Greater New Bedford Garden Club “Rose L. Murphy Scholarship”

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The Greater New Bedford Garden Club is accepting applications for the $1,500 Rose L. Murphy Scholarship to be awarded to a student enrolled in a full-time college program in 2018-2019 The applicant must be pursuing a degree either in environmental sciences, horticulture, landscape architecture, conservation, or related scientific fields.

Students are required to have been a legal Massachusetts resident for at least one year prior to June 1 of his /her school graduation. You will find application forms and requirements at your local high school or secondary school’s guidance office.

You can send applications to Ms. Ellen P. Flynn, Chair of Scholarship, for the Greater New Bedford Garden Club, P.O. Box 1312, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. Applications and required paperwork must be received on or before May 15, 2017.

‘Biorefinery’ Seeks Home in Rochester

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At the Rochester-based solid waste and recycling facility Zero Waste Solutions, that ‘zero waste’ goal could be just around the corner.

Mike Camara, CEO of ABC Disposal, Inc., parent company of the recycling facility off Cranberry Highway, on March 19 was before the Rochester Board of Selectmen accompanied by David McConnell of ENERKEM, a Canadian company that converts solid waste into biofuel, to discuss a partnership that Camara said would be perfect for the recycling plant and perfect for Rochester.

Based in Montreal, Quebec, EVERKEM is a sustainable waste management company that converts municipal waste into liquid fuel with a ‘biorefinery’ operation that is the first of its kind. EVERKEM developed the technology that is clean and minimizes waste going to the landfill, and it could be coming to Rochester.

McConnell said that this is “game-changing technology” that employs no-burn proprietary thermochemical technology to turn trash into the biofuel cellulosic ethanol.

At its Edmonton, Alberta facility, 100,000 tons of trash are converted into 10 million gallons of cellulose and ethanol, said McConnell, with very little post-processing waste left for the landfill. It’s a four-step process, McConnell said. First, municipal waste is sorted and shredded. It is then fed into a gasifier where it is heated and thermally decomposed producing ‘syngas,’ or pure synthesis gas that is further purified to make biofuels like methanol and ethanol.

“Our process [produces] sixty percent less greenhouse gas emissions when comparing it to fossil fuel gasoline,” said McConnell.

Still rebuilding after a fire halted the facility’s construction before its operations even got started, Zero Waste was slated to convert solid waste into solid biofuel briquettes that burn like coal only cleaner and deemed non-hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency. But Camara said that is no longer an option because the two coal-fired plants in southern New Hampshire that would have bought the briquettes are shutting down.

Camara said an ENERKEM facility similar to the one in Edmonton that processes 350 tons of solid waste per day would fit nicely on the back end of Zero Waste’s recycling process.

“I like the fact that we wouldn’t have to move the waste off the property,” said Camara. The biofuel would be manufactured right onsite, with the use of reclaimed water for processing the biofuel, which will likely come from the Wareham wastewater treatment plant, said McConnell.

McConnell used an ENERKEM facility planned in Minnesota as an example of how economically viable the project is also. The Minnesota plant, he said, would create 700 construction jobs over a 15-month construction timeframe, bringing $190 million in revenue to that region. McConnell said 100 permanent jobs would be created and bring in $129 million annually. A plant in Rochester would be similar in scope, he said.

“It’s got a huge impact on the community,” McConnell said. “And we don’t just come in…. We set up a community outreach program so that everyone understands the project.”

The solid waste collection, according to McConnell, is “very cost competitive,” as Rochester searches for a cost-efficient way to handle its municipal waste.

“The issue in Massachusetts is, a lot of landfills are closing and so they need an alternative to manage waste,” said Camara. He said he preferred to approach the selectmen before proceeding with any further exploration with ENERKEM, but that ENERKEM would be “a good fit” for the region.

It could take upwards of three years for the engineering, permitting, and construction of such a biorefinery, said McConnell. The permitting process for an ENERKEM plant slated for California could take seven years to complete, he said, and likely only one year in Minnesota.

“If you can do it, that’s great,” said Selectman Greenwood Hartley, adding that from what he heard that night, “You’re not rookies at this.”

With an ENERKEM biorefinery nearby, Camara said Zero Waste could reach a minimum of 90 to 95 percent waste-free.

