The Call of the Sea

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The Marion Concert Band continues its Friday evening concert series on July 8 with a program of music inspired by the sea. The program is as follows:

Hands Across the Sea – J. P. Sousa

Seagate Overture – J. Swearingen

Fantasy on American Sailing Songs – C. Grundman

Sea Songs – R. Vaughan Williams

Variants on a Nautical Hymn – M. Williams

Under the Sea (from The Little Mermaid) – A. Menken

Highlights from Victory at Sea – R. Rodgers

Martinique – R. Washburn

Parade of the Tall Ships – J. Chattaway

The concert will begin at 7:00 pm at the Robert Broomhead Bandstand, Island Wharf off Front Street in Marion. All concerts are free and open to the public.

Property Tax Relief Grants

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Applications are now available to help qualified Marion residents with their 2016-2017 property taxes through the Marion Community Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts (CFSEMA).

All applications must be received in the Community Foundation’s offices by 3:00 pm on Monday, October 3, 2016, and applicants will be informed by mail by late December. Applications are available at the Town Hall in Marion, the Council on Aging, and the Community Foundation, 30 Cornell Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. They can also be downloaded at www.cfsema.org.

The Marion Community Fund was established in 1999 by a private donor to provide qualified Marion homeowners with property tax relief. The Fund’s goal is to preserve the town’s diversity and character by providing property tax relief for Marion homeowners who are a key part of the town’s makeup and who might be forced to leave Marion due to higher taxes. There are no age restrictions on this grant.

The Marion Community Fund hopes people of all ages who qualify will apply. If you are a Marion homeowner, have owned your home for at least one year, have earned income of less than $25,000 (single) or $37,500 (married), and have assets of $46,000 or less (single) or $63,000 or less (married), excluding your home, you may be eligible for tax relief. All payments will be made to the Town of Marion and credited toward the grant recipient’s tax bill.

For assistance with the application, contact the Marion Council on Aging at 508-748-3570.

Tykes Learn By Doing STEM Experiments

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Schools may be closed for summer, but learning takes place year-round especially when you combine fun tasks and the willingness of little children to imagine – just imagine. And that is just what happened in Rochester when a STEM program was launched.

STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering and math, is a system that combines those core elements through an interdisciplinary experience. Web-based platforms that discuss STEM use such language as “cohesive learning paradigm” to describe the teaching system. But during the week of June 20-24 as the Plumb Library in Rochester hosted five one-hour STEM sessions for kids ages 3 to 6, it was clear that fun was also part of the process.

As Lisa Fuller, aka Ms. Lisa, library assistant for children’s services, read a short story to the tykes in attendance at the June 24 gathering, the bunny in the box became the bunny in a ship, or rocket, or castle, or, well use your own imagination.

With their creative juices flowing, the children were then gathered into two groups. One group was assisted by junior helper Ella Charron, a fourth grader aged 9, and the other by junior helper Allison Winters, a fifth grader aged 10. The junior helpers guided the tiny STEM explorers as they employed their imagination and skills to create a “cold lava lamp” or a bridge structure using paper cups and Popsicle sticks. Each day, different experiments helped the children to see beyond the objects on the table to what those objects could become while asking them to count numbers, identify colors, read, or use age-appropriate tools.

Simple yet engaging aspects of the program included a beach ball covered with numbers to help the children with counting and math, using tools such as scissors to make name tags, and of course, laughter. Social interaction took place naturally as the children helped one another with cheerful encouragement. Though not an official part of the STEM system, that dynamic can’t be overlooked.

Fuller said that approximately 25 children from the Tri-Town area had participated in the program with some children attending everyday. “This was in partnership with ORR’s Early Childhood Program,” Fuller said.

While the children were clearly getting a great deal out of the program, it was also clear that the moms and dads who stood by watching and cheering on their small charges were enjoying the program as well.

The STEM activity was sponsored by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care’s Coordinated Family and Community Engagement.

