Things are Looking Up

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To the Editor:

In September, the barge company that I work for was hired to do some test borings for an environmental company at a location in the Acushnet River situated off of the old Aerovox factory, which at one point was one of the most polluted spots on the planet, but after years of dredging and cleaning the river was getting better. Once we loaded the drill rig onto the barge, I motored to the exact site and put down the spuds to keep the barge from moving and then the drillers started to do the testing. What really surprised me was the large amount of baitfish, Pogies, Snapper Blues and Shiners creating large swirls in the surface of the water from the Striped Bass feeding below them. The other wildlife that I saw were birds that were working, there were Gulls, Terns and Ospreys feeding. As the hours went by, something caught my eye. Two Bald Eagles began to circle the barge, as I watched with binoculars they headed toward Acushnet, and I wanted to see if they had a nest but lost sight of them in the trees. In the afternoon, I noticed a large bird flying along the tree line and then landing on a utility pole. With my binoculars, I could see that it was an immature eagle since it had no white head or tail, so there has to be a nest. Things are looking up.

Stuart G. Mitchell, Rochester

 

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the 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 Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

Photography Basics: The Thoughtful Approach

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Everyone is welcome to a free two-part photographer presentation at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Sundays, January 29 and February 4.

Think before shooting. Often the difference between a snapshot and a photograph is the amount of pre-thought that goes into shooting. This will be a short basic photography course to discuss how pre-shot decisions impact camera settings and shooting to yield the final outcome. The topics for discussion will include over-riding concepts (objectives and story lines), file formats, the holy trinity of exposure (aperture, speed and ISO settings, and their impact), focus and composition.

The two sessions will be led by local photographer Richard Van Inwegen from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in the library conference room. Walk-ins are welcome but registration is appreciated. Call the library at 508-758-4171.

ORR Offers Forum for Feminism

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There are many active student organizations at Old Rochester Regional High School. While there are several that have been around for years, a few are new to the student body this year. One of these newcomers is the Gender Politics Club, which focuses on opening up discussion about current and important social issues.

The club was formed this past year by “founding mothers” Katie MacLean, Bella Rodrigues, and Kelly Bruce. Along with history teacher Andy Apperson and school librarian Allison Barker, the trio leads the weekly meetings.

“The three of us happened to all have our study with Mr. Apperson, and after we started routinely talking about social issues, he mentioned that he used to run a ‘social issue club’ at his former school,” said Bruce. “We wanted to have our own, too,”

After approval from Principal Mike Devoll, the club meets in the library every Tuesday after school.

“We try to open the forum to all sides of the playing field,” Rodrigues said. “We did a day on the ‘pink tax,’ which is where shampoos and soaps are priced more when specifically advertised for females.”

The group also holds dicussions on other gender-related issues as the wage gap, which Rodrigues said drew lots of discussion, since some people didn’t believe in it while others believe strongly that it is an issue.

Freshman Spencer Perez-Dormitzer decided to join the group after listening to Apperson talk about it, which he does a lot, said Perez-Dormitzer.

“Then I went to a meeting and found it quite interesting and about important topics that need to be addressed,” said Perez-Dormitzer.

In one of their recent meetings, Apperson started out by reminding people about the upcoming Women’s March in Cambridge. Students quickly filled a sign-up sheet pledging to attend the January 20th event.

The group also talked about the outcome of the Golden Globes and the various protests and statements made by celebrity guests. One of these brought up in a news clip the club watched highlighted the black dresses that Hollywood actresses wore in solidarity with the “Time’s Up” movement.

“We had a lawyer come in and she talked about her experiences that she’s had in the world, about being looked down on from a man’s perspective,” said freshman Vice President Payton Lord. “It’s a good group of people. They’re very welcoming and we all come together to talk about stuff that we care about.”

“This club has given me an outlet to voice my opinions and feel like my ideas are important,” said club member Lauren Gonsalves. “It’s nice to see that other people have as much to add to the conversation as I do.”

ORR Update

By Jo Caynon

Pinewood

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They say the rules of the Cub Scout pinewood derby have changed over the last 65 years about as often as the U.S. Constitution – not very often. Actually, of the 11 official rules of the Boy Scouts of America, eight of them date back to the very first pinewood derby.

The first pinewood derby took place in 1953 in Manhattan Beach, California. According to the BSA, Cubmaster of Pack 280C, Don Murphy, was the one who started the miniature car race as a way to foster the father-son connection and to provide an activity promoting craftsmanship and good sportsmanship.

That tradition continued on Saturday, January 13, at Rochester Memorial School when Cub Scout Pack 30 held its own annual pinewood derby.

