Fairwells to Arancio as Chair

            Rochester’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) appointed Donald Spirlet as its new Chair and re-appointed Davis Sullivan as Vice-Chair when it met June 12 on the occasion of veteran member David Arancio’s last time as Chair.

            Arancio has been ZBA Chair for 11 years. Spirlet has been a zoning panel member for 10 years, Sullivan a member for 22 years. But their nominations did not come quickly. First, veteran member Richard Cutler declined the nomination for Chair, saying he has one year to go on his current term “and then I’m out here.” Sullivan said the same when offered the Chair position, saying he also intends to exit the board after his own term is up. Spirlet said he would accept the nomination as Chair so long as no one else on the panel wanted it.

            The votes approving Spirlet and Sullivan for their new roles came after Cutler noted the problem is that many members have been on the board for a long time “and that can’t be sustainable.” Arancio agreed. “I’ve enjoyed my time on the board,” he said. “But it needs new blood and energy.”

            The board began the meeting by approving a variance to permit a 62×38-foot, 1,500-square-foot steel accessory structure on a six-acre residential lot at 364 Neck Road. Applicant and homeowner John Verentes said he needs the additional building because he fixes his own cars. He needs a car lift and storage for his equipment and tools and possibly a boat to avoid the expense of paying for storage and outside car repair. To that end, he is requesting a variance from the requirement that an accessory building be no larger than 1,000 square feet.

            The hearing’s only query came from neighbor Brian Porter of 369 Neck Road. He wanted to know the pitch of the new structure’s roof. “He’s a good, quiet neighbor,” Porter said. “I’m just curious.”

            The resulting approval vote included the following conditions: that no farm animals be housed, no commercial use, no second floor and no housing use without the board’s prior approval.

            In other action, board Administrative Assistant Andreia Lacerda reported no new petitions have been filed for the board’s review. As a result, pending any last-minute submissions, there will be no regular meetings on June 26 and July 20.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Michael J. DeCicco

The Gears of Government Grind On

Just when I thought it was safe to come out in the open now that the Town Meeting and local election have passed into history; just when this opinion columnist could stifle his views and concentrate on musing about important things like bathroom tissue perforations, where is Pine Island, Stumpy the late cherry tree, and of course pickle ball; just when this intrepid reporter could relax and enjoy the summer, the machinations of smalltown politics rear their ugly heads.

            It is not enough that the circus in our Nation’s Capital has grown beyond all expectations to include the acquisition of Greenland, the creation of a 51st state to our north, and…well, no need to elaborate. Suffice to say I have a chronic headache. Now our quaint village has recently spawned a collection of new issues this scribe cannot ignore.

            The move to increase the size of the Select Board (which seasoned observers of government assumed, was buried when the current board tabled the issue) has been resurrected and is on its way to reality, thanks to the persistence of its supporters. The issue goes on to the legislature where no doubt it will be approved, because in Boston, bigger is always better. The good news is that many more people will be getting involved in town government. Right?

            Speaking of the Select Board, one of our distinguished selectpersons has announced their candidacy for Congress to replace our current representative, Bill Keating. That strikes me like applying for the job of Captain of the Titanic, but that’s just one man’s opinion.

            You may not know that the newly minted candidate is a real-life captain and is a star of a TV show on the Discovery Channel. According to Google, the show is about tuna fishing and “focuses on the intense, high stakes world of harpooning bluefish tuna.” Our selectperson/captain is described as a “seasoned harpooner with a deep knowledge of fishery.” Washington could surely use someone with a sharp stick. But I digress.

            Apparently, the glitter of showbiz has instilled a desire to join the circus that is Washington. Maybe a seasoned captain who can right the ship would be welcomed where fishy business abounds.

            This would create another vacancy on the board, which no doubt will be filled by one of the many candidates wanting to take a dip in the waters of public service. Hey, whatever floats your boat. Right?

            A vacancy on the Select Board before the two new members arrive would leave his mates adrift on a sea of paperwork because approval of the two new seats might not arrive for 18 months.

            While we are talking about running… well walking or biking too… there is a controversy surrounding parking issues at the rail trail. It seems the new arrivals have created unreasonable noise, slamming of car doors, parking in private yards and littering. Along with the prohibition of parking at the nearby boat trailer lot (come on boat trailers have rights too) neighbors are not happy. Enough being enough, the police have erected no parking signs along Railroad Avenue along with a big electronic sign to boot.