“Which would be the first in the country, and that’s been the goal all along,” Camara said.

In other matters, Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar said she should have a definite date for the town to switch over to the regionalized 911 dispatch based in Duxbury. All the equipment upgrades have been installed at the ROCCC headquarters, and the repeaters and other equipment in Rochester will be installed “soon,” said Szyndlar.

“Everything’s on target right now,” Szyndlar said, “So it’s progressing nicely.”

The selectmen set the date for the Annual Town Meeting for May 21 at 6:30 pm at Rochester Memorial School.

The Verizon contract public hearing was again continued until May 7. The board also tabled discussion on a conservation restriction until the next meeting.

The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for April 2 at 7:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

Rochester Board of Selectmen

By Jean Perry

 

The Machacam Club

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The Machacam Club will hold the April meeting at Post 280 on April 3. Social time is 5:30 pm; dinner is at 6:00 pm.

The meal will be lasagna, salad, garlic bread and pie for dessert. Our speaker for this meeting will be our own Cal Perkins who has just returned from his African holiday. Cal will present a slide program on The Modern African Camera Safari which we are certain will be most memorable and interesting.

Callers and members are asked to bear in mind the importance of call list accuracy. Call lists should be done and reported no later than 9:00 pm on Monday, April 1 by email to GPFNR@AOL.COM or by phone to Mike at 508-758-9311. Members with requests or changes can contact Mike by phone at 508-758-9311 no later than 9:00 am on April 1.

Rochester Rabies Clinic

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The will be a rabies clinic on Sunday, April 8 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at the Grange Hall, Hartley Road, Rochester. The cost is $12 per shot. All animals must be properly restrained. All dogs must be leashed, all cats in carriers. Licensing will be available for Rochester residents; $10 for intact male or unsprayed female, $7 for spayed or neutered.

Contact Anne Estabrook, ACO, at 508-649-9813 with any questions.

MATTREC Spring Programs Announced

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Mattapoisett Recreation is now accepting registrations for all spring programs. All programs are open to non-residents.

KidFit is open to children in Grades K-3 and is held on Tuesdays, 3:00 – 4:00 pm, from May 1-June 5 at Center School Gymnasium.

Join Mr. C. for a new session of KidFit. Classes are designed to increase physical fitness and expend some energy all while having fun. Different games and sports will be played each week. Six-week session cost is $80. Registration deadline is April 25.

Gymnastics and Tumbling is open to ages 5 & up and is on Fridays from 3:15 – 4:15 pm and 4:15 – 5:15 pm. Gymnastics and Tumbling are offered each session. Classes run April 6-June 1 at Old Hammondtown Gymnasium. Gymnastics and/or Tumbling classes are perfect for beginner gymnasts as well as students with previous gymnastics experience. Eight-week session cost is $145. Registration deadline is March 30.

Tennis Lessons for ages 5-13 are on Tuesdays; ages 5-7 are from 5:00 – 6:00 pm, and ages 8 & up are from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Session runs May 8-June 12 and is held at the Hammond Street Tennis Courts. Join tennis pro Karsten Rathlev for a six-week tennis program that will include instruction, games and drills. Six-week session cost is $85. Registration deadline is May 1.

Fencing is on Mondays; ages 7-11 are from 5:30 – 6:30 pm, and ages 10-14 are from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Session runs April 2-May 14 at Center School Gymnasium. Blackstone Valley Fencing Academy will teach your child the basic techniques and language of fencing. Their goal is to promote self-confidence and self-reliance as a fencer and an individual. All equipment is provided. Six-week session cost is $125. Registration deadline is March 26.

Spring into Art-Crafting for Grades K-4 is on Thursdays from 2:45 – 4:00 pm. Session runs March 29-May 24 at Center School Cafeteria. Celebrate spring by creating projects and artwork inspired by the season. Themes will include flowers in bloom, birds, the beach, shadows in the sun, and outdoor fun. Maria Lynch will provide all instruction and supplies for this creative program. Eight-week session cost is $85. Registration deadline is March 25.

