Edward W. Lewis, Jr.

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Edward W. Lewis, Jr., 87, of Mattapoisett, died peacefully at home on August 19, 2017.

Mr. Lewis was born in Watervliet, NY and resided in Mattapoisett since 1964. He was employed at the Alberox Corporation in New Bedford for over 30 years before his retirement in 1994. For over 50 years he was very active in the United States Power Squadron, an organization devoted to recreational boating and safe boating education, serving as Commander and in various other offices with the Mattapoisett chapter.

Mr. Lewis leaves his wife of 64 years, Dorothy J. Lewis, son Edward Lewis and his wife Vaune of Sudbury, MA, and daughter Mary Gupton and her husband Greg of Washington, DC. He was predeceased by his daughter Dr. Elaine Lewis. Mr. Lewis greatly loved his six granddaughters, Emily Lemieux, Jessica Seaver, Marrissa Lewis, Stephanie Lewis, Heather Gupton, and Laurel Gupton.

A service celebrating Edward’s life will be held Friday, August 25 at 11:00 am at The Inn on Shipyard Park, 13 Water Street, Mattapoisett. It should be a beautiful day near the ocean he loved so dearly.

Donations in his memory may be made to the United States Power Squadron Educational Fund, P.O. Box 30423, Raleigh, NC 27622. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Academic Achievements

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Maria Teran Dondyk of Mattapoisett has been recognized for achieving academic distinction at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Teran Dondyk, majoring in information technology, was named to the dean’s list at UMass Lowell for the spring 2017 semester.

To qualify for the dean’s list at UMass Lowell, a student must have completed no fewer than 12 graded credits for the semester and earned at least a 3.25 grade-point average with no grade lower than C and without any incompletes.

Don’t Get a Dog

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Recently I learned that a young, single mom was taking steps to re-home her dog. The mom and her daughter live alone and about three years ago, it seemed like a great idea to get a puppy – a pal for the daughter.

When I originally heard this, I wondered who was going to take care of the dog since the kid goes to school, plays sports, attends dance classes and has tons of homework while the mom works long hours. How would a puppy fit in? I thought maybe the mom was getting a pet for all the wrong reasons. Had she thought about the time commitment required when you own a dog?

Three years later with an increasingly demanding job, the dog had become not much more than a postscript on Facebook postings. There simply wasn’t any time that could be devoted to the dog. Mom now realized the unfairness of it all.

The Mom is an intelligent and kind person, so don’t think that I’m besmirching her character. I am not. What I am saying is don’t get a dog if you can’t put the time in.

Dogs are pack animals. Their DNA is loaded with molecules that scream, “Hey, where are you all going? I’m going too!” “Let’s go outside and play right now!” and “You’re the alpha – make me behave!” Left alone, absent the all-important guidance of a leader, they can become animals without manners or pack attachment. Hence, we see dogs that have never been taught even the most basic skills – dogs who pull on leashes, chew on furniture, bark incessantly, and even bite.

Today, thanks to reality TV, we know the importance of taking responsible care of pets. After all, who hasn’t watched at least one episode of Cesar Milan as he instructs humans: “The dog is just being a dog. You have to be the calm and assertive pack leader.” Thank you, Cesar.

Years ago when I decided I had the time and the money to bring a dog into our home, I read the book No Bad Dogs by Barbara Woodhouse. That book was an early precursor to the thousands of how-to books you can find. Back then, Woodhouse explained the needs of a dog in basic post-WWII terms, but with same guiding principle: “You are the pack leader. Do your job.”

Of course, I made mistakes (please forgive me, Zeb and Taz). Yet those dogs did live good lives, lives that were fully integrated into the household routine. That is key … the dog must be given its fair share of your time.

I tell people who gush over my pal Harry, 13-pounds of fluffy love, “Owning a dog is more work than having a kid…” That’s a gross exaggeration, but if you are a responsible dog owner, you know what I mean.

Note to Humans:

Dear Humans,

You have to go straight home after work and take care of the dog. The dog is waiting. Yes, you do have to allocate part of every day to being outside with the dog. A dog needs exercise and so do you. Yes, you have to teach the dog what is acceptable behavior over and over and over again until it finally accepts the training. Yes, owning a dog is a huge responsibility, one that should be           weighed against what type of lifestyle you plan on living, because the dog needs its own space in the scheme of your life.

Thank you,

Marilou

Please don’t get a dog solely because you believe it will teach your children responsibility. You, the adult, not only have to take the time to teach the dog all it needs to learn, you have to teach the kids at the same time. It takes years to train both species.

