Trash Talk Continues

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The Mattapoisett Planning Board has seen several requests from subdivisions and cluster housing developments for changes to their covenants – changes that would allow those residents to participate in municipal trash collection. To date, the board has approved covenant modifications that would allow the Bay Club, Villages of Mattapoisett, and Brandt Point Village to petition the Board of Health to receive trash collection under the contract the town currently has with ABC Disposal.

The modifications executed by the Planning Board after consultation with town counsel contains language that provides an exit to the modification if the town incurs additional costs by approving trash collection from these special neighborhoods. With all this as the background, resident Paul Osenkowski, a vocal opponent of these changes, brought the subject up again during the February 1 meeting of the Planning Board.

Osenkowski presented the board members with copies of proposed contracts between the Bay Club for $16,900, Village of Mattapoisett for $8,500 and Mattapoisett Landing for $4,700 and ABC Disposal for an upcoming contractual period. He shared his sentiments with the board members that the contracts may represent additional costs to the town by approving covenant modifications. He said, with the limited revenue sources the town had, incurring additional public service costs would drive up residential taxes.

Board member Karen Field responded, “But didn’t we say if it cost more, it would revert back to the subdivisions?” Members Mary Crain and Nathan Ketchel, after reviewing the changes they executed to one of the covenants, concurred that was in fact the case.

“I’m asking the Planning Board to at least look into this, “ Osenkowski asked. The board members agreed to check into the matter further.

Other business handled earlier in the evening was a meeting with engineer Douglas Schneider regarding property owned on Wildwood Terrace. His client, Bruce Rocha, was applying for clarification of lot lines that were established via deeds versus plans of record. The Planning Board moved to accept the clarification.

Tree Warden Roland Cote also came before the board with two requests to remove diseased trees located at the corner of Beacon and Foster Street and at 136 North Street. After producing photographic evidence of the necessity to remove the trees, board members moved to approve the removals. Cote said that the trees would not be felled until the summer due to financial constraints at this time and assured the board that new trees would be planted.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for March 7 at 7:00 pm in the town hall conference room.

By Marilou Newell

 

Author Hank Phillippi Ryan Offers Hope

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At the age of 55, Hank Phillippi Ryan, well known investigative reporter and now award-winning author, decided she could – and therefore would – write mystery novels.

That was 11 years ago, she told a packed room at the Mattapoisett Public Library on January 31. And how right she was to follow her dream, one that had started decades earlier back in her Indiana childhood.

The real life scene is set in rural Indiana where the young Ryan and her sister rode their ponies to the library every Saturday. Ryan stocked up on the ‘Nancy Drews’ and ‘Sherlocks.’ Those books transported her, instilling a love for a good story that included “problems to be solved.”

Ryan shared that, as a child, she wasn’t the most popular kid in school. She wasn’t a cheerleader; she was more of an outsider especially by the time she got to junior high. She was nominated as the “most individual” by her classmates, a distinction that did not endear her to them or vice versa. Her photograph was even published upside down in the school year book. It felt like harsh uncalled-for treatment to Ryan. But it was also turning point.

While her mother comforted her wounded pre-teen ego, she told Ryan that “the world wasn’t fair” and that she needed to get used to it.

“Then and there I decided I would make things better,” Ryan told a rapt audience.

Fast-forward, Ryan would spend the next 30-odd years pursuing truth, uncovering secrets, and reporting crimes.

“I wanted to make a difference, make things better,” she said as she described exposing problems in the 911 system, medical treatments to aid in disease control for newborns, alerting the public to unscrupulous home improvement contractors, and even taking on the mortgage crisis. And while her years of delving into stories and issues of the day was satisfying, earning her an astonishing 33 Emmys and 13 Edward R. Murrow awards, the desire to write crime fiction was ever present.

Ryan has taken decades of investigative experiences and blended it with that desire to tell good stories, using what she described as a proven formula: two engaging characters that return to each story, themes ripped from her own headlines, knowledge of how the criminal mind works, a murder or two, and a happy ending.

Once again, Ryan has shown that where there is hope, there is possibility; her crime fictions have reached the heights of acclaim with five Agathas, two Anthonys, the Daphne, two Macavitys, and the Mary Higgins Clark award.

“I am the poster child for following your dreams,” she said wrapping-up her nearly hour-long presentation. “I am proof that is it never too late.”

Ryan’s guest speaking engagement coordinates with the Mattapoisett Library staff’s ongoing training program. This year, the library received a LSTA grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The grant provides for staff development in the practice of referring and assisting readers to their next good book. The library staff will be focusing on adult mysteries throughout the year, according to Library Director Susan Pizzolato.

Ryan’s books are available throughout the Tri-Town library system, but you might have to go on a waiting list based on the enthusiastic crowd that lined up to shake Ryan’s hand in thanks and appreciation for an interesting and entertaining afternoon.

