Still Freezin’ for a Reason

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Plunging into the frigid cold water in the wintertime might appear as a one-time-only item on the bucket list of some people, but there are actually people – some of them your own neighbors – who have made the annual Freezin’ for a Reason New Year’s Day Polar Plunge a yearly tradition.

Take the Fagan family, for instance. This large group of Santa hat-donning plungers of multiple generations ranging in age from 10 to 59 made the 2017 polar plunge their third year participating in the event.

Doreen Fagan of Mattapoisett, speaking for the entire group, said it’s easy to take the plunge when you’ve got a bunch of “crazy kids” who look forward to the New Year’s ‘swim’ every year.

“And we love it,” said Fagan, thankful this year’s 41 degrees was a rather mild morning to take the plunge, unlike their first plunge in 2013 when it was well below the freezing point.

In the background, the bonfire heated up a small radius of readying swimmers pre-plunge, and the song Eye of the Tiger played from the loud speaker to get the crowd pumped.

Marion resident Mark Claudio in his “Stay Strong Nick” T-shirt was down to his swimming trunks as he stood fidgeting with his three walleyball buddies, two of which were plunging with him. Frank Farrell, 72, of New Bedford, admitted it was his first-ever polar plunge as Claudio handed him a small bottle of an orange “liquid adrenaline” of sorts, as Claudio put it.

Claudio’s son Nicholas, a student at ORR well known for his participation in the ORR Drama Club, suffered a brain tumor at the age of 9, which left him blind. Claudio has made the annual polar plunge a way of showing support for his son.

Claudio gave Farrell a primer on what to expect when the cold water hits you.

“When you run in, you go crazy,” said Claudio. “As the cold water hits you, you feel a little ‘woop woop woop’ and you say, ‘Yeah!’”

Mark Audette added, “The adrenaline helps you not feel how cold you really are.”

Nearing noon, the plungers lined the edge of the water, with a few apprehensive children dipping their toes first into the water to gauge their reactions. More people stood on that beach that winter’s day than on the hottest day in summer.

As the countdown began, voices increased in volume as they shouted in unison 3, 2, 1 – followed by a lot of screaming and splashing.

It’s a sight to behold and it’s all over way too quickly – for the spectator, that is. There were perhaps one or two people who lingered longer in the water, taking an actual swim, and a few who thought once wasn’t quite enough and returned to the water for Round 2.

“The community came out big time this year,” said Michelle Huggins, whose family organizes the event. “It’s a powerful day. Humanity packs a huge punch in Mattapoisett New Year’s Day.”

The Hugginses started this annual polar plunge five years ago and have raised thousands of dollars through their organization “I Will” for Tri-Town families struggling with cancer.

“Compassion is all around us on the beach. You can feel the energy. Plungers and spectators are all so elated and energized,” Huggins said. “We have so many generous souls that come together to make this event happen.”

By Jean Perry

Marion Town House Building Committee

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The Town House Building Committee will hold an informational hearing on Thursday night, January 26 at the Marion Music Hall. The Committee and T2 Architecture have been working hard on new options and will present updated plans and cost estimates. The updated options reflect reduction in the size and cost of the project.

Voters and interested parties, whether they favor a new Town Hall on the VFW site or want to save at least a portion of the historic Town House, should attend to hear the facts and offer their opinions.

Academic Achievements

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Isabella King, a Marion native, qualified for the fall 2016 Dean’s List at Belmont University. Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.

Frank Cabral, Jr.

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Frank Cabral, Jr., “Frank the Barber”, age 70, of Rochester, MA, passed away December 16, 2016 after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones. Frank was the son of the late Frank and Margaret Cabral, Sr.. Survivors include his daughter, Sara Ann Lima and her husband, Antonio S. Lima, Jr. and his granddaughter, Zariah Cosette Lima, all of Wareham, MA.

Frank served in the Navy during the Viet Nam era on the USS Boxer, and is well known for his motto “If you like your freedom, thank a vet”.

Frank followed his father’s legacy and was the owner/operator of “Love-Lea-Acres Frank’s Barber Shop”, the first barber shop in Rochester, MA established in 1960, and he enjoyed all of his many customers.

Frank enjoyed motorcycles, hot rods, and was a gun enthusiast. He enjoyed hanging out in the garage with friends and loved to pass time by watching cars drive by the farm and wave.

On Frank’s behalf, the Cabral family would like to recognize and thank all of Frank’s caretakers, especially his best friend, Chet Smigel, and his cousin, Lisa DeBrito (Costa).

A celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Mattapoisett COA Happenings

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Everyone is welcome to participate in activities and services at the Mattapoisett Council on Aging, 17 Barstow Street. Most activities are “drop in.” For any questions and/or to register for trips and special events, call 508-758-4110 or e-mail to: coadirector@mattapoisett.net.

Mondays: 8:45 am – Tai Chi (free); 10:00 am – Qi Gong meditative healing (free); 10:00 am – Knitting; 12:00 pm – Strength & Balance (free); 1:00 pm – Scrabble; Foot Care – once a month by appointment.

