Zoning Board Receives Quick Turn-Around

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A mere week after re-drawn plans were requested to satisfy board members’ questions, in a single-issue meeting on October 17, Rochester’s Zoning Board of Appeals granted a variance to allow the construction of a 30×71-foot steel storage building with a 12×30 covered ‘patio’ at 173 County Road.

            On October 10, board members told property owner Dwight Crosby they needed updated drawings of his proposal to build a steel structure to house his boat, RV, and other personal possessions near an existing cranberry bog.

            In record time, the board received the answer to its request: an updated design plan that includes a driveway that will support the weight of the vehicles Crosby will be driving into the carport. Chair David Arancio had explained on October 10 that the board needs the full plans in front of them before granting the variance, because to be without this would only enable any legal challenge to the board’s vote.  He also cautioned Crosby that all easements need to be shown on the plan. For example, one abutter across the street is in Wareham.

            On October 17, the board approved Crosby’s plan after refining the permit conditions drafted at its last meeting.  The structure shall be for dry storage only. It shall not be used for commercial use, nor for housing animals, nor for residential use.

            Arancio noted a letter from neighbor Thomas Barboza stating he had no problem with Crosby’s plan. The resulting approval vote was unanimous, 5-0.

            Earlier in the meeting, Arancio said the board’s next meeting will be November 14 and the meeting after that will be December 12 if the panel receives enough petitions to support that schedule.

            The Zoning Board of Appeals’ next regular meeting will be Thursday, November 14 at 7:15 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Michael J. DeCicco

Saving The Sea Turtles

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Once again, the Marion Natural History Museum hosted an informative and thought-provoking speaker bringing real-time urgency to all creatures great and small as they fight to survive.

            The October 19 event featured Karen Dourdeville, Sea Turtle Research Coordinator for the Massachusetts Audubon of Cape Cod. Armed with taxidermy examples of turtles and many decades of dedicated service to the cause of public awareness, Dourdeville’s presentation was both entertaining and poignant.

            There are four main types of sea turtles in and around Cape Cod Bay, and, to a lesser degree Buzzards Bay. They are Kemp’s Ridley, Loggerhead, Green, and Leatherback. All are listed by Mass Audubon as critically endangered, threatened, or endangered.

            Mass Audubon conducts field data collection, much of which is enabled by some 200 trained volunteers whose efforts to find stranded turtles has produced hundreds of happy endings over the years. Unhappy endings include collecting victims of boat strikes or cold stunning and necrotizing their bodies. An important data collection process is also to ascertain why the turtle died and washed ashore.

            These gentle, air breathing reptiles spend much of their early years following the Gulf Stream (think surfer dude Crush from Finding Nemo). When they are mature enough to reproduce, the Earth’s magnetism is used to triangulate them back to their birthplace.

            Recreational boat strikes rank high on the list for killing sea turtles. The reptiles are hard to see and have to rise to the surface to breathe. Turtles also rest on top of the salt water tides and are nearly impossible to visually detect.

            Educating the boating public is an urgent matter Dourdeville stated. If boaters know they are sharing the local bays with turtles that can grow to over 1,000 pounds, they may be more cautious.

            Then there are those troublesome plastic bags. Dourdeville said that plastic bags floating just below the surface of the sea move and look like jellyfish – a turtle’s favorite food.

            Mass Audubon has been engaged in trying to find ways to minimize fishing gear entanglements, especially those used by commercial fishermen. Dourdeville told of horrific drowning deaths when ropes used to secure lobster traps wrap around the air breathing animals.

            Dourdeville was hopeful, however. She believes that by educating the public the turtles may be able to fight their way back from the brink of extinction.

            To contact Mass Audubon if you find a stranded turtle call hotline number 888-732-8878. To learn more about ongoing research and programs visit massaudubon.org.

By Marilou Newell

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Celebrate Halloweekend, Thursday, October 24 toSaturday, October 26. Check out a pumpkin with your library card all month long (while Supplies last.) Return your decorated pumpkin by Wednesday, October 23 to be entered into our Great Pumpkin Contest. Vote for your favorites during our Halloweekend celebration activities. Are you brave enough to explore the library’s first ever mini haunted library? What ghouls will you meet as you wind your way through our haunted stacks? Visit Thursday- Saturday to find out.

            On Thursday, October 24 students ages for ages 9+ can make some Halloween Boba after school from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, then join us for costume karaoke starting at 6:00 pm for food, fun, and music for all ages.

            On Friday, October 25 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm kids ages 5-9 can make Halloween decorations that light up at Pumpkin Paper circuits with Miss Macy.

            On Saturday, October 26 everyone is invited to play at our Boo Bash Games event from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm for a Halloween Scavenger Hunt, spooky sensory bags, a mummy race, and more. At 1:00 pm join us for adult crafts with Emily to make Fall Book Centerpieces. This craft project is recommended for ages 12 and up.

