The next Open Table will be on April 12in Reynard Hall in the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. The menu will be meatless because it is Lent. There is no charge for the meal, although donations are gratefully accepted. Doors open at 4:30 pm and dinner is served at 5:00 pm. This is a community event and everyone is welcome. Invite a friend, neighbor, or family member. We look forward to seeing you on Friday, April 12th.
There are people who simply exude positive energy – call it joy. It’s not that they’re shouting, “seize the day!” and bouncing up and down; they are, however, through their efforts and actions, lighting a way, one that can be inspirational and possibly even life-changing.
On March 31, Donna Lee Tufts shared her vision of life, one that is full of possibilities, natural beauty, and the creative process, at a talk given at the Mattapoisett Public Library.
Tufts is the author of two books, From My Kayak(2016) and Lola, My Girl(2018). On this day, her focus was on her experiences kayaking in and around Aucoot Cove and the system employed by her publisher to turn her idea into reality.
From My Kayakis a nearly poetic take on the glory of the natural world. The soft-covered volume contains over 40 photographs taken by Tufts as she slowly became a kayaker, a photographer, and a writer. Trying new things and expressing herself in various artistic forms is just who she is, and coupled with an energy that beams outwardly, she sparked the collective imagination of those gathered to hear her speak.
Tufts has been a schoolteacher, an interior designer, an animal loving pet-sitter, and now a published author. She explained that it was through a memoir writing group that she first thought about the possibility of publishing a book.
“I showed my photography of Aucoot Cove and they told me, ‘You can make a coffee table book,’” she said, glowing at the memory of that moment. The group members encouraged her and she did not hesitate.
“If you are a writer, keep on writing,” Tufts told her audience. And while it’s been several years since From My Kayakwas published, it still seems to surprise her.
“I was thrilled when the finished book arrived!” she beamed.
Tufts spent some time explaining how her publisher worked with her manuscript, taking it from a rough draft to a finished product.
“They do everything, from correcting grammar to designing the cover,” she said.
Tufts described writing in longhand, a nearly forgotten art in today’s digital world, then transcribing her text into the electronic format. Of the publisher, she remarked, “They write the press releases, market the book to distributors like Amazon, they do everything.” When asked if she had made a financial investment in getting her book published, she confirmed that was indeed the case. Having said that, she added that the heavy lifting provided by the publishing house was well worth the cost involved and, in the end, her book – the tangible evidence of her artistic work – made it worthwhile.
As Tufts spoke, she wove in photographs that were the impetus for the book, striking images of sea-birds in all their natural glory, shimmering saltwater surfaces in morning’s first light, moody horizons misted over, and the bow of her kayak about to cut through the water’s surface. Her eye for capturing a moment where air and water meet punctuated by birds in flight or rest gives the book its soul.
While the audience enjoyed hearing about the publishing process, it was Tufts’ kayaking that seemed to interest the majority. She was approached with questions about the type of kayak she uses (by the way it is one given to her by a friend), the material her paddle is made of, the physical dynamics involved in kayaking, and regulatory considerations of owning and operating a kayak. The smile on her face and frequent chuckling added to the sense that kayaking is now a major component of who she has become as a naturalist, a photographer, and a writer.
One wouldn’t be surprised to find Tufts embarking on other creative endeavors and asking those around her to join her on the journey.
To learn more about Donna Lee Tufts, you may contact her directly at dltufts@comcast.net.
By Marilou Newell
An article on the May 20 Rochester Annual Town Meeting Warrant will ask voters to decide on whether to maintain the elected position of town clerk or allow the Board of Selectmen to appoint a qualified candidate.
Town Clerk Naida Parker will retire from her position after 35 years as town clerk, prompting Board of Selectmen Chairman Greenwood “Woody” Hartley to ask his fellow selectmen for their opinion on offering up the position as an appointed one, subject to Town Meeting approval.
