The next Knights Teen Dance is on Friday, February 3 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm for $8. Teen dances provide a safe place for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to have a good time socializing, dancing and listening to their favorite music on a Friday night. Knights of Columbus chaperones and a uniformed police officer are on site at all of our dances.
On Sunday morning, January 22, nearly 100 people made their way into Sippican Harbor as part of Tabor Academy’s Polar Plunge event benefiting Special Olympics Massachusetts.
The event was the first of its kind at Tabor Academy, raising over $12,300 for the nonprofit organization. The funds from the Polar Plunge go directly towards programs that “help provide nearly 12,000 athletes with an opportunity to participate in programs that help them live a longer, happier, healthier life through sports programs,” according to the organization’s website.
Though the morning was unseasonably warm at just under 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the water proved to be colder at around 43 degrees. This did not seem to deter the “plungers,” with many screaming euphorically as they sprinted into the harbor.
Many of the participants left the water as quickly as they entered, running up onto the beach in search of their towels and the heaters stationed in the tent erected on the lawn above the beach. Others took their time in the water, lingering, seemingly unfazed by the bitter cold as they took in the moment.
Upon exiting the water, the energy on the beach was still high as people wrapped themselves in towels and got a bite to eat, courtesy of some local vendors.
“It wasn’t that bad,” said Tabor sophomore Jack Cederholm. “We’re feeling great!” chimed in fellow sophomore Gabby Barresi.
Tabor students made up the largest contingent of participants in the Polar Plunge, but they were not alone. The students were joined by members of the local community, a group from Sandwich High School and their Swim & Dive team, and a group of Tabor Academy faculty and administrators.
The Tabor administrators were the most visible, yet least recognizable at the event, dressed in costume for the plunge. Tabor’s Head of School John Quirk was particularly visible, dressed in a full-body Captain America costume. This was not the first time Quirk wore this costume into the water; in September 2015, Quirk took a jump off of one of Tabor’s docks to celebrate surpassing a fundraising goal for the school.
“It’s not very warm,” said Quirk jokingly.
The event was planned by the Tabor Academy Special Olympics Committee, a group of nine students overseen by faculty member Tim Cleary. The event took a considerable amount of planning and preparation, tasks taken on primarily by the students. From big tasks such as coordinating with Special Olympics Massachusetts and ordering the tent, to getting sponsors and T-shirts and food donations, the event took months of preparation and became a considerable group undertaking.
To spread the word, the committee used a variety of methods both at school and around the region.
“We did all-school announcements a couple of times, hung up posters and stuff like that … we spread the word with Facebook posts, and reached out to different towns like Fairhaven, Sandwich, and Mashpee; we tried to get as many people as possible,” said committee member Annalisa Souza, who also was the event’s top fundraiser with $1000 raised.
The participants had a variety of reasons as to why they jumped into Sippican Harbor on Sunday.
“It’s a really great cause, and it was a lot of fun,” said Tabor junior Piper Cole.
For Cederholm, this event was a continuation of a close connection he has had with the cause for much of his life.
“I’ve been working with kids with special needs since fifth grade and I love supporting the Special Olympics,” he said.
The Special Olympics programs at Tabor started gaining traction under the leadership of Cleary and Molly Bent, Tabor Class of 2016 and current member of UConn’s dominant women’s basketball team.
Early last school year, the committee of students was formed and work was done throughout the year to establish bylaws and build a foundation for the program.
This event was not the first held by Tabor Academy in association with Special Olympics Massachusetts, nor will it be the last. Last year, Tabor hosted a Valentine’s Day basketball tournament for the athletes and a Fitness Day; the latter brought the entire Tabor community together in April of 2016 to help facilitate the event.
Additionally, Tabor hosts weekly programs for the athletes throughout the winter.
This April, Tabor will again engage the entire community in hosting another day for the athletes on campus.