By Marilou Newell

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Montigny Urges Additional Offshore Wind Investment

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Senate Assistant Majority Leader Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) is urging his Senate colleagues to include strong provisions for offshore wind power in the impending omnibus energy bill set to be released this Friday. For several months, the Rules Chairman has levered his leadership in the Senate to persistently demand a significant role for offshore wind in the state’s energy portfolio. Earlier this month, the House passed its own energy legislation that provided just 1,200 megawatts of offshore wind procurement. It is widely thought, by industry experts, researchers and stakeholders that approximately 2,000 megawatts are necessary to ensure offshore wind facilities can be built to scale. A significant investment in offshore wind energy can help the Commonwealth meet its greenhouse gas reduction benchmarks and supplant energy that has, or will be, going offline in the region such as the scheduled 2019 shutdown of the Pilgrim nuclear power plant in Plymouth.

“With immense wind resources just off our coastline and waterfront facilities ready to support offshore operations, New Bedford is in a prime position to help make the state a leader in renewable energy,” said Senator Montigny. “I will continue to push for additional offshore wind power in the Senate that will bring jobs and economic growth to the region. I am hopeful that the Senate will meet the 2,000 megawatt target as the 1,200 figure is simply inadequate. If required, an amendment will be filed to ensure this goal is met.”

Senator Montigny represents the 2nd Bristol and Plymouth District that includes Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, and New Bedford.

Academic Achievements

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Morrisville State College recently announced that Danielle Cammarano of Marion was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2016 semester. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must achieve an average of 3.0 to 3.99 for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

Some 2,329 students were awarded a variety of bachelor’s degrees during the University of Vermont’s 215th commencement ceremonies on May 22. Approximately 502 advanced degrees were awarded by the UVM Graduate College, and 106 took the oath of Hippocrates following the awarding of their M.D. degrees at ceremonies of the UVM College of Medicine.

The following Tri-Town students were among the graduates:

– Nathaniel Fuchs of Mattapoisett graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Individually Designed

– India Krawczyk of Rochester graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

– Sarah Marchisio of Rochester graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Movement Sciences.

Greg Sethares, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bristol Community College, has announced the Dean’s List for spring 2016. Area students named are:

– From Marion: Newcomb D. Cole IV, Christopher Dix, Nicholas P. Faria, Olivia J. Levine, and Catharine Ryer.

– From Mattapoisett: Nikolas A. Coelho, Kylie L. Faison, Jonathan R. Medeiros, Kimberley A. Remick, Marcus O. Schroder, Matthew E. Silvers, and Meagan L. Smith.

– From Rochester: Abigail Clark, Courtney A. Cunha, Aaron Holick, Courtney L. Lombardo, Benjamin R. Poulin, Caroline T. Reusch, Ryan J. Stopka, Kristen P. White, and Cassie A. Wilcox.

Casey Magee of Mattapoisett graduated from Western New England University with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology on May 21.

Taylor J. Maak of Rochester graduated from Clark University on Sunday, May 22 with a Bachelor of Arts in Physics.

James Leander Forbes DeMailly of Mattapoisett has been named to the Dean’s List for academic work completed during the 2015-2016 academic year at Northfield Mount Hermon.

Maegan Kiernan of Rochester was named to the Deans’ List at Salem State University.

Abigail Adams of Mattapoisett was named to the Merrimack College Dean’s List for spring 2016.

Cassandra Nicolosi of Mattapoisett, a junior at Salve Regina University, has been named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2016 semester.

Tulane University awarded degrees to nearly 3,000 graduates on May 14 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Local student, Mason Strand of Marion, graduated from the Freeman School of Business with a Bachelor Science Management.

Peter F. Omilnowicz

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Peter F. Omilnowicz, 106, of Mattapoisett (formerly of Webster, MA), died on June 23, 2016 at Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion, MA.

Mr. Omilnowicz was a long-standing communicant of Saint Joseph’s Church in Webster, MA. He was a lifetime member of the Singleton Rod and Gun Club where he was an avid sports fisherman. In retirement, Mr. Omilnowicz enjoyed swimming at the Webster YMCA and tending his amazing gardens.