Rows of little handmade gravity-powered wooden cars, 30 in total, lined the table near the long metal track that started up on top of the cafetorium stage and slanted steeply down, beginning with a 30 degree angle until zero about 45 feet later.

Four at a time, the cars raced each other down at speeds that surpassed 200 miles per hour, for what else would you expect from cars with names like “Green Lightning” and “The Fireball”?

Although each pack is allowed to set its own rules surrounding the specs of the cars, the BSA “Rules of the Box” that come inside each Grand Prix Pinewood Derby kit limit the width to 2¾ inches, the length to 7 inches, the width between wheels at 1¾ inches, and the weight to less than 5 ounces. The car has to have been made that year and not raced in previous years, and only official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels and axels are permitted.

“Each boy makes their own individualized car,” said Assistant Cubmaster Brandon Empey, whose two boys are Cub Scouts in Pack 30. In the days leading up to the derby and during the event itself, Empey said, “The cooperation along with the sense of competitiveness really comes out.”

“They’re being great,” added Empey. “The kids are really into it.”

The winners in order of place were Logan Empey, Jack Wronski, Ethan Empey, Eli Mecham, Connor O’Leary, and Cash Jerome.

Other prizes based on design went to Cash Jerome who won Best Paint Job for his car “Yeti,” Owen Murphy whose car “Wolfenstein” was deemed Best Wedge Design, Timothy Mentzer’s “Lucky Leopard” won Most Artistic, and Kelsey Robertson won Most Decal Award for his ‘bus’ honoring Captain Underpants.

“It went great,” said Cubmaster Jeff Jerome. “A hundred-percent success thanks to all the volunteers and leaders.

The regional derby will take place at RMS from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on March 31, with the top six cars from the area packs competing to make it to the next level. Up to 100 cars will be racing in this event.

By Jean Perry

Mattapoisett Boy Scouts Troop 53

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Mattapoisett Boy Scouts Troop 53 wishes to thank everyone who supported them by participating in the annual Popcorn Fundraiser. Mattapoisett Boy Scout Paul McLaughlin was the top popcorn sales person for Narragansett Council, which covers all of RI, and parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts. Thank you for your support of Scouting!

Mattapoisett Boy Scouts will again be participating in the annual Klondike Derby this month held at Camp Cachalot in the Miles Standish State Forest. The Derby consists of different “towns” where the Scouts have to perform and complete various efforts in order to proceed along the derby route. The Troop returns as the reigning champions from 2017 hoping to hold onto that title.

The Troop participated in many activities in 2017 and is looking forward to a new exciting year in 2018. The Troop awarded the Eagle Rank, the highest rank in Scouting (and no easy feat to achieve), to three more Scouts in 2017, with others well on their way to achieving this prestigious rank.

We welcome anyone interested in Scouting – no prior knowledge or participation required to be a Scout (must be at least in sixth grade and under the age of 18). If interested in learning more, come join us at one of our upcoming Parent Meetings, Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm in the Mattapoisett Congregational Church Hall on February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, or June 5.

Rochester Annual Town Election

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Positions to appear on ballot:

– Selectman, three years, elect one

– Board of Assessors, three years, elect one

– Moderator, three years, elect one

– Tree Warden, three years, elect one

– Board of Health, three years, elect one

– Planning Board, five years, elect two

– Library Trustees, three years, elect two

– Cemetery Commission, three years, elect one

– Park Commission, three years, elect one

– Water Commission, three years, elect one

– Rochester School Committee, three years, elect two

– ORR School Committee, three years, elect one

Election Calendar

January 8: Nomination papers available

February 21: Last day to take out and return papers

March 22: Last day to register to vote for annual town election

April 11: Annual town election

Karen E. Lees

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Karen E. Lees, 55, of New Bedford died January 14, 2018 unexpectedly.

Born in Wareham, the daughter of the late John A. and Jane E. (Donaghy) Lees, she lived in Mattapoisett most of her life.

She was a graduate of Bishop Stang, class of 1981. She enjoyed reading, music, the outdoors, spending time with her family and her beloved dog Bean. Karen was a kind soul who had a profound love and understanding for all of those around her. A blessing who will be deeply missed for our days are a bit darker without your light.

Survivors include her son, Stephen Clements, Jr. of Fairhaven; a daughter, Samantha Clements and her boyfriend Michael Crowley of New Bedford; a granddaughter, Mila Jane Crowley; 6 brothers and sisters, Richard Reilly and his wife Melanie and Donna Reilly all of Mattapoisett, Andrew Reilly and his wife Meg of South Carolina, John Lees, Jr. and his wife Pamela and Jane Lees, all of Mattapoisett, and Kathy Cruz of Centerville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Timothy Reilly, Paul Reilly and Joy Reilly.