By the way, her given name is Harriet Anne in case you were curious. You can follow Hank on Facebook or visit www.hankphillippiryan.com.

By Marilou Newell

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Blizzard Warning Issued for Tri-Town

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Blizzard Warning Issued for Tri-Town

By Jean Perry

Just when you think we’ve escaped the seemingly weak clutches of this year’s winter, the National Weather Service has just issued a blizzard warning for Plymouth County and Southeast Massachusetts, including the towns of Mattapoisett, Marion, and Rochester between the hours of 4:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday, February 8.

Eight to ten inches of snow should be expected, with the potential for up to 18 inches, accompanied by strong winds and whiteout visibility conditions

This means power outages could be widespread throughout the area from fallen tree limbs and power lines.

Residents are warned to stay indoors and avoid travel between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, the duration of the highest intensity of snowfall.

Winds will blow 30-40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph.

Don’t forget to charge your electronic devices tonight and The Wanderer will continue to keep you updated as the storm develops and details emerge about emergency shelter openings and municipal cancelations.

Photo Credit: National Weather Service

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Rochester Land Trust

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The Rochester Land Trust (RLT) is pleased to announce the purchase of an 11-acre property from new Rochester residents Mike and Charlotte Spieldenner. This acquisition was made with the help of a Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program grant and will allow RLT to open nearly 44 acres to the public. In 2006, the Fordyce Properties Trust donated 26.5 acres to the RLT, but due to inaccessibility caused by wetlands, it wasn’t opened to the public. An abutting, 5.8-acre parcel owned by the Rochester Conservation Commission, which had previously been landlocked, can now also be enjoyed.

There are several trails, made by wildlife, neighborhood kids, and hunters, running through these formerly separate properties. RLT will work to clear these trails as weather permits. This property can be accessed through the town-owned drainage parcel at the bottom of Haskell Ridge Road off of Walnut Plain Road. An official opening walk will be announced in the spring.

Academic Achievements

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Emma Nizzari, an English major from Mattapoisett, has been named to the Fall 2015 Dean’s List at Mount Ida College in Newton, MA for achieving a GPA of 3.33 or higher.

Jessica Lowe of Marion has earned Highest Honors for the fall semester of the 2015-2016 academic year at the University of New Hampshire.

Students named to the Dean’s List at the University of New Hampshire have earned recognition through their superior scholastic performance. Highest Honors are awarded to students who earn a semester grade point average of 3.85 or better out of a possible 4.0. Students with a 3.65 to 3.84 average are awarded high honors and students whose grade point average is 3.5 through 3.64 are awarded honors.

Old Rochester Regional Class of 2014 graduate and Rochester resident Arissa Underhill has made the Dean’s List for the Fall Semester 2015 at Bridgewater State University. Miss Underhill is majoring in Bio-Chem Studies.

Marion Independence Day Fireworks

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It may be winter weather outside, but it is time to think ahead to summer! Think Fireworks!

Thanks to our generous neighbors, we were able to bring the fireworks back to Silvershell Beach for Independence Day 2015. We are hopeful that we will be able to do the same for 2016!

The Marion Fireworks Committee will again be under the direction of the Marion Recreation Department.

As you may know, all costs associated with the fireworks are paid for from the money raised through the fundraising efforts of the Marion Fireworks Committee.

Please consider making a donation. All amounts are welcome and are tax deductible.

The Fireworks are enjoyed by Marion and surrounding communities. Donations from residents in communities other than Marion are greatly appreciated also. If you and your family have come to Silvershell Beach for the fireworks in the past, please consider donating so we can continue this tradition.

Donations may be mailed to the Marion Fireworks Committee, 13 Atlantis Drive, Marion, Massachusetts 02738. Any questions, feel free to contact us at 774-217-8355 or fireworks@marionrecreation.com.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at the Marion Independence Day Fireworks in 2016!

Student Works Towards Female Empowerment

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This fall, Alexis Jones, a feminist activist and author, came to Tabor Academy to talk about her experience and her organization “I AM THAT GIRL”.

Many Tabor students left inspired to make a change – whether by continuing with their friends or teachers the conversation she started or by starting their own projects. One student, Trinity Monteiro, felt such an impact and was so inspired by Jones’ speech that she decided to establish her own I AM THAT GIRL chapter on campus.

“At first, it was a lot of emailing back and forth with Alexis and her team,” said Monteiro. “Then I had an application and a phone interview before my chapter was approved, and then I could start my online training.”

Having an official chapter of IATG at Tabor provides the space for students to talk about their own worries and insecurities as well as larger issues they face. Monteiro believes this kind of space is necessary, and already IATG has provided the platform for a lot of important thinking.

