Talk of Dissolution Baffles Disposal District Reps

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Some members of the Carver, Marion, Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Committee were perplexed on July 25 when Wareham CMWRRDD Committee member Gary Buckminster suggested the district, as it is structured now, should cease to exist.

“I personally feel that the CMW should be no longer,” Buckminster said, raising eyebrows just as the committee had received six applications for the executive director position.

Marion Town Administrator Paul Dawson was leading the discussion on how personnel costs were down after a longtime district employee retired and part-time/over-time municipal workers had been filling in the gaps, and committee members were considering what was best for the district – consolidating, selling off property, cutting its losses, “biting the bullet now,” as Dawson put it. That’s when Buckminster suggested they trash the district as they know it.

“I think that it should be a municipally-run program,” Buckminster said. Let the three towns hire their own employee to run their portion of a differently structured “district” and hire a private hauler to collect the trash.

The “sticker price of the future,” said Buckminster, is a high one. “[It’s best] not to try to maintain a program that’s going to cost a lot of money. … I’d hate to see us go through all this effort of hiring someone. … It should be a town-run organization and let it be a cooperative effort between the three towns.”

That was the first he’d heard the committee mention dissolving, Dawson said. “It’s certainly not the road we’ve been travelling, not to say we couldn’t.”

There is still a contract, Dawson pointed out, but he was just as concerned about political fallout of even the mention of dissolving the district.

“There are going to be political issues here,” said Dawson. “Ironically, I think it’s going to be more difficult in the Towns of Carver and Wareham than it will be in Marion, because Marion still has its own curbside collection.”

Carver and Wareham do not provide curbside trash collection, Dawson said, adding that although no study has been done on usage of the Marion and Rochester facilities, he estimates that at least half the people who utilize the Marion transfer station are from those two towns because they do not want to pay a private hauler.

“It’s going to be those folks – the leaders of those communities – that are going to be hearing from them, loud and clear,” said Dawson.

And with six applicants to fill the executive director position left vacant after Ray Pickles was fired in January, Dawson said the sudden talk of a change in direction surprised him.

District Committee Chairman Steve Cushing said he feared the blowback of the mere mention of dissolving. And after the closure of the Marion compost pile, as Dawson pointed out, Marion has had its own share of blowback.

“If we change total direction and start to talk about eliminating … perhaps all of the other services, … politically it’s going to be a mess,” said Dawson.

For Buckminster, he would prefer to see operations run by municipal workers, not district workers, he reiterated.

Currently, under its contract with SEMASS, the district receives 100 percent reimbursement for operations costs, including employee pay. Marion Director of Finances Judy Mooney told the committee, “I don’t know how it would work if you dissolve – you won’t get the reimbursements anymore.”

This district is going to carry forward,” said Dawson, at least for now. “It may look totally different, and maybe it needs to look totally different,” which is what Dawson said he thought was going to be determined once a new executive director was on board to help determine the district’s future. “It’s gonna take an executive director to … sort through it.”

“[The district] may drop off at the end of 2020,” suggested Cushing, “but we need somebody to grab the reigns here and figure out over the next two years.”

The committee acknowledged that Pickles made some unilateral decisions that would drastically alter the future of the district, which would include Pickles’ unauthorized decision to decline another contract with SEMASS once the current one expires in 2020. Changing the district – the contract, town assessments, appropriations, the absorption of costs, budgets – “All of that takes some time,” said Dawson.

Cushing conceded that he wasn’t sure which direction to go in.

“The ins and outs of refuse disposal – I’m at a loss,” said Cushing. “I only know what I’m doing to a degree and that’s it.”

The committee decided to continue the process of selecting a new executive director, a position only guaranteed for a roughly two-year contract. The committee agreed to allow the three town administrators to review the six applicants and present a set of finalists to the committee.

In other matters, the district will not be holding a hazardous waste disposal day until at least next year.

The next meeting of the Carver, Marion, Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District is scheduled for August 22 at 5:00 pm at the Marion Police Station, but the committee may schedule a meeting before then if something arises.