            You have heard of the phrase “If you build it, they will come,” a tagline of the popular baseball movie Field of Dreams. Well, we built it (the rail trail not a ballfield) and they (walkers and cyclists not baseball fans) came. Did we expect otherwise, right? Right?

            Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and happily retired writer. His newspaper columns appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

Thoughts on…

By Dick Morgado

Mattapoisett Land Trust Scholarship

The Mattapoisett Land Trust is pleased to announce that Mattapoisett resident Lowell Copps is this year’s recipient of its Blanche B. Perry scholarship award. Lowell, recently graduated from Bishop Stang High School, will receive $1,000 from the Land Trust’s education fund which will go towards his studies in civil and environmental engineering at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

            A keen outdoorsman and competitive runner, Lowell selected Case because he liked the feel of the campus while visiting prospective colleges. “I think it will be a good fit for me,” he said. “I like their engineering program, and they also have a strong cross-country team.”

            The Mattapoisett Land Trust has been partnering with educators for the past 20 years. Much of its program funding is provided by the Shoolman Fund, created through a generous bequest from Brant Beach resident Edith Glick Shoolman (1904-2003). Mrs. Shoolman’s dream was to make a difference in the lives of children. This fund has enabled the MLT to develop numerous projects that encourage environmental education, art, and physical activity. The Blanche B. Perry scholarship goes exclusively to an area high school senior pursuing an education in scientific, environmental studies or a related field. The award is disbursed once the student submits a college transcript documenting the completion of their first semester in college.

            Applicants undergo a comprehensive selection process, according to Mary Cabral, co-chair of the MLT education committee. “We have a rubric,” she said. “We assign points based on certain criteria and the entries are evaluated by the MLT’s scholarship review committee.” Among the requirements, students who apply must submit an official school transcript, a letter outlining their career goals along with references from a teacher and a community member. Preference is naturally given to individuals who are, or whose parents or grandparents are, members of the Mattapoisett Land Trust. In Lowell’s letter of application, he stated that “I have a very personal connection to the MLT because for my entire life I have enjoyed many of their properties. I can see firsthand what we would lose if these protected areas did not exist.”

            For more information on the Land Trust’s mission and goals, visit mattlandtust.org.

Hello from Plumb Library

Summer Reading is not just for kids. Plumb Library has a simple, but fun, summer reading option for adults. And yes, if you complete the program requirement, you too will get an invitation to the ice cream party in August. It’s easy to get started. Just sign up on the Events Calendar on our website www.plumblibrary.com, come into the Library to pick up a reading tracker log, and start reading. The program runs from June 11 to August 2 and there are three ways that adults can choose from to track their reading: track by time read, track by books completed, or challenge yourself with a BINGO sheet. Feel free at ask us any questions you may have.

            Along with the reading program, we are also offering some fantastic summer events, just for grown- ups.

            Summer Yoga with Marsha 10:30 am Saturday June 21 (outdoors weather permitting, indoors if raining). This hour-long gentle stretch class is designed for adults at any practice level. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a mat, and water. Space is limited; registration is required.

            Essential Oils Workshop with Diana 10:00 am Saturday June 28 in the Downstairs Program Room. This is a make-and-take workshop for adults who are interested in learning about different types of oils and their health and wellness benefits. Space is limited, registration is required.

            Both of these events are free and are for adults aged 19+. You do not need to be signed up for summer reading to take part in them, but you do need to register for the individual event on our website.

Ongoing adult programs:

            Knitting Group 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Mondays (June 23 and 30). All levels of adult handcrafters are welcome at this social gathering. Bring your latest projects.

            Books and Babble Bookclub 6:30 pm Thursday June 26 to discuss “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. The July book is “L A Weather” by Maria Escandon. Books are available for pick up at the Library.

            We are closed Thursday June 19 for Juneteenth. Library hours are: Monday/Thursday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Tuesday/Wednesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; closed on Sundays and Holidays. Contact us by phone at 508-763-8600 or email at info@plumblibrary.com during regular hours. Check our Events Calendar, Newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram pages for information, upcoming events, and more.

            Library cards are required for checkout. If you’ve lost your card, it can be replaced for $2.00. Download the SAILS Mobile app, it’s a quick and easy way to always have your card with you. We’re happy to show you how it works.