“We’ve grown a lot in the last 25 years,” Hartley said on April 1. “We’ve changed a lot and I feel like the townspeople … deserve that the office of the town clerk be open the same hours as the town hall and that we have the opportunity to have a backup person who is authorized to do the same things the town clerk can do.”
Hartley lamented that elected officials, including the town clerk, are allowed to set their own hours and schedules, which might have an impact on the citizens’ access to services at Town Hall. He added that the town should be able to have an assistant clerk in the Town Clerk’s Office as well so that someone can be in that office during Town Hall business hours.
Hartley researched towns similar in size to Rochester and found that the trend is indeed moving towards an appointed town clerk, which offers some benefits to towns, including larger pools of qualified, experienced candidates from which to choose.
“I’m in favor of presenting it to the voters,” said Selectman Brad Morse. “I think it gives us a chance to seek a level of professionalism in the office and appoint someone who’s up for the job versus …”
Speaking over Morse, Hartley added, “It broadens our expanse to find somebody.”
“The town has grown and people need access to the town clerk on a daily basis,” said Selectman Paul Ciaburri. “I think it should go in front of the townspeople and let them decide.
“It’s a big jump to do away with an elected position,” Ciaburri continued, “but I think it’s time to look at the other side.”
In other business, the town is hoping to be awarded a state recycling grant worth $20,000 to help educate Rochester citizens on effective single-stream recycling, but a provision of the grant would be implementing a program for recycle bin inspections to help curb dirty curbside recycling.
The curbside recycling compliance program entails the hiring of several individuals to perform curbside inspections of 20 percent of recycle bins over an eight-week period. Hartley commented that the inspectors would likely be students or seniors participating in the senior tax work-off program.
The inspectors would not be performing full inspections of the bins, but rather superficial inspections of the top items to check for problematic items such as plastic bags and dirty pizza boxes, the top offenders in dirty single-stream recycling. Those found to be noncompliant would be tagged with information on the noncompliant items inside the bin.
The recycling grant will ultimately provide funding for informational mailings for residents as the town takes steps toward improving the recycling habits of its citizens.
“The whole purpose is to make us better recyclers and, therefore, save the town money,” said Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar.
Also during the meeting, the board voted to refer two zoning bylaw articles back to the Planning Board to hold the public hearings ahead of Town Meeting – one bylaw for the zoning of marijuana cultivation facilities and retail sites, and another for the Smart Growth Overlay Zoning District.
Town Counsel Blair Bailey said the marijuana bylaw would restrict cannabis cultivation facilities to 5-acre properties throughout town, including within the agricultural/residential zoning district; laboratories and marijuana product processing facilities would be limited to the industrial zone only, while marijuana retail stores would be allowed in the general commercial zone.
The overlay district bylaw article is what will accommodate the 40R residential complex on Cranberry Highway near the intersection of Routes 58 and 28.
“It is the necessary step to move forward with Town Meeting’s approval of an overlay district [and] this is limited to that property,” said Bailey.
Szyndlar reported that Steen Realty, the developer of the proposed 40R, has completed its application with the state, and the financial impact analysis will begin next week. Results of the analysis on how the development will impact the town financially will be presented during another public forum the town will host ahead of Town Meeting.
In other matters, the selectmen congratulated Cheryl Randall Mach as she was selected to be the next director of the Rochester Senior Center, replacing Sharon Lally as she retires August 1 after 13 years in the position.
There will be an article on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant for voters to approve or deny allowing the Town to borrow $2 million to help fund the Old Rochester Regional High School athletic complex and auditorium upgrades project.
There is a one-year appointed position on the Rochester School Committee open, as Meagan Bennett has resigned. Any letters of interest may be addressed to Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar at the Rochester Town Hall.
The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for April 15 at 6:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.