Mr. Omilnowicz was a gifted mechanic known for his ability to repair anything. During his working years, he was employed as a loom fixer at various mills in the Worcester area including the Whitin Machine Works. He ended his career as a Maytag repairman at Worcester Maytag.

“Grandpa Pete’s” extraordinarily long life can be attributed to his eternal optimism, unconditional love for family, strong faith and daily exercise.

Mr. Omilnowicz was predeceased by his wife, Michalina “Nellie” (Suss); daughter, Nathalie (Omilnowicz) Fleming; brother, Nicodemus Omilanowicz; and sisters, Elizabeth Wymulec and Gemma Omilanowicz, CSFN. He is survived by his brother, Stanley “Ted” and wife, Virginia Omilanowicz of Worcester; sister, Mariella Omilanowicz, CSFN of Monroe, CT; son-in-law, Donald Fleming of Mattapoisett, MA; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations can be made to St Joseph’s School Gymnasium Fund, Webster, MA.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on July 22, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Basilica, Webster, MA. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd.. Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

 

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Rochester Country Fair Live Auction Fundraiser

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Did you finish your spring cleaning in time for summer? The Fair Committee is currently looking for donated items to be auctioned at the Rochester Country Fair. We hope to have approximately 100 items to auction off, so your help in reaching this goal is greatly appreciated.

This Good Old Country Auction Fundraiser, sponsored by Camara’s Auction, will take place at the Rochester Country Fair on Thursday, August 18 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm under the big tent provided by Chase Canopy Company.

You name it and we can sell it: antiques; farm implements; livestock; home goods; pies; furniture; tools; automotive parts & accessories; unique one-of-a-kind items; and odds & ends.

Contact us via email at RochesterCountryFair@comcast.net, call Bev at 508-209-4365 or message us on Facebook if you would like to donate and help us reach our goal. Additional Fair information can be obtained on our website, www.rochesterma.com.

Con Comm Questions Creative Oversteps

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The Rochester Conservation Commission meeting on June 22 got off slowly as members straggled in. Commissioner John Teal used the opportunity to vent his frustration about the local deer population. ”There are way too many,” he said, frustrated. “They’re not giving the plants a chance to grow back.”

“We need more hunters,” said commissioner Michael Conway from the other corner of the table.

“We need better hunters,” Teal argued cheerfully.

Once the last of the board members had arrived, the commission turned to the agenda. First in line was a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Willow Creek Builders for Lots 41 and 43 at property located at Forbes Road. The application proposed installation of two new private wells on the separate lots within a 100-foot buffer zone of two isolated vegetated wetlands. “We have two clusters of plots, and these two lots are having trouble meeting the requirements set by the Board of Health,” said Willow Creek Builders representative Tim Higgins. “So for these two lots, we’d like to install individual wells.”

Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon reported that the wells really were not very intrusive at all and could easily be installed without any ill effects. She recommended that the commission issue a negative determination so that a notice of intent would not need to be filed. The commission agreed with her determination.

A Request for a Determination of Applicability was filed by Deborah Boyd concerning her property at 5 Bennett Road. The application proposed installation of a new septic tank within a 100-foot buffer zone of an isolated vegetated wetland. Boyd’s representative, Rick Charon of Charon Associates, explained that the sewage system had initially been put in over 20 years ago, before more recent bylaws had been passed, and the system was roughly 25 feet from the leaching field. “Now that the property is being sold,” he explained, “the system needs to be fixed. We’ve gotten the max setback that we can on this.”

“This one’s really tight,” said Farinon. “It barely creates a 50-foot buffer.” Nevertheless, she again recommended a negative determination, and the commission agreed.

The third request of the night was a Determination of Applicability filed by Hipolito and Donna Almeida for their property at 464 Walnut Plain Road. Chairman Rosemary Smith noted that the silt fence had a large gap at the bottom, and in such a condition was really a useless fence. “If it rains, that’s not going to do a thing.”

