FinCom Resumes Article Recommendations

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            On April 24 during the Marion Finance Committee’s first television performance, the committee continued its Town Meeting Warrant article recommendations, beginning where they left off: Article 23 to appropriate $30,000 to replace the tank on the Fire Department’s brush breaker, which it voted to recommend.

            Article 26 would appropriate $582,090 to buy a new front-loading rubbish packer and rollout trash and recycling carts, should voters prefer keeping their trash collection provided by the Town as opposed to outsourcing to a trash collector. The committee took no action, still, because the amount for outsourcing curbside trash collection was not yet known, so no recommendation was made on Article 25, either. But the committee discussed the matter with soon-to-be Town Administrator Jay McGrail and Selectman John Waterman.

            The Town will put the amount $470,000 on Article 25 as a placeholder, only because, with the bids not due until that following Friday, that dollar amount on the warrant better be big enough to cover the cost, since sums can be reduced, but never increased, on the Town Meeting floor.

            The Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee hope to know by May 9 which article they will recommend ahead of Town Meeting on May 13.

            Also during the meeting, the committee couldn’t make any recommendation on Article 34, either, since no figure was yet available. The article would transfer an as yet unknown sum of free cash to the Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund.

            “It’s gonna have to be on the fly,” said FinCom member Alan Minard.

            After an explanation from the engineering firm Tata & Howard about Article 11, the Mill Street water main project to replace a six-inch water main with a 12-inch water main, the FinCom voted to recommend the $2.8 million appropriation.

            The committee did also recommend Article 17 to appropriate $105,000 for the engineering for the Point Road water main project to replace 6,300 linear feet of 12-inch pipe.

            The Annual Town Meeting is on Monday, May 13, at 6:45 pm at Sippican School.

            The next meeting of the Marion Finance Committee is tentatively scheduled for May 7 at 6:00 pm at the Atlantis Drive facility.

Marion Finance Committee

By Jean Perry

Eagle Scout Provides Arbor Day Donation

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            This year’s Arbor Day ceremony in Rochester was brought to the town courtesy of aspiring Eagle Scout Dominic Mattera, who for his Eagle Scout project planted two young magnolia trees at the entrance of the Dexter Lane ball field.

            Rochester’s Arbor Day representative Matt Monteiro assembled a small ceremony on Friday evening, April 26, to acknowledge Rochester Troop 31 ‘s Mattera and his contribution and to introduce the townspeople to some information about magnolia trees in general so they can appreciate Mattera’s gift that much more.

            There are 210 flowering species in the magnolia family, Monteiro said, with the earliest found in a fossil that dates back 95 million years. According to Monteiro, scientists say the first flower 140 million years ago looked much like the magnolias he stood before that day.

            “The magnolia flower meaning is attached with the symbols of nobility, perseverance, and love of nature,” said Monteiro. “Soft and subtle in color yet strong in appearance, the flower is representative of the beauty encompassing femininity and gentleness.”

            Monteiro said he has enjoyed acting as the town’s Arbor Day rep for the past few years, which included the dedication of the gingko biloba sapling from Hiroshima donated by former town administrator Mike McCue and planted at the Dexter Lane ball field, and last year’s ceremony during which he introduced the dogwood tree.

            “I hope everyone will consider planting a tree, whether a magnolia or another type, to enjoy the many benefits trees can provide,” said Monteiro.

By Jean Perry

FoMCOA Yard Sale

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The friends of the Mattapoisett Council on Aging, will be having a yard sale on Saturday, May 18, at the COA on Barstow Street from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Rain date is May 19. No furniture or electronics.

South Coast Children’s Chorus Spring Performance

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On Saturday, May 11, the South Coast Children’s Chorus (SCCC) will be performing at the First Congregational Church in Marion. Join this dynamic group as we wrap up our 2018-2019 season. The concert will include both the preparatory chorus (Grades 1-3), as well as the advanced chorus (Grades 3-12.) The cost of attending this performance is $10 for adults and $7 for students. Children under 5 are free.