Rochester Board of Selectmen
By Jean Perry
Planning board meetings are the venue for holding public hearings on issues related to bylaws such as amendments, changes, or the inclusion of new bylaws. “But that doesn’t mean we have to sponsor them,” said Mattapoisett Planning Board Chairman Tom Tucker on April 1.
The meeting agenda read, “Discussion and Vote On Sponsorship: Zoning Bylaw amendment to permit an increase in lot coverage in the Limited Industry District from 50-percent to 70-percent based on the availability of sewer service.”
Planning Board Administrator Mary Crain explained that Town Administrator Michael Gagne had sent a letter to the board members instructing them to consider the zoning bylaw amendment that would impact this business area; however, the actual amendment, one that would eventually have to find its way to Town Meeting, was not provided.
Attending the meeting was Highway Superintendent Barry Denham, who said he was on the committee tasked with preparing plans and documents related to the future expansion of the town’s Limited Industry District – land confined to an area off North Street and wedged between what is now the Bay Club and Route 195 to the Marion town line.
“The original lot coverage was based on those lots having on-site septic systems,” said Denham. That’s why so much land was set aside.” He continued, saying that plans being explored include providing municipal sewer service to that area that could ultimately mean an increase in available area for development, larger buildings, or possibly multiple buildings on a single lot.
The committee has been investigating grant proposals that could fund an even larger multi-million dollar project that would include a new roadway with infrastructure improvements like the continuation of the Mattapoisett bike path from North Street to the Marion town line, along with the opportunity for new businesses.
“Now there is a proposal to run sewer, so land can be freed up for building purposes,” Denham said. “It’s important to the tax base.”
Lot coverage and how it is calculated was questioned by Planning Board members Karen Field and Nathan Ketchell who suggested parking and impervious surfaces as a necessary component in preparing calculations versus simply just the size and number of structures.
Denham said each lot would have to have stormwater systems sufficient to handle water on site, but Ketchell inferred that there might be a way for existing businesses to circumvent making changes in stormwater management planning simply through the Building Department.
Arriving to address some of the questions that night was David McIntire, a prime mover and property owner in the land being discussed.
“Anything over 1,000 square feet will come to the Planning Board for review,” McIntyre stated.
Planning Board member Janice Robbins said, “I don’t feel informed enough to know if 70 percent is reasonable. We haven’t even seen the draft yet. I can’t vote on something I haven’t seen.”
Field also asked McIntire where he was proposing to locate a marijuana cultivation operation, a topic not slated for discussion on this night but brought up by Field. McIntire said there were three possible locations within the Limited Industry District, including a former hat factory, which he said he was in negotiations to purchase.
Tucker said the Planning Board didn’t need to sponsor the amendment being discussed, but that it is required to hold the public hearing on the proposed amendment article before it could advance to Town Meeting.
“The selectmen can sponsor it if they want to,” Tucker stated.
In other matters, engineer Doug Schneider represented Andre Rieksts for an informal discussion for a two-lot subdivision off Park Place. He described the project as “evolving”, and inclusive of a plan to construct a more than 400-foot long private driveway extending from a currently constructed but unimproved public roadway known as Park Place.
The proposal would include Park Place being improved by the developer and continuing on across the former railroad easement to a cul-de-sac.
Schneider described water management systems that would include the installation of culverts and wetlands considerations such as replication areas and turtle crossings. He explained that the two new lots would be serviced by municipal water and sewer services currently available along Park Place.
The project received a favorable first impression from the board members.
The board also re-visited a Form C Definitive Subdivision project proposed by Scott Snow to be located off Prospect Road, known as Eldridge Estates. The proposal includes a five-lot design.
Tucker said that the applicant was seeking a continuance until May 8. Snow offered that difficulties had been ironed out with the Sewer Department regarding private septic plans for some lots and municipal sewer tie-ins for others, and assured the board that plans would be completed by the hearing date, May 8.
