote robotic applications and equipment, work that will continue expanding researchers’ knowledge and aid in their goal of conserving marine life and the health of the world’s oceans. 

            To learn more, visit www.whoi.edu. For more information about programs available at the Marion Natural History Museum for children and families you may visit www.marionmuseum.org.

By Marilou Newell

Board Appoints New BOH Member, ‘Blesses” New Sign

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            After a third and final interview for the one-year appointed position to the Marion Board of Health, the Marion Board of Selectmen on August 13 chose Dot Brown as the one who will fill the seat left vacant by Betsy Dunn, who resigned from the board some weeks ago.

            Brown made an impression on the board with her extensive knowledge and experience in water protection, in particular her knowledge of the impact failing septic systems have on water quality and her direct experience assisting in the drafting of a comprehensive wastewater plan.

            Brown is currently involved with the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s “Baywatcher” program as a water sample collector both on shore and in the harbor.

            She also possesses science and engineering skills, research skills, … “and I have a desire to help Marion come up with workable solutions.”

            “I think you’d be a great asset to the Board of Health because I agree with you that septic systems are a real problem and we need to get a handle on them,” said Selectman Norm Hills.

            Selectman John Waterman commented that Brown would also be valuable in the area of developing more contemporary septic system guidelines and help address the issue of nitrogen from fertilizers released near the water.

            “Both of those are things that we’re hoping to move ahead,” said Waterman.

            “You provided me with everything that I need to know,” Hills stated just before motioning to appoint Brown.

            “She brings a perspective and an interest particularly in this area of septics and geology … and the other candidates didn’t seem to offer this,” said Waterman, although he did remark on the strong qualifications of the other two candidates, both former Board of Health members, Albin Johnson and Jason Reynolds.

            On another topic, the Marion Garden Group continues in its efforts to beautify the town even further with the donation of another sign.

            The new sign, designed to match the ‘Welcome to Marion’ sign the group donated last year, will replace the town reader board at the corner of Front Street and Route 6 where the town routinely posts news and event dates throughout the year.

            That sign sits on state land, not town-owned land, so no vote to approve was required of the selectmen, Town Administrator Jay McGrail told the board. All that was required was a “blessing” from the board.

            “You’re blessed,” said Hills.

            Marion Garden Group member Liz Hatch said the cost of the sign is $7,000, and the associated landscaping is $2,000, all paid for by funds raised by the group.

            The current sign will be refurbished and given to the Council on Aging to use outside the community center near Route 6.

            In other business, the Fall Special Town Meeting has been scheduled for Monday, October 21, with a deadline for article submissions set for September 10. Selectmen will close the warrant on September 20, post it September 23, and have the printed version in the hands of voters on October 7.

            There are already 20 articles slated for the warrant, including one for a harbor-related feasibility study, the selling of the town-owned Atlantis Drive building, and several bylaw codification articles.

            Also during the meeting, the board met with two candidates for appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals: Michelle Smith, ZBA member of five years up for reappointment, and Ted North. The board grilled the two candidates on their knowledge of the town’s zoning bylaws and their experiences related to all matters of the ZBA. Current ZBA Chairman Marc LeBlanc will attend a reappointment interview with the selectmen during next week’s meeting.

            In other matters, the board gave final approval for the aquaculture license for Shea Doonan’s Hammetts Cove aquaculture farm. The board granted approval for Doonan’s application to move forward through the rigorous state permitting process in December of 2017 and then approved the license on September 4, 2018. After that approval it was discovered that Doonan’s filing with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was incomplete. Doonan has since satisfied those requirements. Marion Harbormaster Isaac Perry was present to recommend approval.

            The board gave its approval on an updated town administrator job description, which was built from a draft provided by the Collins Center and completed with the assistance of town counsel. The job description spells out the direction and roles and responsibilities of the town administrator, “and where I fit in the chain here,” said McGrail.

            “So I think we have a pretty good document … to really lay out what I’m really here to do and how I fit into the puzzle in the Town of Marion.”

            Town Planner Gil Hilario presented the board with an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) grant opportunity, but before submitting an application the town must have satisfied three prerequisites: conduct a self-evaluation of town-owned buildings for handicap access non-compliance, draft a transition plan, and prioritize projects into an action plan. The board reviewed and approved all three, allowing Hilario to move ahead. The deadline to apply for the grant is October 8.

            The board accepted a grant for $1,000 from the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts for Music Hall landscaping maintenance.

            McGrail’s office will be moving upstairs to the second floor of the Town House adjacent to the finance director’s office, and the office of the Board of Selectmen’s administrative assistant, Debbie Paiva, will also be relocated to the second floor. The current town administrator’s office will remain vacant for most of the time, except for when the town administrator uses it during the day to meet with anyone unable to climb the stairs to the second floor. It will be reassigned as a “Board of Selectmen’s Office” where selectmen will occasionally meet with constituents and for other boards wishing to utilize the space to hold meetings.

            Meg Steinberg was appointed to the Marion Historical Commission.

            The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen will be held on August 20 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town Hall.

Marion Board of Selectmen

By Jean Perry

Rochester Council on Aging

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The Rochester Senior Center is pleased to welcome in-coming Director, Cheryl Randall-Mach. Randall-Mach is co-Directing for the month of August with retiring Director, Sharon Lally. 

            Previously, Randall-Mach was the Executive Director of The Association for the Relief of Aged Women of New Bedford for 12 years. The Association for the Relief of Aged Women of New Bedford is a private foundation that was founded in 1866. Their motto is, “not alms alone, but a friend”. It is overseen by a Board of 18 women. Their goal is to assist aged women living on their own. They act as a grant maker for various COA programs, as well as assisting women directly. Prior to this position, Randall-Mach was the COA Director in Mattapoisett, and held various management positions at Coastline Elderly Services. 

            Randall-Mach is a Mattapoisett native, having been born and raised on a farm there, where her father still resides. Currently, she lives in Mattapoisett on Peacock Farm with her husband. They raise Irish Dexter and Scottish Highlander cattle, horses, peacocks, and chickens. Eggs from Peacock Farm are sold locally at Fieldstone Market in Marion. She describes herself as a small town girl, and is happy to be with the Rochester Senior Center. Randall-Mach said, “Rochester is a special place. … Sharon has been very giving with her time and knowledge. The Rochester COA is a little piece of heaven where people work together.” 

            Randall-Mach and her husband have one son who is a graduate of Bristol County Agricultural High School, and SUNY Agricultural College. He is currently perusing a Master’s degree in Agricultural Finance at Kansas State University.

            As the Rochester Senior Center navigates the transition of their Director position from Sharon Lally to Cheryl Randall-Mach, the two women will work together for the month of August. Lally’s last day will be August 31 and she will be greatly missed. There is a Retirement Reception scheduled for her at the Rochester Senior Center on Thursday, August 29 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. This event is open to the public, and all are welcome to wish her a happy retirement.