Building Season Brings Busy Slate

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            At its very busy June 5 meeting, Rochester’s Planning Board continued until June 25 a request for a one-year extension of the Special Permit for the Braley Hill North solar facility over concerns that the project has already gotten more than one extension already.

            The applicant’s representative, Attorney Gregory Sampson, explained the request is due to delays in finalizing the interconnection agreements with Eversource that have led to extension requests for all four Rochester projects he represents, the others being Cushman Road, Snipatuit Pond and Featherbed Lane.

            Planning Board Chairman Arnold Johnson complained the project has already been granted an extension of the Special Permit it earned in July 2020.

            Town Planner Nancy Durfee explained later that Braley Hill North received a permit valid for three years but requiring that construction start in two years. The applicant asked for its first extension on June 23, 2023.

            “Where do we draw the line?” board member John DiMaggio asked. He said it is not the Planning Board’s responsibility if Eversource didn’t do their job efficiently enough.

            Board member Chris Silveira noted stormwater runoff and other such conditions could be changing at the Braley Hill Road site. “Any updates we should know about?” he asked.

            Johnson noted, “The facility could be built tomorrow and left off the grid.” Sampson responded that a solar facility off the grid would have trouble getting funding for construction.

            Johnson said he was concerned about the escrow and decommissioning bonds that the applicant, Sullivan & Worcester, LLC, has paid as permit conditions. These fees will have to be increased as interest rates go up, he said. “We won’t grant the extension without a proper bond,” he said.

            As he motioned the Continuance, Johnson said he will consult with the town’s consulting engineer Ken Motta to review what the new bond numbers will be.

            The Planning Board also continued to June 11 its site plan review hearing for Marion resident Mark Briggs’ plan to construct two buildings to store and repair collectible automobiles, trucks and other motor vehicles and a private hobby barn on New Bedford Road. But the board hinted it is leaning toward approval.

            Engineering consultant Bill Madden began the hearing by noting the applicant has no objections to the special conditions set by the town’s peer review engineer, Motta, and the board quickly approved the waivers to bylaw regulations that Briggs was requesting.

            The board then learned the biggest delaying factor to full project approval could be the Historic District Commission’s demands regarding its perimeter fencing. Briggs’ attorney Karla Chaffee entered the hearing midway through to report that the commission, which was holding its hearing on the project at the same time, had granted the project a Certificate of Appropriateness but did so with a condition she found objectionable, she said. The commission does not want the solid, stockade fence Briggs has proposed on the cemetery border to the property but one set 25 feet back from the street line with slates providing 25% visibility of the facilities behind it.

            Chafee said she may appeal that condition, as it will change the design plan that the Zoning Board of Appeals had already approved and the Planning Board was being asked to approve. The change might be considered major and reignite the entire process, but she and Mark Briggs said they wanted the Planning Board’s decision soon, so the construction of the project could begin within this building season.

            “That fencing has always been on that plan, “Briggs said, clearly frustrated.”Now a stockade fence isn’t good enough?”

            Johnson sided with Briggs and Chaffee. “I think a 25-percent visibility fence will be more of an eyesore,” he said. “The (Historic District) Commission doesn’t want a large mass of a fence there. But if you ‘meander it’ around the edge of your property, it’s not such a ‘mass.’”

            Johnson noted the Planning Board will consider the fencing issue a minor change not requiring a new public hearing.

            The board then approved Johnson’s motion to continue the hearing to June 11 to receive Motta’s review of Madden’s response letter. Tuesday’s meeting was also meant to review the opinion from Town Counsel and invite the Historic District Commission to discuss the fence issue further.

            The next topic also led to a lengthy discussion. The Planning Board critically reviewed the Zoning Board of Appeals’ decision regarding East Over Farms, 131 Hiller Road, to overturn a Notice of Violation and Cease Order for the use of an office and activities not allowed in a Residential/Agricultural District filed by Building Commissioner Paul Boucher.

            Johnson said what concerns him is that five or six businesses lacking the proper permits are being added to that site. He noted the proposals are not just the wellness center, the photographer and facials practitioner mentioned at the ZBA but also a market, an ice cream stand and a wedding-and-concert venue.

            He said he is planning to soon get together with Town Counsel, the building inspector, the Board of Health and the ZBA to discuss what should happen next. “They will have to go for a site-plan-review application,” Johnson said. “They’re free to do whatever they want over there. But it has to be done according to a procedure. We will report back to you Tuesday night (June 11).”