            Join Miss Macy for story times every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 10:30 am.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252

Mattapoisett Scholarship Committee

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As we reach the November 1 deadline to pay our Quarterly property taxes, I want to take this opportunity to remind residents of an easy and impactful way to support education in our community. Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 60, Section 3, taxpayers are given the option to voluntarily contribute additional funds when paying their property taxes, and these funds can be directed to our local scholarship programs.

            We have two programs for Mattapoisett residents: 1) Scholarship Fund for those graduating with a High School diploma: and 2) Education Fund for those residents who are not graduating from a High School but seeking to continue their education from a recognized facility. These awards cannot exceed $1500 per winner but there are no limits placed on the number of qualified winners per year.

            Unfortunately, we do not have the funds to reward all our most deserving applicants. In fact, awarding one full scholarship in each category challenges our funding. Many of our residents are surprised to learn about this shortfall. Despite the area’s relatively high income level, many are not even aware of the scholarships or the methods for funding them.

            The official notice of this Scholarship fund is at the bottom of your tax bill. You can include an additional amount with your payment as directed on the bottom of your property tax bill. Additional funds can always be donated at any time via the Mattapoisett tax collector’s office. If you have a question concerning the scholarship, donations, etc, please direct them to Christine Richards, Mattapoisett Town Administrator, Assistant to Town Operations.

            This is a chance for us to invest in the future of our young people by helping deserving students pursue higher education. In a time when the cost of college continues to rise, even small contributions can make a big difference in helping students achieve their academic dreams. Local scholarship funds, supported by our community, are often the key to unlocking educational opportunities for students who may otherwise struggle to afford them.

            I encourage everyone in our community to consider donating to support our local scholarships when paying your property taxes this year. By doing so, you are not only helping individual students but also investing in the future strength and success of our town.

            Let’s come together and make a lasting difference in the lives of our young people.

Election Day Prayer Service

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Fr. Eric Fialho, Rector of Saint Gabriel’s Parish in Marion, will be hosting a noontime prayer service on Election Day, November 5. This simple service will be filled with prayer, meditation, holy scripture, and time for reflection. All people, regardless of political party, or religious background are encouraged to attend. An optional time of fellowship, conversation, and food will follow the liturgy. Fr. Fialho said, “This prayer service is offered as a way to help bridge a political divide that is continuing to widen in our nation. My hope is that through services like these, people will remember that there is actually very little that separates us from one another, and that we are all equal in the eyes of God.” Saint Gabriel’s Episcopal Church is an open and affirming community of faith and welcomes all people to come to church just as the people they are. The Parish is located at 124 Front Street in Marion.

Unleash Your Creativity at the Mattapoisett Library

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This November, the Mattapoisett Free Public Library is celebrating creativity in full swing. We’re excited to launch a series of fun and imaginative events designed to inspire young storytellers, writers, and artists. Whether you’re into storytelling, comics, or graphic novels, we’ve got something special for you.

            It all kicks off with the Creative Storytelling Workshop. Join us every Saturday in November from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm for this exciting hands-on workshop where young storytellers will dive into the art of crafting compelling stories. Participants will brainstorm ideas, learn storytelling tips, and watch their imaginations soar as they create stories in any form they choose—whether it’s traditional writing, poetry, or even comics. This workshop is open to all writing styles and recommended for ages 8-12. While registration is encouraged, walk-ins are always welcome.

            Our Graphic Novel Book Club is back on Friday, November 15 at 3:30 pm, and this month we’re diving into Timid by Jonathan Todd. Copies are available at the library, so pick yours up and get ready for an engaging discussion, craft activity, and of course, snacks. This event is ideal for ages 9 and up. To join, simply register through our website, or drop by if you have any questions.

            On Thursday, November 21 at 3:30 pm, the author and illustrator of Timid, Jonathan Todd, will visit the library for an exciting workshop on graphic novel creation for the program, How to Create a Graphic Novel Page. Learn from the expert himself as he guides participants through the process of crafting an amazing story, sketching thumbnail panels, and penciling and inking like a pro. By the end of the session, you’ll have your very own graphic novel page. Ready to unleash your creativity? Register online to secure your spot for this can’t-miss event.

            All programs are free and open to the public. If you have any questions, please contact Brooke Solaris at bsolaris@sailsinc.org. You can also find more information on our website at MattapoisettLibrary.org.

Scallop Season Fully Opened

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During the October 22 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board, the scallop season openings were announced. Previously opened on October 15 were commercial and recreational fishing in the outer harbor. For recreational only fishing the inner harbor and Brandt Island Cove were also opened. On November 1, commercial and recreational fishing in the outer harbor, inner harbor, and Brandt Island Cove will be opened.

            In other business, the board met briefly with Andrew Nilson of Charles Engineering regarding the Long Wharf reconstruction project. Nilson said the project stands at 35 percent design completion and that material specifications will be determined later on in the project. Town administrator Mike Lorenco said that designs will be posted on the town’s website.

            Lorenco also shared that the installation of charging stations at the Police Department and the head of the bike path at Railroad Avenue was predicated on incentives offered by the state. He said that the cost to install two charging stations is approximately $370,000 versus $4,000 after the incentives are factored into the equation.