Carver, Marion, Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District

By Jean Perry

 

A Beautification Idea is Hatched

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It was something that really started to trouble Elizabeth Hatch whenever she traveled along Route 6 in Marion or passed an intersection in town where weeds had become the dominant flora. How could such a lovely community allow some public areas and easements to be so ill-kempt? She understood that economics and priorities – in a large part – were a contributing factor, but she also wondered what could be done to beautify these eyesores.

As a long-time member of the Marion Garden Group, Hatch thought about how she and the group could do something to change what she believed was a huge oversight. Her mantra, “We can do better,” kept a steady rhythm driving her to reach out to other members.

Hatch, along with MGG members, planned and executed small fundraising events like plant sales to raise money for a new sign that would welcome and greet visitors traveling to Marion. Now with the sign ready for installation, Hatch says there is still more work to be done: a beautiful sign simply wouldn’t be enough. “We can do better” – the mantra beats on.

On July 26, Hatch opened her Allen’s Point home for a benefit. Tickets were sold for a cocktails and lavish refreshments gathering at her property overlooking Sippican Harbor. The event, “Fundraiser for Marion Beautification,” brought out a crowd of like-minded residents who support Hatch’s plan to landscape areas throughout the community with tasteful plantings.

“There are so many areas that need attention,” Hatch explained while standing on her patio in front of a display of landscaping conceptual designs for intersections along Route 6, Route 105, as well as other heavily traveled locations. And while she appreciates that several commercial establishments along the business district have landscaped their properties, Hatch believes that a partnership between the Town and the MGG could accomplish so much more in public spaces.

“The response from the garden group and the community has been overwhelming,” Hatch shared with a smile. For, although she was very committed to pushing her agenda, she was unsure if others would sign on to help. On that night those doubts were dispelled.

“If we can get enough money to beautify these areas, it will make a huge impact,” Hatch said.

Part of the evening’s gala included the opportunity for benefactors to adopt a particular plant to use in the landscaping efforts.

Mallory Waterman, a garden group member, felt so strongly that Hatch was on the right track, she wrote a letter to the group’s board of directors in support of the project.

“I wrote the board and told them that this project was the most important project the group could undertake,” said Waterman. “I said, ‘Everyone needs to be onboard.’

“People who generally stay quiet spoke up,” continued Waterman. “It’s an amazing idea.”

The placement of the glorious new welcome sign is scheduled for installation on the grounds of the historic Captain Hadley House on the corner of Route 6 and Front Street.

Sippican Historical Society treasurer Judith Rosbe said, “We preserved the Captain Hadley house and hold a preservation easement over the property.” She added that any changes made to the building or the grounds must be approved by SHS; however, it was their pleasure to agree to an easement for placement of the new welcome sign and associated landscaping at the iconic intersection.

Hatch said she still has to clear permitting issues with Town boards, but during her presentation to the Board of Selectman last spring, the selectmen were in favor of the plan.

Hatch is hopeful that the sign will be placed sometime in the September – October timeframe.

In a follow up with The Wanderer, Hatch shared that she feels energized moving forward given the tremendous support she and the MGG have received thus far.

“It will be transformative,” she said.

The proceeds raised by the benefit were “substantial,” Hatch said, but the need for financial support will be ongoing, as maintenance will have its cost too.

Hatch said her event that night inspired others to do fundraisers, saying, “Someone said they want to do a tennis benefit!

“It’s validation we are on the right track,” she said with a satisfied sigh.

To learn more about the Marion Garden Group or how you can help, visit mariongardengroup.com or contact Elizabeth Hatch at liz.hatch1@gmail.com.

 

The Marion Garden Group

By Marilou Newell

 

Election Information

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The Massachusetts State Primary Election is scheduled for Tuesday, September 4, 2018. In Mattapoisett, polls will be open from 7 am until 8 pm at Old Hammondtown School, 20 Shaw Street. The last day to register to vote or change your party affiliation for the primary is Wednesday, August 15, 2018. The Town Clerk’s Office will be open until 8 pm that day. Absentee ballots are now available during normal business hours to those who qualify to receive one. Please call the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-758-4100 x 2 if you have any questions regarding your voting status.

