Rebecca Correia Live in Mattapoisett

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Come enjoy an intimate performance on Saturday, March 2at 7:00 pm by this talented local singer/songwriter! The concert will be held at the Mattapoisett Museum at 5 Church Street, Mattapoisett. 

            Growing up on a rural horse farm in the little town of Rochester, Massachusetts, Rebecca savored her natural surroundings and began writing songs at age nine. After having earned a degree in music education from the prestigious Hartt School of Music in West Hartford, CT, Rebecca paved her way on the road, averaging 150 shows a year, from Boston and New York to Miami and Los Angeles. She now splits her time between Rochester, MA and Leipers Fork, TN (the haven for music lovers and legends just outside of Nashville), where she has been embraced as a formidable talent by fellow musicians and garnered a loyal following of discerning fans.

            Proceeds benefit the Mattapoisett Museum and help us to continue to expand our offerings and preserve our local heritage.

            Tickets are available through Eventbrite: rebeccacorreiamattapoisett.eventbrite.com.

Tickets can also be purchased for $40 at the door.

            For more information please email info@mattapoisetthistoricalsociety.org or call 508-758-2844. 

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. Due to 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 72 Pleasant Street. The home at 72 Pleasant Street evolved from a one-room schoolhouse built in 1814. It was one of the first non-graded schools in Wharf Village and was reportedly very crowded. Children as young as four years old would sit next to grown-up boys on benches that held three people. The school year ran from December 1 to March 1 so the children could work the rest of the year to help their families.

Smiling Through the Storm

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            Everyone knows that life is jam packed with heartbreak, laughter, joy, devastating sadness, shining victories, and life challenges that can make even the strongest lose faith and the weakest trudge through. For Rochester and for all of the Tri-Town, we were taught how to smile through the toughest of storms by our own Chloe Harding who battled acute lymphatic leukemia most of her young life. The second grader at Rochester Memorial School was known for her spunk, her sass, her humor, her smile, and her love of life, even during the darkest days that Chloe endured – storms that no child should have to weather.

            With a town that rallied behind her through fundraisers sporting “Chloe Strong” t-shirts and signs, Chloe faced her illness with a growing group of supporters. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone around who wasn’t impressed and inspired by an eight-year-old little girl who seemed to always be filled with joy and laughter, teaching us all exactly how to live life to the fullest.

            As news of her passing spread through Rochester and the Tri-Town on February 18, 2019, the day after she left us, classmates fondly remembered their favorite Chloe moments and what they treasured about her the most.

            For Gus Tallman, one of Chloe’s closest friends and loudest supporters, he remembered how they used to go swimming in Snow’s Pond and jumping off the huge raft during the summer months.

            Fellow classmate, Zachary Gagne, shared how he loved everything about Chloe and the fun times they had together – a sentiment that was evident on Facebook that Monday as fellow townspeople posted photos of a strong and amazing little girl who touched everyone’s heart and soul.

            When Hayden Perry, a second grader at RMS, learned that Chloe lost her battle with cancer, he took advantage of the snowfall covering his front yard and asked his mother for help in delivering a special message, one he was sure Chloe would see. With a spray bottle in hand filled with colored water, Hayden drew a massive heart that shined in the snow with Chloe’s initials safely tucked inside. With a child’s confidence that seems to trickle away as we enter adulthood, he knew that his friend could see it from heaven and know exactly how much she was loved. For him, he’ll never forget how she used to beg him to stop singing Christmas carols to her – no matter what season it was – but he knew from her laughter that she also loved those moments.

            The greatest gift in life, at least for this writer, is unconditional love. It’s a gift that Chloe sprinkled throughout this small, close-knit farm town through her smile, laugh, and sass. No matter the hardship she endured, Chloe always reminded us that a great sense of humor and the light of a smile could dispel the darkness of any storm that threatened us, brightening the path ahead, surrounded by our closest friends.

            Through her sacrifice, she showed an entire community exactly what “Chloe Strong” meant, which is why we are all so grateful she was here and why she will be so dearly missed.