With the Polar Plunge “exceeding expectations,” awareness towards people with intellectual disabilities continues to grow both at Tabor and in the greater community. Tabor is expected to host another – hopefully bigger and more successful – Polar Plunge next year.
“Hopefully, it will be an annual thing,” said Souza.
By Jack Gordon
“Every tree cut down is detrimental to my house,” said Kenneth Yokel, 94 Fairhaven Road, during the January 23 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission.
Inspired to speak by a filing from the condominium association at 103 Fairhaven Road abutting his property, Yokel spoke against the association’s plan to remove 41 trees.
Association member David Dubois explained to the commission that it was necessary to remove the trees as they were dead or dying and posed a threat to property and residents. But Yokel pressed on, saying that since the development had been permitted, stormwater runoff had become a problem on his property.
Yokel asserted that by removing additional trees, the problem would only get worse.
“Every tree you cut down impacts water that surges onto my property,” Yokel said.
Conservation Commission Chairman Bob Rogers explained the commission’s role in the matter, saying, “Our focus is to permit it in a way that does impact the wetlands.”
Rogers said that all the trees in question were on the applicant’s property and thus a permit was in order.
Dubois said that trees would be removed over time as funds became available to do so. He was told that his application would be good for three years. The Request for Determination of applicability received a Negative 3 determination.
Richard Charon of Charon & Associates represented Donna McCaffery in a Notice of Intent filing for the construction of a 2,000 square-foot home on an undeveloped barrier beach lot.
The lot, located at 16 Cove Street, Charon explained, had not been acceptable for building prior to the installation of public sewer service. Now, with that in place, McCaffery wished to build.
Rogers questioned Charon about a concrete pad planned for under an elevated home, noting that it did not meet new FEMA regulations. Charon said that could be changed.
Rogers said that beach sand had to be allowed to migrate from the cove side to the marsh side, as noted by FEMA.
The hearing was continued until February 13.
Another project that was continued was the NOI filing from Julie Cabucio, 3 Oyster Lane, for the construction of a garage in a FEMA flood zone.
Represented by Jon Connell of Field Engineering, Cabucio’s property is within a storm velocity zone. Rogers asked that the plans be updated to include elevations to ensure everything met coastal building requirements. The hearing will resume on February 13.
A NOI filing by Weston Van Cantor, 29 Main Street, was approved and conditioned, clearing the way for the next phase of a planned building project.
The property is within the flood zone, explained Richard Ricci of Field Engineering, representing the applicant.
He also said the existing home would be razed and replaced with a new single-family dwelling, but that Zoning Board of Appeals approval would also be required.
Ricci said that a substantial amount of fill will be brought into the site, given the topography of the lot. Next step is a hearing with the ZBA.
Susan Nilson, CLE Engineering, once again met to conclude a NOI hearing for Samuel Waterston, 13 Shipyard Lane, for repairs and additions to a stone groin.
Nilson had previously explained that the multi-tiered process she had been pursuing included a Chapter 90 waterways permit and approval by Massachusetts Marine Fisheries, Department of Environmental Protection, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
On-site meetings with all parties, including Mattapoisett’s Conservation Agent Elizabeth Leidhold, had taken place, Nilson said.
During a previous meeting, Nilson had described an elastic rope system that is planned for a seasonal floating dock that will be attached at the end of the groin. This system is intended to minimize negative impact on existing eelgrass beds.
After convincing the commission that eelgrass surrounding the groin will not be heavily affected and that oversight and approval from the other agencies seemed likely, the project received conditions that include the three-year monitoring of eelgrass beds, removal of the float after November 15 annually, and no use of motorized vessels near the float and groin.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for February 13 at 6:30 pm in the town hall conference room.
By Marilou Newell
William B. Purtell, Jr., 77, of Bristol, RI, died Wednesday, January 25, 2017 after a long illness. He was the husband of the late Jane (Hinton) Allen Purtell.
Born in Trenton, NJ, son of the late William and Marion (Hammond) Purtell, he lived in Fairhaven for most of his life.