Friends of the MFPL Jewelry Sale

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Gather up your bangles, baubles, and bows, and donate them to the Friends of the Mattapoisett Public Library for their Summer Jewelry and Accessory Sale. Donations of Jewelry, single earrings, scarves, hats, and purses can be left at the library’s circulation desk during business hours prior to August 10. The sale opens at the Mattapoisett Public Library, 7 Barstow Street, with a Friends’ Member-Only Sale on Friday, August 10, from 6 pm to 8 pm. It’s a great time to sign up for a Friends’ Membership. The Sale continues on Saturday, August 11, from 10 am to 3 pm. The Friends of the Mattapoisett Public Library is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible, and all proceeds benefit the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. For more information, contact Alexandra Murphy at (508) 758-2654.

Marion Institute Hosts August Events

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Could there be a correlation between climate change and Lyme disease? On Saturday, August 25, the Marion Institute’s Connector Series will host a pair of events that explore this timely and regionally-relevant topic, featuring Brendan Kelly, herbalist and author of “The Yin and Yang of Climate Crisis.”

Eco-Herbal Medicine: An Interactive Walk & Talk – Brendan will lead the group on an experiential foraging walk, identifying, tasting, and talking about the uses of several local medicinals and edibles, as well as their importance with climate change. This event is co-hosted by the Sippican Lands Trust (SLT), a non-profit organization that manages and protects natural areas in Marion, MA for the benefit of the public. Time: 9 am-11 am; Location: Brainard Marsh, 344 Delano Rd, Marion. COST: $5 for SLT Members, $10 General Admission. Pre-registration is required: https://www.marioninstitute.org/event-reg-herb-walk-2018/

Lyme Disease and Climate Change: How Internal Inflammation Mirrors the Environment – Seminar & Medicinal Tea-Making Demonstration. Using the lens of Chinese medicine, Brendan will discuss how the warming of our planet mirrors a similar overheating within us and within our culture. Supported by research from his book, Brendan will present how the progression of Lyme disease mirrors the progression of climate change and how Lyme is very much a condition of our times. Following the seminar, Brendan will discuss and demonstrate the preparation of wild plant teas for use as food and medicine. This event is hosted in conjunction with Round the Bend Farm (RTB), a Center for Restorative Community, working farm and non-profit located in Dartmouth. Time: 2 pm-4 pm; Location: Round the Bend Farm Education Center, 92 Allen Neck Rd, South Dartmouth. COST: $15 Advance Pricing, $20 At the Door, Pre-registration is suggested: www.marioninstitute.org/event-registration-lyme-disease-and-climate-change-how-internal-inflammation-mirrors-the-environment/

This is Brendan’s second time collaborating with the Connector Series and local environmental organizations, having done a series of events last June (a lecture, herbal walk, and Trail to Table luncheon) in New Bedford and Dartmouth.

Brendan Kelly is an herbalist of 20 years with training in eastern and western healing traditions and has been practicing Chinese medicine full-time for 13 years. He has been a western herbal business owner and consultant to natural product companies and western medical practitioners. Brendan is on the faculty at AFEA in Florida and an adjunct professor at Johnson State College in VT. He is also the past president of the Vermont Acupuncture Association (VTAA). In September 2015, North Atlantic Books publishedhis first book “The Yin and Yang of Climate Crisis: Healing Personal, Cultural and Ecological Imbalance with Chinese Medicine”, which presents the underlying, root causes of our warming planet. It blends the external focus of environmentalism (e.g., western science, policy issues, regulations) with the internal focus of Chinese medicine (e.g., personal health, balancing Qi, diet).

Daniel H. Ross

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Daniel H. Ross, 67, of Rochester, died August 4, 2018 unexpectedly. He was the husband of Susan I. (McAloney) Ross and the son of the late Edwin J. Ross, Sr. and Evelyn M. (Sleightholm) Ross.

He was born in Wareham and lived in Rochester for most of his life.  He graduated from Old Rochester Regional High School.

Mr. Ross worked for Lockheed Martin in Marion for over 25 years.

He was a member of Wankinquoah Rod and Gun Club.  He enjoyed carpentry, playing and coaching softball, spending time with his family especially his grandson, family trips, fishing and old cars.