Tuesdays: 8:45 am – Sport Yoga ($3); 10:00 am – Dance Fit ($4); 10:00 am – Legal Consulting (2nd Tues. of month, free 15 min, by app’t); 11:00 am – Walking Group; 12:00 pm – Movie & Pizza (last Tues. of month); 12:30 pm – Art History (once every other month, free); 1:00 pm – Water Color Painting (free); 4:00 pm – CHESS (free).

Wednesdays: 9:30 am – Dance Fit (free); 10:00 am – Men’s Group (2nd Wed. of month at Public Library); 10:45 am – Meditation; 11:00 am – Book Club (3rd Wed. of month); 12:00 pm – Strength & Balance (free); 1:00 pm – Bingo; 1:15 pm – Mah Jongg.

Thursdays: Various Trips (call for details); 1:00 pm – Country Line Dance.

Fridays: 8:45 am – Sport Yoga ($3); 9:00 am – Computer Tutor (free, by appointment); 10:00 am – Rx Qi Gong ($6.50); 11:15 am – Chair Yoga ($3); 1:00 pm – Line Dancing (donation).

Upcoming Specials (registration required unless otherwise noted): Jan. 3 at 4:00 pm – CHESS begins at COA; Jan. 5 – Caldera’s Restaurant; Jan. 9 – Dental Cleanings at COA (by appt.); Jan. 10 at 12:30 pm – Art History “CityScapes”; Jan. 18 at 11:00 am – Book Club, City of Thieves; Jan. 19 – East Bay Grille; Jan. 21 Friends of COA Annual Meeting at Public Library with Guest Speaker, Jennifer McIntyre of the Historical Society (drop in); Jan. 26 – Airport Grille; Jan. 31 Movie & Pizza, Sully.

NHS Spreads Holiday Generosity

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During the week of December 19, Old Colony got into the holiday spirit. Starting on Monday, the National Honor Society made its trip to P.A.C.E. Headstart Programs in New Bedford to deliver gifts to kids.

For the past month, the Honor Society and the rest of the school worked hard to collect items for ‘We Care Kits.’ These kits consisted of toothbrushes, toothpaste, warm gloves and hats, socks, books, crayons, coloring books, and toys. The staff and students donated items and time to ensure there would be enough presents for every boy and girl.

Then finally, on Monday, a few NHS members selected by their advisers set out to deliver their gifts. Santa hats, elf costumes, and ugly sweaters were worn with pride as students boarded the buses.

Once there, students were shocked by the grateful kids. P.A.C.E. Headstart is a child development program/day care center that helps low income families in local towns. Some of these children had never had their own toothbrushes before. Many were overjoyed to receive presents.

One student who wished to remain anonymous shared his experience upon arriving back at school.

“You see these children, and you see the poverty and hardship. You see the thing parents tell you not to stare at, and you look into their eyes,” the student said. “They finally had their own toothbrush, gloves, and other things we view as basic necessities, and you see the thankfulness in their heart. The level of appreciation is tangible, and it is fantastic to finally give to those who have had the bare minimum their whole lives.”

NHS President Kelsey Malloy shared the story of two young boys who pulled her aside to thank her for giving them their own Christmas gifts for the first time in their lives. By the end of the day, over 300 gifts had been distributed to kids in need. It was truly a life changing experience for everyone involved.

Later in the Old Colony school week on Wednesday, December 21, the staff and students competed in the annual ugly Christmas sweater contest.

Wacky hats and sweater wearing individuals walked the halls. Students in light up sweaters, double sweaters, and sweaters coated in tinsel competed against staff in reindeer sweaters and even the superintendent wore a sweater-patterned suit. The ugly sweater group took photos together throughout the day.

The following day students took a vote to decide who had the ugliest sweater. The clear winner was Superintendent Polansky.

By Elizabeth Jerome

 

EPA Says ‘No’ to Marion’s NPDES Proposals

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In a letter dated December 9, the United States Environmental Protection Agency notified the Town of Marion that it would be moving forward in issuing the Town its National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, despite the Town’s efforts to propose alternative approaches to the significantly more stringent nitrogen levels.

Marion’s last NPDES permit expired back in 2012 and, during the past approximately two years since the EPA first contacted the Town regarding the reissuance of the permit, the town has been meeting with engineers, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the EPA with proposed measures to find solutions “outside the box,” as Town Administrator Paul Dawson put it, that would allow the town to find an alternative to costly upgrades to the existing wastewater treatment plant and sludge lagoons.

“While we have benefitted from the additional information that we have received from you and others … since the public notice period ended nearly a year ago,” writes Ellen Weitzler, section chief of municipal permits at the EPA, “we are not persuaded by your reasons to further delay the long overdue reissuance of Marion’s permit.”

The Town had hoped the EPA would allow more time to explore regionalization of its sewer system with neighboring towns including Wareham and also took measures to explore the feasibility of tying the neighborhoods at Aucoot Cove to minimize septic system nitrogen pollution.