            The board also voted to exercise their right of first refusal for agricultural land off Chrystal Springs Road.

            Early voting continues during regular town hall hours and on Saturday, October 26 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not announced at adjournment.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Tri-County Symphonic Band Presents “A European Adventure”

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On Sunday, October 27 at 3:00 pm, the Tri-County Symphonic Band, under the direction of Philip Sanborn, will perform their season opening concert; “A European Adventure.” The program will be held in the Fireman Performing Arts Center at Tabor Academy in Marion, MA and will feature a world premiere by composer Thomas Borning as well as a tenor saxophone solo by Andrew Ponte. Mr. Borning is a composer, conductor, music educator, trumpet player, and Cape Cod resident. He wrote “Lift Off” knowing that it would be the first selection on the program and serve as the “jump start” for the adventure to follow. “Lift Off” was inspired by the power and energy of the DeLeo brothers of the Stone Temple Pilots.

            The band will also perform Karel Husa’s “Music for Prague 1968”, “Scenes from ‘The Louvre'” by Norman Dello Joio, “Vesuvius” by Frank Ticheli, and “Spain”, a Chick Corea jazz standard. “Spain” will highlight the jazz improvisational talents of tenor saxophonist Andrew Ponte. In his second season with the Tri-County Symphonic Band, Mr. Ponte is in demand as both a jazz and classical player in the area. He has appeared with the Marion Concert Band, Southcoast Jazz Orchestra, Get The Funk Out, and Jorge Ferreira.

            Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets can also be purchased at the Marion General Store, the Symphony Music Shop in North Dartmouth and online at tricountysymphonicband.org Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door.

3rd Annual Pumpkin Palooza

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Come one, come all – join us at the Cushing Community Center on Rte.6, for an afternoon of fun. Let’s get together, show off artistic talents, and create a lighted pumpkin display along Rte. 6 for everyone to enjoy on Halloween weekend!

            We’ll provide pumpkins and carving stations with tools & tea lights, or you can bring your own carved pumpkins to add to the display. Costumes encouraged. Join us for music, refreshments, yard games, face painting, petting zoo, balloon animals, cotton candy, goodie bags, and new this year – a pet adoption event from WAGS Animal Rescue and pet parade at 2pm. Every dog entered wearing a costume will get a surprise and then we will have a grand prize winner of a doggie dog bag.

            The event will be at the Cushing Community Center, 465 Mill Street, Marion on Saturday, October 26 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

            Pre-registration required for a pumpkin and/or to enter your dog in the contest by calling 508-748-3570. All dogs must be vaccinated, leashed, well behaved, and friendly.

Marion Officials Participate in EMA Tabletop Exercise

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On Tuesday, October 8, MEMA staff visited the Marion Police Department and facilitated a tabletop exercise with participants from the police and fire departments, Department of Public Works, Council on Aging, Public Information, Board of Health, Sippican Elementary School, and Community Emergency Response Team.

            A tabletop exercise is a part of MEMA training that tests emergency response plans using a hypothetical event. This can also assess the level of readiness through discussion.

            Marion’s exercise involved a weather-related event, specifically a snowstorm, which tested the town’s emergency response plans. Officials were tasked with responding to a real-world situation based on current town plans, policies, and procedures.

            “These exercises are valuable to assess our emergency response plans and help us identify possible areas for improvement,” Chief Nighelli said. “Town officials are committed to ensuring we are prepared for any situation, and we see value in these discussion-based activities.”

            The scenario evolved through three modules.

            Module one focused on the incoming storm and preliminary forecast, the possible resulting conditions such as power outages and storm surges, and the needed preparations.

Module two added new and evolving circumstances such as high wind gusts and quickly accumulating snow, a vehicle crash with leaking fuel, power outages and phone problems, impassable roadways, a structure fire, carbon monoxide emergencies, and downed live wires and trees throughout town.

Module three focused on the aftermath when the inclement weather had passed but added factors, including blocked roadways preventing emergency access to facilities and ongoing power outages.

During each module, participants were asked to consider their agency’s current priorities, sheltering operations and logistics, staffing and agency resources, public works services and resources, communications with the public, and possible challenges.

            Overall, the exercise was meant to help town officials put emergency response plans to the test to evaluate their effectiveness and identify possible areas for improvement.

            “These tabletop exercises and discussions provide a valuable opportunity to implement and evaluate our emergency response plans,” Town Administrator Gorman said. “They help us ensure that our policies and procedures are effective and efficient, enabling us to achieve the best possible outcomes in various emergency scenarios.”

            “Tabletop exercises are an integral part of preparedness and education,” said a spokesperson for MEMA. “They provide an opportunity for a community to test and validate plans and policies including a municipality’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) using a hypothetical event. CEMPs detail how a town or city can mitigate, respond to and prepare for different emergency incidents or events. The plan identifies specifically how the city/town will coordinate resources during a disaster or other event, the necessary tools that can be utilized, and how the community can recover from an emergency. Tabletop exercises also address best practices, strengths, weaknesses, and possible areas for improvement.”