ZBA Overturns Building Inspector’s Denial

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The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals on May 11 approved the owners of “418 Point Road Trust” of 418 Point Road their request to appeal the building inspector’s refusal to issue a building permit for construction of a kitchen within a recently constructed addition to their house.

The addition – built to house the visiting adult children of the appellants – was originally presented to the ZBA as an application for a conversion to a two-family home. However, ZBA members found that the request failed to meet the intent of the bylaw; the board concluded that a conversion is a conversion of an existing dwelling, and an addition was not a true conversion, in their opinion.

In addition, under the bylaw to convert to a two-family, the accessory apartment must be no more than 1,200 square feet; the addition is 2,400 square feet.

The owners then applied for a building permit to install the kitchen aside from the original conversion request, which Building Commissioner Scott Shippey denied, leading to the appeal before the ZBA.

Representatives for the owners tried to reassure the board back in March that their intention was to allow family to occupy the space and would not rent the new unit.

After a number of continuances, the board on May 11 overturned Shippey’s denial and agreed to allow the kitchen after the owners acquiesced to placing a deed restriction to not allow the conversion into a two-family house.

The vote was unanimous.

The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for May 25 at 7:30 pm at the Marion Town House.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Jean Perry

 

Elks Student of the Month

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The Elks of Wareham Lodge No. 1548 sponsors the Elks Student of the Month and Student of the Year Awards for students enrolled in local area high schools. The criteria used in nominating a student includes a student who excels in scholarship, citizenship, performing arts, fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school and community service, industry and farming.

We would like to congratulate Sam Austin of Rochester for being named as Old Rochester’s Student of the Month for May. As a sophomore, Sam is a responsible, diligent, and dedicated student. He has been involved in homecoming activities and is a member of our ORR hockey team. Sam is also involved other travel hockey teams outside of school. Sam is a young man that strives to be the best student, friend, and athlete.

Town Takes Action On ADA Compliance

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The Rochester Board of Selectmen on May 11 unanimously approved the motion to accept an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) assessment and transition plan compiled by Facilities Manager Andrew Daniel, which could open the Town up for some valuable grant money from the State to fund a number of upgrades in various town buildings.

“It’s a living document,” said Daniel, “because things will change as we go…. Buildings will be added.”

The formal adoption of the ADA transition plan, Daniel said, is vital to the grant application process, showing proof that the town will move towards ADA compliance in the future.

“We can’t play ignorant anymore,” said Daniel. “We know what those issues are (that need upgrading).” He continued, “It is the responsibility of the Town to become compliant, not just when those grants become available.”

Daniel said the Massachusetts Office of Disability has allotted $1 million in grant funds, and Rochester could receive a maximum of $250,000. This grant opportunity, Daniel said, is why he chose to act now, “Although the Town is bound by law to become ADA compliant.”

Resident David Eckert asked how much the taxpayers would have to spend to bring the town into ADA compliance, and when selectmen couldn’t give him an exact sum, Eckert questioned how the selectmen could “endorse” to make handicap accessible upgrades without knowing the future costs.

“The State can impose a mandate on a town, even if it’s in bankruptcy,” said Selectman Naida Parker. “The State has the power to do that.” She said by making a good faith effort in meeting the requirements, mandated by law, the actions could be looked at by the State more favorably as opposed to having no plan in place for ADA access.

Daniel said the transition plan “puts the ball in your court” when it comes to which items the Town would like to tackle first.

“It’s a civil rights violation,” said Daniel.

Eckert was unsatisfied with Daniel’s response, saying he was seeking comment from the selectmen and seeking facts only.

“The fact is, it’s a civil rights violation,” Daniel again stated.

Planning Board Chairman Arnold Johnson in attendance that night weighed in. The federal government could step in, he said, as it has with other towns. Without the ADA transition plan, Johnson said, “It leads to the ability for a person with a handicap … [to] sue the Town for not being ADA compliant…. Our insurance will not pay it out for the Town.”

Johnson said at a recent Conservation Commission meeting, those present had a difficult time accommodating an applicant in a wheelchair.

