Cat Shelter Addition Gets Approval

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The cats that call It’s All About the Animals home will soon be purring in their new ‘cat room’ and porch addition now that Pam and Oren Robinson, owners of the cat shelter at 103 Marion Road, finally received the approval they’d been seeking from the Rochester Planning Board.

On September 14, Planning Board Chairman Arnold Johnson said the waiver list for the Site Plan Review looked good to him and, although it might have taken some time for the rather simple and straightforward project to move through the review process, the board was ready to take a vote.

Ms. Robinson clapped upon the approval, with Planning Board member Lee Carr adding, “The cats will be happy.”

“They will,” replied Robinson, “And so will I.”

Johnson reminded Robinson that she would need to schedule a pre-construction conference before starting work after the 20-day appeal period is over and meet with public safety officials as well. There would also be a subsequent site visit, at which time Johnson said he had been dared by someone to leave the site without adopting a cat, a challenge he said he’s accepted.

Also during the meeting, – aside from a virtual Willy Wonka-esque gathering with heaping bowls of candy and chocolates, a new tradition for apparent sweet-toothed board members – ABC Disposal, Inc. CEO Michael Camara had a brief meeting with the board regarding the Zero Waste recycling processing facility off Cranberry Highway.

Johnson said that discussions with town counsel revealed that the company is indeed allowed to invest money into some of the short-term fixes that are needed to bring the site up to par with the board and public safety officials, contrary to what Camara thought before, as he explained his challenges with securing financing for the project.

“I was up there today,” said Planning Board member Michael Murphy. “I was really impressed as far as how clean the inside was…. From what I could see, they’re trying their best to get everything squared away. I think they’re on the right path.”

Pot holes were to be completed that following Saturday, and other minor fixes pertaining to stormwater management would be completed soon after.

Board member Gary Florindo suggested the board at some point give Camara a timeframe for work completion with a follow-up site visit before winter.

In other matters, Dan Webb for Meadowatt, developers of a solar farm slated for 188-190 Marion Road (Route 105) presented some relatively minor changes to the plan to the board, mostly pertaining to utility pole locations, a metering pad, and fencing. The board deemed there was no need for a formal vote for the changes.

The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board is scheduled for September 27 at 7:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

By Jean Perry

 

Tabor to Host 4th Annual Day of Service

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For the past four years, Tabor Academy has held a Day of Service, an event that has allowed the entire Tabor community to interact with Southcoast communities in a more direct and personal manner than ever before.

On Wednesday, September 28, the entirety of the student body and faculty – roughly 600 people – will once again disperse into the local communities to work with over 40 organizations and programs located in the Southcoast. Major themes within the projects include education, environmental preservation, food, and repurposed items. While many of the relationships with these local organizations have existed since the inaugural Day of Service, the list has continued to grow each year.

The largest percentage of students and faculty will get the opportunity to work to preserve the breathtaking landscapes of Marion and the surrounding area. Partnerships with organizations such as the Buzzards Bay Coalition, the Lloyd Center, the YMCA, and several local lands trusts not only provide substantial manpower for critical maintenance projects, but they also give students a better understanding and appreciation for the natural world around Marion.

Among the many other service opportunities during the Day of Service is the chance to help tend to gardens at the Dartmouth YMCA or Wareham Free Library or Congregational Church, deliver furniture to people in need with My Brother’s Keeper, process donated items at Gifts to Give, or work alongside staff at the Southcoast Humane Society.

Students and faculty break up into advisory groups, comprised of no more than 10 people, and complete one of these projects across the area. For these groups, there is an added benefit to performing this service.

“I love that everyone comes together, and it’s one of the most significant bonding experiences I’ve had with my advisory,” said senior Duhita Das, a member of the Community Service Board at Tabor.

In past years, Tabor has held two days of service per year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Last year, however, the event was converted into an on-campus Special Olympics Fitness Day, which brought hundreds of people of all ages onto campus for a morning of athletics. Due to the success of the event, it will continue for this school year.

For Tabor students, the opportunities to give back to the community are by no means limited to this single Day of Service. With the help of Community Service Coordinators Lauren Boucher and Amelia Wright, the Community Service Board hosts numerous community service opportunities each week and weekend.