Survivors include his wife, Susan I. (McAloney) Ross; 2 daughters, Melanie Zacamy and her husband Todd of Rochester and Heather Ross of Rochester; a grandson, Liam Zacamy; a brother, Edwin J. Ross, Jr. and his wife Terry of Wareham; a sister, Maryanne Tissari and her husband Al of VA; several nephews and nieces. He was the brother of the late Alan Ross, Sr.

Visiting hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.

His funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Rochester Center Cemetery.

For directions and online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.

Doonan Back to ConCom with Aquaculture Plan

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The Marion Conservation Commission on July 25 got a preview of Shea Doonan’s latest plan for another aquaculture farm in Marion waters, ahead of the Board of Selectmen’s aquaculture hearing that following Tuesday.

The commission couldnot issue a determination that night for Doonan’s Notice of Intent, not without comments from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, but they did get the gist of the plan along with details pertinent to the commission’s jurisdiction.

Doonan wants to establish an aquaculture farm off Mitton’s Flats spanning 21,609 square feet – 100 feet by 230 feet in size.

The project would include a series of buoys with a number of floating bags and cages attached that would rise and fall with the tides, with low tide averaging around 2.5 feet in depth, according to Doonan.

“The lowest tide I’ve ever seen … probably has two-and-a-half feet,” said Doonan, but the tide changes and the total he gave would be the average, give or take some inches.

Doonan said there are no moorings in the area he has slated for the aquaculture farm, which is nearby the opening of Hammetts Cove.

Commission member Cynthia Callow asked if all abutters concerned had been notified, to which Doonan said they had – perhaps not for the Conservation Commission public hearing; however, he said that in general abutters have been told of the project.

“They came and gave their arguments,” Doonan said.

Abutters had been notified of the Board of Selectmen hearing on July 31, Doonan said.

According to Doonan, although maps had shown the presence of eelgrass at the proposed site, a state agency arrived to perform a physical inspection of the site, ultimately finding no eelgrass inside the affected area. Chairman Jeffrey Doubrava read the letter from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries confirming that no eelgrass was spotted during the in-water survey.

Doonan’s NOI hearing was continued until August 8.

Also during the meeting, the commission approved the Notice of Intent for Derek Maksy, 7 Bournehurst Road, to add an in-ground pool next to the house, remove a cesspool and install a septic system, a circular driveway, garage, and clear a 12-foot cart way to access a picnic area. The commission’s only concern was accidental clear-cutting by a third party, so the commission issued special conditions to the Order of Conditions: the placement of boulders to mark the boundary of the 15-foot no-touch zone, and to notify the commission once erosion control implements have been installed and before lot-clearing work begins.

The public hearing for the NOI for the Dexter Beach Association was continued until August 8 to allow for the submission of further information. The association is looking to perform some beach nourishment by adding 100 cubic yards of sand above the mean high waterline, as well as east and west of the beach area. The association’s representative said storms cause sand to be washed away, leaving behind craters and extensive erosion.

The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for August 8 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Jean Perry

 

OC’s 2nd Annual Summer Discovery Experience

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Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School ran their 2ndAnnual Summer Discovery Experience for students entering grades 4-9 the week of July 16-20. Over 100 students participated in selections that included Metal Art – Welding for beginners, Not Your Father’s Carpentry (a combination course where students acquired skills in both CADD and Carpentry), Automotive Maintenance; Computer Science (Apps that Change the World), The Sweet Life and Test Kitchen Culinary Experiences, Lego Robotics, Electronics Engineering; Cosmetology, Fun and Games Sports Camp, Football, Soccer, and Basketball.

“The purpose of the program was multi-faceted,” said Superintendent-Director Aaron Polansky.

The Summer Discovery Experience provides students in grades 4-9 from the community with a wonderful opportunity to learn more about what Old Colony has to offer. Students can leave the comfort of their couches, iPhones, and their traditional learning spaces to expand their capacities by learning about something they may not have been familiar with prior to walking through the doors of a vocational school.

