Friends of the Mattapoisett Library

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Come play dress-up with the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library at the Winter Jewelry & Accessory Sale, Saturday, December 12 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, 7 Barstow Street. A Members-only Preview will be Friday, December 11 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm. Memberships are available at the door and are a great idea for a gift that gives twice over.

Donations of jewelry, scarves, and bags can be brought to the library up to the time of the sale. It is through membership and the sales that the Friends are able to help support the many programs and events that keep the library a vibrant part of the community. Take a little time to come try on the bling, find some treasures for your own crafting, or a gift for someone on your list.

The Second Saturday Book Sale will return in January.

ORR Athletic Hall of Fame

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The ORR Athletic Hall of Fame wants you to nominate someone for induction into the Hall of Fame. Do you know an exceptional former Bulldog student-athlete, coach, or team that left their mark on Old Rochester Regional High School? Do you know an individual who in some special way contributed to helping make ORR Athletics the great program that it is? We’d like to hear about them!

The sixth annual Old Rochester Regional Athletic Hall of Fame induction banquet will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016, and the Hall of Fame board of directors is currently accepting nominations for induction. The deadline for submitting a nomination form is December 1, 2015.

Nomination forms can be filled out right on the Hall of Fame’s website, www.ORRAHOF.com! For you old-school types, you can also download, print and mail in a nomination form if that’s more your style. However you do it, just make sure your nomination form is submitted or postmarked by December 1!

There are many folks who deserve to be recognized and honored for their achievements and contributions to ORR Athletics. Their induction into the ORR Athletic Hall of Fame begins with your nomination.

If you have any questions about the Hall of Fame or would like more information, please contact us via email at ORRAHOF@gmail.com or through our website or Facebook page!

District Addresses Challenges this Budget Season

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Mattapoisett School Committee Chairman James Higgins is adamantly against adding further School Choice slots as a way to supplement the budget as a source of revenue – but on November 9, Superintendent Doug White told the School Committee that it is going to have to decide whether School Choice will be an option to address serious shortfalls in revenue, and if not, how the committee proposes to fund the district’s ever-increasing needs.

“Over the past three years, the district has lost $100,000 due to the cutting back of School Choice,” White said. “All three districts are going to have to sit down and discuss [School Choice] and get on the same page…. There needs to be a conversation.”

Higgins insists that the risk of having to spend more as a result of students coming into the district via School Choice outweighs the financial benefit. For each School Choice student, the district receives $5,000, which arrives the following fiscal year.

The chairman continues to advocate for a Proposition 2½ override to help supplement the school’s budget, but the idea is still only being discussed. No one yet is certain that a Prop 2½ override is the answer.

“Increasingly, the committee is asking us to fund the budget using the Excess and Deficiency Account … and that’s not how you fund a budget year after year.” The rainy day account funds are being depleted and continued use of the account is not sustainable, White said.

Higgins commented that school administration is going to have to bite the bullet when it comes to approaching town officials during budget season and advocate for the district’s needs versus the Town’s unwillingness to fund them.

“It’s a tough job,” acknowledged Higgins, “but that’s what they are there to do.”

Also during the meeting, Director of Student Services Michael Nelson gave a speedy summary of imminent changes to school policy and the student handbook. Under the bullying policy, school staff and employees will be added to the list of possible aggressors during bullying incidents, and the district is refining its physical restraint policy to prohibit methods such as isolation, and to limit the use of the prone position (face down) restraint. Staff will also be exposed to more training about limited use of physical restraint and how to operate within the school’s policy.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett School Committee is scheduled for December 14 at 7:00 pm at Center School.

By Jean Perry

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Donation Boosts RMS Breakfast Program

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The Rochester Memorial School received a generous $3,000 donation from an anonymous donor to purchase a commercial blender for the new RMS breakfast program, and Principal Derek Medeiros says he could not possibly be more grateful.

“With this commercial [blender] they will be able to make fifteen smoothies in one shot,” said Medeiros on November 5 to the Rochester School Committee.

The delicious smoothies whipped up by the RMS cafeteria staff are a real hit with the students, helping to make the RMS breakfast program the most popular of the Tri-Town school districts. Thus far, staff could hardly keep up with the students’ demand for smoothies as popularity of the breakfast program increased.

“We’ve literally been using household blenders,” said Medeiros. Those can only make a batch of three to four smoothies at a time.

Medeiros said that on October 16, he was sitting in his office when he got a call from the school secretary, announcing the arrival of an envelope with his name on it. Someone had slid the envelope under the door and left without notice. Inside the envelope was a check for $3,000 and a handwritten letter.