“This was an after-the-fact filing,” said Rick Charon, who was also representing the owners. “Originally, the proposal was an addition outside the buffer zone, so there was no notice. Then it was decided to add a row of large stones and approximately fifty feet of cubic fill to a spot inside the buffer zone.”

“This is an after-the-fact filing. The silt fence isn’t in right, and the pre-existing grading is difficult to see,” said Farinon. She recommended continuing the public hearing at the next meeting, where updated plans with a clearer view of the grading could be shown.

The last hearing of the day was a Certificate of Compliance request from Andrea and Donald King for their property at 425 Neck Road. The representative, for the third time that night, was Rick Charon. “It’s like Groundhog Day!” exclaimed Teal.

“I didn’t notice any erosion on this property,” said Charon. “The outlet to the collection system was originally closer to the pond but was moved further away, and there were some other changes.”

“If the changes were so significant,” said Conway, “why weren’t new plans submitted to the board?”

“The changes came through the contractor,” Charon explained. “He felt his changes were right and went beyond my plans. He didn’t do the paperwork properly, but he did a beautiful job. I don’t want to see the Kings punished for contractor overstep when they’ve done such a good job with this property.”

“The contractor did well,” admitted Farinon. “When a contractor is hired, a certain amount of creativity comes into play. I went to the property, though, and there were some deviations I was concerned about.”

Other members were concerned about a driveway that had apparently been placed inside a 25-foot ‘no touch’ zone.

“There’s a lot of mulch here and the driveway was moved out of place into what looks like the ‘no-touch’ zone,” pointed out associate member Daniel Gagne.

“Well, the area used to be a lawn. I think it had some other functions too,” said Farinon.

“‘No-touch’ doesn’t mean virgin, though. It means no-touch,” Gagne replied.

“Well, it has been touched,” said Teal, surveying Farinon’s photos of the location.

Considering the debate, Smith questioned whether they should continue the public hearing at the next meeting.

Farinon paused to think for a moment before replying. “Yes. I’d like to take another look. I’d just like to make a few adjustments before next time.”

The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission will be on July 6 at 7:00 pm in the Rochester Town Hall meeting room.

By Andrea Ray

 

23rd Annual Buzzards Bay Swim

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Two hundred forty swimmers dove into outer New Bedford Harbor early Saturday morning to celebrate clean water in Buzzards Bay during the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s 23rd annual Buzzards Bay Swim.

As of the start of the event on Saturday, swimmers had raised $120,000 to support the nonprofit Coalition’s work to protect clean water, conserve land and educate youth and adults across the Buzzards Bay region, from Westport to Woods Hole. Members of the public who wish to support the Swim can still donate at www.savebuzzardsbay.org/swim.

“The Buzzards Bay Swim is a fantastic celebration of clean water in our community,” said Coalition President Mark Rasmussen. “The fact that nearly 250 swimmers came out this morning to swim across New Bedford Harbor – one of the biggest Swims in 23 years – shows how important clean water is to people here on Buzzards Bay.”

Calm, clear waters and bright sunshine greeted swimmers as they gathered at The Edge Seafood & Lounge beach in New Bedford’s South End. The first swimmers started at 7:15 am, and around 9:00 am the final swimmers had covered the 1.2-mile course and arrived at the finish line at Fort Phoenix Beach State Reservation in Fairhaven.

“This is such a great event because it’s all about community,” said Laurie Hellstrom of Fairhaven, a masters swim team member at the New Bedford YMCA who completed her fifth Swim today. “It was a beautiful day. The water temperature was perfect, and you could see both the sun and the moon while you were swimming.”

The Swim drew participants from 120 communities in 15 states, including as far as away as Alaska, Washington and Florida. Swimmers ranged in age from 12 to 76.

First-time Buzzards Bay Swim participant and New Hampshire resident Peggy Chisholm grew up in Padanaram, and she swims in Buzzards Bay when she visits southeastern Massachusetts on weekends. “I love these waters,” she said after crossing the finish line.

