Old Shed Won’t Stop New Work

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            An old shed of an incalculable age helped seal the deal, as Rochester’s Conservation Commission Tuesday approved a Notice of Intent application to permit installation of a gravel driveway, stone patio and walkway and landscaping and to include work within the 100-foot buffer zone of wetlands at 96 Wolf Island Road.

            Previously, the commission had raised concerns about an existing shed on the property 25 feet from the wetlands “no-touch” zone, and the members recently conducted a site visit to see if the structure was an obstacle to granting the permit.

            Project engineer Bob Rogers of G.A.F. Engineering said Tuesday the only town records available show the shed was renovated in 1988, but no other indication of its age exists.

            “The shed is definitely older than 1988,” acting Chairman Ben Bailey answered, noting its rotting siding and shingles.

            “Clearly the shed is old enough to be grandfathered in,” Commissioner Michael Gifford said.

            Commission members concluded the shed could easily be grandfathered into the project being permitted and unanimously endorsed an Order of Conditions for the work.

            The commission also agreed to the next step in the Herring Run restoration and maintenance project, the commission’s plan to clear the sometimes-clogged, herring-run area from Hartley Farm Pond to the start of the Rochester Boat Race.

            Herring Inspector David Watling said the town needs to measure the cubic yards of dredging material that has to be moved to clear the run. Bailey said he and board member Bill Milka will be able to take the measurements themselves. The two set an appointment to do so at the start of the herring run area on June 7.

            Bailey said the plan is not to remove the dredging material but to perhaps use it to build a berm on the other side of the bank.

            Watling later reported good news on the herring run itself.  He said he counted 9,353 herring in the run this year. He noted he counted 4,500 herring last year.  So this is twice as many as was in the previous count, he said.

            In other action, the board granted a three-year extension of the Order of Conditions set on July 20, 2021 for the Snipatuit Road solar project.

            Bailey updated the board on its approval at the last meeting of the wetland resource boundary limits for an address on Gifford Lane. He said the Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) that the project petitioners applied for should have been an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD) instead, according to advice from the Department of Environmental Protection.

            The filing of a RDA allows the applicant to side-step fees, but the work involved still requires town officials to conduct the delineation research. Rochester’s fee for such work is $2 per linear feet, ConCom members said. On that basis, the applicant would have paid approximately $1,000 for the appropriate permit. The commission resolved to henceforth require an ANRAD for such a project.

            The next Rochester Conservation Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 18, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Writers Workshop, Redux

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The next meeting is June 28. This is a place to share ideas and your work, whether you are a writer or just have stories that want to be told. We meet every fourth Friday, from 10:15 am until 12:15 pm, at the Mattapoisett Library, 7 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett, in the basement Community Room. Bring a piece of writing to share aloud or just come to listen at first; memoir, poetry, fiction, essay. Bring what moves you. No need to bring copies. Share your voice in a supportive setting. If you have a story inside you, we want to hear. Need more info? Contact artslandlady@gmail.com

SCUBA Vacation Bible School

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A fun Vacation Bible School program called SCUBA will be hosted at First Congregational Church of Rochester, 11 Constitution Way in Rochester, this summer! At SCUBA, kids explore what it means to have a friendship with God! Kids participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, devour yummy treats, experience one-of-a-kind Bible adventures, collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of God’s love and test out sciency-fun experiments that get imagination bubbling. Plus, kids will learn to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God Sightings. Each day concludes with a Fin-tastic Finale that gets everyone involved in living what they’ve learned.

            This free program for kids in Grades K – 6 will be held on July 15-19 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm each day. Register online at vbspro.events/p/966f16. For more information, contact the church office at 508-763-4314 or rochestercongregational@comast.net.

Bulldog Pride Alumni Association’s Award

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The president of the ORR Bulldog Pride Alumni Association, Thomas Xenopoulos Peccini ‘88 announced the winner of Bulldog Pride Award at Senior Awards Night on Thursday, May 30, 2024. In attendance were fellow alumni and officers, including the Hon. First Justice of the Hingham District Court and Class of ‘88 valedictorian, Heather (Smith) Bradley.