“Dear Mr. Medeiros, Recently I read the article in The Wanderer about the need for a stronger blender for the … breakfast program. I decided that it would make a perfect gift in memory of my husband who recently passed away.…” The letter was signed, “Most sincerely…”

Medeiros said he was shocked and equally thankful when he opened the envelope.

“Thank you to whoever this person is,” said Medeiros. “While I’ve been principal, I’ve never had a donation like that.”

“This is extraordinarily generous,” said School Committee Chairman Tina Rood.

As the breakfast program expands, Medeiros said he is looking toward opening the library to the sixth graders during breakfast, making it an “Internet Café” of sorts for the students and allowing open use of the computers, laptops, and tablets while they enjoy breakfast.

“It could be an opportunity to have the technology at their fingertips and at the same time socialize,” Medeiros said.

Medeiros and the School Committee lauded the RMS cafeteria staff for their culinary skills and enthusiasm for the program.

“It is nice to have people who love their job in the school,” said School Committee member Jennifer Kulak. “It’s a piece that makes it special.”

Also during the meeting, Director of Student Services Michael Nelson announced an immediate change to the bullying policy in the student handbook, at the advisement of the Department of Education as the DOE performs its audit of the school.

Nelson said language will be added to include members of school staff as possible aggressors or perpetrators in a bullying incident. Nelson said there will be a change to the current physical restraint policy, specifically prohibiting mechanical restraints, seclusion, and the strict limiting of prone restraint (lying face down).

“Physical restraint sounds scary,” said Nelson addressing his comment to parents, “but we use them as we do a fire extinguisher – in the case of an emergency.”

In other matters, Medeiros announced a parents’ informational session slated for December 2 to address the implementation of the ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate) program. The tentative date for implementation and student introduction to the program is January 21.

The next meeting of the Rochester School Committee is scheduled for December 3 at 6:30 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

By Jean Perry

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Gateway Youth Hockey

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Squirts: Gateway Gladiator Squirts played a strong game early Saturday morning versus Plymouth Red. Despite being down a few players, Gateway earned the 11-3 win. In the first period, Matthew Paling and Ty David Ribeiro both earned hat tricks with assists credited to Thomas Clavell, Brayden Hathon, Lucas DeMoranville and Ribeiro. In the second, Paling and Ribeiro each added one more goal with assists from Hathon and Paling. The third was a three-point period with two goals from Ribeiro with assists from Lucy Murphy on both and DeMoranville on one, while Paling added another for the Gladiators unassisted. Thomas Leger was strong in net and made some key saves.

Pee Wees: The Pee Wee Gladiators played their hearts out this weekend. In Game 1, the Gladiators won their Saturday morning Yankee Conference game with a surprising twist as center Ben Demoranville played goal and goalie Ryker King played center for this game. These versatile players, along with the support of their team, did not disappoint as they beat Hingham in a close 3-2 finish. King started the scoring with a goal off of an assist by RJ Vickery. King returned the favor by feeding the puck to Vickery a few minutes later for Gateway’s second goal. Hingham would score two of their own to tie the game, but with only two minutes remaining, Matthew Paling netted the game winner off of an assist by Luke Mello. In Game 2, Gateway took to the ice again on Saturday evening playing in their State Play Down game at Brown University. Once again, the team came out fighting with good positioning, passing and hard skating. The North Devils got on the board first, but Gateway evened the score with a goal by Tyler Lovendale off of an assist by Demoranville. Gateway then took the lead in the third period with a goal by Vickery off of an assist by Lovendale. The end of this game would be nothing but pure heart as Gateway tried to hold off the rush by the North Devils who pulled their goalie and tied the game with one minute remaining to force the five minute sudden death OT. Both teams fought hard for 4:59 seconds with goalie King playing an amazing game with stop after stop. The final half second in OT and a controversial call ended Gateway’s hunt for the State win with a final score of 3-2 for the North Devils.

Bantams: The Gateway Gladiators defeated Hanover 10-0 on Saturday at Hobomock. Goal scorers included James L’Hereaux (2), Quirino DoCanto (2), Zack Lovendale (2), Chris Cogan, Jack Martins, Nick Snow, and Robert Ramsay. Several goal scorers also added assists, as did Noah Demoranville.

Middle School: The Middle School Jr. Vikings won their second game in a row with a 4-2 victory over a tough Hopkinton team. It was a hard fought game right from the beginning with both teams playing stout defense, ending the first period in a scoreless tie. The score would remain that way until Jack Martins grabbed a loose puck and skated in on a breakaway, beating the goalie five hole, for the game’s first goal. Hopkinton hung tough and tied the game with six minutes left in the second period, quickly followed by a go-ahead goal. With the Jr. Vikings down a goal, Bethany Davis beat the goalie with a shot from the blue line, for her first goal of the season, while Robert Maloney screened the goalie. The Jr. Vikings thought they took the lead late in the third, when a shot taken by Seth Tomasik was deflected in by Quirino doCanto, but the shot initially called a goal was ruled a high stick. The disappointment was quickly forgotten, as less than a minute later, Tyler Lovendale tucked in a goal, set up by nice passing from line mates Robert Ramsay and doCanto. Tomasik would add an empty netter to make the final 4-2. Alex DeMarco got the start and had his best night in the net this season, saving every shot sent his way, before handing over the duties.