Solar Array Faces More Environmental Concerns

            Rochester’s Conservation Commission began its meeting Tuesday by approving a positive Order of Conditions the Notice of Intent filed by Sealord Enterprises, LLC for construction of a 20,000 square-foot commercial building for contractor bays with associated access drives, parking areas, utilities, and storm water management system within the 100-foot of wetlands at a new address on Cranberry Highway.

            The project’s engineering consultant Bob Rogers said the Planning Board had approved the waivers he requested for that panel’s permit and simply wanted to leave the latter’s public hearing open in case the commission had further comments he needed to address. Commissioner Chris Gerrior said Rogers needed no waivers from his board, and the resulting approval vote was unanimous.

            The commission then issued another positive Order of Conditions, in the Notice of Intent hearing for Eversource Energy’s work on a utility sub-station within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone and the 25-foot No Disturb Zone at 214 Rounseville Road. Engineering consultant John Zimmer, attending the meeting on Zoom, clarified the project is to rebuild the existing substation, including relocating three existing stormwater basin “poles.” He said he needed variances for property’s access entrance. Gerrior asked if abutters have concerns. Zimmer said an abutter who spoke at the project’s Planning Board hearing merely needs to see the final landscape design.

            The commission then opened its biggest hearing of the night, on the Notice of Intent application for work within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone at 53 Dexter Lane for the construction of a floating and ground-mounted solar array with associated battery energy storage system.

            Project representative Sarah Sterns said this is a plan for three floating solar panels on their bog manufactured lakes and three panels upland that are all part of an existing farm. Both commission members and audience members responded with concerns focusing on what this installation will do the waterways there and the wildlife. In the end, the commission motioned a continuance in order to hire a wildlife biologist to investigate their issues.

            The first question before this result came from Member Matt Bache, who asked “how will the floating panels be anchored?” Stern said they will either be anchored to the bottom of the pond or slightly under the surface of the water, depending on the vendor that is chosen. “It will be like a dock in the water, with a very small footprint,” she said.

            Bache also wanted to know what happens to materials from the panels landing in the water. New member Jenelle Jesse asked if a variety of metrics had been used to test water quality. Abutter Lena Finch said the installation could directly impact the Eastern Box Turtles and salamanders in the area. Gerrior noted past Conservation Commission approvals have included promises of erosion controls and regular turtle searches.

            Member Ben Bailey voiced the biggest objection. The Department of Environmental Protection allows floating solar arrays only on man-made water, he said. But a natural river runs through this pond. “I don’t think you can do that here,” he said. He then signaled opposition to this plan based on that fact.

            He also noted waterfowl fly into solar panels thinking they are water, thus injuring or killing themselves. “Are there any studies of bird mortality rates?” he asked.

            Member Merilee Kelly suggested the peer review option. “I’d like to see a peer reviewer get involved,” she said.

            The commission approved this move and to continue the hearing to July 14.

            In other action, upon the applicant’s request, the commission continued to its next meeting the Notice of Intent hearing for work within bordering vegetated wetlands related to a ground-mounted solar array system in the area of 600 Snipatuit Road.

            After a brief discussion of the plan, the commission also continued to its next meeting the Notice of Intent hearing on a proposed single family home within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone at 28 Marion Road.

            The next Conservation Commission meeting will be on July 1, 2025 at 7:00 pm, at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Local News Organizations: Informing Citizens & Creating Community

On Wednesday, June 25 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Come hear a panel from The Wanderer, Sippican Week, and The New Bedford Light who will speak at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library about their local news services; their history, how they’ve changed, their focus, and their value to the community. Bring your questions and comments for an engaging civil conversation. Speaking will be Karen Bordeleau, Executive Editor of The New Bedford Light, Paul Lopes, Owner & Editor of The Wanderer, and Anne Eisenmenger, Publisher of Beaver Dam Partners including Sippican Week. Free and open to all.