            For more information contact: SCCCsings@gmail.com, visit our website at www.singsouthcoast.org, or visit us on Facebook: southcoastchildrenschorus

Elizabeth Taber Library Bridge Tournament

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The Elizabeth Taber Library is getting ready for its third semi-annual Bridge Tournament in August. Proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit the library and will help enhance programs and services for all patrons. For more information please contact Elizabeth Sherry at the library at 508-748-1252 or email esherry@sailsinc.org.

Molly Lankowski Scores Goal No. 100

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            Old Colony girls lacrosse took Upper Cape to task in Monday’s 16-1 blowout, but that wasn’t the Cougars’ biggest victory of the day. Junior Molly Lankowskireached the 100 career goals mark in the victory, only needing three seasons to achieve the milestone.

            “That was exciting,” Old Colony coach Kerstin Lindrooth said. “She was really excited. She knew it was coming. She only needed two.”

            Lankowski needed two goals: she scored three. Furthermore, she spread the wealth in the big win, finishing with five assists. It came as no surprise to Lindrooth, who is quick to describe Lankowski as an unselfish player.

            Savanna Halleled the Cougars in the win over Upper Cape, burying six goals to go with three assists.Raquel Rodrigueshad a strong showing, as well. She scored four goals for the Cougars against the Rams.

            Old Colony (7-1, 6-0 Mayflower Small Vocational) hits the road for their next two matchups. The Cougars play Dighton-Rehoboth on Monday at 4:00 pm, and then face Sacred Heart on Wednesday at 4:00 pm.

            Old Colony baseball’s ace pitcher Jacob Wordenhad himself a game he’ll never forget in the Cougars 16-0 win over Upper Cape on Monday. The righty went the distance and struck out nine. But Worden didn’t simply have a complete game shutout. He threw a perfect game.

            “He threw a gem,” Old Colony baseball coach Craig Lincoln said.

            Worden’s ERA now sits at 1.59 through four starts. He has 28 strikeouts over 22 innings and has only walked eight. Opponents are hitting a bleak .162 against him.

            But Worden wasn’t the only Cougar to bring his A-game against the Rams. Old Colony’s offense erupted for 17 hits.

            Ryan McGuigganand Chris Hedlundled the hit parade with three hits apiece. Matt Bumpusknocked in two runs and had two hits. Reese Vandallaced a double and legged out a triple in his three-RBI performance. Nick Hedlundalso had two hits and knocked in three runs.

            Bumpus leads the Cougars with a .567 average, 1.561 OPS, and 11 RBI through eight games. He also has the most hits (17) and triples (four) for Old Colony. McGuiggan bumped his average up to .444 and Worden leads the Cougars with six doubles.

            Old Colony softball continues to produce offensively, but cannot get their defensive game together, losing 18-11 to Upper Cape on Monday.

            “I think they’re so confident at the plate and the lack of confidence in the field is pretty evident,” Old Colony softball coach Brandon Mendez said. “Keeping that confidence at the play and moving past the lack of confidence in the defense and trying to bring those together will be huge. I think the confidence is the key.”

            Hannah H’Leureuxwent 3-for-3 in the loss to bring her average to .750. She also leads Old Colony with two home runs and triples, and is tied for the team lead in doubles (three) with Taylor Haskell.Lauren Patnaudeknocked in four runs despite going 1-for-1. She now leads the Cougars with 18 RBI.

Old Rochester Regional

            Old Rochester Regional baseball continued its strong season on Monday with a 5-4 win over longtime South Coast Conference rival Dighton-Rehoboth.

            Nate Kvilhaugearned his second win of the season in as many starts. He managed to scatter nine hits over 5 2/3 in large part because he only walked one Falcon.

            “He was challenging hitters and had good control,” ORR coach Steve Carvalho said.

            Adam Breaultdoubled in his 2-for-4. Jack Meehan,John Farrell, and Thomas Couccieach knocked in one run for the Bulldogs.