Lions International Peace Poster Contest

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Anna Kippenberger, a 6th grade student, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Mattapoisett Lions Club. Her poster was among more than 400,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 28th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere. The poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme “Share Peace.” The judging was held on November 4 at Old Hammondtown School.

Mattapoisett Lions Club President Rob Haley said he was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at Old Hammondtown School. “It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. I’m so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions.”

“Kippenberger’s poster will advance to face stiff competition through the district, multiple district and international rounds of competition if she is to be declared the international grand prize winner,” Haley said.

One grand prize winner and 23 merit winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of $5,000, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to an award ceremony. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.

“Our club is cheering for Anna as her poster advances in the competition, and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world,” Haley said.

Kippenberger and the other Peace Poster participants were honored for their participation at morning assembly at Old Hammondtown School.

Many of the Peace Posters are now on display at the Mattapoisett Post Office. View international grand prize and merit award winners at www.lionsclubs.org.

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with 1.36 million members in more than 46,000 clubs in 210 countries and geographic areas. In addition to its efforts towards conquering blindness, the organization has made a strong commitment to community service and helping youth throughout the world.

On the local level, the Mattapoisett Lions Club is comprised of a group of dedicated, community-minded men and women who believe in reaching out to those in need. Projects include building and repairs of the shade sheds at the town beach and Ned’s Point, wheelchair ramps for those in need, electronic recycling events, canned goods and toy drive at the Holiday in the Park, Peace Poster and Youth Speech Competition, eye glass collection, Pennies for Sight canisters, annual Senior Turkey dinner in April and our signature event Harbor Days in July. With the help of the Rochester Lions Club, we cooked and delivered more than 600 meals to those in need in New York after Hurricane Sandy.

The Lion’s Club wishes to thank the Community, Town Government and School Administration for their continued support. To find out more about the Mattapoisett Lions Club, visit our website www.mattapoisettlionsclub.org or follow us on Facebook.

RHS Thankful Potluck Supper

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The Rochester Historical Society is hosting their annual Thankful Potluck Supper on Wednesday, November 18 at 6:00 pm at the East Rochester Church/Museum at 355 County Road. This is a change of location for the supper from prior years. Please call Joanne Inman at 508-748-0373 if you will be coming and please let her know what dish you will bring. There will be a silent auction, the Gift Shop will be open, and the Rochester Fire and Police History display is still available.

Town House Forum

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To the Editor:

At the Town House Forum last Thursday evening, there was much discussion about square footage of buildings, cost per square foot, old vs. new construction, but little inquiry about the comparative merits of the two options presented by the Town House Committee. While renovating the Town House is important, focus on cost masks the bigger question of how to provide Marion residents with the services they both need and deserve.

For those not present at the meeting, Option 1 provides complete renovation of the Town House’s interior, improving the efficiency of the offices for 15-20 employees and adding a large meeting room. The renovation includes all HVAC and electrical systems and makes the building fully accessible. The cost is estimated to be $12.5 M.

Option 2 includes renovation of the Town House and uses a connecting building to expand and modernize the library and house a new senior center between the two 1870s buildings. The 148-year-old library’s only renovation took place in the early 1980s when the population of Marion was about 1,400 residents. Today, that same space is trying to serve 4,900 people and it is challenging, to say the least. There is inadequate room for children’s activities, no quiet space for adults to work and read, not enough room for books or digital materials, no space for programs on site, and deplorable accessibility for those with mobility challenges. Our new librarian, Libby O’Neill, has added technology classes, monthly programs, book groups and other innovative services but is unable to add anything further because of a lack of room. Modernizing the library would benefit every age group in town.

Option 2 also provides for a community center with space for our growing senior population, estimated to reach 40% in the next decade. Marion is the only town in the area that does not have a permanent facility dedicated to senior needs. This new center would provide program space for senior activities and socializing, room for a social day program and would house the COA offices and town’s health services. There would be a large meeting room/ kitchen, serving all three organizations, and available for day and evening meetings alike by having a separate accessible entrance, and for activities like senior lunches.