ORRHS Fourth Term Honor Roll

The following students have achieved honors for the fourth term at Old Rochester Regional High School:

            Highest Honors: Elizabeth Achilles, Olivia Crowley, Sara Duane, Sage Elia, Katherine Guevara, Ella Milhench, Elise Modracek, Caitlin O’Donnell, Xavier Pateakos, Jiya Patel, Isabella Perez-Dormitzer, Eve Skomal, Scarlett Sylvia, Hannah Thorell, Rachel Tse

                  Honors: Henry Achilles, Logan Amaral, Lily Ambrosi, Sophia Anesti, Penelope Angeley, Gianna Annunziato, Seraphina Arruda, Georgia Bailey, Henry Bailey, Chloe Bairos, Abigail Balsis, Ella Bartholomew, Claire Bates, Malcolm Bean, Henry Becker, Henry Berry, Ella Bishop, John Bongiorno, Clara Bonney, Cadel Bosma, Sydney Bosma, Rose Bouley, Nathanael Bushnell, Nolan Bushnell, Drew Butler, Aiden Cabral, Brianna Cabral, Ethan Cabral, Lucas Cabral, Sarah Cabral, Bobby Calder, Keira Canto, Erin Cardinal, Cassidy Carroll, Delaney Chase, Kelsi Chick, Quinn Chisholm, Rosemary Clark, Gavin Coffey, Jacob Collier, Aiden Comorosky, Belle Comorosky, Madison Conner, Gabriel Connors, Ashton Cook, Charlotte Cook, Taylor Cook, Tucker Cook, Owen Cooney, Bryan Correia, Raegan Correia, Bridget Coryer, Emma Costa, Phoebe Cowles, Cadogan Crete, Tapper Crete, Makenzie Crowley, Grace Custadio, Alexander Dai, Dannylynn DaPonte, Matthew DaRosa, Emma Debonise, Gianna DeLeo, Jake Dellas, Reis DeMello, Averee Depina, Abigail Desorcy, Luke DeVoe, Mara Donnelly, Rafael Duarte, Gisele Duchaine, Jeannine Duchaine, Eden Dupre, Aidan Eagle, Calder Eaton, Neal Eddleston, Elizabeth Feeney, Max Ferrari, John Ferreira, Alexandra Fiano, Michaela Fiano, Ava Figueiredo, Mia Figueiredo, Katelyn Fisher, William Fortier, Brendan Foster, David Fredette, Brendan Fuller, Dillon Furtado, Caroline Gallagher, Jack Gallagher, Giada Gandolfi, Brandon Gates, Jacob Gear, Lillian Gendreau, Madeleine Gendreau, Allison Giampa, Daniel Giandomenico, Caden Gonsalves, Clara Gouveia-Silva, Isabel Govoni, Benjamin Graham, Chloe Guttenberger, Lucas Hadley, Sebastian Harrigan, Logan Hart-Bonville, Sadie Hartley-Matteson, Ian Hartwig, Madalyn Haverty, Grace Hebert, Patrick Henry, August Herbert, Meredith Higgins, Brody Hiles, Lily Hinds, Estella Holbrook, Isabella Hollis, Hunter Horsey, Lyla Hotte, Elizabeth Houdelette, Emma Iappini, Jacob Iappini, Amanda Ignacio, Taryn Jackson, Emma Johnson, Louise Johnson, Sawyer Johnson, Chase Karo, Lanie Kazen, Jazmin Kearns, Kierra Keegan, Genevieve Kelly, Hazel Kelly, Elizabeth Kilpatrick, Hadley King, Leighton King, Hadley Kuppens, Austin Lassiter, Seamus Leary, Bree LeFavor, Aiden Levasseur, Lucy Lombard, Caitlyn Lund, Aiden MacLeod, Addison Mahar, Marley Mailloux, Abigail Mansfield, Hannah Mansfield, Joshua Marcolini, Paige Marotta, Gavin Martin, Isabel Marujo, Neva Matos, Faelyn McCarthy, Tiera McCarthy, Liam McGee, Katherine McIlmail, Benjamin Meighan, Carly Mello, Colin Mello, Levi Mello, Zachary Mendes, Ethan Miguel, Maiwenn Moisy, Xavier Monteiro, Blake Moreau, Miah Motta, Zoe Motta, Zack Mourao, Grady Muldoon, Caillaigh Mullen, Desmond Murphy, Connor Nelson, Piper Newell, James Noblet, Ella Normandin, Grady Oliveira, Liam Osterday, Owen Osterday, Angela Palmer, Zoe Papadakis, Krishi Patel, Mit Patel, Scarlet Patnaude, Morgan Patraiko, Reilly Patraiko, Marley Perry, Nathan Perry, Quinn Perry, Benino Petrone, Varunyu Phimolmas, Luke Pierre, Nina Pierre, Gabriela Pinhancos, Alexander Pither, Audrey Pither, Zoe Plante, Harrison Porter, Tyler Porto, Delilah Post, Jasmyn Pumphery, Dimitri Raposo, Brady Reardon, Tessa Ripley, Noah Robert-Howley, Ellen Robitaille, Matthew Rock, Sebastian Romig, Erin Root, Lazaro Rosa, Grace Rousseau, Addison Roy, Maxwell Roy, Lucille Runyon, Julian Sanchez, Kaya Savaria, Rebecca Schaefer, Austin Scully, Landon Sexton-Murphy, Christina Shultz, Ian Shultz, Benjamin Silva, Ella Silva, Kaelie Smalley, Chelsey Soltau, Molly Souza, Marie Spenard, Addyson Spencer, Alexa St Louis, Claudia Surace, Heather Surace, Blair Thomas, Ezra Thompson, Jack Thompson, Olivia Thompson, Noah Thorell, Alexandra Tobin, Nathan Tobin, Amanda Tomasso, Bella Tourinho, Braylee Trout, Nathaniel Tse, Thomas Tseki, Lucia Valadao, Olivia Valentim, Cameron Van Ness, Claire Vergoni, Grace Victoria, Nicholas Victorino, Nolin Vieira, Connor Villafranca, Sasha Volkema, Avery White, Linden White, Matthew Williams, Caitlin Wilson, Molly Wronski, Emily Wyman, Katherine Young, Kennedy Zussy