“It was an absolute embarrassment what had to be gone through to get that man [inside],” said Johnson. “We need to be proactive in this. As a taxpayer, again, I’d be really mad at the three selectmen if we get involved in a lawsuit…. I think this is a proactive step in the right direction.”

Selectman Greenwood Hartley assured Eckert that there were no concrete commitments for specific upgrades in the document. Mostly, what was mandated right away is the public posting of the notice of non-discrimination and the grievance process.

“It acknowledges there are things we need to do,” said Hartley. “There’s nothing in there that commits us to doing anything.” It is a step towards compliance, Hartley stated. “I don’t see a down side to signing this tonight. It’s going to be better off for us than not doing it.”

Daniel said the Town would not be under a State mandated timeline with the adoption of the transition plan. But municipalities like the City of Taunton, among other towns, were sued, he said, and now they are on the Fed’s clock.

Daniel said the deadline for the grant application is June 30.

“We’re obligated by law to do these things, nevertheless,” Daniel said, adding that the ADA compliance upgrades were supposed to be done in 1992, by law. “We’re a little behind.”

Rochester is about 66 percent compliant, he stated.

“I want to be ahead of this,” said Daniel. “We do care.”

Also during the meeting, Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar said the Town is in the final stages of transitioning to the regionalized 911 dispatch system and would receive the final approval during the summer.

Hartley said he had the chance to tour the facility, which he found “very impressive.”

“Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?” he said, once he witnessed the efficiency when calls came in. “It was mere seconds before the ambulance was rolling. It’s definitely going to be an improvement.”

Police Chief Paul Magee said the additional staff in the regionalized 911 dispatch center, located in Duxbury, will definitely benefit the town.

“The residents will see,” said Magee.

In other matters, the selectmen entered into an agreement with the Town of Acushnet for animal control officer assistance.

Michael Gagliardi was also appointed to the Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School District Committee.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for May 22 at 6:30 pm at Rochester Memorial School, just ahead of the Annual Town Meeting scheduled for 7:00 pm, also at RMS.

Rochester Board of Selectmen

By Jean Perry

 

Planning Board Selects New Leadership

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The Marion Planning Board on May 15 dispensed with the first order of business with little controversy, selecting its new leadership roster after the recent town elections. The board welcomed newcomer Christopher Collings to the board, as well as newly-elected but experienced Planning Board member Norm Hills.

Newly re-elected Planning Board member Eileen Marum was selected as the new chairman, with Stephen Kokkins remaining as vice-chair.

Hills, described by board member Jennifer Francis as “the best clerk I have ever known,” was unanimously selected for that position.

After asking for clarification on the duties of the board’s representative on the Community Preservation Committee, board member Will Saltonstall was nominated to fill that position, which he accepted. Marum will continue as the SRPEDD representative.

The Marion Arts Center was on the agenda that evening to request a change in lot lines for two non-conforming lots adjacent to the Center.

The Center’s goal for moving the lot lines, as described by Marion Arts Center board member Michael Sudofsky, was to create the space to provide handicap access to the building and an additional handicap parking space.

The Center will also be creating a small outdoor entertainment space.

When asked by Hills if the Center planned to build anything on the newly created lot, Sudofsky affirmed that the Center would be keeping the space as it is now, saying, “It is a level grassy area. We would add a little bluestone.”

Collings asked if the neighbor was okay with the proposal. Sudofsky assured the board that they were, and that the Center and the neighbor have a good relationship since the Center allows some encroachment by the neighbor onto their land.

Marum had contacted Town Counsel Jon Witten regarding the request, since the approval would be creating two non-conforming lots, one of which is intended to be absorbed into the Center’s existing lot. While the intent of the request is reasonable, counsel suggested to the board that if they were to approve the request, that endorsement be contingent on a note being added to the plan stating that their endorsement is “…not an endorsement of zoning compliance … or resulting parcels’ status as to conformance with the Marion Zoning Bylaw … or rights to future alterations, expansions or changes to any structures located on resulting parcels.”

Sudofsky, acknowledging his ability to speak for the Center’s board of directors, agreed to this contingency. The board voted to endorse the plan with this note attached.