Although the price tag for Option 2 is high, namely $28.5 M, it would provide much more for the average Marion citizen. A renovated Town House would have efficient offices for town employees and a large meeting room but nothing new in the way of programs. Option 2 would expand the opportunity to serve every age group in town with improvements in services that must happen sooner or later to keep the town up-to-date. In short, Option 2 would provide three times the benefits of Option 1, for a little more than twice the cost, which seems like a better bargain for the future of Marion.

The Town House committee has indicated there are modifications that can probably be made to the current plans to bring some cost savings to the project which would be all to the good. Now Marion residents should share their preferences with the Town House Committee regarding the options. I hope there will be strong support for exploring more about Option 2, the community center concept. This is Marion’s chance to be proactive and provide for the future enjoyment of all its residents, from the youngest to the oldest.

Nancy Braitmayer, Marion

 

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.

Marion Grappling with Coyotes

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Marion businesses will soon be issued a Marion Board of Health order to keep a lid on their dumpsters and keep those lids tightly closed after a string of incidents of coyotes breaking into commercial trash receptacles.

“There is a very bad problem with coyotes,” said Health Director Karen Walega on November 10. “There is a huge problem right now in Marion.”

Walega cited a recent incident at Cumberland Farms on Route 6 where coyotes managed to access trash in a dumpster left uncovered.

“I see them everywhere,” said Board of Health member John Howard. In an aside, he added, “And you can’t shoot them, can you, unless you’re very clever…. Apparently, it’s illegal unless they don’t see it.” The board, in its ensuing discussion, made it clear that shooting coyotes is a crime.

Residents will also be made aware of the increasing reports of coyotes getting into trash barrels in the form of a public announcement of some sort issued by the Board of Health Office.

Meanwhile, Board of Health member Albin Johnson strongly urged residents to be aware of their trash.

“You can’t leave your trash unprotected,” said Walega. However, it seems as though coyotes are sort of taking over, as Howard put it.

“I always tell people that have cats [to] keep them indoors,” said Walega. “That’s going to be a prime target. They love cat.”

The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for November 24 at 4:30 pm at the Marion Town House.

By Jean Perry

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Holiday Events at Marion Art Center

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The Marion Art Center will start the season of giving with a gala opening of its Annual Holiday Shop on Friday, November 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Both Galleries will feature one-of-a-kind and limited edition gifts in ceramics, fiber, photographs, wood, jewelry, paintings, glass, collage, toys, painted furniture, and more. Truman Terrell will entertain on piano in the theater while shoppers enjoy food and wine at the opening. Over 30 artists and artisans will be selling their fine arts and crafts through December 18. The Holiday Shop Hours are: Tuesday – Friday, 1:00 to 5:00 and Saturday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Admission is free and all are welcome to come and browse the galleries to find just the perfect gift for that special someone.

Starting at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 12, Timothy Wade, local sand and ice sculptor and painter, will give an ice carving demonstration on the patio outside the Art Center on the Pleasant Street side. Meanwhile, inside the Art Center, local pastel artist Kim Weineck will give a pastel painting demonstration and wood carver Mike McCarthy of Mattapoisett Bird Works will demonstrate his carving techniques. Visitors are invited to come and watch the artisans as they transform ice into sculpture, apply pastels to paper to create beautiful portraits and landscapes, and create beautiful birds from blocks of wood. The Marion Art Center is one of the stops on the Sippican Women’s Club House Tour and visitors are cordially invited to come inside and find that one-of-a-kind gift that will be for sale in both galleries.

The Marion Art Center is pleased to host a Holiday Cabaret concert performance by the Occasion Singers on Friday, December 18 at 7:30 pm. Under the direction of Cassandra Morgan, who will also accompany on keyboard, audiences will be treated to holiday favorites including White Christmas, Christmas Tonight, Rudolph, and many more, all sung in the velvety harmonies for which the Occasion Singers are known.

Even if you have done all your shopping, the Marion Art Center Holiday Shop will be open before, during and after the show loaded with one-of-a-kind and limited edition artisan gifts, stocking stuffers, and beautiful paintings, ceramics and fine art jewelry. So come, relax, be entertained and finish up your holiday shopping. Gather your friends, reserve a table, bring your own refreshments and enjoy a wonderful night of song, shopping and friendship! Tickets to this show would make a wonderful holiday gift for that special person.

The theater will be set up cabaret style with general seating as well as eight cabaret tables which are available for reserved parties of four. Reservations are highly recommended for this one night only show! Tickets are $15 for the public and $12.50 for MAC members. For more information or to reserve tickets, call the Marion Art Center at 508-748-1266 or email at marionartcenter@verizon.net.

The Marion Art Center, a not-for-profit organization, is located at 80 Pleasant Street (corner of Main and Pleasant Streets) in Marion and has been promoting the visual and performing arts in the community since 1957.