            Through this award, the ORR BPAA wishes to recognize a graduating senior of the Class of 2024 by virtue of the pride for ORR, who may go unnoticed because of the unsung values that are often missed by scholastic or athletic merit-based awards. Unique to the Bulldog Pride Award, the profile of the successful candidate features active participation in and leadership of the ORR community, championing fellow students, the class and ORR. Through recognition of students who passionately support their peers in school activities, the BPAA promotes kindness and good will towards others, as the pathway to acceptance and inclusion. This is the spirit of the Bulldog Pride Award.

            The executive committee founded the Bulldog Pride Award at its Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting on January 28, 2024. It also approved the funding of this award based on the fundraising efforts of the BPAA during this school year’s Homecoming 2023 where the association’s events over alumni weekend raised in excess of $8,000 with pledges totaling nearly $35,000. The alumni association voted unanimously to fund the award for the next five graduating classes. The precursor to this award was the ‘88 Bulldog Pride Award. Founded in 2019 by the alumni and friends of the Class of ‘88, the award was given to a graduating senior of the classes of 2019 through 2023 in the amount of $300. This year, the recipient received $1,000, marking a significant increase to the funding of the award.

            Mattapoisett resident Murray Callahan was recognized with an Honorable Mention. This outstanding student deserves recognition as an inspiring team captain and for her extensive volunteer work, some of which are related to physical disabilities, both in the school and in the community. A committee member wrote in the assessment of Ms. Callahan’s application that this student “has demonstrated strong leadership skills by standing up for others, regardless of the personal cost.  Capable of doing the right thing even when it is extremely difficult, the student sees the big picture to achieve success as a collective unit. Selfless acts have allowed the team and teammates to excel. Another committee member wrote that Murray “is a young advocate for the ORR community, showing through her actions and words the spirit and dedication to helping other students to become their best selves while challenging herself to become even better.” Director Michelle (Gayoski) Tackitt ‘87 presented the certificate to Ms. Callahan.

            This year’s recipient is Alia Cusolito from Rochester, a student who most reflects the profile of the Bulldog Pride Award. From this student’s advocacy for fellow students, awareness training of faculty, and serving as an ambassador of the school in state and national events, Ms. Cusolito takes the extra step in promoting the values of ORR, leading from behind in non-traditional roles.

            The committee members wrote in their assessments that this “remarkable” student, “has demonstrated […] a passion to lead and to promote change in areas that need improvement” and “demonstrated leadership, an advocate for so many. This is the essence of Bulldog Pride.” The BPAA president shared with the assembled parents and relatives an excerpt from this student’s application, “I am aware that I don’t fit the image you may have expected when opening applications for this scholarship. I believe that being a student advocate is undeniably a manifestation of my school spirit and love for the students and the school itself. I commit to the values we hold as a community and genuinely hope to see our school flourish. My activism within our school, I believe, reflects my love for the Bulldogs as well as my active participation in shaping ORR’s future. Mr. Peccini commented that he noticed Alia cheering on each award winner throughout the ceremony, noting that this Rochester resident is an asset to the ORR school community. A certificate was presented to the winner by Secretary Lara Schofield, ‘88, and a commemorative plaque that will hang in the school was presented by Executive Committee member, Racquel Rezendes ‘88, conferred on behalf of the Scholarship & Grants Committee, chaired by Vice President Dana Palmer-Donnelly, ‘88.

            Heading off to Smith College in the fall, Alia will receive $1,000 for this distinction, made possible by the generous gifts of alumni of this school. Mr. Peccini thanked the alumni and friends for their generous contributions to the nascent alumni association, the guidance department for their assistance and to Principal Devoll and Superintendent Nelson for their continued collaboration.

            In lieu of the absence of alumni records going back to the class of 1963, all interested alumni of ORR and ORRJHS are invited to register in the database as members of the BPAA. Please click on the following link: forms/gle/LymUwv86nLJBr6MU9.

SRPEDD Presents Priority Areas

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            On June 3, the Mattapoisett Planning Board heard from Maria Jones, Engagement and Communications planner for the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD). The agency has been working on a study of priority natural resources as well as economic development potential of the Southeastern Massachusetts and South Coast Rail Corridor.

