Gateway Youth Hockey

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Squirts: Gateway Gladiator Squirts faced K.P. Walpole on Saturday for their last regular season game and they made it count, taking the 3-0 win. Both teams played a defensive game in the first period with no tallies. In the second, Ty David Ribeiro, with assist from Benjamin Hebbel, put Gateway on the board. Matthew Paling also scored, unassisted. Ribeiro scored his second goal of the game later in the second period, also unassisted. The third period was another defensive period with both teams really playing hard. Gateway Gladiator Squirts are off to the playoffs starting next week.

Pee Wees: The Gladiator Pee Wees played an excellent game on Sunday morning against an always competitive Walpole Express Red. The game started out very close with each team posting back and forth goals to end the first period in a 2-2 tie, but Gateway poured it on in the second and third periods to pull away with a purpose. Goalie Ryker King made numerous tough saves and Gateway’s defense to include Luke Mello, Stephen Old, Bailey Tieu and Ben Martins played incredibly tough to stop Walpole’s scoring attempts. The Gladiator forwards made some great passes, they shot often and crashed the net to put in the last four goals which ended the game with score of 6-4 and earned Ben Demoranville a hat trick.

Bantams: The Gladiators’ Bantam team came up a little short, playing up two divisions against Canton, in preparation for their playoffs that start next weekend. Canton opened up the scoring less than five minutes into the game, putting in a rebound. The Gladiators would battle back to tie it up just five minutes later when Jack Martins put in a rebound of a Robert Ramsay shot. The score would remain that way until late in the second period when Nick Snow tapped in a loose puck after a shot from Martins, with Ramsay grabbing another assist. Canton then scored with one minute left in the second period to knot it up at two at the end of the second. The Gladiators then fell flat at the start of the third period, and Canton quickly capitalized on turnovers, scoring two quick goals. They would add an empty net goal, making the final 5-2. Jake DeMoranville faced a number of shots and did everything he could to keep his team in the game, making many saves. The Gladiators will begin their playoff series next weekend against Walpole.

Middle School: The Middle School Jr. Vikings skated to a tough 7-7 tie against a Dedham team that beat them 6-1 in their previous meeting. Dedham jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but the Jr. Vikings would cut that in half when Jack Martins stole an errant pass, strolled in and beat the goalie with a hard wrist shot. Dedham then scored another goal, putting them back up by two, until with one minute remaining in the first period, Tyler Lovendale scored a highlight reel goal, also known as “The Forsberg,” bringing the Jr. Vikings to within one. The Jr. Vikings would tie the game early in the second period, when Quirino doCanto wove through the Dedham team and finished the rush by sneaking one under the Dedham goalie as doCanto was going down the ice. Seth Tomasik would follow that up with an end-to-end rush of his own, beating the goalie with a hard, blue line, wrist shot. The assist came from goalie Alex DeMarco, his first of the season. Tomasik wasn’t done though, when a few minutes later he wound up at the blue line again and released a thunderous slap shot, beating the goalie who didn’t even see the puck go by him. Dedham would add a goal, bringing them within a goal of the Jr. Vikings, until doCanto would add a short-handed goal, coming from behind the net and putting in a backhand goal off of the goalie. The Jr. Vikings would go up by three early in the third period, when doCanto would complete the hat trick, decking the goalie and easily putting it in the net, assisted by Robert Maloney. Unfortunately, the Jr. Vikings couldn’t hold onto the lead, getting a little sluggish and complacent, allowing Dedham to fight back and tie the game 7-7. DeMarco had a good game in net, facing many shots.

Mattapoisett Land Trust Scholarship

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The Mattapoisett Land Trust again offers the $1,000 Blanche B. Perry, Scholarship, an award offered to a resident senior graduating by June 2016 from secondary school pursuing an education in the study of environmental sciences or a related field, which covers a wide perspective without specializing. The candidate will be able to meet the scholarship requirements by studying sciences such as Biology, Mathematics, Technology, or Engineering and yet not limited to those specific fields.

The scholarship is consistent with the MLT mission of preserving land in order to enrich the quality of life for present and future generations. The scholarship is made available through the Edith Glick Shoolman fund, a bequest left to The Mattapoisett Land Trust to provide support for children in the community.