Margaret (Peg) Olney

After a long life of service to her community, church and family, Margaret (Peg) Olney of Mattapoisett passed away on June 15, 2025, following a brief cancer-related illness. She recently celebrated her 90th birthday. For 57 years, Peg was the beloved spouse of David Olney, who died in 2015.

            Born in Bridgeport, CT, Peg was the oldest child of John M. Leask, Jr., and Margaret H. (Harris) Leask. She was raised in Fairfield, CT. After graduating from Roger Ludlowe High School in 1953, Peg attended Bates College in Lewiston, ME, receiving her B.S. degree in Biology in 1957. It was at Bates where she met Dave, when they were both working in the dining hall dish room. It was the match of a lifetime. Peg and Dave married in 1958, and first settled in New Rochelle, NY, where their three children were born. The family moved to Waltham, MA in 1973, in part to be closer to their Mattapoisett summer home that overlooks the scenic beauty of Buzzards Bay. Upon their retirement in 1995, Peg and Dave chose Mattapoisett as their year-round home.

            Peg was a stay-at-home mom for many years but returned to the work force when the children reached college age. She worked in the financial services department at the Sodexo North America headquarters in Waltham.

            In 2005, the New Bedford Standard-Times named Peg as Mattapoisett’s Women of the Year. The headline states that “Her civic contributions seem never-ending”. Indeed, that was always the case. When her children were young, Peg was a Cub Scout and Brownie troop leader, and was involved with the PTA. In retirement, Peg provided countless hours of her time in support of the Mattapoisett Women’s Club, Friends of the Mattapoisett Library, the Mattapoisett Museum, and the Council on Aging.

            Peg and Dave found their spiritual home at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Peg served as church treasurer and was involved in numerous church activities. Peg and Dave shared a love for music, and for years both sang in the church choir and the Sippican Choral Society.

            At home, Peg loved gardening and through the Women’s Club Garden Group, maintained plantings at sites all around Mattapoisett. She also was an accomplished cook. Every year her pies were best sellers at Harbor Days. Peg was an avid reader who participated in several book groups. She was a devoted watcher of Jeopardy!

            Survivors include her three children, Douglas of Brooklyn, NY, Jonathan of Tiverton, RI and Katherine and her husband David Kleinschmidt of Acton, MA. Peg’s four beloved grandchildren are Maggie Olney, Caroline Olney with fiancé Christopher Steinley, T.J. Olney, and Nathan Kleinschmidt. Peg is survived by her sister, Mary Lou Carlson of Redding, CT. Her brother David Leask preceded her in death. Her extended family includes several cousins and twenty-one nephews and nieces along with their spouses and children. She will be missed by them all.

            Gifts in Peg’s memory may be made to the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, or to the Mattapoisett Women’s Club Scholarship Fund.