“Needless to say, we were a little surprised,” said Dawson. “We thought that made sense…. You can see in their letter they appreciate our proposal … but they don’t agree with us…”

Dawson said the Town would have no choice but to appeal the NPDES permit once it is issued, which could result in “a long drawn-out battle.”

“We just think that our approach makes sense,” Dawson said.

Dawson said the EPA’s attitude had been quite “arrogant.”

Selectman Steve Gonsalves is hoping that a Donald Trump administration and its stances on the EPA might benefit Marion pertaining to the wastewater NPDES permit.

“With the new administration change, I think it’s going to be a positive [for Marion],” Gonsalves said, adding that he was praying he was right. “They are gearing up for an administration change … and I don’t think it’s at the top of [Trump’s] priority list right now.”

Dawson agreed that changes in NPDES permit standards could very well change under President-elect Trump.

For now, Dawson said he is relying on Massachusetts Senator Bill Keating to put some political pressure on the EPA to assist Marion, and this is his only hope right now, for the time being.

By Jean Perry

 

Kenneth E. Kawa

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Kenneth E. Kawa, 70, of Mattapoisett died Sunday December 25, 2016 unexpectedly at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the husband of Carol A. (Mazzola) Kawa.

Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Chester and Doris (Souza) Kawa, he lived in Mattapoisett for many years.

Mr. Kawa was formerly employed as a salesperson at Robertson’s GMC in Wareham.

An avid fisherman, he loved antique cars and going to Foxwoods. He was a member of the Reservation Golf Course.

Survivors include his wife; his son, Kenneth E. Kawa, Jr.; his stepchildren, Laurie Sullivan and Lisa Rutledge; his brother, Chester Kawa, Jr.; his granddaughter, Justine Kawa; his step-grandson, Stephen Jon Ruhr, Jr.; several other step-grandchildren; and several aunts and cousins.

He was the stepfather of the late Stephen Jon Ruhr.

His Memorial Mass was celebrated on Friday December 30, 2016 in St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett. Visiting hours were omitted. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Delia M. “Ma Caton” (Amaral) Caton

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Delia M. “Ma Caton” (Amaral) Caton, 87, of Mattapoisett, passed away Friday, December 23, 2016, at St. Luke’s Hospital, in New Bedford, after a brief illness.  She was the wife of the late Manuel Caton, Jr.

Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Ernest and Georgianna (Sylvia) Amaral, she lived most of her life in Mattapoisett.  Delia had worked for 15 years at Wendy’s, in Fairhaven, until her retirement.  Prior to that she had worked for Coastline Elderly Services and at Dunkin Donuts.  She enjoyed knitting and crocheting.

She is survived by a daughter, Sylvia A. Rowell and her husband Donald, Jr. of New Bedford;  seven sons, Ernest Caton and his wife Patricia of Mattapoisett, Michael, Steven, Manuel, Jeffrey and Joseph Caton and his wife Lynda all of Mattapoisett and William Caton of Fairhaven;  a brother, Ernest Amaral, Jr. of New Bedford;  two sisters, Margaret Barboza of New Bedford and Diana Nunes of Acushnet;  10 grandchildren;  12 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held Wednesday, December 28, 2016 in River-Side Cemetery, Fairhaven.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family to help fund funeral expenses.

Olga R. (Miga) Martin

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Olga R. (Miga) Martin, 89 years old died at her home on Wednesday morning, December 28, 2016 surronded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Frederick Martin, Jr. (ret Patrolman/Juvenile Detective, Taunton Police Department). Olga was born in Taunton and daughter of the late Walter and Regina (Klos) Miga of Poland. She was a communicant of the former Immaculate Conception Church and a graduate of Taunton Schools. Olga was a retired kindergarten teacher’s Aid for the City of Taunton primarily at the Leddy School. Olga was a master craftsman, seamstrees, and milliner. Over the years Olga continued her interest in arts and crafts by taking extended courses with the Bristol Agricultural High School. Olga was accomplished in Japanese Needlepoint bunka, Knitting, baking and elaborate cake decorating. She loved spending time at Crescent Beach in Mattapoisett. She has visited Crescent Beach for over 68 years and has owned a home there for over 57 years. Olga was well traveled throughout the United States. Olga is the mother of Cynthia Martin of Mattapoisett, Susan Grigg and her husband Bill of Taunton, Frederick Martin, III (ret TFD) and his wife Karen and Peter Martin and his wife Ann of Mattapoisett. Olga is the grandmother of Frederick IV; Shawn, Caleb and Abby Martin and the great grandmother of Bruce, Kaia, Trent and Troy. She was the sister of the late Josephine Gscheidle of New York and Joseph Miga of Taunotn. Olga is survived by an extensive extended Martin Family as well as her niece and nephew Joan and Paul Gscheidle. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Crapo-Hathaway Funeral Home, 350 Somerset Ave, ( Route 138 South) Taunton on Monday Jan. 2, 2017 from 4-7PM. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in Holy Rosary Church, Bay Street, Taunton on Tuesday Jan. 3, 2017 at 10 AM. Interment St Joseph Cemetery. To light a candle, get directions or to access the memorial register go to www.hathawayfuneralss.com