Along with the application the following information is required:

  1. A Personal Statement about career goals as they relate to the mission of the MLT, past and present.
  2. A signed Community Service Form documenting a minimum of 20 hours of community service.
  3. Professional letter of reference (teacher or guidance counselor)
  4. A Character letter of reference (such as employer, Scout leader, community leader and or neighbor).
  5. Official school transcript including credits and class rank.

The application forms will be found in guidance offices at the local public and private schools or at the MLT website www.mattlandtrust.org after March 4, 2016.

The deadline for submitting the forms will be April 29, 2016.

Applicants will be assessed according to academic achievement, financial need and overall performance. Preference will be given to individuals who are members of the MLT or whose parents or grandparents are members of the MLT.

The recipient will be selected by May 20 and will be notified by mail. He or she will be recognized during their school awards’ ceremony event. The award will be disbursed after the student submits a college transcript documenting successful completion of his or her first semester in college to the President of the MLT at Box 31 Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

Open Table

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You are invited for supper on Friday, March 11 at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Winter is almost over, but it’s always warm inside Reynard Hall. Something delicious and nutritious is sure to be on the menu. There is no charge, although donations are gratefully accepted. Doors open at 4:30 pm and the meal will be served at 5:00 pm. Bring the kids, bring your neighbor. Everyone is welcome.

High Voter Turnout in Tri-Town

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Tri-Town voters came out for the presidential primary election on March 1 like they haven’t in a long time. Decades, even, according to Rochester Town Clerk Naida Parker.

Fifty-percent of Marion voters – 1,874 of the 3,763 registered voters – made their way to the VFW to cast their vote for their preferred candidate.

“It was pretty steady all day,” said Marion Town Election Warden Joan Hartnett-Barry. “People came out during lunch, during suppertime … anytime.”

Republican candidate Donald Trump was the victor in Marion with 358 votes, with John Kasich coming in second with 183 votes and Marco Rubio in third with 148.

Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton beat Bernie Sanders in Marion by a narrow margin, 530-510.

In Mattapoisett, roughly 50 percent of registered voters filed into Old Hammondtown Elementary School throughout the day – 2,390 (plus 100 write-ins) of over 4,700 registered voters.

Turnout was significantly higher than the average presidential primary, according to Town Clerk Catherine Heuberger.

Trump came out on top with 483 votes, Kasich in second with 240, and Rubio in third with 181.

Sanders beat Clinton in Mattapoisett, 691-610.

Over in Rochester, voters streamed in right up until 8:00 pm, just as polls were about to close.

Trump won amongst Rochester voters with 547, Rubio in second with 137, and Kasich in third with 122 votes.

Sanders beat Clinton significantly, 500-325.

Turnout was about 43 percent in Rochester, with 1,814 of 4,243 voters making it to the Rochester Senior Center to cast their ballots.

“It’s been awesome,” said Parker, summing up the day. “The largest turnout for a primary election in the 30 years that I’ve been here.”

By Jean Perry

 

PrimaryResults

Anne H. Stowell

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Anne H. Stowell, of Mattapoisett, died peacefully on February 26 at 85 years of age. She attended Center School and was a member of the Fairhaven High School, class of 1948, from which she had special lasting friends. She graduated from the University of Iowa, returned East to work for D.C. Heath Publishing Co. in Boston, and then found her way back to Mattapoisett where she worked as an integral part of The Presto Press until her retirement.

Anne had a very quick wit and was an extremely talented artist, in particular with pen and ink drawings, a talent she used for covers and advertising in The Presto. Her favorite subjects were the wildlife creatures that habituated her yard.

Anne is survived by nieces Elizabeth Kunz, Kathryn Dinneen and Louise Rogers, all of Mattapoisett, Martha Kabacoff of Boulder, Colorado, and their children and grandchildren. She was predeceased by two sisters, Jean S. Ham and Pamela M. Single.

A gift may be made to the Mattapoisett library of a donation or a good book, a gift that Anne would have enjoyed sharing with others.