            In other action, the board signed the decision for the Route 28 storage-facility project proposed by JPF Development.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 25, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester’s Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Real Wishes for the Real World

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Editor’s note: The Wanderer has invited keynote student speakers at this year’s high school graduation exercises to share their speeches with our readers. The Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School graduation was held on June 7.

By TJ Graber, Old Colony RVTHS Valedictorian

            Families, Friends, OC Teachers and Staff, and the Class of 2024.

            My name is TJ Graber. Today I’m going to give a quick speech that looks backward just a little, but mostly looks forward.

            I’ve spent the past few weeks, rather nervously, trying to come up with what I wanted to say today. It goes without saying that this is one of the most important days in all of our lives, and I want to do that justice.

            For the last four years, we’ve grinded through what has felt like an endless amount of math problems and essays. We’ve even braved the mysteries of Old Colony lunches. And while it is wonderful that all of that is over, it’s not what I’m most thankful for. We’ve all had the enviable opportunity to attend a vocational school. Not only can that make each of us a ton of money by preparing us to get high-paying, skilled positions way earlier in life than others, but it might also save some of us thousands of dollars by not having to go to college.

            Remember that the vast majority of Americans do not have anywhere close to the skills that we have when they graduate, so don’t take that for granted.

            So what do I hope will happen for each of us in the coming years?

            I hope we’ll help each other get jobs.

            I hope we’ll all be bold, strong and have courage when we need it.

            I hope we’ll always work on being more positive. Being negative is easier, but not better.

            I hope we’ll be there for each other in real life (not just on social media).

            I hope we’ll pay attention to our mental health and won’t be afraid to ask for help.

            I hope we’ll constantly strive to achieve balance in our lives.

            I hope that when we get knocked down in life, we get back up and move forward.

            I also really hope that the Patriots will be good again.

            Before I finish, I wanted to take just a minute to thank all of the people who have gotten me to where I am today.

            My Dad, for inspiring me with his tireless work ethic and endless patience, if you want to know where I got it from, it’s him. To my mom, for providing me with unwavering support no matter what I’m dealing with. To my sister, who has paved the way for me and is always a friend when I need one. To my friends, for reminding me not to take things too seriously.

            To Ms. Gamelin and Mr. Oldham, for not only being fantastic teachers but also outstanding coaches. To Mr. Terrien, although I only had your class for one year, it still remains my favorite; you could talk about anything and make it interesting and engaging. To Ms. Whinnem, for dealing with an English class of 10 boys and still giving us a shot to pass our AP exams.

            To Mr. Mac, just for being one of the smartest peopleI have ever met. Seriously, this guy is fluent in like 10 different languages, it’s crazy. To my shop instructors, Ms. Soucy, for probably being the reason that I manage to get a job in computer science one day, and Mr. Riley, though youmight not always say you are a great teacher, everyone who has taken your class knows that you truly are one. Although your metaphors could really use some work.

            Anyway, my final words of appreciation go out to all of the other teachers, administrators and staff here at Old Colony. I hope that you all understand just how talented, dedicated and appreciated you are. You are what makes this school special.

            Thank you, and congratulations to Old Colony’s Class of 2024. You all earned this, and I’m proud to be one of you. Thank you for letting me speak for you today. Go Celtics.

Messages of Appreciation, Gratitude

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Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School held its 48th Commencement ceremony on a bright and sunny Friday evening on the athletic fields of its Rochester campus to close off the students’ last year together with the support of family, friends and supporters cheering on 132 graduates.

            Class President Beatrice Ashley delivered some exceptional remarks to the Class of 2024, saying, “Each of us has a unique story to tell.”

            The Class of 2024 had endured a painful first year of high school, enduring mask mandates and social distancing during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, they emerge as graduates, standing tall in their seats as they approach the next semester of their lives.

            “We are better because of you, and you are better because of each other,” Superintendent Aaron Polansky said.

            Taking into account what they endured during the height of COVID, Principal J. Michael Parker remembered the senior class in the times of the pandemic listening to Rascal Flatts’ “How They Remember You.”

            “These young men and women, sat in rows in the gym and cafeteria for their new student orientation during the height of COVID,” he said. “Obviously not the ideal way to begin their high school years.”

