Rochester Communications Center

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Dear Editor:

I am writing this post with mixed emotions. As of tomorrow, the dedicated dispatchers of the Rochester Communications Center will no longer handle your public safety calls for service. The Regional Old Colony Communications Center in Duxbury will take over the handling of your routine and emergency calls for service.

I would personally like to thank those that have served this community selflessly for many years. While I cannot speak to the last year and a half since I left the center, I can speak to the 20 years I was there and what I want the residents of Rochester to know is these folks gave the citizens and first responders a huge part of themselves. Not only did they work around the clock, spent years of holidays away from their families and extensively trained to be able to save the many lives they had, they took your tragedies home with them, and on occasion cared enough to cry for you or pray for you when the responders arrived. Many of those calls still affect many of us today!

For years that voice that you heard on the other end of the phone kept you calm, assured you help was on the way, and may have saved the life of you or your family member. I took pride in MY staff and their ability to multitask like a boss and support each other when the “Squid hit the sand.” I hired and trained the majority of folks that will leave the center this week; some will leave with jobs and some without. However, when they do walk out the door for the last time, I want them to know that they all kicked a** at what they did and know that many lives could have been very different today if were not for their diligence and perseverance to save lives and protect property.

No one had to stay until the end and they did, THEY ALL DID, and I could not be more proud of them! While no one knows what the future holds, I can assure you that the new folks that will be handling your calls will be the best they can to deliver the same professional level of service you had for many decades. Please take a moment and read the poem I wrote during my years at the Rochester Communications Center. Please consider stopping in and saying thanks – they will be there for the rest of the week and I am sure would appreciate knowing that made a difference. Thank you Patty Knight (24 years of service), Samantha Gomes (14), Jon Weedal (14), Deb Morrell (13), Ashley(Daniel) Mason (6), Dan Blizzard (2)!

Just a Voice

By Tracy Eldridge, Rochester

You don’t know who I am, to you I am just a voice.

It was me who took your frantic call when you had no other choice.

I spend many hours waiting to help when you’re in need.

“Send help to me, please get them here!” is often what you plead.

To do my job is complex, but only a few tools are a must.

Put your faith in me, I am the one you can trust.

My ears are a necessity, my mouth a mighty sword.

I must use my ears to listen, and then choreograph every word.

I am the protector of this land; I take pride in what I do.

I am here to listen and do what is best for you.

The day you place a call to me might be the worst day you ever had.

At least today you know I too was feeling sad.

I take your problems home with me, I know that’s not so good,

But as you felt your tragedy it was by your side I stood.

I walked with you to the door to let them in to help,

I guided you to safety when all alone you felt.

It is not often we hear praise or even simple thanks,

But the cookies and cards are plenty through police and fire ranks.

The day you placed your call and I picked up the phone.

I hope I made you feel safe and showed you you’re not alone.

Remember who I am, I am not just a voice.

I am the 911 dispatcher you called when you had no other choice.

 

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.

Deadly Fire Claims Life in Rochester

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A major house fire in Rochester claimed the life of Richard Cutcliffe, 62, along with the family dog, and left one other resident injured on Sunday morning, May 20.

The fire was reported just after 9:00 am, and Rochester Fire arrived at 1008 Walnut Plain Road where a house was engulfed in flames with only one of the two occupants outside.

The owner of the house, Jeanne Cutcliffe, 90, survived the fire, but her brother was pronounced deceased at Tobey Hospital in Wareham. Ms. Cutcliffe was also treated at Tobey Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Rochester called for assistance from Mattapoisett, Marion, Middleboro, Acushnet, and Freetown. Marion and Mattapoisett both assisted with water supply and pumping.

At 9:48 am, it was reported over the scanner that the victims were being removed from the house, and at 9:51 am Rochester requested a second alarm, reporting that the fire was in the basement and first floor and CPR was being administered to one of the victims, saying, “Doubtful will hold.”

After the request for a third alarm, the fire was brought under control just before 11:00 am.

Rochester Fire Chief Scott Weigel stated on May 21 that the incident is now under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office as well as the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office because a fatality resulted.

Weigel stated, however, that the fire is being ruled an accident.

The community has responded to the tragedy in kindness, as the Rochester Council on Aging has called on residents to make donations to assist Ms. Cutcliffe with clothing, toiletries, and monetary donations. A fundraiser for Ms. Cutcliffe is in the works, but no further details were available before press time.

By Jean Perry

 

Lucien F. Pires, Jr.

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Lucien F. Pires, Jr. passed away peacefully on May 18, 2018 at Mass General Hospital in Boston, MA surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born in Wareham, MA on April 7, 1955 to Beatrice (Pina) Pires and the late Lucien F. Pires, Sr. He was a graduate of Upper Cape Cod Regional Vocational Technical School.