Super Tuesday

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To the Editor:

We are entering the heart of the 2016 election season and the next big moment arrives on March 1, “Super Tuesday.” As one of the 12 states with a primary, voters here in Massachusetts have a lot of factors to weigh as they contemplate who our next president should be. I know what the candidates are saying about Alzheimer’s disease will influence my choice. This illness devastates millions of families, overwhelms our health care system and threatens Medicare.

According to a recent survey by the Alzheimer’s Association, 73 million American voters know someone with Alzheimer’s. I was one of those Americans who was a caregiver for my partner who was diagnosed in 2008. She passed away in October of 2015. I have experienced firsthand the emotional, physical and financial toll of this heartbreaking illness. At least Faye was fortunate enough to receive a diagnosis in the first place. The Alzheimer’s Association reports the sad reality is only 45 percent of Americans with Alzheimer’s are ever diagnosed. This means the majority living with Alzheimer’s never even know it. I believe our state and nation face no more critical health issue than Alzheimer’s disease.

Despite the sobering statistics, I feel a great deal of hope in our battle against this disease. There has been some real progress achieved in the last year. Congress passed an historic 60 percent increase in Alzheimer’s funding last December. Several of the leading presidential candidates in both parties have pledged support and have plans for increasing federal government support for Alzheimer’s research.

I want to protect our progress and send the message our work is nowhere near complete. I will be casting my ballot on Super Tuesday for a candidate who makes urgent action against Alzheimer’s a priority.

Sincerely,

Barbara A. Meehan, Wareham

 

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.

Mattapoisett Recreation Early Spring Programs

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Mattapoisett Recreation is offering the following Early Spring programs. Sign up deadline is this Friday, February 26:

Center Stage Kids: Ages 5-12 years; Wednesdays from 3:00 – 4:00 pm; March 2 to May 4 at the Center School Gymnasium. MATTREC is excited to partner with Tracy Gendreau Fiore for a creative theatre program. Children will learn various aspects of the performing arts and will participate in a theatrical production on the last day of the eight-week session. Cost $100. Registration deadline is February 26.

Yoga: Ages 6-10 years; Tuesdays from 3:00 – 4:00 pm; March 1 to April 26 at the Center School Gymnasium. Certified yoga instructor Lynda Jacobvitz will teach your child age-appropriate yoga poses, basic stretching exercises and creative movement to promote strength, flexibility and coordination. Breathing and visualization techniques will teach kids how to focus, relax, develop self-control and improve concentration. The cost for the eight-week session is $80. Registration deadline is February 26.

Fencing: Ages 7-10 years, Mondays from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Ages 10-12 years, Mondays from 7:00-8:00 pm; March 7 to April 11 at the Center School Gymnasium. Blackstone Valley Fencing Academy will teach your child the basic techniques and language of fencing. Their goal is to promote self-confidence and self-reliance as a fencer and an individual. All equipment is provided. Please wear sneakers and long pants. The cost for the six-week session is $120. Registration deadline is February 26.

Please email MATTREC at mattrec@mattapoisett.net with any questions. Sign up online at www.mattrec.net.

Corned Beef & Cabbage

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St. Patrick’s Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner will be held at The Knights Hall, 57 Fairhaven Road, Mattapoisett on Saturday, March 12. The doors open at 5:00 pm and dinner is served at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children 7 to 12, and free for children under 7. For tickets, call Jim at 508-863-3496 or Rick at 508-758-4933. The proceeds go to The Knights of Mattapoisett Scholarship Fund.

DEP Upholds ConCom Decision

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“The DEP sided with the Conservation Commission’s negative determination of applicability…. It was appropriate,” said Chairman Bob Rogers during the February 22 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission.

The two Notices of Intent filed by the Town and planned for the evening’s agenda were now withdrawn due to the DEP’s finding. The filings were for test borings along the next phase of the bike path.

On December 12, the commissioners had voted to approve the Town’s application for a Request for Determination of Applicability to proceed with test borings along the proposed bike path Phase 1B, a path through sensitive wetlands.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation had required the Bike Path Committee to produce test data that would determine the composition of the substratum. The DOT was looking for assurances that the pedestrian bridge planned to span the marshlands would be supported by pilings sunk in bedrock.

Previous test borings indicating the presence of rock was deemed insufficient, hence, the necessity for additional test borings.