Larry Fish of Falmouth was the top fundraiser this year, raising $5,000. Bill Muldoon of Mattapoisett raised $3,506, while Dan Vasconcellos of Pembroke raised $2,900 in memory of his father, Arthur. Rebecca Williams of Rochester was the top fundraiser for a new swimmer, raising $2,420. In addition to the top individual fundraisers, the Red Dory Restaurant of Tiverton, R.I. was the top fundraising team with a total of $4,026.

Vasconcellos remembers when water conditions weren’t so clear when he participated in his first Buzzards Bay Swim over 20 years ago. “You might have been able to see your hand in front of you. Now, the conditions are unbelievable. I like to think it’s due to the efforts of the Coalition.”

After the Swim, participants, volunteers and supporters enjoyed a finish line beach party with a pancake breakfast, complimentary massages, live music from El Caribe and a live radio broadcast with Michael Rock of FUN 107. The event concluded with an awards ceremony.

Fifteen-year-old Henry Keegan of Needham was the top finisher, completing the course in 22 minutes and 40 seconds. Eric Pauls of Westport came in second with a time of 22 minutes and 58 seconds. In third place was Frank Wuest of Boston with a time of 24 minutes and 10 seconds, a tie with the top overall female finisher, Morgan McCarthy of East Orleans.

The Wheeler Watershed Challenge Cup for the fastest team went to the “Salty Sea Dogs” (Alex Gallant of Lakeville, Nick Graca of East Freetown and Trevor Ragas of Lakeville) with an average team time of 25 minutes and 51 seconds.

The Quicks Awards for the fastest youth teams both went to MetroWest Aquatic Club. The boys’ team (Henry Keegan, 15, of Needham; Samuel Dawley, 15, of Dover; and Benjamin Zeng, 14, of Weston) finished with an average time of 25 minutes and 12 seconds. The girls’ team (Molly Jordan, 14, of Mendon; Charlotte Moynihan, 14, of Needham; and Riley Correll, 15, of Dover) finished with an average time of 29 minutes and 51 seconds. The two teams will each bring a $500 prize back to their swim club.

For a full list of results from the 2016 Buzzards Bay Swim, visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org/swim. Photos are available for download and use via Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/savebuzzardsbay/albums/72157669675463601. Photos of swimmers from specific communities are available upon request.

The Buzzards Bay Swim is one of two signature outdoor events hosted by the Coalition. The other is the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride, a one-day bicycle ride with 100-mile, 75-mile, 35-mile, and 10-mile routes from Little Compton, R.I. to Woods Hole, Mass. The 10th anniversary Watershed Ride will take place on Sunday, October 2. Details and registration are available at www.savebuzzardsbay.org/ride.

Marion Annual Super Duper Summer Fair

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Save the date of Saturday, July 30 for The First Congregational Church of Marion Annual Super Duper Summer Fair. This is the Fair that everyone looks forward to each year. It happens from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the street and on the church grounds at 28 Main Street, Marion.

Donations are being sought for tables at the Fair: Silent Auction (antiques, furniture, art, special household items); Nautical and Sporting Goods (kayaks, canoes, dinghies, sports equipment, bikes, golf clubs); Plants (small perennials, annuals in full bloom, vegetables). If you are downsizing, cleaning out or have a green thumb, please call Judith Coykendall at 508-972-2430.

The Fair has something for everyone. Find furniture, paintings, glassware and more at the Silent Auction and Fine Gifts tables. Bring the children for games, dunk tank, putting green, penny candy and much more. Treat yourself to yummy home-baked goods, candy and fresh picked local blueberries.

Flea Market items abound at the White Elephant table. Perk up your garden with new plants and your home with handmade crafts. Find some great buys on nautical and sports equipment, and then fill your bag with books for the beach.

Stay for lunch and savor the famous Lobster Rolls and chicken wraps at the Chapel Café. The Sidewalk Grill features hot dogs and hamburgers. Come one, come all.