Chloe O. Harding

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            Chloe O. Harding, a young and very brave little 8 year old girl died at home on February 17, 2019 after a long courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her loving family. 

Chloe was born in Wareham, daughter of Lindsay F. (Moore) Harding and Harrison A. Harding, Jr. She lived in Rochester all of her life. 

            She was in the second grade at Rochester Memorial School. 

            Chloe admired, adored and governed her big brother Wyatt. She cherished their special moments and time together. They share a bond like most siblings, their relationship was filled with companionship, friendship and friendly competition. Wyatt was her best friend. Chloe loved her friends, especially Jason, Evan, Lily and Cara. She has a true passion for adventure; especially skiing, swimming and dancing. She loved baking and desserts, campfires and s’mores, and ice cream any day of the week. She LOVED school… all her friends there, the staff, and even homework. Chloe had a fondness for animals, especially her chickens and rooster she called Shadow. She loved to build Legos and take rides on the gator. She could play with her dolls for hours on end. Chloe had a way of showing the world how to love and live life to the fullest. 

            Survivors include her parents; her brother, Wyatt Harding of Rochester; her grandparents, Paul and Helen S. (Church) Moore and Harrison and Kathleen (Lake) Harding, all of Rochester; her great-grandmother, Lorraine (McGrath) Lake of Mattapoisett; several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

            Her Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, February 24th at 3 PM in the Christian Fellowship Center, 822 Church St. New Bedford with reception immediately to follow. Her family will receive guests from 2 – 3 PM at church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Chloe Harding Fund, Rockland Trust Bank 2420 Cranberry Hwy, Wareham, MA 02571. Future donations will be made to the Jimmy Fund Clinic in Chloe’s memory. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Rt. 6, Mattapoisett, MA. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Maribeth (Walsh) White

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Maribeth (Walsh) White, 55, of Acushnet, passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at home. She was the wife of Raymond A. White, III with whom she shared 36 years of marriage.

            Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Donald Walsh and Jacqueline (O’Bomsawin) Walsh, she was a lifelong resident of Acushnet.

            She was a graduate of Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School in Rochester, class of 1982. Maribeth had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel with her husband. She enjoyed being on the water, boating, fishing and camping with her family. She loved spending time with her grandchildren whom she adored.

            Surviving in addition to her husband Raymond are her children, Ryan R. White and his girlfriend Stacy Tobiaz, Rhiannon White-Tomkiewicz and her husband Stanley and Evan D. White and his wife Alexis all of Acushnet; her siblings, Kevin Walsh, Lisa Corey and her husband Steven, Brian Walsh all of Acushnet and Meghan Walsh of Dartmouth; ten grandchildren, Haley, Aria, Taylor, Ryder, Elise, Charlet, Beau, Wesley, Duke and Millie all of Acushnet; her mother-in-law, June White of Acushnet; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Eric Walsh.

            Her Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 25, 2019 at 10 am in St. Francis Xavier Parish, 125 Main St., Acushnet followed by burial in Long Plain Cemetery, Main St., Acushnet. Visiting hours Sunday 2-6 pm in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, 5550 West Executive Dr., Suite 300, Tampa, FL 33609 or nationalpcf.org

            For online tributes please visit: www.rock-funeralhome.com

ConCom Approves Construction in Wetlands

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            Not that anyone was complaining, but February 11 found the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission looking at an agenda populated by two pages of text that amounted to a meeting wrapped up in about 30 minutes.

            Steve Gioiosa of SITEC, representing Vermette Development, LLC with its Notice of Intent filing for property located off Mattapoisett Neck Road near the intersection of Harbor Road, presented the proposed construction of a single-family home. He detailed the massive wetlands abutting the location planned for the home and measures that would be taken to handle those jurisdictional areas in compliance with state regulations.

            Gioiosa said that two separate wetland areas totaling nearly 2,500 square feet would be disrupted by the construction, but that a one-to-one wetlands replication area would be part of the site plan.