He served his country in both the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force, and later worked for the Department of Defense for 25 years until his retirement. In retirement, he assisted his wife in real estate services for many years.
William was a graduate of Fairhaven High School, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he received both his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Army Management Staff College, National Defense University, and San Francisco Technical University, where he received his Doctorate in Business Administration.
He is survived by three sons, Scott Purtell of Mansfield, Timothy Purtell and his wife Kristen of Melbourne, FL, and James Purtell and his wife Colleen of Somerset; his former wife, Patricia (Burton) Purtell; a brother, Sergio Purtell and his wife Melanie of Brooklyn, NY; nine grandchildren, Jillian, Kaylee, Brayden, Emma, Max, Evan, Summer, Nathan, and Mackenzie; two stepchildren, Jason Allen of Klawock, AK, and Jonay Zeis and her husband David of Cary, NC; and a step-granddaughter, Stella.
He was predeceased by his son, William J. Purtell.
His Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 3, 2017 at 11 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd., Rt. 6, Mattapoisett. A private family burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 5-7 PM. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Do you like cooking and trying new recipes? Then join us on Thursday, February 9 at 6:00 pm for our winter potluck cookbook club! Choose a dish to cook from any cookbook that the Elizabeth Taber Library owns and bring it (and the recipe) to share with the group.
Registration is required. To register, please call the library at 508-748-1252 or email eoneill@sailsinc.org.
Marion Recreation is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Summer Program Director for the 2017 season. Stacey Soucy Perry will use her many years of school and camp experience to offer high-quality summer program opportunities to Tri-Town residents. Stacey has over 20 years’ experience working with children. She served as an at-risk youth programs coordinator for Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department in Florida. After earning her master’s degree in elementary education, she began her teaching career at Coral Reef Elementary. In 1997, she returned to Massachusetts and became the enrichment teacher at Sippican School. She is currently the Vice Principal of West Elementary in Plymouth. When asked what she is most looking forward to this summer, Ms. Perry stated, “I’m really excited to get to work with the Tri-Town families again. Marion Recreation offers so many great opportunities for kids and I’m happy to be a part of such a great program. I want parents to feel comfortable that their children will be safe and cared for while having a blast at the Silvershell Summer Program.” Stacey will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Marion Summer at Silvershell program, coordinating activities for program participants, supervising staff, and organizing weekly field trips to area “fun spots.”
The Machacam Club will hold the February meeting on February 1 at the Legion Hall at 3 Depot Street. Social time is 5:30 pm; dinner is at 6:00 pm.
The meal will be ham & beans with pie for dessert. Courtesy of Chuck McCullough, our speaker for the evening will be Jennifer McIntyre, President of the Mattapoisett Historical Society. Jennifer will relate some of the history of the Society and some goals and programs for the future. Jennifer has been the President for the past three years when she replaced Seth upon his retirement.
Callers and members are asked to bear in mind the importance of call list accuracy. Caller lists should be done and reported no later than 9:00 pm on Monday, January 30 by email to gpfnr@aol.com or by phone to Mike at 508-758-9311. Members with requests can contact Mike by phone at 508-758-9311 no later than 9:00 am on Tuesday, January 31.
Another performance opportunity for musical students at the Old Rochester Regional High School and Junior High is coming up at the end of this month.
The Friends of Old Rochester Music will be hosting a Family Brunch this Sunday, January 29, at the Inn at Shipyard Park in Mattapoisett to help support the Music Departments at both schools.
“It’s an ‘open mic’ fundraiser for F.O.R.M. to raise money for trips, instruments and repairs,” high school Music Director Mike Barnicle said.
The brunch replaces the very successful Turks fundraiser that has been held annually in the past years and allows for attendees to hear performances from some of the students their support will benefit.
F.O.R.M. is planning to hold a raffle and will have a variety of live music from both students and professionals.