After Planning Board member Steve Gonsalves recused himself, the board held a pre-submission discussion for 111 Wareham Road known as the Eden Landscaping property.

The applicants, Tad Wallenhaupt and Alex Urquart, provided details and illustrations of their proposal, but noted that they are hiring engineer David Davignon to develop the formal plans for the board.

The applicants propose to combine four existing lots into two lots, one with frontage along Route 6 and the other with frontage on Marvel Street.

Wallenhaupt stated they will build two steel Morton-style buildings with dimensions of 60 feet by 100 feet, totaling 6,000 square feet each. The buildings would each have four garage bays, and the applicants would each use one bay, with the other six bays rented out.

Francis mentioned that she had visited the Morton Building site and had observed many different style buildings, adding, “I am hoping you will pick out a building that looks nice?”

Wallenhaupt, an abutter to the property, assured her that he wants to look at something attractive as well, and suggested the board look at the steel building behind Rose and Vicki’s Pizza to get an idea of the proposed style of building.

The Marvel Street access was of some concern for Hills, who asked how wide the street was and if there was any plan to improve the road. Wallenhaupt stated that he thought the road was about 20 feet wide and there was probably not any room for widening it. The surface of the road is currently dirt.

Kokkins suggested it would be good to see the traffic flow pattern on the engineered plan, to which Marum added later in the meeting her safety concerns for that section of Route 6. She referenced a SRPEDD study in which the Point Road intersection, which lies west of the proposed site, is ranked as one of the most hazardous intersections in the state based on number of traffic incidents.

Marum’s concerns were underscored by Saltonstall who asked that the applicant “be very aware of the issues of traffic” as they design their plan.

Wallenhaupt noted that the intent is for trucks to enter the site from Route 6, but exit onto Marvel Street, minimizing traffic concerns on the busy road. However, Saltonstall also mentioned that if there are two owners in the co-development, that there will need to be a legal construct to allow for the one-way traffic circulation the applicant is proposing, including easements between owners.

The applicants agreed they would be addressing the legal issues with an attorney.

The board suggested there would need to be a full Site Plan Review, which includes a public hearing and a third-party engineer to work on the board’s behalf. Hills didn’t think an environmental assessment was warranted, although Marum did raise the question of possible hazardous waste on the site, saying she saw what appeared to be old rusty vehicles on the site.

Wallenhaupt assured the board that to his knowledge the site was free of hazardous waste.

The applicants will return to the board as soon as possible with engineered plans for the ANR plan to combine the lots. Saltonstall and Kokkins will act as liaisons and points of contact for this project.

In other business, Francis reported that the Transportation and Circulation Task Force has met twice and is making great progress. Francis said they would like to combine forces with Mattapoisett and obtain a Corridor Study, paid for by SRPEDD, to study the traffic in both towns. This study, Francis said, “is the first step toward getting money to work on a state road.”

The next scheduled meeting of the Marion Planning Board is June 5 at a location to be announced.

Marion Planning Board

By Sarah French Storer

 

“Get Back!”

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(This story contains information on crimes. Some details may be too graphic for children under the age of 13.)

On May 10, a group of 20 women from all walks of life and all ages participated in a program that could very well end up saving their lives: self-defense training.

The free three-hour class was hosted by the Mattapoisett Recreation Department in partnership with the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office.

Mattapoisett resident Tony Moniz, a supervisor in the sheriff’s office, coordinated the evening’s event, saying, “All the credit goes to Sheriff Joe McDonald.” He said that McDonald fully supported the training program, which was developed by two of his officers, Major Dwayne Fortes and Lieutenant Jennifer Keegan. Moniz said these officers were dedicated to helping women learn how to defend themselves – how to be empowered.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are or how weak you think you are, there is always something you can do to help yourself,” Fortes assured the women.

The self-defense system taught by Fortes and Keegan is a hybrid they have developed. It employs traditional boxing positions, evasive movements, and marshal arts moves.

Before getting into the physical techniques, he asked the group to think about how they conducted themselves when going about doing everyday things like shopping or pumping gas.