High School Sports Update

By Nick Friar

Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race

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The Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race on the Mattapoisett River, sponsored by the Rochester Fire Department, will take place on Memorial Day, May 27, starting at 8:30 am at Grandma Hartley’s Reservoir, Snipatuit Road, in Rochester and finishing at the Herring Weir, River Road at Route 6, in Mattapoisett. 

            The minimum age for contestants is seven years old on Memorial Day. There will be two persons to a boat. The boat must be a homemade river racer design of any material you choose. There are no limitations or restrictions on types of paddles. 

            Divisions include open/men’s, women’s, junior boys, junior girls, co-ed, and parent/child. Junior division teams are both contestants under 14 years old. Parent/child is for a parent with his/her child (child under 14 years old) or an adult (25 or older) with a child (child under 14 years old). Trophies are awarded to the first, second, and third place finishers in each division.

            Pre-registration is required. Contestants may register at the Rochester

Council on Aging, Senior Center, 65 Dexter Lane, Friday, May 10 and Friday May 17, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Registration deadline is Friday, May 17, at 8:00 pm. It may be prudent for contestants who raced last year to submit their paper work on the first night of registration in the event of unforeseen circumstances that prevent them from attending the final registration and losing the starting position they earned based on last year’s finish position. This would also make the work load on the registration staff a bit easier on the last night of registration.

            Rules and registration forms may be obtained at Lloyd’s Market, and at the registration sessions. A signed registration form must be submitted by each contestant for a team to be eligible to draw a starting position.

            The Boat Race Ham and Bean supper will be served on the Saturday evening of the

Memorial Day weekend, May 25, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Rochester Council on Aging. Tickets for the supper may be purchased at the door: adults are $10 and children under 12 are $5.00.

            William Watling III has again made two carbon fiber racing paddles, one straight shaft and one bent shaft, to be raffled separately at the supper. Raffle tickets are $5.00 each per paddle and may be purchased at the registration sessions and at the supper. A Mattapoisett River Racing boat is also being raffled, $5.00 each ticket. And a fourth raffle for a handmade crocheted afghan is available. Proceeds from the raffles and supper, along with donations, fund the expenses of the race. (There is no registration/entry fee to race.)

            The river racing boat will be raffled and trophies and prizes will be awarded Memorial Day at the Rochester Memorial School at 7:30 pm.

            For further information, contact Boat Race Chairman Arthur F. Benner at 508-763-2024 or artbenner@comcast.net.

Open Table

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The next Open Table will be on Friday, May 10in Reynard Hall at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Doors open at 4:30 pm and supper is served at 5:00 pm. Spring is here and the meal is guaranteed to be delicious. We hope you will invite a friend or neighbor to join you. There’s nothing like a good meal and fellowship to make the day brighter. There is no charge for the meal; although, donations are gratefully accepted. 

Rochester Democratic Caucus

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The Rochester Democratic Town Committee will be holding its caucus on Saturday, May 18from 11:00 am to 11:30 am in the conference room of the Rochester Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way, to elect delegates to the State Democratic Convention.

            The Democratic Committee welcomes everyone but only registered Democrats can vote or run for delegate. Voter registration forms will be available at the caucus for same day registration. Any resident of the town may register to vote as a Democrat and participate in the caucus.

Garden Club of Buzzards Bay Plant Sale

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The Garden Club of Buzzards Bay will hold its annual plant sale on Saturday, May 11, from 9:00 am to noon at St. Mary’s Parish Center, 783 Dartmouth Street, South Dartmouth. Members have been propagating plants all winter at the Club’s greenhouse and will offer a wide variety of annuals and perennials at very reasonable prices. Gardeners will be able to buy unusual perennials from member gardens, colorful and varied annuals, an array of popular geraniums and special coleus, striking succulents, heirloom tomatoes, herbs, ground covers, and boxwood cultivars from the Rotch-Jones-Duff House Garden.

            Proceeds from the sale are used to fund community projects, including grants, scholarships, and maintenance of the gardens and greenhouse at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum in New Bedford. 

            The event is free and open to the public. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted.