New Member Joins Old Colony School Committee

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The Rochester Board of Selectmen held a brief special meeting last Thursday, April 26, to appoint two Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School District School Committee members and handle a few small agenda items.

The selectmen, during the joint meeting with the Old Colony R.V.T.H.S. District Committee, re-appointed Shirley Bourque as a committee member and appointed Sharon Cruz to occupy the remaining one-year position of a committee member who moved away from the area.

Cruz has participated in the school council at Old Colony and has also participated in the establishment of a school improvement plan.

“When this position went up, I thought it would be the time, or place, for me to continue to support the staff and students of that school,” Cruz said.

Old Colony R.V.T.H.S. District Committee Chairman Kirby Gilmore congratulated Cruz and welcomed her to the committee.

The selectmen also signed the annual committee appointments for the Town of Rochester and referred the proposed Annual Town Meeting Warrant article to amend the Town’s large-scale solar photovoltaic (solar farm) bylaw to the Planning Board to hold a public hearing ahead of Town Meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for May 7 at 6:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

Rochester Board of Selectmen

By Jean Perry

 

Sunday Stroll

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Get outside and take a Sunday Stroll with the Buzzards Bay Coalition at New Boston Trail (325 New Boston Road, Fairhaven), on May 6at 10:00 am. During this leisurely one-hour walk through the woods, you’ll get some fresh air and exercise while learning how to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

New Boston Trail is the Coalition’s newest public trail. As part of the expanding Mattapoisett River Reserve, this trail links with existing trails at The Bogs, Tripps Mill, and Tinkhamtown Woodlands in Mattapoisett to create a network of over 5 miles of trails where people can discover their local environment.

To RSVP for this walk, visit http://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/events/sunday-stroll-new-boston-trail-may-06-2018/ or contact the Buzzards Bay Coalition at 508-999-6363 ext. 219.

This walk is part of Discover Buzzards Bay, a resource to find unique and exciting ways to explore the outdoors, get some exercise, and connect with nature. 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.

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. Because of 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 37 Main Street.

The Congregational Chapel at 37 Main Street is a fine example of a shingle-style ecclesiastic building. It was designed by William Gibbons Preston, a noted Boston architect, who summered in Marion and designed six buildings in Marion. The chapel was built in 1885 by funds donated by Elizabeth Taber, Marion’s benefactress.

Sippican Elementary Fundraiser

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Sippican Elementary School 6th Graders made a huge commitment to fundraise as much as they could to ensure every student could enjoy every activity this year. Students and parents alike worked tirelessly to decrease the total per student cost from over $300 to under $145! Over half the cost was raised between a car wash, a kid’s night out, several restaurant fundraisers, local business donations, two dances, and a book fair all manned by students and their families! We cannot thank the community enough for their support as well as all of the parents who made sure every child would be able to attend all of the 6th grade events. Later this month, there will be the AMC trip in New Hampshire where the entire class will spend three days learning in their mountain classroom! June will bring a 7-mile bike trip to Scussett Beach and a 6th grade last day at Sippican School celebration. The students will sign yearbooks and say their good-byes to the school that many have called home since kindergarten. The 6th graders are still looking for food/beverage donations for that breakfast celebration. Anyone interesting in donating can reach the organization at Sippican6@gmail.com. We want to thank every parent and every local business that has supported the Sippican Sixth Grade over the last eight months!

Arbor Day has Gone to the Dogwoods

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As a Tree City USA, the Town of Rochester celebrated its fourth Arbor Day and its new “Growth Award” by planting five young dogwood trees at Hillside Cemetery.

Donning a raincoat and umbrella, the Town’s representative to the Arbor Day Foundation, Rochester resident Matt Monteiro, presented the town with its five new trees and told the assembled why he chose dogwoods for this year’s Arbor Day celebration.

“These five dogwoods were just planted in the spirit of Arbor Day by our town’s tree warden, Jeff Eldridge, as a living acknowledgement of the value of trees,” said Monteiro, “not only for material and environmental reasons, but also for the emotional peace and beauty that they provide.”

Monteiro found it fitting, he said, that the dogwoods should be planted at the Hillside Cemetery because of the tree species’ particular symbolism and history.

“Trees, even specific trees, may mean different things to different people,” said Monteiro. “To those visiting friends and relatives buried here, or even to those walking through this serene place, I hope to offer some perspectives to consider.”

Trees, said Monteiro, remind us of the connection between heaven and Earth with their roots deep in the soil and their branches and leaves reaching high towards the sun.

“To some, trees can be a visible reminder of that connection,” Monteiro said.

Trees are also a symbol of ancestry, said Monteiro, saying, “As people visit the graves of loved ones, often they may be thinking of their own ancestry … their own family tree.”

But trees also symbolize uniqueness, Monteiro said, pointing to the way saplings look very similar until they mature, are altered by the environment over time, and develop a character all their own through their endurance.

“Their similarity in contrast to their uniqueness can remind us of how we are all the same, but also different,” said Monteiro.

Trees can be symbols of renewal as well, he said. “They are long-lived, strong, and beautiful, but they too must eventually die,” said Monteiro. “But even so, their seeds fall, sprout, and begin anew. A large tree with some of its ‘children’ seedlings nearby can remind us of the cycle of renewal. Similarly, a deciduous tree itself appears to ‘die’ each year in autumn, and in spring to be reborn with a dramatic burst of color in the forms of green leaves, and for some species, a variety of colors for their flowers.”

But as for the dogwood in particular, Monteiro talked briefly about its early American history as a native species to North America, saying the name evolved from “whipple tree” into “dog tree.”

“Some suggest that the tree was called the dogwood because when the wind blows and the branches knock together it sounds like a dog barking,” said Monteiro. “Also, to treat skin conditions like mange in dogs, people boiled the wood in water and then washed their dogs with that infusion.”

And when dogwoods were covered with blooms, they signaled that it was time to plant corn, Monteiro added. But the most famous legend comes from the one that claims Jesus’ cross was made of dogwood, which grew in the Jerusalem area during that period, “And it is entirely possible that this wood was used,” he said.

“The legend of the tree continues that because it was used as part of the cross, God cursed the dogwood to be short and twisted so that it could never again be used in such a way,” said Monteiro. The legend of the dogwood tree might also have to do with its flowers, Monteiro said. “Typically, the blossoms have two long petals and two short petals, forming the shape of the sign of the cross.”

“Whatever symbolism you may find in the dogwood, and in trees more generally,” said Monteiro, “it is easy to find beauty, serenity, and indeed meaning, while reflecting on life in a place such as this.”

Rochester was given the “Growth Award” in recognition of the Town’s higher level of tree care after earning ten points this year through innovative projects and an increased commitment to caring for trees.

By Jean Perry

 

Bituminous Plant Receives Extension

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On May 1, after years of appeals and one last review of relevant documents, the owners of the planned Kings Highway bituminous plant received an extension to an expired Order of Conditions from the Rochester Conservation Commission.

The proposed project is planned for a five-acre site on Kings Highway with the regulated area being construction of infiltration basins within the 100-foot buffer zone.

Coming before the commission, hopefully for one last time, in continuance for a Request for Extension Permit was Stephen Meltzer of Edgewood Development Company of Plainville, MA, who said the original Order of Conditions expired on March 22. Now with the completion of the appeals process, he believed the Order of Conditions originally issued in 2011 by the Conservation Commission was eligible for the three-year extension request.

Meltzer said that a thorough review of the Massachusetts Conservation Commission Association handbook supported his contention that the Order of Conditions could be upheld because site conditions had not changed, no work had begun, and that a lengthy appeals process had made forward movement on the project impossible.

“We have a good Order of Conditions. There is no need to redo things only to end up in the same place,” Meltzer told the commission.

However, in spite of the commission signaling their satisfaction with Meltzer’s request by asking no questions of significance, a group of residents represented by Attorney Ben O’Grady continued to maintain that the project needed a new Notice of Intent and all that it entailed.

O’Grady argued, as he had on previous occasions, that given the years since the Order of Conditions was issued, the petitioners needed to start at square one.

“The Order of Conditions was issued in 2011… Something of this magnitude deserves review.” He said that given that undisturbed woods would become an industrial site, the project deserved another look. O’Grady also contented that the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office had not yet commented on the project, and thus the project should not receive an extension.

Meltzer countered, “They denied review on February 28,” indicating their review wasn’t necessary.

Chairman Michael Conway asked O’Grady, “Why are you here?” Conway said the matter had already been adjudicated and that nothing had changed. O’Grady responded that because of the development of other parcels along the roadway, stormwater runoff may have changed. But Conway fired back, “All you are doing is speculating.”

Rochester Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon spent some time reading from the MACC handbook and concluded that much of the material O’Grady was citing was part of the Wetlands Protection Act and that nothing applied to this case, as she put it.

Farinon also described some of the stipulations in the Order of Conditions, such as an annual groundwater monitoring report to evaluate the presence of heavy metals and other contaminants, and associated mitigation.

Of the Order of Conditions, she said, “Honestly, I don’t think we should change anything.”

A roll call vote initiated by Conway found the commission in favor of the three-year extension, with Commissioner Chris Post recusing herself from the vote.

Also coming before the commission was Clean Energy Collective for property owned by Michael Forand, 268 Mattapoisett Road, regarding construction of a large-scale solar farm.

A procedural error from the previous meeting allowed the hearing to be re-opened. Forand sought and received an amended Order of Conditions for minor site grading within the 100-foot buffer zone.

Closing out the public hearings on May 1 was a continued NOI filed by Robert and Nancy Barboza for property located off Alley Road for the construction of a single-family home. The continuation was needed so that wetlands flagging could be confirmed and adjustments made by Farinon in cooperation with Brian Grady of G.A.F. Engineering. The project received a positive Order of Conditions.

The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for May 15 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall meeting room.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

 

Valuing and Voting the Gift

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To the Editor:

Valuing and Voting the Gift

Not long ago at our Centennial, Marion held a celebration honoring the generosity of Elizabeth Taber. A two-night musical tribute at the Music Hall was sold out. It appears our town’s residents value the gifts and commitment of this wise, forward-thinking citizen.

At another centennial event, as reported in the news, “The featured speaker for a sermon given during the weekend at the Congregational Church was Tabor Academy Headmaster John Quirk, who gave an allegorical talk on the parable of the sower and the ‘optimistic seeds’ that Mrs. Taber planted, having been nurtured and tended, and grown beyond expectations.”

“At the end of the parable of the sower, we hear of the good seeds – those that fell on deep, welcoming and fertile soil. Soil that is well prepared. We are told these came up, that they grew and that they produced a crop – some multiplying 30, some 60, some 100 times,” the Headmaster said. “Such have Elizabeth Taber’s gifts multiplied – beautiful buildings, kind and generous ambitions, lessons on how to be a good neighbor and a good person. These still grow. We are privileged to tend them, and grateful for the bounty.”

For me, it is important today, this year, to take care of our Marion Town Hall structure. Due to financial constraints in the past, we have let this building suffer. Today is no different. We still have and will have financial demands for significant needs and limited money. Which ones take precedence over others? I have listened to many opinions, tried to find reports, read comments written by people like Wayne Mattson and John Waterman. I am thankful that people are talking about this issue. Whatever the priority list for tax dollar expenditures, I can only believe that it is crucial to our history, to our story, that we honor the gifts of our generous benefactor so many years ago. Our historical buildings are important to what Marion is all about. Imagine any other place in this world without the buildings that represent it. What would Egypt be without its pyramids? England without Stonehenge? Washington without its White House? Our Marion Town House is an investment and one that is worthy. I hope we will pay it forward for ourselves and our children. We can do this by voting YES at the ballots on May 18.

Respectfully Submitted,

Diane Cook, 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.

Marion Arbor Day Trees

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The Marion Tree and Parks Committee will once again celebrate Arbor Day by giving away seedlings at the polls on May 18. This year’s tree is a Rose of Sharon. Please plan to vote and pick up your seedling.

This will be Marion’s 20th year as a Tree City USA. We are proud to take part in this important program to preserve town trees. Also, many thanks to Tabor Academy for their clean up of Marion’s parks and to the Boy Scouts for their trash clean up along Marion’s roads. The town is very grateful.

History Matters: Archaeology of Cyprus and the Middle East

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The public is welcome to a lecture by Dr. Stuart Swiny entitled “History Matters: Investigations in Cyprus and the Middle East” at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Sunday, May 6at 2:00 pm. This program is offered as part of The Purrington Lecture Series by the Mattapoisett Library Trust.

Imagine the often irreparable damage suffered by ancient monuments and museums in war-torn countries ranging from Afghanistan to the island of Cyprus. Dr. Swiny will discuss the before and after beauty and condition of these treasures, the destruction of which results in the loss of ethnic identities for people in the affected areas.

With beautiful photographs, Dr. Swiny will also offer a description of the rich and varied, but little known, ancient cultures for which Cyprus, Aphrodite’s birthplace, is renowned.

Dr. Swiny, Professor Emeritus from the University at Albany, New York, is currently the Director of the Sotira Archeaological Project. He has lectured widely in the United States and abroad, and has spent many years on site in Cyprus and in the Middle East.

A reception will follow the lecture. Please call the library at 508-758-4171 to make a reservation, but walk-ins are welcome. The library is located at 7 Barstow Street and is handicapped accessible. Additional parking is available at Shipyard Park, one block from the library at the wharf.

Robert E. Black

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Robert E. Black, 81, died May 2, 2018 peacefully at home. He was the husband of Joan N. (Edwards) Louden-Black. The son of the late F. Robert and Eileen (Fitzgerald) Black, Robert was born and raised in Wakefield, traveled the world, and lived in Mattapoisett since the 1970’s.

Robert was an alumnus of Boston College and Clark University and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Robert, a veteran of the Vietnam War, served his country as an intelligence officer in the United States Army and for the federal government. He retired from the Army as a Colonel and as a professor from Massachusetts Maritime Academy after 25 years of teaching.

A true family man, he was also an avid outdoorsman, environmentalist and often volunteered his time to several of his favorite charities, including Save the Bay and Good Samaritan’s.

Survivors include his wife, Joan; sons, Christopher P. Black and his wife Leslie of Evans Mills, NY, Gregory D. Louden and his wife Meredith of Knoxville, TN, Kevin V. Louden and his wife Noi of Mattapoisett, Kevin P. Black of Marion and Colin M. Black and his wife Cindy of Milton; daughter, Katie M. (Black) Staier and her husband Joseph of Duxbury; a sister, Rosalie Preston of Wakefield, MA and sister-in-law, Janet Black of Avon, CT; 15 grandchildren, Nicole, Kirby, Dillon, Hunter, Griffith, Kellianna, Cameron, Sidney, Jack, Jake, Olivia, Audrey, Avery, Connor, and Asa; 4 great-grandchildren, Katelynn, Cole, Aiden and Pari; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Philip Black and Peter Black.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 7th at 9 am in St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, May 6th from 2-6 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, Robert would like you to make a donation to the Boy Scouts of America or Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.