Lucien worked at Stop & Shop in Dartmouth and the Southcoast Cancer Center in Fairhaven. He was also a manager at Ronney’s Café in New Bedford. He enjoyed bowling, listening to music, dancing and going to the casino. He was also a Red Sox and Celtics fan. He loved being around his family and friends.

He is survived by his mother, Beatrice (Pina) Pires of Marion; siblings, 4 sisters, Glenda (Penny) Alves and her husband, Domingo (Bobby) Alves of Marion, Mary Lou Rose of New Bedford, Lynne A. Silva of Marion and Wendy L. Barnes of Wolcott, CT; 2 brothers, Donald L. (Woody) Pires of Marion and Melvin Pina of Mattapoisett; many nieces and nephews; as well as, his good friend, Gail Russel of New Bedford. He was also the longtime friend of the late Ronald Dextraduer.

A memorial will be held at the Dudley L. Brown VFW Post at 4 Gibbs Ball Park Road in Onset, MA on Thursday, May 24th from 12:00 pm. – 4:00 pm.

Arrangements are placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740.

 

“Groundwater is not stormwater.”

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It was nearing closing time at the May 15 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission; that is to say, all public hearings had been heard and the commission was on to “walk-ins” when Charles Motta of 26 Holly Lane asked to speak.

Motta complained bitterly that a two-lot development being constructed by Greta Fox adjacent to his property was wreaking water havoc throughout the neighborhood. He said that he and several of his neighbors never had water issues on their parcels until construction began on the Fox property.

Motta said that wetlands on Fox’s property were draining into his cellar keeping his sump pump working.

Conservation Commission Chairman Mike King told Motta that when he walked the site with a state official from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, “…All the engineered structures had been installed and were operating as designed.” King suggested that stormwater was migrating to Motta’s location from Marion Road versus the Fox construction site.

Motta remained flummoxed and asked King what actions he might be able to take to get some help in this matter, saying he had spoken to the state and to the town administrator and the commission – what was left?

King said, “The buck for us left when the DEP issued a superseding Order of Conditions.” But Motta pleaded, “I don’t know where to go.”

King said he wished there was something he could do.

“Groundwater is vastly different from stormwater,” King said, “and the house was designed to meet the resource area. We have no control over the project; it is the DEP.”

Motta said he felt compelled to contact state representatives for assistance. King said, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”

In other business, Blue Wave Solar represented by Richard Riccio of Field Engineering, sought a Request for Determination of Applicability for Phase II of a previously approved and permitted solar farm located on Tinkham Hill Road, abutting both North Street and Shady Oak Drive.

Riccio said the project had not changed in scope since it was first before the commission in 2013, at which time wetlands delineation had been accepted and a negative determination was rendered for Phase I.

Abutter Sylvia Ouimet of 196 North Street asked how far away from her rear property line the fencing would be. Riccio said 275 feet. She also inquired about screening and was told that plantings would be dense and fencing would be higher than Phase I.

Pat Alex, 2 Tinkham Hill Road, asked why screening had never been planted along the boundary line of property across the street from her residence. Riccio said that the project had not been completed, but that with the completion of Phase II, those plantings would be done.

Mike Flynn, 6 Shady Oak Drive, asked about the public notification he had received that indicated the Order of Conditions had expired. King responded that that was why the project was back before the commission to receive new orders.

There were several other questions about setbacks and whether or not the solar array would be visible from North Street. Riccio said the solar field would be situated some 300 feet away from North Street and that other issues would be addressed on May 17 when the applicant would have a public hearing for a Special Permit at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.

Blue Wave received a Negative Determination of Applicability (no Notice of Intent required) and must notify the conservation office when work begins.

Other matters included a RDA filing by Christopher Riley for the construction of a shed at 3 Goodspeed Island. The request was continued pending clarification of construction methods from the Building Department.

James Faughnan, 21 Fieldstone Drive, received a Negative Determination for a RDA to plant lawn and remove several trees in jurisdictional areas.

Stacie Hess, 1 Spruce Avenue, sought and received a Negative Determination for a RDA filing for the construction of a shed.

James Hurd, 19 Centre Drive, also received a Negative Determination for his RDA filing to extend an existing deck.

Mark Julien, 30 Ocean Drive, represented by David Davignon of N. Douglas Schneider & Associates, Inc. sought and received an Order of Conditions for a NOI filing to provide beach nourishment to a coastal beach some two acres in size. Davignon said his client intended to keep the permit actively open for three years to assess the effectiveness of the coastal restoration.