“What do most women do when they get back to their cars?” Fortes asked. “That’s right, you put your purse in the front passenger seat, leave the car unlocked and then load the groceries in the back.” He said that the “bad guys” are waiting and watching. “While you are putting things in the back, they are taking your purse from the front seat!” Fortes said the most important thing for women to remember is to be alert to their surroundings.

Fortes said that he and Keegan had developed the program after spending many hours talking to criminals asking them why they had raped, robbed, or committed other crimes against women. The majority of the time, the response was similar and shocking: “…because I could.”

“They don’t care about you. They want your stuff to sell for drugs,” said Fortes.

The course uses methods that incorporate moves that give women a brief but important opportunity to target the vulnerable body areas of an assailant such as eyes, nose, throat, neck, fingers, even toes before running away. “You’re not going to stand and fight – get your blows in and run,” Fortes instructed.

Fortes and Keegan demonstrated how to defend oneself against rape, being grabbed from behind, front and rear choke holds, and hair pulls. With each elbow thrust, knee jerk to the groin, and extended arm, the women were told to shout out “Get back!” or “No!” and to flee to a safe area making as much noise as possible.

The women were shown how to make a proper fist and deliver an effective punch. Fortes and Keegan also demonstrated how to use the hand as a tool for delivering a forceful palm to the nose and even a quick knife-like chop to the neck called “knife hand.” These exercises provided hands-on experiences that the instructors believed created muscle memory during an attack.

The participants were given plenty of time to learn correct balanced stances that provide a solid foundation during an attack, and then how to deploy an amazing variety of moves. And then the officers talked about rape.

Keegan laid on a mat while Fortes hovered over her. He said squeezing thighs and knees tightly together while screaming and keeping one’s hands up over the face and head area makes it very difficult for the crime to occur. Keegan showed the women how to crab crawl while on their back putting distance – even a few feet – between them and the attacker.

Fortes said the rapist is trying to get clothing off. “Kick him in the face, chest, stomach. Fight!” He explained that criminals are looking for the easiest targets, not fighting screaming women. The comment broke the tension in the room.

Keegan and Fortes also demonstrated how to use the small metallic rod called a kubaton to strike at eyes or neck areas and even to jab at toes if the victim is on the ground. They showed how to use a set of keys by striking a criminal’s face. The women took turns punching holes in cardboard panels with the kubotan, clearly feeling stronger with every blow.

Joanne Dunn of Mattapoisett remarked, “I can get pretty saucy with my Italian attitude if anyone bothers me … but, that might not work on everyone.” Dunn, whose petite frame belies a lion’s heart, said she really enjoyed learning how to be prepared if necessary. By throwing punches into mitts worn by her partner, Dunn learned she is stronger than she realized prior to the class.

Robin Shufelt, also from Mattapoisett, said, “What a good class. So many different moves, choices…. I learned a lot about situations that can arise, like when you are pumping gas.” She felt it was important that women young and old learn how to protect themselves.

Certified fitness instructor Ellie Mae Higgins, who has spent years teaching women how to stay strong, said, “This was excellent. It empowered me with effective skills to be able to fend off an attacker in various situations using elbows, knees, fists, feet, in order to free myself and escape.”

The message was clear: if you find yourself in a compromised position, “Fight as if your very life depended on it.” Thanks to these officers from the sheriff’s department, there are now 20 more women ready to scream, “Get back!” and deliver a powerful response if threatened.

If you’d like more information on the sheriff’s department self-defense program, contact Major Fortes at 508-830-6348 or visit www.pcsdma.org.

By Marilou Newell

Women in Waders

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Join the Buzzards Bay Coalition for a three-week series of free adventures for women who love the outdoors beginning May 30. During these fun outdoor activities, we will explore ways to get up close and personal with nature in a safe and supportive all-female environment.

Female children aged 8 and older (accompanied by an adult) are welcome. We encourage you to attend all three programs, but it isn’t required. All programs are on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.