Do get a dog if you are able to dedicate your time, talents, and cash to the newest non-human member of the family. Do get a dog because you love dogs and know without a shadow of a doubt you are ready for the work involved. Get a dog after you’ve adequately educated yourself on the breed, temperament, exercise needs, and whether or not you can handle its special needs.

As for the mom who is seeking to re-home her pup, she is doing it the right way and the dog will be better off in the long run. But she could have saved herself lots of emotional grief had she used a different set of criteria when weighing the pros and cons of acquiring a dog. As for the dog in question, he’s still waiting to find his forever home where he can play a starring role without being viewed as a burden.

By Marilou Newell

 

New Wells Planned in Rochester for Marion

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Many decades ago, fresh water sources in the Tri-Town area were established to serve the needs of the residents within each of the towns. But that didn’t mean that Rochester’s water wells were in Rochester or that Marion’s were within its town limits.

Today, Fairhaven owns the right to water in Mattapoisett as does Rochester and Marion owns wells now located within the town lines of Rochester.

Confused yet? With the development of the Mattapoisett River Valley Water Supply District Commission, the towns work together to explore water sources, acquire important parcels of land along the river valley, and assist one another in a myriad of ways.

On August 15 the Town of Marion, represented by Jon Gregory of Tata and Howard, Inc., sought permission to rehabilitate fresh water wells off Mary’s Pond Road in Rochester. Before arriving at Rochester’s Town Hall for the public meeting, the commissioners met at the site with Gregory to evaluate the site and begin discussions.

Gregory explained that the site originally had 26 tubular wells that were constructed in the 1950s. He said the wells were rehabilitated in 1983 but that subsequently, the wells began drawing a great deal of silt. The wells failed after another attempt in 2009 and that “…basically it’s been abandoned since 2010.”

Gregory said a new rehabilitation project would take place over two phases. The first phase will be to dig several test wells for a for “pump testing” to record “water yield” and “water quality.” If all goes well and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection gives the project a green light, the second phase will include the rehabilitation of the pump station and associated electrical and piping needs.

All agreed that Gregory’s team would work closely with Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon and that during construction, processes might have to be tweaked in the field to ensure the least amount of environmental disturbance as possible. The entire area in question falls under the Wetlands Protection Act.

Marion’s Notice of Intent filing received a positive order of conditions. The work will begin in the fall and be completed sometime in the spring of 2018, Gregory said.

Receiving a negative determination of acceptability earlier in the meeting was an application by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for maintenance work between 59 and 72 Marion Road. The work is jurisdictional based on its proximity to Doggett Brook.

A request for a certificate of compliance was indefinitely continued for property located at 137 Dr. Braley Road. Farinon said that the site was not stabilized and showed signs of erosion and that the applicant had requested a continuation to allow time for compliance to the commission’s order of conditions.

Also continued for a second time was the Notice of Intent filing by Progressive Growers, Inc., Kings Highway, Rochester. The public hearing is planned for September 5.

The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for September 5 at 7:00 pm in the town hall meeting room.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

 

Anna Lee Carey Van Allen

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Anna Lee Carey Van Allen, 97, died peacefully at Pomperaug Woods, August 14th, near Naugatuck, CT, her home for 65 years. Born August 9, 1920 in Rose Valley, PA to Jessie and Harry Lee Carey, she attended Friends Central School and graduated from William Woods College ’40 and Penn State University ’42, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, a journalism major, and among a minority of women attending college in that era.

She dedicated her life to raising five children and volunteering for her community in extraordinary ways. With her husband, Robert William Van Allen, she founded the United Way of Naugatuck in 1962. She was honored by that organization in 2007 with a community service award named “The Van Allen Medal” in honor of her and her late husband who both served as board members and president for years. That award is still given each year to an outstanding volunteer.

A deeply spiritual person, she held many roles at the Naugatuck Congregational Church for over 60 years including: the first woman moderator, president of the Litchfield District and State Women’s Fellowship, chair and member of the diaconate, Sunday School teacher, and chair of the 200th anniversary celebration. She especially loved organizing events such as jumble sales, fairs, and potluck dinners with her best friend Sarah Buell.