“This is a day where Tabor students aim to give back to our friends and neighbors who have given so much of themselves to the vibrant communities of the Southcoast,” Wright said in a press release. “It is our humble thank you and our pledge to continue the important work with our students of challenging them to carefully consider what it means to be a caring and supportive citizen of our world.”

Many of the organizations partnering with Tabor during the Day of Service also do so throughout the year. When these opportunities are announced, students are quick to volunteer, with some filling up within minutes. In addition to this Day of Service, each Tabor student takes part in community service at some point during the school year.

While service to the community for Tabor students will not end with the Day of Service, for many incoming students, it certainly will start there.

By Jack Gordon

 

2nd Annual Octopurr Fest Open House

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It’s All About the Animals is hosting a fun-filled afternoon for pet lovers of all ages on October 2 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the shelter grounds located at 103 Marion Road, Rochester.

“Autumn is a beautiful time of year on the South Coast and offers the ‘purrfect’ opportunity for shelter friends both old and new to visit the facility and meet our feline residents,” says Pam Robinson, shelter founder. “You just might leave with four paws wrapped around your heart.”

This free, family event will feature a large array of gift baskets and raffle items to win, and nearly 20 local vendors with crafts, gourmet pet treats, gifts and services for pets, their human friends, and their homes.

Dozens of beautiful kitty cats, hoping to be adopted into a loving forever home, will serve as goodwill ambassadors and happily greet guests.

Animal control officers and representatives of local shelters will be available to share information about adoptions and answer questions.

“Please come dressed as your favorite character,” Robinson continues, adding that the celebration will also include a children’s costume contest and a pumpkin decorating competition. Guests can bring their own pumpkin or purchase one at the event.

Only friendly, leashed pets are allowed at this event. For more information, e-mail ohnokitty1@gmail.com or call 508-763-2035.

School Reunion Brings Many Home

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On September 17 at the Rochester Council on Aging, the 10th Grammar School Reunion hosted nearly a hundred former Rochester students. The reunion brought together folks who had learned their ABCs in classrooms or one-room schoolhouses that dotted the Rochester landscape before 1954.

Organizer and prime mover of the event Betty Beaulieu said, “Unless some others do it, this will be the last reunion.” Putting that aside for the afternoon, clearly coming together once again to remember those early days held great significance for all.

The theme of the reunion was “What have you been doing since high school?” As the former students gathered around tables set for a grand luncheon, many came forward, some feeling quite uncomfortable speaking in front of a crowd, but all wishing to share where life had taken them. Given the average age of those in attendance, there certainly were plenty of decades of history to share.

A big part of the event was the sharing of “life stories.” Those who stood up talked about their careers, impressive careers in finance, teaching, nursing, business, and nutrition. Several had more than one career as retiring brought new challenges and avenues to pursue. Since graduating from high school, clearly this group had spent a lifetime being productive members of society and all had started in a tiny Rochester school. Clearly their early educations had prepared them well for all that was to come.

Recently to current events, speakers shared what they are doing now such as traveling, or even pursuing a third career path. The ladies who took up the microphone to share their stories also spoke of their children and how their now middle-aged sons and daughters had turned out, clearly a major accomplishment and source of pride.

One lady shared that she had a deceased husband, a husband she had divorced, and now a “good” husband much to the collective laughter and applause of her fellow classmates. Another said that she had met her current husband while attending the school reunion several years ago, making the annual event also a matchmaking opportunity.

Some had traveled thousands of miles to be together. One lady said that attending the reunion was on her “bucket list,” a not-to-be-missed occasion. Participants had traveled from all four corners of the country while others had remained in Rochester, building their lives in their beloved community.

As the aroma of roast beef, chicken potpies, and gravy wafted over the group, story time concluded and the feasting began. Following the luncheon, the group was entertained by the duet, The Snowbirds.

By all accounts the “last reunion” of the Rochester Grammar School students was a huge success. But who knows? Given how important being together clearly was for this group of reunion attendees, it wouldn’t be surprising if someone stepped up to organize another gathering, at least one more time.