The program also gives current Old Colony students the opportunity to work as mentors for younger students involved in the program. Over 25 students took time from their summer vacation to volunteer at the Summer Discovery Experience. This speaks volumes to the relationships that the Old Colony staff has with the students, and to the commitment the Old Colony students have made to giving back.

In the inaugural year of the Summer Discovery Experience, the Old Colony administrative team took on a big portion of the organization. When asked about year two, Polansky indicated that his assistant, Jolene Costa, and members of the front office team, took on the behind-the-scenes and daily operations in a flawless manner. The program grew by almost 25 percent in year two.

“Every contributor who made our Summer Discovery Experience possible did so with a people firstfocus. We pride our school culture on the importance of relationships,” said Polansky. “We’re focused on living with a glass half full, if not overflowing. Our staff brought that during Summer Discovery, and they bring the same competence, passion, and connection every day of the school year.

“Students are a name in our hallways, not a number. When students complete our Summer Discovery Experience, our hope is that they love what they’ve learned and feel a connection to Old Colony as a result of their experience. It’s not just students. We want parents, siblings, and our own staff to feel a closer connection because of this collaborative effort.”

Shortly after the start of the week, and upon completion of required safety instruction, you can enter classrooms and find middle school-aged students repairing cars, preparing your favorite culinary dishes, assembling robots, soldering electronics, working with torches as they welded their metal art, programming apps, and designing their carpentry projects in a computer lab as they prepared for their hands-on work later in the week.

Students participating in the Old Colony Summer Discovery Experience are given the opportunity to hone their skillsets in areas of interest while building meaningful relationships with each other, mentoring students, and members of the Old Colony community. Students leave feeling valued and accomplished. When students have that feeling, it’s transformative.

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

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St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, next to the Town Beach in Mattapoisett, continues their 134 year tradition of visiting clergy from Massachusetts and beyond.

Services using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer are conducted at 8:00 am and 10:00 am each Sunday through Labor Day weekend.

The Reverend Robert Malm, Rector, Grace Church, Alexandria, VA will officiate the services on Sunday, August 5. Come visit our historic chapel by the sea in Mattapoisett! All are welcome.

Rochester Council on Aging

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For the complete newsletter please visit us at 67 Dexter lane Rochester Ma, or visit us on our website at http://rochestermaseniorcenter.com/

Also please don’t forget to follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/rochestercoa/ for weekly updates.

This Friday’s Movie, August 10, is Madame. It is a not-rated Romantic Comedy with a duration of 91 minutes, Starring Toni Collette & Harvey Keitel.

For August, we have a lot of upcoming trips so please sign up in advance for any of the trips to secure a spot on the van! A $5.00 donation is asked to ensure your spot on the van.

On Thursday, August 9, the day trip is to Lights & Sites Cruises (14 Lighthouses & other sites) in New London CT. The cost is $30.00. The cruise starts at 12:30 pm and is a 2-hour cruise. The bus will leave at 8:30 am and will return around 5:00 pm.

For Friday, August 17,there will be a day trip to Twin River Casino in RI. There is free admission to the casino. The bus will leave the Rochester Council on Aging at 8:30 am and will return around 4:30 pm.

On Friday, August 19, there will be a day trip to Gloucester Waterfront Festival. There is free admission. Lunch will be nearby. The bus will leave the Rochester Council on aging at 8:30 am and will return around 5:00 pm.

We will be holding the annual Senior Picnic, here at the Senior Center on Monday, August 13at 11:30 am-2:00 pm. Lunch will be a buffet of: BBQ items, salads, beans, & corn on the cob! Anyone is welcome, but you must sign up in advance so that we can prepare enough for everyone.

The Fitness Room is open 5 days a week for 4 hours each day! The schedule is as follows: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8:00 am-12:00 pm and Tuesdays: 10:00 am-2:00 pm. There is a monthly membership fee of only $10 per person, due on the 1st of each month.

There is ZUMBA available on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Cost is $5.00 per person, payable directly to the instructor.

Gathering all Scrabble Players! Scrabble enthusiasts are playing every Tuesday morning at 9:00 am the senior center. Everyone is welcome to join!