            Parker noted that the graduates will leave a legacy behind that they will keep with them, noting the sign behind them that said, “Will They Remember You?”

            “I will always remember this class as those who always gave their all in the academic classroom, on stage, in co-op, in the sports arena, in the vocational program, as genuinely kind individuals,” he said.

            In his valedictorian speech, Thomas Graber spoke to the oncoming workforce industry and continuing scholars about hope.

            “I hope that when we get knocked down in life, we get back up and move forward,” said Graber, thanking his mother, fathers and his supporters for getting him through his high school duration. He thanked his teachers for being great role models. “I hope that you all understand just how talented, dedicated and appreciated you are.”

Old Colony RVTHS Graduation

By Jared Melanson

Cougars Make Third Trip to Voke Finals

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            The Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School boys’ lacrosse team was ranked 16th out of 38 in their division before advancing to the vocational state finals with a 13-6 win against the Minuteman Voke.

            Luke Meelia led the scoring with 5 goals. Brody Darling scored 3. Davi Coelho played well, taking the faceoffs, and Quinn Thompson led the team with 8 ground balls. This makes the third year in a row that the boys’ lacrosse team has gone to the vocational state finals.

            On May 29, the Cougars suffered a loss in the Small School Vocational state finals to South Shore Voke by a score of 10-9. The Cougars were behind the entire game until late in the fourth quarter when they fought back to score a pair of goals and tied up the game before South Shore finally pulled ahead.

            The Cougars had a strong season and earned the title of Mayflower Athletic Conference Champions.

Old Colony Sports Roundup

By Logan Hamlet

Rochester Historical Society News

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There will not be a Wednesday night meeting this month. Instead, we are having a fair, new exhibit, bake sale and music. Buzzards Bay Buccaneers will provide the music. Wareham Minutemen will share colonial activities. The Rochester Boy Scouts will be leading archery and a treasure hunt. The exhibit is Past Pastimes: How we’ve entertained ourselves for the last 337 yrs.

            The Fair will be at the Rochester Historical Museum on June 22 and 23 from 10 to 3 at 355 County Road, Rochester. We will be at the COA on June 21.

Road Reconstruction Project

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To The Editor;

            It is important for Mattapoisett residents to attend MassDOT’s meeting about our Road Reconstruction project. The date, time and location are Tuesday June 18 at 6:30 -7:30 PM at the Old Rochester High School Auditorium, as listed in the legal notices and on the Town website. The Public Informational Meeting, planned and hosted by MassDOT, is a good venue and hopefully there will be a large turn out. The project is currently in pre-25%, or “preliminary design,” phase. This is the time when the Town has the most ability to influence aspects that affect quality of life. The DOT’s press release says “All views and comments made at the meeting will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.” In a related matter, Selectboard is considering the Town Meeting vote to establish a committee to assist with road design. Per the Town website, information about serving on the proposed Road Reconstruction Committee is available through the Selectboard office.

            Bonne DeSousa ,Mattapoisett

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

Briggs Gains Final Approval

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Rochester’s Planning Board Tuesday became the last of three town panels to approve Marion resident Mark Briggs’ plan to construct two buildings to store and repair collectible automobiles, trucks and other motor vehicles on New Bedford Road.

            The move came after the board endorsed a permit condition change for “Briggs Hobby Barn,” tied to a court appeal Briggs’ attorney will be filing. The project received a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals on May 23, and last week the Historic District Commission granted the project a Certificate of Appropriateness. But at the Planning Board’s June 6 meeting, the panel learned from Briggs’ attorney Karla Chaffee that the Historic District Commission’s condition against the type of fencing the plan proposes will lead her to appeal the commission’s decision.

            The commission does not want the solid stockade fence Briggs has proposed on the cemetery border to the property, Chaffee said at that meeting. Rather, it wants a fence set 25 feet back from the street line with slates providing 25% visibility of what is behind it.

            Chaffee said she will take court action against that condition, as it will change the design plan that the ZBA had already approved and that the Planning Board was being asked to approve. The change might be considered major and reignite the entire vetting process. Yet she and Mark Briggs said at the June 6 meeting that they wanted the Planning panel’s decision soon so the construction of the project could begin within this building season.

            Board Chairman Arnold Johnson, noting the Planning Board will consider the fencing issue a minor change not requiring a rehearing, said at the June 6 meeting that he sided with Briggs and Chaffee.