By Marilou Newell

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Conservation Commission Reviews Drought Status

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The continued drought in Massachusetts was the main talking point at the Rochester Conservation Commission meeting on Tuesday, September 20.

“The Mattapoisett River did run dry at one point,” said Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon. “It has before in times of severe drought, but we’re monitoring the situation.” Rochester is currently experiencing ‘Extreme Drought’ status, the second-highest level on the scale.

The drought is causing considerable anxiety among local cranberry growers.

“The cranberry growers are anxious,” Farinon explained. “It’s going to be a difficult year for them. We can only hope for more rain this month.”

The committee also briefly touched on the old Rochester Town Pound, which will shortly be a stop on the Rochester Historical Society’s guided tour of historical sites in Rochester. “It needs some maintenance work before the tour,” said commission member Laurene Gerrior.

“I pulled about 200 small evergreens and white pines from inside the pound,” said Rosemary Smith. “There are still some inside the pound and of course in front of it, but my back gave out,” she joked cheerfully. “Anyone who wants to pull trees, feel free!” When Gerrior mentioned flowers she had planted at the pound two years ago, Smith replied, “Well, I didn’t pull anything that looked like a flower, but weeds and flowers look very similar to me!”

The brief meeting was supposed to begin with a public hearing regarding a Notice of Intent at 1 Happy Tails Lane, owned by James and Charlotte Spieldenner. When 7:00 pm came however, there was nobody on the benches. “I don’t see anyone here,” commission member Kevin Cassidy said.

“I heard from the engineer, and his understanding was that the continuation we granted last time was indefinite until he had the chance to speak with the Planning Board,” Conservation Assistant Margaret Gonneville explained. The board voted to make the continuation indefinite.

The only other business items of the day were requests for Certificates of Compliance continuations submitted by Mark and Rachel Letourneau at 23 Foss Farm Lane and Ralph Perry at 99 Wolf Island Road.

The Letourneaus received their original Certificate of Compliance on March 14, 2003, approving the construction of a single-family dwelling, septic system, driveway, pool, and horse barn.

“They’re looking to sell the property now,” Farinon explained, “and would like to extend the certificate.” She pointed out that the property’s driveway and part of a pavilion were built inside the 100-foot buffer zone of wetlands, but that both had been installed before the buffer zone had become a law. The commission unanimously approved the continuance without questions.

Perry’s original Certificate of Compliance was obtained on August 24, 2012. It approved the construction of a three-season enclosed room over the existing deck area with several Sonotube supports to be set within the 100-foot buffer zone.

“I’ve been there,” Farinon said. “I didn’t see any adverse effects on the wetlands, and everything’s neat and in order.” The continuation was also approved unanimously.

The next Rochester Conservation Committee meeting will be held at 7:00 pm on October 4 at the Rochester Town Hall.

By Andrea Ray

 

Jacques P. van de Kerckhof

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Jacques P. van de Kerckhof, 79, of Mattapoisett died September 24, 2016 peacefully at Brookdale Assisted Living in Dartmouth, MA.

He was the husband of Christiane E. (Beyens) van de Kerckhof.

Jacques’ life had been an inspiration for all of us. His leadership, vision, compassion and values have helped shape who we are as a family.

May he rest in peace.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Sophie Henry and her husband Christophe of Groton, MA, Marielle Yost and her husband Steve of Lexington, MA and Charlotte Ruddick and her husband Michael of Teddington, England; his brother Jean van de Kerckhof of Diest, Belgium; his sister Marie Josée van de Kerckhof, of Diest, Belgium; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and many nieces, nephews and a cousin.

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

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Autumn Story Times at the ETL

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Autumn Story Time, for children between the ages of 3 and 5, begins October 3 in the Children’s Room at the Elizabeth Taber Library. Children are invited to enjoy stories, finger plays and crafts on Monday mornings at 10:30 am. Autumn Story Time continues through November 28. Sign-up is required.