“Performing for a small audience makes the performance itself more intimate. It creates a feeling of community,” said Elise Parker, a member of the high school jazz combo that will be performing at the event. “Everyone has a common interest, and it’s cool to see everyone so interested in what you’re doing.”
This feeling of community is heightened by the contributions from F.O.R.M. that allow students enrolled in ORR musical groups to have a greater experience in the department than possible with just school funding alone.
In the recent past, the group helped the high school mixed chorus purchase new chorus dresses, pay for transportation to competitions, and provide scholarships for graduating seniors.
For some of the students benefitted by these actions, this small concert is a way for them to demonstrate their appreciation. For others, the brunch is another thing F.O.R.M. has given to them that helps further their passion for music.
“I know it makes me more nervous performing for smaller groups, but by doing this performance, I might be more comfortable with it in the future,” band and chorus member Caroline Regis said. “I’m going to treat this performance as something fun with friends, but also use it as a learning experience for the future.”
What type of music are attendees to expect?
“[We’ll play] popular songs from the 70s and 80s, along with some jazz standards; songs that people will recognize,” senior Maxx Wolski said of the jazz combo’s planned performances.
The Musical Sunday Brunch at the inn will run from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm this Sunday. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $15 for students for “a full brunch buffet.” To reserve tickets if still available, email F.O.R.M. at orrform02739@gmail.com.
By Jo Caynon
Eversource is preparing to engage the Town of Mattapoisett by shining a light on energy conservation through efficiency evaluations, and the light they intend to use will come from LED bulbs.
On January 24, the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen heard from members of the Clean Energy Community team from Eversource who are poised to embark on an outreach program that will assist residents, businesses, and the municipality in identifying ways to cut electric energy consumption.
Diane McCarthy-Bercury, Eversource workforce development and educational programs coordinator, gave a presentation outlining the strategic plans and goals of the program. Flanked by three other team members, she laid out the details.
The first phase, McCarthy-Bercury explained, will be a lead-by-example effort where a well-known person in the community will participate in an energy audit of their private residence and then report the results to the community.
A customized outreach campaign will be designed to push the program further into the community by enlisting support and assistance from local clubs and organizations, followed by community events and the publishing of results.
Selectman Tyler Macallister explained that the program is funded by a surcharge on monthly bills.
“You are already paying for this program. You might as well use it,” said Macallister.
Eversource, at the request of interested parties, will conduct energy audits in homes, schools, and businesses, identifying waste and areas that may be improved by the installation of energy efficient devices or structural improvements such as new windows and insulation.
“Customers are eligible to receive seventy-five percent off costs up to two thousand dollars,” McCarthy-Bercury stated. Businesses are eligible for even greater incentives, she explained. Customers receiving fuel assistance, MassHealth, or other financial support may qualify for no-cost help, and zero percent financing may also be available. But the first step is the audit.
McCarthy-Bercury said they were looking for the selectmen’s support and that a kick-off event – an LED bulb giveaway – could take place in March.
The goal, she said, was to achieve an overall 25 percent energy savings per consumer and, overtime, a more than 50 percent participation rate.
Town Administrator Michael Gagne said, “This is a very important program and even more important to businesses,” due to the high utility costs they incur.
Mattapoisett and Dartmouth are the only communities that have been selected at the present time to participate in the multi-tiered program.
In closing out her comments, McCarthy-Bercury said, “Pick up the phone and call Mass Save or visit the website.”
The website is www.masssave.com. The telephone number is 844-887-1400.
Also coming before the board was Nick Wright, 16 Hereford Hill Road, with a proposal for an aquaculture grant.
Reading from the proposal, Wright said, “I’m proposing to construct … an aquaculture project in Shaw’s Cove.” The planned shellfish farm will be located in Nasketucket Bay near the Fairhaven line. He said that the project would not negatively affect the area’s water circulation, eelgrass, sediment, water quality, or other existing shellfish beds.