On May 30, don a pair of waders and learn how to dig for quahogs during “Seeking Shellfish” at Silvershell Beach (1 Front Street, Marion). On June 6, discover the diversity of aquatic life at the edge of the Acushnet River during “Buggin’ Out” at The Sawmill (32 Mill Road, Acushnet). And on June 13, master the art of catching feisty blue crabs during “Crazy About Crabs” at Shining Tides Beach (99 Reservation Road, Mattapoisett).

To RSVP, visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org/events/ or contact the Buzzards Bay Coalition at 508-999-6363 ext. 219 or bayadventures@savebuzzardsbay.org.

Women in Waders is part of Discover Buzzards Bay, an initiative to help people across the Buzzards Bay region find unique and exciting ways to explore the outdoors, get some exercise and connect with nature. Local residents can use Discover Buzzards Bay to get outside and discover woods, wetlands and waterways from Fall River to Falmouth. To learn more, visit savebuzzardsbay.org/discover.

Town of Marion Spending is Uncontrolled

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To the Editor:

Town of Marion spending is uncontrolled.

The town of Marion has an addiction to unfettered spending. It has become addicted to “free cash” spending and, as a result, many expenses that should be planned and budgeted for inside the town’s operating budget get paid for with “free cash.”

What is Free Cash? It is money left over when the town spends less for something than the money that was approved. As an example, in this week’s warrant a free cash request for $54,000 was for a new vehicle. Such a round number – why? The answer is either the department manager responsible was simply too lazy to correctly research the need OR it was written with the intention to ask for too much – leaving some “extra” for the next year.

The damage caused by this undisciplined behavior comes with the loss of understanding of the value of money and the tax rates that react to such casual spending. The spiral continues as a town with 2400 homes ends up with dozens of “free cash” spending requests on a town warrant that drives meetings that last until nearly midnight. Hey folks – we just ain’t that big a town…

This behavior needs to stop!

I suggest:

1) Most of the “free cash” requests belong inside the town budget – these are not “extra” and “unplanned” needs. It’s way past time for Marion department managers to do a better job and budget for these – just like nearly every family in Marion plans for their own needs and expenses.

2) When a “free cash” request is made, it should be accompanied with no less than three bids, with the free cash request for the lowest bid. Simple enough. Basically, if you can’t research your need beyond round numbers, don’t ask for money.

Regardless if you agree with me or not, the reality is the town of Marion is spending far more $$$ every year than they should. The result is higher and higher taxes. It’s way past time for the town to stay within its means.

The Finance Committee has done a fabulous job balancing the real and unqualified spending needs; they have also done a great job managing our growing indebtedness (currently about $30 million). But they need the help of its citizens to curtail sloppy spending so that we can direct more to paying the bills we have already.

Chris Collings, Marion

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.

Netflix Prompts Suicide Awareness at ORRHS

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Every other Thursday at Old Rochester Regional High School, a certain amount of time at the beginning of the day is reserved for an advisory period. These times allow for homeroom groups to address ongoing aspects and obstacles of teenage life that affect any number of students. Under the guidance of their homeroom teacher and an additional staff member, advisories discuss topics ranging from test preparation to college admissions, depending on their grade.

One issue that has become more open to discussion in the recent years is mental health and illness, something that can affect individuals of all ages.

A current Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why,” has particularly caused a surge in this conversation as the show revolves around a girl’s suicide, the factors that led up to it, and the after-effects her death had on her community.

The show has been praised for highlighting the struggles of depression and causing many to talk about mental health, but it has also been criticized as its story and images can be triggering for those suffering in similar situations. In the naturally stressful environment school can become, it is important to talk about these issues.

The night before advisory, Principal Michael Devoll sent out a school-wide email to students with a document listing various sources where individuals can seek help and a link to an article that chronicled one school’s response to the themes presented in the television show. This message acted as both a way to help any struggling students and to start a conversation amongst the student body.

During advisory the next day, this course of action was expanded as each homeroom began the session by playing a version of “Jeopardy” that focused on the different supportive resources offered to them at school. The method engaged students as they were tasked with naming certain staff members, including the school nurse (Nurse Corazzini), social worker (Mrs. Dowdall), and psychologist (Mr. Allessi). In addition to identifying students’ support systems, the game also brought up mental illness rates and the fact that they are curable and not something to be ashamed of.