Lapsit Time is a nine-week series exploring language and literature through rhythm and rhyme, finger plays and action games, and very simple stories and books for very young children (birth through 23 months) accompanied by their enthusiastic adult companions (one child per lap, please!). It is never too soon to share the wonderful world of literature with children. Each program will last about 20 minutes, with time for parents and children to enjoy one another’s company and the library’s resources afterwards. The series will be held Tuesday mornings at 10:30 am from October 4 through November 29. Sign-up is required.

Tales for Twos, a nine-week series of story times for children between the ages of 24 and 39 months, begins October 5 and runs through November 30. The half-hour session of stories, finger plays and crafts will take place on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 am. Children must be 2 years old by October 1, 2016 to attend and must be accompanied by enthusiastic adult companions. Pre-registration is required.

For more information or to sign up for story times, please stop by the library or call 508-748-1252. The library is located at 8 Spring Street in Marion. Information about library programs is also available on the library’s website at www.elizabethtaberlibrary.org.

Mattapoisett Free Public Library Program

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Learn about Community Archaeology in Southeastern Massachusetts at the Mattapoisett Library. All ages are welcome.

October is Massachusetts Archaeology Month! Celebrate by coming to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Wednesday, October 5 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm to hear Craig Chartier, Director & Principal Archaeologist of the Plymouth Archaeological Rediscovery Project, speak about regional archaeology. This fascinating discipline studies people through the physical things they left behind – mostly trash! Hear about the excavation at Taylor Bray Farm in Yarmouth, ongoing since 2011, which has been carried out by volunteers under the supervision of professional archaeologists. The remarkable finds include 10,000-year old projectiles to a 17th century housesite.

Learn how you can become involved with exploring Massachusetts’ past. Bring any artifacts you may have found in your yard or on a walk in the woods or on the beach, and Mr. Chartier will identify them. Learn their age and whether they may be more than just rocks, such as a mastodon tooth that was found in Mattapoisett.

Please register for this event by calling 508-758-4171 or emailing rsmith@sailsinc.org, providing the number of people attending and contact information. The Library is located at 7 Barstow Street and is handicapped accessible.

Selectmen Preview Special Town Meeting Articles

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Special Town Meeting voters on October 17 will see eight articles featured on the warrant, which the Rochester Board of Selectmen approved on September 19.

Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar gave an informal rundown of all eight of them, starting with Article 1 that appropriates $10,000 from free cash to a bylaw codification project.

Article 2 covers $27,000 for the air conditioning system replacement at the police station, and Article 3 is for the supplemental appropriation for four different projects: The Town Clerk’s Office would receive $1,500 for the restoration of books; $4,800 to the Police Department for air conditioning system repairs; $3,100 for a fire protection system; and $17,725 for the insurance budget.

Article 4 would appropriate $20,000 from free cash for the town hall annex study, and Article 5 appropriates $32,000 for the funding and reserve for future contract settlements. Article 6 would transfer $67,000 in free cash to the town’s Stabilization Fund.

The sum of the appropriations totals $183,125.

Articles 7 and 8 pertain to the Personnel Bylaw: Article 7 amends language surrounding grievance filings, and Article 8 amends the bylaw’s employment probationary period.

A formal presentation of a final draft of the special town meeting warrant will be presented at the next selectmen’s meeting.

In other matters, Selectmen Chairman Naida Parker read a letter from the Water Commissioners regarding the town’s recent upgrade from a drought watch to the drought warning. The letter served to inform residents who use public water of a mandatory ban on outdoor water use. The letter also urged non-public water users with private wells to observe the same water restriction.

Water Commissioner Fred Underhill, present during the meeting, said, “We’re all on the same water aquifer and we’re in trouble.”

Underhill said that about 40 or 50 years ago, water wells went way down during dry spells and nearly dried up.

“And we don’t want that to happen again,” Underhill said, “and we would appreciate everybody willing to comply.”

Also during the meeting, selectmen approved the transfer of the current liquor license for Lloyd’s Market to the new owner.

The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for September 26 at 6:30 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

By Jean Perry

 

Fall Sports Week 2

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Here’s a look at the second week of official scheduled games for Old Rochester Regional High School fall athletics.