Gagne said the next step would be for Wright to apply for a benthic survey to ensure that the selected location is acceptable to the Division of Marine Fisheries, after which he may return for the board’s approval. Wright’s hearing was continued until February 14.
Earlier in the evening, the selectmen met with members of the Mattapoisett School Committee and voted on the appointment of Dennis Perry as the Mattapoisett representative to the ORR School Committee to serve until May 2017. Perry is a former Finance Committee member with experience in large project management.
The selectmen also met with members of the Mattapoisett Women’s Club and the Mattapoisett Lions Club regarding an Earth Day event. The two groups are planning a day of cleanup around the town in a collaboration that will include the Boy Scouts, Mattapoisett Land Trust and others. Gagne said he would coordinate with the Highway Department for the collection of trash bags the teams will collect. The date is April 22 between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm with a rain date of April 23. An after party at Shipyard Park is also planned.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for February 14 at 6:30 pm in the town hall conference room.
By Marilou Newell
Picture this – you’re walking along in your day, somewhere, anywhere, and you look down to find a single, softly rounded stone that stands out from the rest. The rock has been painted and placed lovingly in your path with a message that seems to resonate with you in that exact moment in time, like someone who knew you and what you were going through put it there just for you.
As magical as that sounds, it has been the experience of many a wanderer since the start of an anonymously driven campaign that, rock by rock, has transformed into a global movement known as The Kindness Rocks Project, which has found its way to Rochester.
Started by a woman who lives in Cape Cod, Megan Murphy at first kept herself out of the picture by concealing her name, but as her website demonstrates, she eventually stood out like one of her rocks.
Murphy was always looking for ‘signs’ along her path. And one day she thought to herself, “Maybe I wasn’t the only one looking for such signs!”
That was when Murphy’s Kindness Rocks Project was born.
Concurring with Murphy that all things in life have meaning, I remember when I became an unsuspecting recipient of one such message that ‘vibed’ with me at that time in my voyage.
I was hiking across the Holyoke Range in Hampshire County alone two autumns ago, pondering my existence, where I was going, and what I wanted. I took a side path to my usual “pit stop” off the main trail and squatted down behind that big old rock I’d stopped at before and, breaking my concentration from the task at hand, I spotted a brightly-painted pink rock staring up at me.
“If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.”
Uh, bingo!
Funny how these things happen in the strangest of unsuspecting moments.
That message had a lasting impact on me, and not only did it leave me with a warm memory of a moment in a place I love, hey – I even got a story out of it.
So, when I heard about the Kindness Rocks Project reaching Rochester, I grabbed my camera to seek them out and grabbed my cell phone to find out more about who was behind it.
This led me to the Church Wildlife Conservation Area off Marion Road in Rochester and to Library Assistant Lisa Fuller and her minions, the Junior Friends of the Plumb Library.
“I got the idea from a patron of mine who did a walk in Falmouth, I believe, and she brought one back to me and thought I would like it because I’m a crafty person like that,” said Fuller.
Fuller did some research that brought her to Murphy’s website.
“So we decided to do the project in Rochester,” said Fuller. “This is a great thing because kids can do it, so we made some with materials [the website] recommended.”
Over a few Junior Friends sessions, the kids created their meaningful masterpieces with heartfelt messages, words of wisdom, and simple cheery words such as “love,” “caring,” “be kind,” and “be bubbly.”
“It’s actually very relaxing and you get a little warm, fuzzy feeling when you’re making them,” said Fuller.
Fuller and the kids partnered with the Rochester Land Trust and headed out one day to find the perfect spots to hide their kindness rocks so just the right person would find them.
The Junior Friends also placed a few of them around the entrance to library to spread the inspiration to fellow patrons of the library.
“People have commented on them that it was a nice cheery way to enter the building,” Fuller said.
Are you feeling inspired yet? Visit www.kindnessrocksproject.org to find out more information on the history and future of the Kindness Rocks Project and maybe join the movement that is making tiny little changes in the world, painted word by painted word, one rock at a time.
By Jean Perry