Bob Rego of River Hawk Environmental, LLC returned to the commission with updated plans for property located on Marion Road, owned by Rahim Aghai who plans to build a three-lot subdivision. During his first meeting with the commission, several issues were addressed and suggestions made prompting Rego to return with those changes.

The commission was satisfied with stormwater management systems that included rain gardens and sub-filtration for roof run-off. Both commission members Trevor Francis and King praised Rego for his work.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for June 11at 6:30 pm in the town hall conference room.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Academic Achievements

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Isabella King of Marion qualified for the spring 2018 Dean’s List at Belmont Universityin Nashville, TN. Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.

Abigail Inglis of Mattapoisett qualified for the spring 2018 Dean’s List at Belmont Universityin Nashville, TN. Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.

Hannah Beams was named to the dean’s list at Bates Collegefor the winter semester ending in April 2018. This is a distinction earned by students whose cumulative grade point average is 3.71 or higher.

Beams, the daughter of Mr. and Ms. Robert C. Beams of Mattapoisett, is a 2017 graduate of St. Andrew’s School. She is majoring in mathematics at Bates.

Boat Race Supper and Special Raffles

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The Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race (RMDBR) Ham and Bean Supper will be held on Saturday, May 26at the Rochester Senior Center, 65 Dexter Lane in Rochester. The supper will be served from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and tickets can be purchased at the door. Adults cost $10 and children under 12 are only $5. Beans baked by the best bean bakers in town, coleslaw and potato salad prepared by the Culinary Arts Department at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, rolls and brown bread. And to top it all off … apple crisp for dessert prepared by The Artisan Bake Shop.

Proceeds from the supper help offset the expenses of the race. Also, there will be two special raffles drawn at the supper.

William Watling III has custom made and donated two carbon fiber river racing paddles designed specifically for the RMDBR. Specs: foam core blade and shaft with carbon fiber and fiberglass laminate; fiberglass wrapped blade tip and edges for strength and durability; molded palm grip handle; approximately 26 ounces each. One paddle has a bent shaft, angle 5 degrees, length 53.5 inches; the other paddle is straight, with a length of 57.25 inches. Tickets are $5 each. There will be two separate drawings, one for each paddle. Choose which drawing you would like your ticket entered in or buy a couple for each one.

The other raffle is for a handmade crocheted afghan donated by Cecelia Hall. Colors brown and tan, tickets are two for $5.

You do not have to be present to win any of the raffles and all proceeds go to the Rochester Firefighters Association to support the race.

This is the 84th anniversary of the race and it remains one of the few racing events with no entry fees as it was in 1934 when it was started. Enjoy a great meal at one of the important social events of the year in our area. The more the merrier. For additional information, please contact Arthur Benner, Chairman, RMDBR, 508-763-2024 or email artbenner@comcast.net.

William “Bill” Suzan Jr

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William “Bill” Suzan Jr was born in Barnstable, MA on October 21, 1929 and passed on May 13, 2018 in Bothel, WA.

Bill was the son of William Sr and Bena Suzan of Mattapoisett. He was the husband of Betty and stepfather to David, Linda & Todd.

Bill has two daughters, Ginny and grandson of Indiana, and Katie of Florida. Bill had one brother, Frank Suzan, now deceased.

Bill graduated from Mt. Saint Charles. He owned Bill Suzan Fish Market and was the Mattapoisett Harbor Master for 15 years.

Bill loved the water and spent time on fishing boats in the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean while working for Foss Tug.

Bill loved his cousins Ellen and Katherine McIntire and also his dear friends Jeannette and Billy Hubbard.

Bill will be missed by many. No services will be held.

Artist to Paint Mural at RMS

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The PTO Cultural Council is at it again with its next artistic endeavor to beautify Rochester Memorial School, this time with a large-scale painted mural.

RMS Principal Derek Medeiros told the Rochester School Committee on May 10 that artist Todd Woodward would be painting one of the walls in one of the outside courtyard areas located off the library media center.

“This is something that the cultural committee came together to [accomplish],” said Medeiros. “I think they were inspired by the one that was done at the junior high.”

Woodward was that artist who painted the mural at the junior high.

“I saw the one at the junior high and it was beautiful,” said School Committee Chairman Tina Rood.

Medeiros said the theme of the mural would be daffodils, but that was quickly corrected when Medeiros provided an illustration of the proposed mural to the committee members who promptly pointed out that the flowers were poppies, not daffodils.

“Oh, that’s beautiful!” said Rood. “That’s gorgeous!”

In light of his misidentification of the flower, Medeiros admitted that it was “Mrs. Medeiros” who tended the garden at home.