            Visiting hours will take place from 4 to 7 pm on Monday, June 23 at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals in Mattapoisett. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, July 26 at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Burial at Cushing Cemetery in Mattapoisett will be private. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Leslye (Shurtleff) Ribeiro

Leslye (Shurtleff) Ribeiro passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 56 years, Carl Ribeiro, along with their son Mark, his wife Catherine, and her loving and much-adored grandchildren, Crosby and Graham. Leslye was predeceased by her parents, Edward B. Shurtleff and Elinor (Terzian) Weaver, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

            Leslye was born on August 17, 1946, in Fairhaven, MA. A proud graduate of Fairhaven High School, Class of 1964, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Bridgewater State College. Leslye’s passion for education led her to become a kindergarten teacher at Rogers School in Fairhaven, where she inspired young minds and developed lifelong friendships with her coworkers. After starting her family, she devoted herself full-time to being a loving mother. In later years, she returned to teaching at Fairhaven Preschool and The Loft School of Marion, where her kindness and dedication continued to touch the lives of many.

            Leslye continued her interest in education by serving on VASE (Volunteers at Sippican Elementary) and on the Parent’s Committee at Tabor Academy.

            Leslye was a lifelong athlete. In her high school years, she participated in basketball, volleyball and softball, notably scoring 53 points in a FHS women’s varsity basketball game. Her love of sports continued into adulthood. She cherished the game of tennis and the friendships it brought, playing twice a week year-round, staying active and engaged with a close-knit group of tennis friends.

            She always had a love of music, beginning in her high school band and orchestra and continuing throughout her life. She especially enjoyed playing the ukulele for her grandchildren. She had a song for every moment-say any word, and she’d effortlessly sing a tune with something fitting.

            Leslye loved traveling with Carl, both for business and for family adventures. She took great joy in her home and loved spending time outside in her yard. After retirement, she and Carl spent ten wonderful years visiting their home on Spring Island in Okatie, South Carolina, where she embraced her love of nature.

            Leslye is survived by her loving sister, Donna DeBalsi, and brother-in-law, Bob DeBalsi, as well as her beloved nieces, Kristin Laquale (husband Anthony and daughter Sophia) and Bethany Kirk (husband Shane), along with many cherished cousins and dear friends.

            Leslye and her family would like to express their gratitude for the loving care she received by so many at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, SouthCoast Health, SouthCoast Health Cancer Center, SouthCoast Health Hospice and two very special at-home caregivers.

            Her Funeral Service will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 10 am in the First Congregational Church of Marion, 144 Front St., Marion. Burial will be private. Visiting hours will be Friday, June 27th from 4-7 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations in Leslye’s memory may be made to SouthCoast Health at Home, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719 or SouthCoast Community Foundation, 350 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Assing Not Seeking Reappointment

            The Marion Conservation Commission met on Wednesday, June 11 for a short agenda with a single public hearing. Discussions began on a Certificate of Compliance request from 406 Point Road, with talks of an original request ceasing to hold weight. Originally, the addition of a breezeway from a garage was requested, though the previous house was demolished and a new one built, thus making the original request void. This compliance request was granted with a unanimous vote.

            The commission spoke of appointing Shaun Walsh as Representative to Stewards of Community Open Space and Jeff Doubrava as Representative to the Community Preservation Committee. However, the commission decided to shelve appointments for future meetings to further discuss and gauge interest throughout the summer.

            The Conservation Commission then moved on to their hearing regarding the Notice of Intent submitted by Geoffrey Gilson of 3 Arrowhead Lane for the demolition and reconstruction of a single-family dwelling with associated walks, decks, patios, and an inground swimming pool. Bob Rogers of GAF Engineering, speaking on behalf of the applicant, explained the work to be done as well as the addition of a retaining wall near the driveway. He also clarified brushland and saltmarsh on the land would not be cleared. For work in and around the salt marsh, it was explained a separate permit must be requested and another public hearing must be held by the Conservation Commission at a future date.

            It was stated that neighbors and abutters approve of the project with no raised objections. Members of the commission closed the hearing and unanimously approved the measure. Following this decision, Vice Chair and Acting Chair of this meeting Emil Assing stated he would not be seeking reappointment to the commission following the end of his three-year term at the end of this month.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is currently scheduled for Wednesday, June 25 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Sam Bishop