            King said that, since the wetlands in questions were less than 5,000 square feet, it is not necessary for the applicant to undertake a stormwater study. Gioiosa said that two 10-inch drainage pipes would be installed to keep water on the applicant’s property and draining into the wetlands.

            Elizabeth Leidhold, conservation agent, asked about the installation of a box culvert versus the two outflow pipes to enable the movement within its habitat. Gioiosa explained that a structure of that sort would require more fill being brought to the site than currently planned. King said he didn’t believe a culvert was necessary, but left it up to the majority to determine if the culvert was needed. The commission agreed with King, and the commission deemed the two 10-inch pipes sufficient enough for turtle movement.

            King requested that a permanent fence be installed to give the homeowners a visual barrier between the edge of their groomed yard and the replicated wetlands area, noting that oftentimes homeowners encroached into protected spaces.

            The project was conditioned with necessary erosion control measures, fencing as requested, and a replication area with native plantings to replace the damaged wetlands.

            Also coming before the Conservation Commission was Meghan Davis of the engineering firm Tata and Howard, Inc., representing the Town of Mattapoisett with a Notice of Intent filing for utility upgrades needed by the Water District for a water treatment plant on property located off Tinkham Road.

            Davis said that Eversource’s electrical supply lines were overhead utilities, and that the poles supporting those lines did not meet current height regulations. Furthermore, she said that at times when weather caused damage to the power supply lines, repair crews were not swiftly dispatched to repair the crippled wires disabling the municipal service. 

            Located in the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District, the water treatment plant needs the electrical supply lines to be trenched underground, Davis explained, from a point midway down a gravel roadway off Hereford Road. She described the measures her firm will take to ensure wetlands would be protected from the construction project that includes tree clearing, groundwater dewatering where trenches are dug, and the installation of concrete encased ducts. Davis also said that measures would be taken to ensure the safety of endangered wildlife in the area.

            When Chairman Mike King asked about the timing of the project, Davis said the Town hoped for a summer start date.

            The project was continued until February 25 pending a response from the Natural Heritage & Engendered Species Program. The entire site is one that has been identified as wildlife habitat for the Eastern box turtle.

            A Certificate of Compliance was granted to Jermone Coogan, 16 Anawan Road, with work being certified by David Davignon of N. Douglas Schneider & Associates.

            One request for a Certificate of Compliance and nine applications were continued to future meetings.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conversation Commission is scheduled for February 25 at 6:30 pm in the Town Hall conference room.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Marion Fireworks Committee

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Join the Marion Fireworks Committee for the last skate day this season on Sunday, February 24from 12:00 pm to 1:45 pm at the Tabor Academy ice rink. Cost is $5.00 per person. Mittens or gloves and a hat must be worn. Skate rentals available for additional $5.00. Proceeds help to reach goal needed to have fireworks on July 5. The goal of $50,000 is needed for the fireworks to become a reality.

            Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible donation should send money to town of Marion/fireworks, 2 spring street, Marion. For more information, follow us on Facebook. 

            Hold the date! Fireworks committee is busy planning a beach party auction: March 23at the Music Hall in Marion. 

            Plans will include a silent auction & festivities for all ages. Ice cream social from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm; beach themed cocktail party 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm. 

            Stay tuned for further details. Fundraising continues until the goal of $50,000 is reached for the fireworks planned for July 5. 

Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Scholarship

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Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is pleased to offer two $2,500.00 scholarship awards to Mattapoisett residents who are high school seniors, graduating June 2019. 

            In addition there will be a $1,000.00 scholarship granted to a Mattapoisett resident

who is reentering the academic world after graduation and is in pursuit of a post-secondary degree. Contact information below.

            The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is a philanthropic organization that plans and executes fund raising events to help generate the revenue for these scholarships and other charitable donations. In offering these scholarships, the club supports educational leadership and helps to support the community whom has partnered with the club in its fundraising efforts. 

            For High School seniors the scholarship application will be available in the Guidance offices at the local high schools or preparatory schools. Deadline for returning the completed application is April 30.