Golf Lessons at the Bay Club are for ages 8 & up. Classes are on Thursdays from 3:30 – 4:30 pm and 4:30 – 5:30 pm. Session runs from April 26-May 17. Join the Bay Club’s PGA pros for a four-week session offering instruction on the fundamentals of golf. Session 1 is from 3:30 – 4:30 pm and is for advanced juniors that have played nine holes before. Session 2 is from 4:30 – 5:30 pm and is for newer junior golfers and will be more instructional. Cost is $105 and registration deadline is April 17.

New this Season! Spring Ball for Grades K-1 is on Wednesdays from 2:45 – 4:00 pm. Session runs April 11-June 13 at Center School Gym. Join Kayleigh Lake for an afternoon basketball program that will include instruction, games and drills. Eight-week session cost is $90. Registration deadline is April 4. Space is limited so register on-line today at www.mattrec.net.

If you have questions about any programs, please email mattrec@mattapoisett.net or call 508-758-4548.

Recreational Weed – What to Expect

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The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) beat its March 15 deadline to file its final regulations for Massachusetts’ marijuana market and will begin accepting marijuana business applications on April 2. It will issue its first provisionary licenses on June 1, and recreational adult-use marijuana establishments could open starting July 1.

The CCC vote was unanimous, which arrived after a six-month process that included 10 listening sessions, nearly 500 public comments, and seven public hearings to deliberate on approximately 150 policies, according to the CCC.

So what does this mean for the Tri-Town with its three towns included in the Commonwealth’s 189 municipalities that either placed a moratorium or all-out ban on pot establishments?

The final regulations, totaling 202 pages in length, include nine types of license categories: cultivator; craft marijuana cooperative; microbusiness; product manufacturer; independent testing lab; storefront retailer; third-party transporter; existing licensee transporter; and research facility.

With tremendous pressure from Governor Charlie Baker to “go slow” when it comes to issuing “social consumption” establishments, the CCC decided to hold off until February 2019 regulations that would allow so-called marijuana cafés or social-use establishments, where marijuana could be consumed on the premises, and any other “mixed-use” establishments. That means no ‘stoned yoga’ businesses or corner ‘Coffee and Cannabis’ just yet.

The Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) was another group that urged the CCC to hold off issuing these types of on-site consumption licenses and “to proceed slowly with regulations and to focus initially on establishing the nascent industry before expanding categories for sale, delivery, and consumption,” states the MMA in a March 7 press release. Concerns included a possible increase in driving under the influence of marijuana, for which there is no effective means for law enforcement to determine.

The MMA supported a strong municipal role in the marijuana licensing process. It advocated for language that would require marijuana establishments to hold community outreach meetings within proposed host communities and to also complete a host community agreement with the municipality before the CCC issues the license, all of which was included in the CCC’s final regulations. Furthermore, applicants need to prove to the CCC that the proposed site meets all local ordinances and bylaws in effect at the time the application was submitted.

“We believe that local officials know their communities best, and that this section (of the regulations pertaining to municipality role) would lead to a more productive partnership between communities and marijuana establishments that respects the will of the voters while ensuring a robust municipal voice in regulating the new industry at the local level,” stated the MMA in its written testimony.

Marion Planning Board Chairman Eileen Marum agrees with the CCC’s slower approach to social and mixed-use establishments that serve marijuana products for on-site consumption, especially for public safety reasons.

“I am pleased the Cannabis Control Commissioners are proceeding with caution and are providing adequate time for public education and awareness concerning responsible marijuana use before expanding its scope allowing social consumption in cafés or restaurants,” Marum said in a follow-up. “As responsible citizens, we know the increased risk of impaired driving; social consumption establishments must have a reasonable plan to assist patrons in obtaining transportation. There is currently no reliable test for intoxication by marijuana recognized by the Massachusetts courts.”

Municipalities, however, may authorize those social consumption establishments and delivery businesses by placing a question on the ballot for the November 2018 election. They could also ban such facilities, or limit the number of them in town to 20% or more of the number of liquor stores in town.

The Mattapoisett Planning Board is holding a public hearing on April 2 to consider a total ban on recreational marijuana establishments of any kind in town, which it can do with a Town Meeting vote because Mattapoisett voters rejected the November 2016 ballot question to legalize pot. Marion and Rochester would have to pass Town Meeting and then a town-wide ballot vote in order to do so.

Marum said overall she is pleased with the final regulations.