Another discussion item was a request by Joseph Furtado to grant building permits for residential construction at the Brandt Point Village subdivision. This request inspired Tucker to look up from the table saying, “The developer didn’t even come in!” Then ensued a lively discussion regarding the historic lack of responsiveness on the part of the developers, incomplete or insufficient completion of work on Phase One – most notably, the ill-working community septic system – and three incomplete structures now suffering the ravishes of time and weather.
Crain said she would again ask for developer representatives to present themselves at a future meeting and also request an updated report from peer review consultant Ken Motta of Field Engineering. The request for new building permits was denied.
Before adjourning, Crain said she would be requesting assistance from SPREDD to aid in the development of Zoning Bylaw amendments.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for May 8 at 7:00 pm at Old Hammondtown School.
Mattapoisett Planning Board
By Marilou Newell
Jagger Adam William Gibeault, age 25 of Freetown, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2019 as a result of a motorcycle accident; while enjoying the day with his dearest friends. By all accounts, he had been having an awesome day doing what he enjoyed. He is survived by his loving parents, Linda (Sumner) and Michael Brodeur.
Born in New Bedford, he was a graduate of Old Colony Regional Vocational High School, class of 2011. He was a self-employed carpenter and had formerly worked at Home Depot in Dartmouth. Jagger loved and adored his son Mason, as well as his whole family, he enjoyed coaching Mason in T-Ball and was looking forward to this season with his son. He loved motorcycles and anything on wheels, he had no fear and loved to push the envelope. He was extremely handy and loved to work with his hands. Jagger was fondly known as a “Horrible Speller” and geninually funny. He enjoyed being with his friends and was a non-judgmental person, whom everyone loved.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving son, Mason C. Graveson and his mother Desiree of New Bedford; three sisters, Crystal Nunes and her companion Victor of New Bedford, Chevon Nunes and her companion Donny of Dartmouth and Jennifer Brodeur and her companion Victor of New Bedford; a brother, Scott Brodeur and his wife Heather of New Bedford; his grandmothers, Margaret Frias of Fairhaven and Irene Stevens of Freetown; a uncle, Phillip Brodeur; nine nieces and nephews, Jazmin, Ava, Sage, Terrell, Donavin, Dominic, Colynn, Cory and Tyler; and his mentor and trusted friend, James Kummer of New Bedford.
Jagger will be greatly missed by his family and close friends, but will remain in our hearts eternally. His Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 7, 2019 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at the VFW, Post 6643, 89 Middleboro Road, Freetown, MA. Arrangements are in the care of the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02745. To leave a note of condolence: www.rock-funeralhome.com
The Marion Republican Town Committee will conduct its next monthly meeting on Monday, April 8at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street, Marion. The public and new members welcome.
Please join the Sippican Lands Trust (SLT) for its Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 13at 10:00 am at Peirson Woods in Marion. This event is free and open to the public. Please bring your own basket or container for collecting goodies and please arrive promptly so you don’t miss the start.
Peirson Woods is a 30-acre parcel of land with woodlands and wetlands including a vibrant salt marsh. The property is home to numerous species of birds including herons, winter buffleheads, and osprey. On a clear winter day, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and the northern Elizabeth Islands can be seen.
Peirson Woods is located off of Point Road in Marion just past the Marion Golf Course. Street side parking is available and please be careful when parking.
The rain date for this event is Sunday, April 14 at 1:00 pm. For directions or further information send an email to info@sippicanlandstrust.org or call Sippican Lands Trust at 508-748-3080.
The Marion Local Scholarship Committee invites graduating seniors from Marion to apply for the 2019 scholarship. Students must be accepted and enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning in order to be considered for this scholarship in the amount of $750.
The award is granted on the basis of financial need, character, scholastic achievement, extracurricular school activities, and involvement in Marion community service.
All qualified students from Marion are encouraged to apply by the May 1 deadline. Applications are available at the Marion Town Hall.