“There’s not one doubt,” Rood said as the committee laughed.

Woodward will begin the mural the first week of June during the school day. Although students do not regularly enter the courtyard space, access to that area will be blocked off.

In other business, the committee agreed with Superintendent Doug White’s recommendation that the school again forego School Choice for another year.

Although it has been some time since Rochester Memorial School opened its doors for School Choice, the state mandates that a school hold a public hearing on School Choice annually to opt out of the program.

White told the committee why it should vote to opt out again for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year – current class size and space availability, “…And the ability to meet the needs of our current students and not necessarily be able to look at additional enrollment in our buildings,” White stated.

“We built a budget based on our current enrollment figures,” White said. “From my perspective, our class sizes are in a good place where learning definitely is a focus and we can meet the needs of all of our students.”

White said it would be unwise to consider opening its doors to additional students, asking, “…And if we did, where would those spaces actually bebased on our current status?”

“It’s been status quo for a while, and I don’t see anything changing dramatically that would change my mind on where we are currently on that,” said White.

The committee closed the School Choice public hearing, and with a unanimous vote, kept its doors closed to School Choice for another school year.

In other matters, in light of the assault and battery charges against a RMS teacher for inappropriate physical contact with a number of students, Rood publicly addressed the issue.

“This has been a very difficult time for Rochester Memorial School,” said Rood. She thanked school officials for their “open communication with our families.”

Rood said professionals were present that week to support students and answer parents’ questions.

“In times like these, we are glad you are with our children and supporting our school,” Rood said.

The next meeting of the Rochester School Committee is scheduled for June 14at 6:30 pm at a location to be determined.

 

 

Rochester School Committee

By Jean Perry

 

Shirley M. (Rhodes) Hartley

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Shirley M. (Rhodes) Hartley, 90, of Rochester died May 18, 2018. She was exactly where she wanted to be, at home and surrounded by her family.

She was a lifelong resident of Rochester, a graduate of the Waterman School, Wareham High School and St. Luke’s Hospital, School of Nursing. She was married to the late Greenwood “Sonny” Hartley, Jr, for over 63 years. She was the daughter of the late Walter E. and Anna (Olivier) Rhodes and sister to late Walter E. Rhodes, Jr.

Shirley was a member of the First Congregational Church of Rochester, the Old Rochester Regional School Committee, the Rochester Women’s Club and Rochester COA, where she often volunteered. She was active her entire life, most of the time standing side by side with Sonny, bowling, helping at the bogs, reading the newspaper or a book, travelling with friends, being that steady hand that guided us all. She was always current in both national and local news and kept up with all the events of her large family following their activities with great interest and pride. Her home was the focal point in our family neighborhood.

She was a Registered Nurse, first in the maternity ward at Tobey Hospital, then at Rochester Memorial School and with the Visiting Nurse Association of Marion.

Survivors include her 3 children, Greenwood “Woody” Hartley, III and his wife Sharon, Marsha Ann Hartley, Walter Rhodes Hartley and his wife Sheldon L., all of Rochester; 7 grandchildren, Scott Greenwood Hartley, Amy Hartley-Matteson, Sarah Jane Cecil, Morgan Lee Cecil, Walter R. Hartley, Jr., Jon A. Hartley and Katherine A. Hartley; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 nephews, Raymond Hartley and Andrew Hartley and a niece, Heather Hartley-O’Shaughnessy.

Her Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 9th at 2 pm at the First Congregational Church of Rochester. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Shirley’s name to your favorite charity. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Rt. 6, Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

 

Nature’s Treasures Garden Tour

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club announces their 2018 biennial garden tour “Nature’s Treasures.”

On Saturday, June 30from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, rain or shine, nine beautiful distinctive village, town, and seaside gardens will be showcased. Some are secluded or hidden at first glance, while others are home-styled landscaped, and picturesque others are surrounded by the sea. There are outdoor structures like gazebos, arbors and even a wood-burning sauna! You will see annuals, meadows, rock gardens, perennials and patio blossoms that will transport you with fragrant features to magical and stunning environments of nature.

Our garden tour is a major way to raise money for our Scholarship Fund and other charitable contributions.

Advanced tickets are $15 and will be sold at the following local shops beginning May 25 2018: Periwinkles and Gotta Have It in Fairhaven; Isabelle’s, Pen and Pendulum, and Town Wharf General Store in Mattapoisett; and Serendipity by the Sea and The Bookstall in Marion. The day of the tour tickets will be sold only at Ying Dynasty Restaurant, 24 County Road, Mattapoisett, MA 02739 for $20 each. The maps for the self guided tour for all ticket holders will also be available at this location.