“All components of the draft regulations were included, and I appreciate the exceptional effort of the Cannabis Control Commissioners in formulating and approving the comprehensive set of regulations with a focus on broad and equitable participation in the new marijuana market,” said Marum.

The MMA, however, is concerned that the regulations do not address several important issues for local governments, such as whether existing registered marijuana dispensaries (RMDs) can “flip” to recreational marijuana sales in a town that has enacted a ban on adult recreational use marijuana.

According to the CCC’s municipal guidance document updated this month, “Zoning bylaws or ordinances are not permitted to operate to prevent the conversion of an RMD registered no later than July 1, 2017 that is engaged in the cultivation, manufacture or sale of marijuana or marijuana products to a marijuana establishment for adult use engaged in the same type of activity.”

In other words, an RMD licensed before July 1, 2017 is grandfathered against zoning bylaws that would prevent medical RMD conversion into recreational – something that does not apply to Marion, Mattapoisett, or Rochester, where there are no existing RMDs.

Marion and Rochester voters passed that November 2016 question to legalize marijuana with almost as close a margin that voters in Mattapoisett rejected legalizing recreational marijuana, so those taking advantage of the legalization still have to know the rules the state has placed upon them as individuals.

People are still prohibited from smoking or vaping marijuana products wherever smoking tobacco is already prohibited, and you cannot consume recreational marijuana in a public place; the civil penalty is up to $100. Cities and towns are allowed to pass bylaws authorizing exceptions in certain areas for social consumption, though.

Right now as marijuana use is legal, an individual over 21 can grow up to six pot plants at home, and if there are any other 21+ adults living there, a maximum of 12 plants can be cultivated at home in a secured area out of sight from the outside. The CCC prohibits homemade pot extracts or concentrates by means of any liquid or gas, other than alcohol, that has a flashpoint below 100 degrees Fahrenheit for safety reasons.

And just like with booze, you can’t have an open container of weed products in the passenger area of your car while driving or in a public place, but that doesn’t include a trunk or glove compartment. And just like before, it’s still illegal to drive while you’re under the influence of pot.

Also, landlords can prohibit tenants from smoking legalized pot inside your apartment; having said that, they cannot stop you from consuming other marijuana products that aren’t inhaled, unless you live in housing owned by the state, a subdivision of the state, or a state or local agency.

If you were to violate any of the personal use laws, you could face fines ranging from $100 to $500 and possible mandatory participation in a drug awareness program. And if you were to intentionally give marijuana to someone under 21, you could be fined $2,000 and go to jail for a year.

Those age 21+ in the Tri-Town who are potential patrons of future recreational marijuana aren’t yet sure just how far they will have to drive to buy it. Since the existing RMDs applying for conversion for recreational marijuana sales have an advantage with existing facilities and crop cultivation, those first pot shops could likely be one of the existing 22 RMDs.

To address concerns about dwindling availability of medical marijuana to patients, the CCC mandates that medical RMDs wishing to co-operate with recreational pot sales would be required to set aside 35% of its product for medical use, or the six-month average of medical sales, which is the first legislation of its kind amongst states that have legalized recreational marijuana.

The closest RMDs to the Tri-Town are Fairhaven, Plymouth, Bridgewater, and Brockton, and in 2018 Dartmouth and Taunton.

Children’s Department at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library

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Spring Storytimes will begin during the week of March 27 and continue for 8 weeks (except for during school vacation week): Mother Goose on the Loose Nursery Rhyme Program for ages 0-2 on Wednesdays at 10:30 am; Toddler Storytime for ages 2-3 on Thursdays at 10:30 am; and Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5 on Fridays at 10:30 am. Storytimes are drop-in; no registration required.

Reading Pays Off Program. Celebrate Financial Literacy Month at the library during April 2018. Sign up in the children’s department to record minutes read each day during the month of April to earn “book bucks” that you can use to “buy” something fun at our library “store.” Visit the library for more information and to register – registration starts on March 27.

Read to Breton on Tuesdays & Saturdays. Lenore Everett and her certified therapy dog, Breton, will be at the library for individual appointments during which children of all ages can come and sit with Breton & Lenore for 15-minute time slots to practice their reading sills. Stop by or call the children’s department at 508-758-4171 to schedule your session.