This awareness campaign does not just stop at the student level. Parents of junior high and high school students recently received a correspondence from Principals Devoll and Kevin Brogioli that informed guardians of the themes in “13 Reasons Why” and safe ways to approach discussing the series with their family.

Some of these suggestions were: “What are three situations from the series when young people acted in heroic or empathetic ways? If you were Hannah (the girl who committed suicide), what words or actions might have helped you survive?” The email also contained a link to the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services to inform about warning signs of suicide.

The staff at the high school is also receiving an opportunity to become more familiar in dealing with mental health and mental illnesses. A workshop titled QPR Suicide Prevention Training is being offered in the oncoming weeks to the staff with the goal of instructing individuals on how to recognize someone at risk of suicide. With this lesson, the support system available to those at ORRHS will only become stronger.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, reach out and call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) or any other group aimed at helping those in need.

By Jo Caynon

 

ConCom Member Goes ‘On the Record’

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Marion Conservation Commission associate member Shaun Walsh said on May 10 that he wanted to go on the record in response to what he said were allegations of a conflict of interest.

Walsh, an attorney for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, wanted all residents of Marion to know that whenever a denial for an application is made by the Marion Conservation Commission and appealed to the DEP, another DEP attorney is assigned the case – not Walsh.

“To the world,” Walsh stated, “I have nothing to do with any appeal from any decision that this board makes. And that has been discussed with the state ethics commission as well.”

Also during the meeting, the commission issued an Order of Conditions for Notice of Intent applicants Nancy Edmonds and William Murphy to raze an existing single-family house and build a four-bedroom single-family house at 296 Delano Road. The proposed house is in the ten-year flood plain and within the buffer zone of a coastal bank.

The commission also issued a Certificate of Compliance to George Silvestri of Seaside Lane for vista pruning. The pruning was rather “aggressive,” the commission noted, pointing out that underbrush clearing was too rigorous and too close to the 15-foot no work zone. Chairman Cynthia Callow said she blamed herself for not articulating any limits of underbrush clearing while she was on the site consulting with the property owner. The commission was concerned about any future buyers of the property not understanding that future vista pruning would have to again go before the commission, since Silvestri is currently trying to sell the undeveloped property.

The commission continued the public hearing for Virginia and Barrett Levensen of Cross Neck Road at the request of the applicant until the next meeting.

The commission will also request that an employee from the Town of Marion appear before the commission for an update on the Enforcement Order issued for unpermitted work at Washburn Park roughly two years ago.

“I think they’re waiting for us to go away,” said commission member Jeffrey Doubrava. “It’s probably the most egregious thing that’s been done in the town since I’ve been on the board.”

The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for May 24 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Jean Perry

 

Sippican Lands Trust Hires New Executive Director

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Jim Bride has joined the Sippican Lands Trust (SLT) as its new full-time Executive Director this month.

“We are very excited that Jim will be joining the SLT as Executive Director and bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization. This is an exciting time for the Lands Trust as we continue to focus on growing our property’s accessibility to the public and officially launching our campaign to build an all-access boardwalk at our Osprey Marsh property on Point Rd” says Kate Ross, SLT Board President. “I’m looking forward to working with Jim in getting more people outside and enjoying all the benefits of nature.”

Bride brings his background in development, community engagement and land conservation to SLT, having served most recently as the Development & Outreach Coordinator at Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) in Dartmouth, MA. Bride helped coordinate a $1.2 million capital campaign for the new DNRT Center at Helfand Farm. From 2012-2014, Bride served as the first-ever Development Director at the Monadnock Conservancy in Keene, NH.

At SLT, Bride will lead all facets of day-to-day operations. “I am excited about the opportunity to lead the next chapter of Sippican Lands Trust, and look forward to working with the community to advance land conservation in Marion,” said Bride.

A native of Dedham, MA, Bride holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental conservation from the University of New Hampshire, a Master of Education from Wilmington University and a Master of Business Administration from Marlboro College Graduate School. He has been an active member of the community currently serving as a member of Marion’s Energy Management Committee. Bride lives in Marion with his family.