Keenly interested in local politics, she was elected a Senior Burgess of Naugatuck and served as acting mayor of the town. Her grandchildren still have campaign buttons with the slogan “ALVA for Burgess!” an acronym that persisted for the rest of her life. She was on the Park Board Commission, the Environmental Advisory Board, the Human Resources Committee, the Youth Advisory, Public Safety Committee for fire and police, and served as the Constitutional Bicentennial chair. She also ran in 1971 as a Republican for state representative and served on the State Board of the Connecticut Girl Scout Council, and Chairperson of the Naugatuck Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Always ready to volunteer for any good cause, she chaired and was a lifetime member of the Women’s Study Club; she served on the boards of the Child Guidance Clinic, the Waterbury Hospital Auxiliary, the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra, and the Environmental Commission. She served as chair of the Coordinating Center for Women which offered resources to local churches to address women’s issues such as breast cancer, victims of abuse, and education for young teenagers.

Above all, she treasured time with her husband and family. She loved planning celebrations on every holiday and birthday well into her eighties, and organized picnics and sing-alongs with her children and a large extended circle of close friends in Naugatuck. She and Robert traveled all over the world with Sarah and Sherman Buell. For more than 73 years, she and her family spent summers on the beach in Quonochontaug, RI, enjoying the simple pleasures of swimming, biking, canoeing, clamming, and hosting large gatherings of children and grandchildren. Everyone was given chores and any outstanding deed or small kindness was given an “attagirl “or “attaboy” award. Her favorite phrase was “You can do anything you think you can do!”

Her husband Robert, died in 2004 after 63 years of marriage. She leaves four daughters and a son: Patricia Van Allen Voigt of Philadelphia, PA (Fred); Lee Van Allen Roberts of Katonah, NY (Ken); Margaret Van Allen Albert of Wareham, MA (David); Beth Van Allen Van der Veer (Paul) of Marion, MA; and R. Mark Van Allen of New Haven, CT (Jane).

She has eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday September 17, 2017 at the Naugatuck Congregational Church, Naugatuck CT at 3 pm. Donations in her memory may be made to : The United Way of Naugatuck and The Naugatuck Congregational Church.

Edward J. “Muddy” Ruel, Jr.

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Edward J. “Muddy” Ruel, Jr., of Mattapoisett, born in Norwood, MA, Age 73, passed away unexpectedly on a peaceful ocean journey home from Martha’s Vineyard on August 17, 2017. He is survived by his wife Deborah Cameron Ruel; former wife Freda Hall Ruel; children Edward J. Ruel, III and his wife Rosemary of Fairhaven, Heather M. Ruel of CT and Rachel Ruel of Union City, NJ; step-children David Rolfs and his wife, Whitney, of Mattapoisett and Jenny Outor and her husband, Michael, of Lakeville, MA; grandchildren Edward J. Ruel, IV, Jillian Ruel, Jenna Ruel, Michael Outor, Matthew Outor and Emily Rolfs; siblings Dr. Jon Ruel and his wife, Joan, Steve Ruel and his wife Joy all of Mattapoisett and Dr. Paula Ruel of Franklin; nieces and nephews.

He is a graduate of Providence College and joined the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam War. He was the proprietor of New England Systems and Supply, Inc. for 48 years, starting in Boston and moving to Mattapoisett in 1980.

He was most happy at home on Crescent Beach with his family and his grandkids calling him “Bumpa”. He lived in Dedham most of his life, summering in Mattapoisett before moving to Mattapoisett in 1980.

 

His private funeral arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Michael J. Cafarella

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Michael J. Cafarella, 50, of Little Compton, RI, and Marion, Massachusetts passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2017. He was the husband of Renee A. (Manosh) Cafarella.

Born in Elmira, NY, he was the son of Frank A. and Peggy (Rymsha) Cafarella. Michael received his undergraduate degree from Framingham State University and his Master’s Degree from UMass – Dartmouth. He worked as a rehabilitation clinician for St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, vice-principal and clinical director for Cape Cod Collaborative, and clinician for Community Substance Abuse Center in New Bedford.

Michael was passionate about music and was a gifted drummer, guitarist, and pianist. Michael deeply loved his family, friends and clients. His four beautiful children were the joy of his life. His happiest times were spent on the beach with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Renee of Little Compton, RI; his beloved children, Matthew, Adrianna, Luke, and Katrina of Little Compton; his parents, Frank and Peggy Cafarella of Marion; his sister, Michelle Sogolow and her husband Andy of Scituate, MA his brother, Mark Cafarella and his wife Carla of Marion; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Matthew Cafarella.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 74 Simmons Road, Little Compton, RI at 1 PM. Burial will be private. Visiting hours have been omitted.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army c/o Salvation Army Adult Rehabiltation Center, 281 N. Main St., Brockton, MA 02301. For directions and online guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com