            On June 11, Chaffee, attending the meeting remotely via Zoom, addressed that objectionable condition by proposing different language for the Planning Board’s Site Plan Review permit. She said the panel’s condition should be for a flat-board fence along the cemetery side of the property 5 feet from Briggs’ property line or 25 feet if the Historic District Commission’s condition is enforceable.

            The board endorsed this condition after Johnson reiterated his own objections to a fence allowing that much visibility so far back from the property line. He said he found that to be a “ridiculous condition.”

            Johnson noted that the Planning Board had invited the Historic District Commission to the June 11 meeting to discuss the issue, but its members declined to attend. That made him more determined to meet with them at another time. “I would like to see them at the June 25 meeting,” he said.

            Before motioning the approval vote, Johnson explained to Briggs that he needed four votes, and only four members were present. If a single member voted no, the application would be denied.

            “Proceed with the vote,” Briggs said. “Let’s get this done tonight.” The 4-0 vote to approve granted him that wish.

            In other action, the board continued until June 25 its hearing into a request to modify the site-plan-review application for Rochester Crossroads, 22 Cranberry Highway, that change being to reroute a paved, rear-access road proposed for the project. Johnson said the board must await the report of the town’s peer-review engineer, Ken Motta, before it votes to approve.

            The board also continued until June 25 its hearing on the site-plan-review application for a self-storage facility on County Road, which is part of the Rochester Crossroads project. The proposal features four buildings to include one multi-story structure. Sheryl Gerard of Highland Development Ventures, the applicant, said the design of the larger building is meant to represent a more welcoming retail design.

            “Unite sizes for any need,” Gerard said. “Well-lit and safe.” Johnson the board will need to see Motta’s report on the project before voting on it.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 25, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Hobby Barn Public Hearing

By Michael J. DeCicco

Center School Sunflower Project

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Don Cuddy has been growing sunflowers for over two decades. Originally inspired by his daughter’s bringing home a seedling when Center School closed for the summer, Cuddy has enjoyed watching the tiny stems become flowering giants in his yard.

             The war in the Ukraine solidified Cuddy’s concept that by growing sunflowers, he could show visual solidarity with the people of the Ukraine. And so it grew (no pun intended). Soon he was thinking that a sunflower seedling project might benefit not only the Mattapoisett Land Trust’s community engagement strategies but also help to educate local grade school kids by giving them first-hand, from the ground up, experience.

            Cuddy suggested that the MLT’s education committee might somehow use the sunflower to further science-based education programming. But it was the height of COVID-19, when globally based education efforts were stymied.

            At Old Hammondtown School, where Center School children were temporarily relocated, an outdoor tent allowed some programing to move forward. Three years later, the program has expanded to include having the students plant the seeds themselves and when ready, planting the seedlings outdoors at the highly visible site, Dunseith Park at the corner of Route 6 and North Street.

            “They can see their own flower growing as they pass by in the family car,” Cuddy said, noting this would give the children a deeper sense of ownership.

            One of the main points the program strives to impart is the codependency of plants and animals. A statement made by the MLT education committee notes, “Animals need food and light, water, minerals and favorable temperatures – and animals or other mechanisms to disperse the seeds.” Cuddy can attest to that last point. “The rabbits got the seedlings last year.” He said he grows extra plants for this scientific reality.

            At first, Cuddy grew the seedlings for the children to plant. This year, expanding on the theme, the MLT in collaboration with Center School first-grade teachers Courtney Aarsheim, Jennifer Aguiar and Marissa Hughes worked with the students growing their very own seedlings in their classroom in a program known as The Life Cycle of the Sunflower (Part of the Massachusetts curriculum Framework for Science and Technology). The MLT education committee includes, along with Mary Cabral, Ellen Flynn as chairman, Wendy Copps, Marcia Waldron, Cindy Turse, Joann Porter and Barbara Tully.

By Marilou Newell

Mattapoisett Library Summer Reading Program

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The Mattapoisett Free Public Library is excited to announce the kickoff of the 2024 Summer Reading Program. This year, we are offering our annual self-led reading program for children ages 0-12 to foster a love of reading for pleasure. In addition to the reading program, we have a fantastic lineup of events and activities planned throughout the summer. Participants will have the chance to earn raffle tickets for end-of-summer prizes, making the reading journey even more rewarding.