Football: The Bulldogs had a great 34-14 victory over Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech, on Friday night, bringing the Bulldog’s record to 2-0. Quarterback Cam Hamilton threw for 120 yards, connecting with various players including Harry Smith for two touchdowns, as well as Patrick Saltmarsh. In addition, Mike Mcallister, Kyle Brezinski, and Landon Goguen had notable plays.

            Girls’ Soccer: It was yet again another outstanding week for the girls’ soccer team. On Monday, September 12, the girls played Fairhaven and came out with a 6-0 win. Goals were scored by Maddie Cooney (2), Maddie Demanche (2), Ava Ciffilillo and Grace Greany. Caitlyn Kutash was in net with a nice shutout. The Lady Bulldogs claimed another 3-2 victory against Seekonk on Wednesday. Jillain Kutash led the scoring with two goals. Katelyn Bindas also had a goal assisted by Meg Hughes.

Volleyball: The girls’ volleyball team lost 3-0 against Fairhaven on Monday, September 12, but redeemed themselves on Wednesday, September 14, with a 3-1 win against Seekonk. Libby Mitchel had two aces, seven digs, and 21 assists. Emma Collings also contributed with eight aces, 12 digs and four blocks. Natalia Wierzbiki had six kills. The Lady Bulldogs also played Somerset Berkley on Thursday, September 15, with a solid 3-0 win. The score was 25-21, 25-23, 25-23. Mitchel had 19 assists, five digs, and one ace. Collings had seven kills, nine digs, and four aces. Wierzbiki had five kills and one block.

            Boys’ Cross Country: The boys played in a tri-meet on Tuesday, September 13, against Bourne and Dighton-Rehoboth. They beat Bourne 15-49 and DR 27-32. Adam Sylvia came in second with a time of 17:55, followed by Evan Tilley who came in fourth with a time of 18:14. Geoffrey Noonan placed sixth (18:18), James Goulart in seventh with a time of 18:24, and Eli Spevack came in eighth at 18:44.

Girls’ Cross Country: The girls’ Cross Country team did amazing, as usual. They claimed a 17-46 victory over Bourne and a 15-49 win over Dighton-Rehoboth. Avery Nugent came in first place with a time of 20:20. Next came Madisen Martin, placing second with a time of 21:15. Maddie Scheub came in third (21:21), Sam Ball placed fifth (21:45) and Riley Shaughnessy came in sixth with a time of 21:43.

            Golf: The golf team played in a close match on Tuesday against Dighton-Rehoboth at the Hillside golf course which is a par 35, losing 168-160. The top golfers for ORR were Jason Gamache who shot a 39 for 32 points, Collin Fitzpatrick who shot a 39 for 31 points, and Tyler Mourao who shot a 40 for 28 points. On Thursday, they claimed a 140-71 victory over Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech. They played at Whaling City golf course, which is a par 36. Notable golfers were Fitzpatrick who shot a 38 for 32 points, Gamache who shot a 44 for 23 points, and Russ Noonan who also shot a 44 for 23 points.

Boys’ Soccer: On Monday, the boys’ soccer team played in an action-packed game tying with Fairhaven 1-1. Both goals were scored on a penalty kick. Alex Souza put it in the net for ORR. On Wednesday, the boys lost to Seekonk 2-0, but notable players were Harrison Burke, Pat Cummings, and Thomas Browning. The Bulldogs then played Durfee on Saturday with another tough 3-0 loss.

            Field Hockey: The Lady Bulldogs had a great week with three straight wins. First, they faced New Bedford on Monday winning 2-0 with goals from Hannah Ribiero and Kaitlin Kelley. Next they won 2-1 against Seekonk on Wednesday with Ribiero and Kelley scoring again. And to top it off they played Wareham on Friday with a 7-0 victory.

Below are the overall team records in wins, losses, and ties as of September 9.

Football: (2-0-0); Field Hockey: (5-1-0); Girls’ Soccer: (4-0-0); Boys’ Soccer: (0-1-4); Golf: (4-0-1); Volleyball: (2-0-3); Boys’ Cross Country (1-0-0); Girls Cross Country (1-0-0).