There was no hesitation for the Marion Board of Selectmen in selecting the town’s next superintendent of the Department of Public Works – David Willett, with his “been there, done that” experience, as Chairman Norm Hills put it, in leading a department exactly where Marion hopes to go with its own DPW.
It sounded uncanny, the events that led up to Willett’s Friday, March 29 interview as one of two finalists – leaving the Denver, Colorado suburb of Northglenn after 20 years in the field, in both private sector consulting and in municipal management, back to his native Massachusetts to discover Marion’s seemingly tailored-for-him position seeking exactly the experience Willet has to offer.
Amidst a steady stream of misfortune on the public works front, Willett gave the Board of Selectmen something to smile about – the perfect combination of enthusiasm and experience the board wanted.
“In general, I’ve done just about everything this town is going through now,” said Willett. “I could lend a good quantity of expertise and guide you through some of this stuff.”
Willett’s prior position involved nearly identical upgrades to a lagoon-based wastewater treatment facility like Marion’s, the reorganization of a DPW, establishing a software-driven work order system, overhauling a solid waste curbside pickup and transfer station system, sewer infiltration and inflow identification and reduction, and capital planning – all at the top of the priority list for Marion.
And that is all in addition to his enduring devotion to the Red Sox and the Patriots, a “prerequisite” of sorts, Town Administrator Paul Dawson joked, and Selectman John Waterman couldn’t resist expressing his affinity for another guy with a receding hairline.
Willett was familiar with the town’s recent report from its DPW organizational study and remarked on how he found it to be “a pretty decent report as a whole”, further commenting, “I’d love to be able to help you with some of this stuff.”
Willett and his wife moved into the house they built in Carver a few years ago, which they rented out while still living in Colorado. After relocating, Willett said he soon started looking for a position in his field of work and found Marion’s employment posting.
“I saw this job and said, ‘Holy cow it’s just what I was doing,’ and it intrigued me,” Willett said.
“You guys have got a lot of stuff going on,” said Willett. “You’ve got some really good stuff coming up.”
The board was ready to take a vote within moments after Willett, the second interview that day, left the room.
The board also interviewed Ed Buckley of Rochester, the current DPW director for the Town of Raynham.
Waterman said it was clear to him that Willett had the scope of experience the town needed.
“Not only that, but the specificity of it,” said Hills.
“He was by far the strongest candidate,” said Waterman. “I just hope we can keep someone like that for a while.”
“I was impressed by what he knew … as it relates to the challenges we face and the fact that he’s ‘been there, done that,’” Hills said.
Willet was offered the position, pending successful contract negotiations with Willett for the six-figure salary position.
Marion Board of Selectmen
By Jean Perry
Silas Coellner will be the new Principal of Old Rochester Regional Junior High School (ORRJHS) in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. Coellner will be taking over for Kevin Brogioli who has been Principal at ORR Jr. High School since 2007. ORRJHS wishes Mr. Brogioli well as he prepares to retire in June of 2019.
Coellner is currently the Assistant Principal at ORRJHS. Prior to being the Assistant Principal at ORR, Coellner held math positions at both Old Rochester Junior High and High School from 2000 to 2010. Before entering the field of education, Coellner was a Satellite Systems Engineer Team Leader for Lockheed Martin in Springfield, Virginia. Coellner served in the United States Army as a Signal Corps Officer from 1992 to 1996.
Coellner has a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. He completed his Masters of Art Degree in Teaching from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Coellner has a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies degree in Administrative Leadership from Bridgewater State University. Coellner lives in Mashpee with his wife and children.
As an administrator, Coellner is a systematic big picture thinker, who uses a collaborative leadership style to improve the learning of all students. He has strong communication skills and uses data to monitor student learning and teacher effectiveness. In addition, he has a strong background in technology and engineering that will be beneficial as we continue to explore and expand our 21st century learning opportunities for students. In addition, he brings experiences in the areas of special education oversight, teacher observations, and curriculum development.