Celebrate National Poetry Month at the library. During the month of April, visit the children’s department and stop by our poetry writing station to create a “leaf” for our Poet-tree.

Visit the Children’s Department Online at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org/children.asp.

Mattapoisett Historical Society Arts Seminar Series

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The Mattapoisett Historical Society presents an Arts Seminar Series on Tuesday, March 27 at 6:30 pm. The Mattapoisett Historical Society is located at 5 Church Street.

Hoyt Hottel is a Mattapoisett native who works in a variety of mediums. He is well known for his hand-blown glass creations, but he also paints and takes photographs. Hoyt was a professional snowboarder and national amateur champion in 1993.

Conservation Restriction Pending For Estabrook Property

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“It’s a vegetation community you don’t often get to see.”

This statement was made by Rochester Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon as she explained to the Rochester Conservation Commission on March 20 the benefits the town and its people will enjoy for generations to come when the Estabrook Property is purchased and placed in permanent conservation restriction status.

Rochester Land Trust President Robert Lawrence was on hand as Farinon shared with the commissioners and the viewing public the scope of the property acquisition and the responsibility the commission will have as holders of the restriction.

The RLT, in partnership with the Buzzards Bay Coalition, has been negotiating and applying for grants to cover some of the costs associated with acquiring the over 70-acre parcel that is home to a natural cedar swamp known as the Walnut Plain Cedar Swamp. Two grants totaling $165,000 have been secured, Farinon said.

Farinon asked that the commissioners invite Alan Decker of the Buzzards Bay Coalition to the first meeting in April to officially sign the document.

Before moving on that request, Farinon explained that while the property will be in a protected status through acquisition by the RLT, the Rochester Conservation Commission would be holding a conservation restriction as well. She said this second level of protection provides “protection from future development.”

As the commissioners reviewed the conservation restriction document, Farinon directed their attention to the section that provides for local reserved rights. Those rights, she explained, were for the “things we’d want to do now and in the future.” Such things as clearing trails, allowing horseback riding, hiking, other forms of passive recreation and forest management were discussed. It was also suggested that given the nearly pristine nature of the cedar swamp, it might be an ideal location for non-invasive scientific study.

The commissioners moved to invite Decker back in April for the official signing.

Also coming before the commission was Meagan Davis of Tata and Howard Engineering, representing the Town of Marion.

Davis came before the commissioners to discuss an in-field plan change that occurred as contractors were constructing a new freshwater well in Marion’s well field near Mary’s Pond.

Davis said a well had been drilled some 4 feet closer to the bordering vegetated wetlands than had been originally permitted and guidance was now needed on next steps.

After some discussion, Farinon suggested there were two options for resolving the unpermitted change: give the town an amended order of condition to the previously permitted Notice of Intent or have them file a new NOI.

The commissions moved to allow an amended order of conditions with submittal of updated documents.

The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for April 3 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall meeting room.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

 

Sippican Historical Society

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In 1998, the Sippican Historical Society commissioned an architectural survey of Marion’s historic homes and buildings. The survey was funded one-half by the Sippican Historical Society and one-half by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Because of the limits of funding, not all of the historic buildings were surveyed, but over 100 were catalogued and photographed. The results of the survey are in digital form on the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s website and in four binders in the Sippican Historical Society’s office (and at the Marion Town Clerk’s office). Marion (Old Rochester) is one of the oldest towns in the United States, and the Sippican Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of documentation on its historic buildings. The Sippican Historical Society will preview one building a week so that the residents of Marion can understand more about its unique historical architecture. This installment features 13 Cottage Street.

This house was built in 1880 as Taber Hall to house Tabor Academy’s first principal, Clark P. Howland. Mrs. Taber, the founder of the school, called the school “Tabor” after Mount Tabor in the Bible, instead of naming it after herself. Thirteen Cottage Street is an example of the Italianate style of architecture, which was popular in America between the late 1840s and early 1880s. Mr. Howland, a graduate of Yale University, lived on the first floor, while Mrs. Elizabeth P. Taber lived in two rooms on the second floor. Born in Marion in 1791, Elizabeth Pitcher married Stephen Taber, who left her a considerable fortune upon his death in 1862. She then became Marion’s most important benefactress and lived in Taber Hall until her death in 1888 at the age of 97.