            Jones said the project that began in 2008 is now ready for review by communities along the corridor. She explained that a PDA (or Priority Development Area) is a place where new development growth might be feasible, a place that could meet regional needs and has good transportation potential.

            A PPA (or Priority Protection Area) was identified as an area important to protect, significant for natural or cultural resources and containing habitats, water resources, historic resources and farms.

            Much of the identified PDA and PPA areas had been previously identified when SRPEDD, over time, met with the former Town Administrator Mike Gagne and others to scope out such areas. On this night, Jones noted that little had changed. By 2013, boundaries based on data had been established. Continued refining of boundaries have since taken place with the aid of modern civic engagement and exploration of key sites.

            Jones said that PDA designations help communities to coordinate local plans and win competitive grants. The benefits of a PPA designation aid communities in coordinating local conservation efforts and, again, win competitive grants.

            The draft report being kicked off now will include working sessions to be scheduled in the winter of 2024. The draft report notes PDA-updated boundaries as minor along Industrial Drive, an expanded PDA due to the bike path, possible water resource at Tinkham Hill, identification of a sand pit behind Old Hammondtown School and a redesignation of the Holy Ghost Grounds. One PPA has been dropped, being that it is now part of a Mattapoisett Land Trust trailhead, Jones reported.

            Before moving on to other business, member William Wennerberg asked if SRPEDD could assist the town with crafting zoning bylaws, a measure the board is now contemplating as it looks at ways to increase housing units. Jones responded that she would inquire and let the town know. Wennerberg offered to step in as the board’s representative in this matter. All members were in agreement.

            Earlier, the board approved certificates of approval to David Duchaine, Ocean Drive, and to Phillip Frost, 112 Mattapoisett Neck Road; both property owners had presented subdivision plans at previous meetings.

            The board also reappointed Janice Robbins as its representative to SRPEDD Regional Commission.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, June 17, at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

Homecoming for New Principal

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The words “coming home” were the first used by newly hired, incoming Sippican Elementary School Principal Lynn Dessert.

            Dessert has lived in Rochester for 34 years and conducted her student teaching at Rochester Memorial School. Around that time, she fell in love with the Tri-Towns of Rochester, Marion and Mattapoisett.

            “I fell in love with the community and felt it was a community I wanted to be a part of,” Dessert said.

            Dessert said she and her husband moved to Rochester shortly after her time as a student teacher, and they raised two children in Rochester. Her children went through the local school system, and she will likely have grandchildren passing through Sippican during her time there as principal.

            Dessert has spent the last seven years as the Dighton Elementary School principal but wasn’t looking to move on.

            “My teachers and I all learned and had grown together,” she said.

            However, when the vacancy arose at Sippican, she couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to apply and interview there.

            “The best time to go for a job is when you don’t need one – you’re relaxed,” she said of the process of applying for the Sippican role. “It felt like the right fit at the right moment. … The universe just aligned.”

            Dessert said when her kids were young, she stayed at home and worked as a substitute teacher in the Tri-Towns and often volunteered for the local Girl Scouts, making her presence and leadership mark in the area before returning to education. Dessert later returned to education in New Bedford, climbing the ranks from a special education teacher, an after-school program director, a data specialist and then a principal.

            During her 13 years in New Bedford, Dessert at first did not want to move into administration. But when she began handling dual roles in New Bedford as a teacher and a data analyst, a superintendent noticed her great leadership skills. She became a principal at a New Bedford elementary school before taking the job in Dighton.

            Dessert said Dighton-Rehoboth’s district is similar to the Tri-Town community, and she looks forward to working with parents, staff and students at Sippican.

            In fact, she says her initial plans are to listen to all stakeholders, build relationships and collaborate with teachers and the school community.

            Dessert said the area schools are known for offering a challenging education, and she would like to build on that but also create a place where “all kids can excel.”

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Boys’/Girls’ State

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Eight members of the class of 2024 at Old Rochester Regional High School will be attending the Boys’/Girls’ State Convention sponsored by the American Legion’s Florence Eastman Post 280, June 15-21, at Stonehill College in North Easton, MA.

            Boys’ State: The American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280 will be sponsoring Xavier Pateakos. Lawrence DiCara, Esquire, will be sponsoring Wesner Archelus in memory of George White, and Luke Devoe in memory of Jack DeCosta. Lastly, the Machacum Club will be sponsoring Nolan Bushnell.