Abutters who felt that the Town should have filed a Notice of Intent along with other technical data before being given permission to move forward with test borings then appealed that decision. That appeal was denied.

Now that the DEP has denied the appeal, the Town no longer has to file for a NOI and can now proceed with the borings.

            “We won one,” Rogers said.

In other business, a RDA filed by Kevin LaBlanc for the construction of an addition and covered porch on property located at 34 Brandt Beach Avenue received a Negative 3 determination. The applicant also received a Certificate of Compliance for other projects at the site.

The Preserve at Bay Club, represented by Ted Gowdy, also received a Negative 3 determination of applicability for the construction of a new home at lot 118 Fieldstone Drive that will skirt a 100-foot buffer zone.

Engineer David Davignon presented a NOI from Richard Patten, 21 Marion Road, for the construction of a new house and garage. The site is the former location of a greenhouse and has been cleared for years. The building site borders jurisdictional wetlands. The project received a standard Order of Conditions.

Returning to the commission was George Collins of Collins Civil Engineering Group with a NOI for the construction of a new septic system at 6 Aucoot Road.

Collins had been asked during a previous hearing to discuss the possibility of connecting to public sewer before approving a septic system near bordering wetlands. Collins completed the request with due diligence and returned with information that the Sewer Department had declined the tie-in request due a number of reasons: the location of the pipes on Chapel Road, no other homes in the neighborhood access the sewer system, and the reduction in size of the proposed septic system.

The commission approved a standard Order of Conditions.

Certificates of Completion were issued to Eric Morrissette, 11 Cove Street, and Jay Williams, 13 Abby Lane.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for March 14 at 6:30 pm in the Mattapoisett Town Hall conference room.

By Marilou Newell

 

Writing Workshop Turned Drama at Tabor

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The winter drama is always an anticipated event, but this year offers a special twist. The play being performed was written by Mark Howland’s creative writing class and features individual scenes created by each member of the class.

Following the spectacular musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, this year’s drama, The Workshop, is a smaller, more intimate event in the Black Box Theatre. The actors have been rehearsing all season to ensure an exciting and well-done production.

The normal format of Tabor’s creative writing class consists mostly of short story writing. Howland usually focuses heavily on dialog, pacing, and characterization. This year’s class, however, spent most of the semester trying their hand at playwriting instead. Then, after the winter season began and the scripts for the play were chosen, they transitioned back into short story writing.

When they began the semester, their main priority was to craft these scenes. As every member of the class was writing something different, they began with the idea that the only continuity would be that each scene would have a bench in it.

“We worked with this idea for a while,” says Nathalie Cavallo, who was a member of the class as well as an actor in the play. “But it got too difficult, so now the only similarity is that each scene includes a person sitting down.”

At the end of every week, students would submit their favorite scene that they’d written, and the class would read them aloud and decide which ones would work well as part of the drama. It took them a lot to get to this point though.

“We did a lot of editing both in class and on our own,” Cavallo says. “We’d do a lot of peer-work and had a lot of drafts for each scene.”

The biggest challenge, and the most interesting aspect of playwriting, is that it’s different from short story writing and is often unfamiliar to students.

“My acting background definitely helped me in this class,” said Cavallo, “because a lot of it was knowing what worked well on stage. The class also helped me become a better actor because I got a better idea of how the play is crafted.”

Cavallo saw both sides of the production, writing one of the scenes and starring in another.

“It was really cool to see people bring everyone’s stories to life,” said Cavallo. “They brought a whole new element to the stories we spent all semester on.”

Not all good stories necessarily translate well on stage, so a big problem was keeping all the jokes alive and making sure that the pacing was correct. All of these skills, however, translate well to short story writing. The ability to use effective dialog, create interesting scenes, and keep the story moving are all crucial to good short story writing. When the class transitioned back into writing short stories, they noticed a distinct difference in their writing skills.

            The Workshop, a string of unconnected stories, was directed by student Joslyn Jenkins and Donn Tyler, an English teacher. Students and faculty alike are looking forward to witnessing the amazing work of both the actors who brought the stories to life and the students who wrote the scripts.

By Madeleine Gregory