Marion Art Center Auditions

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The Marion Art Center will be holding auditions for its upcoming fall production of ART, the international hit play written by Yasmina Reza with English translation by Christopher Hampton. Auditions will be held from 7:00 – 9:00 pm on Tuesday, August 22, and Thursday, August 24, at the Marion Art Center, 80 Pleasant Street in Marion. Production dates will be November 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18. Auditioning actors should be prepared to read from a provided script. For the cast, the Marion Art Center is seeking three male actors, age 30 to 50:

– Serge: somewhat self-important, but also very affected by his friends’ opinions of him

– Marc: blunt, sarcastic, confident and down-to-earth

– Yvan: a little nervous and wishy-washy

Winner of the 1998 Tony Award for Best Play and the 1996 Olivier Award for Best Comedy, ART is the story of three friends and the painting that threatens to tear their relationship apart. Through all their squabbling, Serge, Marc, and Yvan discover that like the painting, their friendship is not what it seems. The ensemble piece will be directed by Linda Costa. For more information, call 508-748-1266.

Mattapoisett Library Readies for Fall

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Summer at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library has just about come to a close. The Children’s Summer Reading Program “Build a Better World” went out with a bang last week with an ice cream social for all who participated. Over 200 readers read 2,980 hours during the six weeks, and around 160 young readers and parents attended the party to celebrate this achievement.

Just because fall is on the horizon doesn’t mean the fun is ready to stop, however. Beginning on Tuesday, August 22, the library is launching its “Art Project for Mindfulness.” Young readers are welcome to take an indoor storywalk through the library to read the pages of the book Only One You by Linda Kranz, which encourages everyone to be kind, to follow your own path, and to make the world a better place.

A kindness rock-painting station will also be open for the creative young minds of the Tri-Town to add their own touch to what will become a colorful and inspirational art project.

Between August 22 and Saturday, September 9, young readers will also have the chance to enter a “Back to School” raffle. All they need to do is fill out an “I Liked It!” bookmark and turn it in at the Children’s Desk downstairs.

On September 9, the last day of the “Art Project for Mindfulness,” a special guest will be in for a visit in the Children’s section. Breton the Therapy Dog will be there from 10:30 to 11:00 am, and youngsters are welcome to join him to listen to stories and make a dog-inspired craft! The library asks that participants please register in advance.

For those awaiting the ever-popular morning “Drop-In Storytimes” for little ones up to 5 years old, these will restart on Tuesday, September 12. All at 10:30 am, Tuesday will be for ages birth to 2, Wednesdays for ages 2-3, and Thursdays for ages 3-4.

There will also be several events for adult readers before the summer ends. “Fabric Speaks! Banners: Their Purpose + Design” will be run by designers Charlotte Purrington and Penny Brewer. This program will be on Wednesday, August 30, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

A lecture series on “The Years Between the Wars: 1918-1939” run by Seth Mendell will also be occurring at 7:00 pm on Tuesdays. This series, which will run for six Tuesdays, started on August 15 and will end on September 19. The library asks that participants for both of these events sign up at the Main Circulation Desk.

By Jo Caynon

 

Fighting Phragmites

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Like many in Marion, Michael Palmer of 5 Edgewater Drive wants to get the spread of phragmites on his property under control, and on August 9 he took the proper route to pursue that goal by appearing before the Marion Conservation Commission with a Request for Determination of Applicability.

Commission member Jeffrey Doubrava asked Palmer how he planned to eradicate the invasive non-native plants, and Palmer said he planned to cut them down by hand and then treat the roots with an herbicide – as long as it is a glyphosate-based herbicide and not Roundup®, which is not approved for use in the wetlands due to a petroleum agent, according to Doubrava.

Palmer said the abutting neighbor is also considering eradicating some phragmites near Palmer’s, which the commission encouraged – as long at the neighbor first files with the Conservation Commission.

Commission Chairman Cynthia Callow advocated partnering with the neighbor, saying, “Because his will jump into yours, that’s how bad it is.”

            And if the neighbors do not fight the phragmites together, “You’re just fighting a losing battle,” commission member Shaun Walsh said.

            Palmer received a Negative Determination for the removal of the phragmites and also for some minor grading of the property away from the house foundation.

In other matters, the commission granted a Negative Determination for Will O’Leary at 45 Parkway Lane for the replacement of a retaining wall and the addition of an 8-foot by 15-foot deck. Walsh said he and Doubrava had visited the site and found it relatively far from the resource area with no concerns. The application was an after-the-fact filing. Doubrava pointed out that roughly 90 percent of the work had already been completed, and no further work outside the plan was anticipated.

The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for August 23 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall located at 164 Front Street.

By Jean Perry