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

New Septic Systems For A New Year

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As home sales continue to be robust throughout the Tri-Town area, engineering firms are busy working for clients who have to address the condition of existing septic systems. With Wetlands Protection Act regulations prompting careful review of systems that may have reached their peak of efficiency decades ago, newer standards mandate upgrades.

And so, on January 16, as the majority of the community was enjoying the warmth of hearth and home, the Rochester Conservation Commission was handling two hearings dealing with septic system upgrades.

First up was Chris Capone of S & K Engineering, representing Ronald Oliveria of Acushnet for property located at 14 Mattapoisett Road. The existing subsurface sewage disposal system is proposed to be replaced with a 1,500-gallon septic tank, 1,000-gallon lift station, and leaching area within the 200-foot riverfront area – a jurisdictional location.

Capone said the majority of the work would be taking place in the 200-foot area – an improvement over where the existing system is positioned just 50 feet from protected areas. He said the Title 5 compliant system will have about a 20-year lifespan for the two-bedroom residence it will serve.

Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon informed the commission that she had reviewed all delineations and that it was a good filing making a bad situation better. She said the property is currently in the process of being sold.

Commission member Daniel Gagne asked about the possibility that the septic system could be tied into any existing or future emergency generator power.

While the commissioners did believe they could not mandate the installation of generator power, they decided to condition their negative Determination of Applicability to include that option, if available.

Also coming before the commission was Darren Michaelis, Foresight Engineering, representing Sonia Amaral of 28 Snows Pond Road. Amaral is the new owner of the property.

The Notice of Intent filing was intentional, Michaelis said, indicating he wanted to ensure his client understood the restrictions and requirements for any alterations within jurisdictional areas. The property contains a 100-foot buffer zone abutting cranberry bogs.

Michaelis said the new system will replace a failed septic and that a MassDEP number had been received, as well as notification from Natural Heritage that wildlife would not be negatively affected.

The commission issued an Order of Conditions allowing the project to advance.

In other business, Farinon said that the Rochester Finance Committee, also meeting on this night, would be reviewing the commission’s request for new fee structures and that the Board of Selectmen had agreed with the plan in a previous meeting.

The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for February 6 at 7:00 pm in the town hall meeting room.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

 

Barbara B. (Brady) Bodge

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Barbara B. (Brady) Bodge, 86, of Mattapoisett passed away on Monday January 15, 2018 at home surrounded by her family. She was the wife of Clifford A. Bodge.

Born in Taunton, the daughter of the late John J. and Helena (Parlow) Brady, she lived in Mattapoisett for many years.

Mrs. Bodge was formerly employed as a librarian at the Wareham Public Library. She later became a realtor for Jack Conway Real Estate, opening the Mattapoisett office where she was the manager for many years until her retirement.

She was a graduate of Simmons College, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science.

Barbara enjoyed spending time on the water, in both sailboats and motor boats. She especially loved the companionship of her dog, Ginger. She had been a library trustee for the Mattapoisett Public Library.

Survivors include her husband; four children, John E. Cornish and his wife Debra of Mattapoisett, Joan E. Gould and her husband Mark of Ipswich, William E. Cornish; and James M. Cornish of Wareham; her stepchildren, Lisa A. Hopkins and her husband Stephen of Westport, Bruce M. Bodge and his wife Lori of Taunton, Linda L. Haslehurst and her husband Bruce of Fairhaven, J. Thomas Bodge of Swansea, Lynne M. Zankman and her husband Daniel of Greenville, SC, and Leslie J. Bodge of Attleboro; a brother, John Francis Brady of Portsmouth, RI; 19 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was the grandmother of the late Richard Gould, sister of the late Ann H. Bodge, and mother-in-law of the late Irene A. Bodge.

Her Funeral will be held on Friday January 19th at 9 am from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 10 am. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday January 18th from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to MattSail, P.O. Box 947, Mattapoisett, MA 02739 (www.mattsail.org). For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

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 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 second installment features 304 Front Street.

The home at 304 Front Street in the Old Landing area of Marion was built in 1859 for shipbuilder David Hathaway. It ranks among the town’s most substantial Greek revival residences and illustrates not only Marion’s mid-19th century maritime prosperity, but also Old Landing’s status as the home of sea captains. Hathaway built coastal schooners at his wharf. These schooners were an important part of Marion’s economy. The coastal schooners carried salt to towns between Nova Scotia and the Carolinas. In fact, the operators of Marion’s coastal schooners named the town after Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion (known by the nickname “Swamp Fox”) of South Carolina, whose exploits in that area became well known to Marion mariners.