            Girls’ State: The American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280 will be sponsoring Ella Bartholomew. The Mattapoisett Police Department will sponsor Emily Wyman. Lawrence DiCara will sponsor Caroline Brogioli, in memory of Gerry DeCosta. In addition, the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club will be sponsoring Emerson Gonet.

            To be eligible for Boys’/Girls’ State, a student must be a member of the junior class who has achieved high academic success. Delegates must also show evidence of leadership ability and an interest in the democratic process. At the convention, delegates will study local and state government. They will establish and operate their own cities and towns and state government in miniature. This will include forming two political parties, holding conventions, nominating candidates, conducting campaigns and electing officials. The primary goal of Boys’/ Girls’ State is for attendees to develop a better understanding of how State Government functions.

Exciting Adult Programs at the Mattapoisett Library

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This June, the Mattapoisett Free Public Library invites adults to join us for creative and musical events designed to inspire and entertain.

            On Tuesday, June 11 at 5:30, we are delighted to welcome back Karen Charbonneau Zukas from the New Bedford Arts and Cultural Emporium at Kilburn. Karen will guide participants through the intricate art of Tatakizome, an ancient Japanese technique of transferring flower patterns onto fabric or paper. This two-hour workshop promises to be both educational and visually stunning. To learn more and register, please visit our website.

            On Tuesday, June 25 at 6:30 pm, join us for an evening of blues-based roots-rock and classic rock with the dynamic band Jumpin’ Juba. Featuring Steve Hurl on electric finger-style and slide guitar with vocals and Dave Lockeretz on upright bass, this performance promises to get you moving and grooving. No registration required.

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

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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It does seem lately that whenever you turn on the news, there is a story of a bridge in trouble. Bridges are either being severely damaged or burned by large trucks or completely brought down by barges. Then there are the ones that are just old and worn out.

            Not that many years ago, Rochester had its own dramatic bridge event when two large trucks coming from opposite directions decided to cross the narrow bridge over Leonard’s Pond. While the bridge suffered some damage, the trucks didn’t fare very well, and a heroic rescue was involved.

            The bridge story that I found in the files at the museum is of a different sort. In 1962, it seems that the same bridge was closed to traffic because a portion of it was settling into the pond. The picture with this article shows the work being done to correct the problem at Hiller’s Bridge.

            The area to the side needed to be dug out to allow for fill and boulders to be placed in order to stabilize the bridge. In charge of the work was highway surveyor, Andrew H. Burke. The job was made doubly difficult, because the repairs needed to be done in the spring when the water level of Leonard’s Pond was high. The article doesn’t tell how long residents had to find ways to get to the other side of the pond.

By Connie Eshbach

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Join us for Saturday story times all month long. This week our story time theme is Best Friend Day. Join us for stories, songs and crafts on Saturday June 8 at 10:30. Visit the library from 12-2 to make friendship bracelets with your bestie.

            Donation Day, Saturday June 8 from 10 to 1 pm. The Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library will be holding a donation drive to collect used books, DVDs, puzzle and games for our upcoming book sale. Please only donate materials in good condition, no damaged, written in, moldy or excessively dusty materials please. No textbooks, VHS takes, music CDs please.

            Yoga on the Library Lawn Tuesdays at 9:30 am, starting Tuesday, June 11. Join Elke Pierrie for morning yoga on the library lawn. The perfect way to start your summer days.

            Summer Kick-off Block Party, Saturday, June 15 from 11 to 2. The summer is almost here. Celebrate at our summer kick off block party. Enjoy a 60 foot inflatable obstacle course, free ice cream, lawn games, and face painting and crafts from the Marion Natural History Museum. Sign up for our kids’ summer reading program and check out events for all ages all summer long.

            Meet Sara Shukla, local author of the debut novel Pink Whales. Thursday, June 27, 6:30 pm, at the Marion Art Center. Pink Whales has been described lauded by reviews as “A satisfying romp through a New England enclave that’s not nearly as idyllic as it seems.” Meet Sara Shukla, the author of the latest summer rom-com that will be making a splash this beach season. Limited signed copies will be available at this event.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library, visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252