“In the last year, I have done a lot of self reflection and am not focused on changing myself, but improving who I am and finding out what makes me the best version of myself,” Monteiro said. “I’m hoping that the conversations we have in meetings will encourage others to make a similar discovery.”

The chapter meets at least twice a month to discuss topics that are on members’ minds.

“It’s about what they feel need to be talked about most,” said Monteiro, “whether that is something exciting or something that hurt them or affected them in some way.”

Some meetings will be exclusive to girls in the chapter, ensuring that the group is able to think and speak freely. Other meetings, however, will be opened up to a larger population, so others are able to learn more about the organization and the mission, and help empower girls as much as they can. Monteiro also hopes to possibly build a relationship with Our Sisters’ School in New Bedford, spreading her message as far as possible.

While the group is understandably focused on girls, Trinity is working to incorporate guys into IATG. Jones emphasizes that feminism isn’t just a girl’s issue; it affects boys as well, and helping to empower women simultaneously empowers them.

“A lot of guys have approached me wanting to join the group or help out in some way. It’s really great seeing this kind of reaction,” Monteiro said.

Across the board, the reaction from the school has been overwhelmingly positive. Both faculty and students have offered help with, expressed excitement about, or even joined Monteiro’s I AM THAT GIRL chapter at Tabor.

“One of the best things … for me is I have been able to connect with a lot of girls from our community that I was not as close to before and they have all expressed so much love, support, and excitement for all of it,” said Monteiro. “And that is what keeps me going.”

The biggest goal of IATG is to spark conversations and make girls feel safe in sharing their stories and problems. Already, Monteiro has created a safe space in which these things are possible.

The I AM THAT GIRL message of empowerment is already spreading throughout the Tabor campus, and the future of IATG promises to continue to spread this message to students and faculty, male and female, to create a more cohesive and supportive community.

By Madeleine Gregory

 

Ideas Flow Like Water

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The February 2 meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission had an agenda that was absent of any hearings. But that didn’t mean there wasn’t business to attend to and ideas to explore.

Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon opened the discussion with the commission to craft 2016 Conservation Commission goals. The commission members, along with Farinon, came up with an impressive to-do list.

First on the list is to complete the update of the Explore Rochester Trail Guide that is a partnership with Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School students.

Second on the list is to continue working on a new open space plan with the assistance of SRPEDD.

The third idea is to create a sub-committee that would be responsible for making site visits to evaluate all town-owned properties with an eye towards any work the parcels might require. This thought then inspired the fourth idea: forest management planning.

And finally a fifth idea, now a goal, is to develop a brochure that would assist residents, especially those moving into the community, on ‘living near wetlands.’ The thought here, the commissioners agreed, would be to help residents understand what they may and may not do to property situated near or that includes jurisdictional areas.

Commission member Kevin Cassidy said, “People don’t know what they can and can’t do. This is better than handing them an enforcement order.”

After listing the goals, they reviewed several completed projects from their 2015 list: the creation of a new Conservation Commission website; a digital version of the trail guide; and updating the open space plan.

Farinon then directed the meeting towards the Makepeace Neighborhood Fund, a $2,000 grant that Rochester has received. Farinon asked the commission to consider using the fund to partner with other departments for the construction of a paved walking path around the town’s baseball fields located near the senior center. Commission members concurred that this was a viable and worthwhile use of the grant monies.

Lastly, the commission discussed some edits to the Surface Water Protection Bylaws, a newly written set of bylaws proposed to be included on the warrant for Rochester’s Annual Town Meeting.

The bylaws would help to ensure that Rochester’s fresh water resources and surrounding watershed areas would be protected by local laws enforceable at the local level, including restrictions for water withdrawals by ‘tanked vehicles.’

Commissioner Michael Conway reported to the commissioners that the water commission had unanimously agreed to support adoption of the new bylaws.

The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for February 16 at 7:00 pm in the Rochester Town Hall meeting room.

By Marilou Newell

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ORCTV Off the Air for Maintenance

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ORCTV will be off the air for 5-10 days beginning February 8 for upgrades and maintenance to its cablecast system. The local cable access station will be moving its server, which is the broadcast system for the station, from their old home at the Captain Hadley House in Marion, to ORCTV’s new studio located at Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett. Comcast and Verizon will also be moving their broadcast equipment during this period of time. ORCTV hopes to be back on the air as quickly as possible and apologizes for any inconvenience. Government meetings and locally-produced programs may still be seen on our Vimeo channel that can be viewed by logging on to www.vimeo.com/user19280086.

Open Table

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You are invited for supper on Friday, February 12 at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. It is Abe Lincoln’s birthday, and we’re sure he would want you to celebrate it with us. As always, something delicious and nutritious is 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. Everyone is welcome.