            The following schools will be participating: Old Rochester Regional High School, Bishop Stang High School, Old Colony Vocational Tech High School, Tabor Academy, Bristol County Agricultural High School

            Final deadline for returning completed applications is April 30, 2019 – no one will be considered after this date.

            If you have any further questions, you may contact the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club at P.O. Box 1444, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

Kenneth C. “Kenn” Cutler

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Kenneth C. “Kenn” Cutler, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard (ret.), age 79 of Rochester, MA, passed away February 15, 2019 at Tobey Hospital, Wareham, MA, surrounded by his loving family.

            He was born on May 15, 1939 in Quincy, MA to Charles and Dorothy (Knapp) Cutler. Raised in Abington, MA, he graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT in 1960.  On September 7, 1963, he married Maryann Haugg of New York City.

            After receiving his commission as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, he served on USCGC ESCANABA (WHEC-64), on USCGC VIGILANT (WMEC-617) as plank owner and Operations Officer, and on USCGC VALIANT (WMEC-621) as plank owner and Executive Officer. He was also the Commanding Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard LORAN Station in Greenland, District One (Southern) Director of Auxiliary, and an instructor at the National Search and Rescue School on Governor’s Island, NY. His personal awards included the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Coast Guard Commendation Medal. He attained the rank of Commander and retired in 1980 after serving more than 20 years.

            Following retirement, he returned with his family to the house he purchased in Rochester, at the beginning of his Coast Guard career. He purchased a small pallet repair business in Rockland, MA and volunteered many years with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima parish in Rochester.

            Kenn is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maryann; their children Lisa Gray, Charles Cutler, Michael Cutler and his wife Deborah, and Casey Cutler and his wife Wioleta; grandchildren Evan Gray, and Sage, Simon, and Amelia Cutler, all of whom brought great joy to his life; brother Robert S. Cutler, and sister-in-law Rosemary Cutler; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He is predeceased by sister Trudy Kelley and brothers Donald and Lawrence Cutler.

            His visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Wednesday, February 20 at Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 50 County Road (Route 6), Mattapoisett. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am Thursday, February 21 at St. Rose of Lima Church, 282 Vaughan Hill Road, Rochester. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, or the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

RMS Draft Budget Shows 3.25% Increase

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            The Rochester School Committee viewed the draft fiscal year 2020 budget on February 7, which sees the general education budget increased by just 1.5 percent ($22,512) more than last year’s budget, and special education up 9.43 percent ($184,722), for a total overall school budget increase of 3.25 percent, or $203,476.

            General education increases revolve around maintaining staffing with some teacher shifts, including moving one general education teacher over to special education and an additional paraprofessional, and 75 new Chromebooks, which means grades 2 through 6 will now use Chromebooks as part of their school day.

            “The big thing that this budget will support would be keep that staffing and the programming and materials that we purchased … and maintain that 1:1 [device],” said RMS Principal Derek Medeiros.

            Social/emotional professional development continues around the “responsive classroom” model, and RMS will seek funding for a new vertical social studies curriculum that teachers will first “test drive” and then pilot with the sixth grade. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Elise Frangos said some grant money she has tucked away would provide for some of the cost of the licenses for the digital materials and some hard copy books as well.

            The special education budget has saved some money in out of district tuition and transportation costs, down by $130,133, and the increase in the budget includes that teacher who was shifted from general to special education.

            There was no vote taken that night, as the budget subcommittee must still meet with representatives from Rochester’s Finance Committee, Board of Selectmen, and the town administrator, and then the School Committee will hold a budget public hearing before voting.

            “We’ve asked the Town to help us with some capital expenditures,” said Superintendent Doug White, “one being around our math program, which would allow us to purchase that curriculum for the next three years. I’m hopeful that we will get that support.”

            The proposed FY20 budget rings in at almost $6.5 million.

            Apart from budget talks, Medeiros told the committee that the student population at RMS currently stands at 504 students.

            The next meeting of the Rochester School Committee is scheduled for March 24 at 6:30 pm at Rochester Memorial School.

Rochester School Committee

By Jean Perry