            It all begins on Saturday, June 22 at 10:30 am, with a special visit from the Wareham Gatemen. This event will feature the Gatemen reading their beloved stories, followed by a fun catch session. Attendees can also look forward to some extra surprises. No registration is needed for this event.

            Continuing the excitement, on Wednesday, June 26 at 3 pm, we invite children ages 5 and up to make their own calming bottles. This sensory activity is perfect for anyone looking to relax and have fun. Registration is required for this event.

            On Thursday, June 27 at 10 am, we begin our Storytime at Munro Park series in collaboration with the Mattapoisett Land Trust. Bring a blanket and join us for delightful stories, activities and songs. In the event of poor weather, storytime will be held at the library. No registration required.

            Friday, June 28, marks the return of Baby Storytime at 11 am in the children’s room. This session includes songs, rhymes, stories, and bells, and is recommended for babies aged 0 to 24 months. Baby Storytime will continue weekly on Fridays at 11 am. No registration is required.

            Later that day, on Friday, June 28 at 2 pm, children ages 8 and up can join us for “Sewing a Rainbow,” a fun and creative activity where participants will learn to sew a paper plate rainbow. This event is suitable for both beginners and experts. Registration is required for this event.

            To finish off the month of June, on Saturday, June 29 at 10:30 am, we invite toddlers to participate in a Hand Stamp Flower art session. This messy and creative activity is recommended for ages 2 and up. Registration is required.

            We look forward to seeing you at these exciting events designed to make the start of summer memorable for everyone. If you would like to learn more about our Summer Reading Program, please visit the children’s room or by visiting our website at MattapoisettLibrary.org.

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

First Early Childhood Class Graduates

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Early Childhood Coordinator Doreen Lopes are pleased to share that the first Old Rochester Regional High School Chapter 74 Early Childhood Education class has graduated from their program.

            The Class of 2024 Old Rochester Regional High School Graduation Ceremony was held on June 1. During the ceremony, eight students were recognized for being the first class to complete the Chapter 74 Early Childhood Education program.

            The graduating seniors from the program were Anna Pereira, Lila Bangs, Abigail Durr, Jaeleigh Black, Rylie Coughlin, Emily Borges, Nashajia Monteiro and Aubrey Heise.

            In 2020, Old Rochester Regional High School received approval for the Early Childhood and Care Chapter 74 Program from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

            With Chapter 74 approval status, high school students who enroll in the program have the opportunity to obtain the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Teacher certification and college credits in Child Growth and Development through Bristol Community College. Students typically enrolled in this Early Education and Care program are aspiring teachers, child development specialists, pediatric nurses, or doctors. Many EEC students continue to higher education with a leg up on practical experience and coursework requirements.

            During the program, students completed four full years of early childhood coursework including: a full-year class in Introduction to Early Childhood Education earning 5 credits, a full-year class in Child Growth & Development earning 5 credits, a full-year class in Early Childhood Education I earning 5 credits and a full-year class in Early Childhood Education II earning 5 credits.

            In addition, they obtained more than 150 hours of classroom experience. They completed this experience both at the onsite preschool laboratory classroom under the direction of a certified preschool teacher and in the community by serving as interns at local elementary schools and childcare centers.

            “I have had the pleasure of working with these eight outstanding students over the past four years,” said teacher Janet Gauvin. “They have demonstrated such strength, compassion, dedication and insight. I have no doubts about their ability to make a tremendous contribution, not only to their field of study but to the community at large. They each have such bright futures ahead of them. It brings me great joy to know they will be pursuing their dreams and passions.”

            Lila Bangs will be attending the University of Vermont to study Early Childhood Education with a minor in American Sign Language. Jaeleigh Black will be majoring in Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Emily Borges will be attending Bristol Community College to study Liberal Arts. Rylie Coughlin will be majoring in English at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with plans to pursue a master’s degree in Education. Abigail Durr will be joining the workforce immediately upon graduation. Aubrey Heise will be attending Regis College to study Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Nas’hajia Monteiro will be majoring in Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Anna Pereira will be attending Stonehill College to study Health Science with a Premedical concentration.

            “On behalf of the entire district, it is my pleasure to congratulate our first-ever Chapter 74 Early Childhood Education program graduates,” said Superintendent Nelson. “I would like to recognize the faculty and staff of the Early Childhood Program for their dedication.”