Tabor Cup Fever Strikes Tabor

on November 12, 2015

As a boarding school, Tabor students are always searching for new, fun ways to spend their weekends. In the past, there was an ongoing “dorm wars” competition in which different dorms were grouped and competed for prizes. This year, however, a new competition replaced this one – the Tabor Cup.

Dorms and day students are organized into eight teams, and students from each team have opportunities to win points for their team at various events throughout the week.

In some cases, points are awarded to teams just based on participation. These include attending games together or having team breakfasts. These are designed to bring students from different dorms together by having them work towards a common goal. These smaller scale events are also meant to boost school spirit, adding an extra incentive for students to go out and support each other by attending games in bigger groups.

Other events follow more traditionally competitive rules. They are judged either by parents’ and alumni votes or by the traditional finishing placement when a certain number of points are awarded to first, second, third place, etc.

The first big Tabor Cup event was the Lip Sync battle, in which groups from different dorm teams took to Hoyt stage to battle each other in their ability to memorize songs and pretend to sing them. Many teams even choreographed routines and practiced ahead of time to make sure they were perfect.

Other events included a Powder-puff Game, in which junior and senior girls play football, Trivia Night, basketball tournaments, cookie bake-offs, ultimate Frisbee tournaments, and more.

“I think the main point of the whole competition is to promote school spirit,” says senior Karen Morahan. “Everyone gets really into the different events. My team held rehearsals before the Lip Sync battle, and we all showed up for team breakfast. Everyone definitely wants to win Tabor Cup, but no matter what, it’s been really fun just competing.” As a proctor in her dorm, Morahan works with the other proctors on her Tabor Cup team to organize team gatherings and make sure everyone participates.

“Tabor Cup kicked off the year great for the senior class,” said senior Thomas Kelly. “It definitely showed the power of the senior class and demonstrated how much school spirit everyone had. It set a standard for how much effort we’re going to put into school events, and I think that the next rounds of Tabor Cup are going to be even more fun because everyone saw how into it people got, and they know how great it can be if everyone puts in the effort.”

The events of Tabor Cup are part of a surge in school spirit before Holderness Day on Saturday, November 14, when Tabor competes against its rival school, Holderness.

There will be two more rounds of Tabor Cup before the year is over, one during each sports season. With everyone excited from this first round, the next rounds promise to be even more exciting.

By Madeleine Gregory

Bike Path and Home Rule Articles Questioned

on November 12, 2015

It didn’t take long for Town Meeting voters in Mattapoisett to routinely move money around from one account to another, or to appropriate funds for infrastructure work such as new water mains and roadways repairs. However, residents voiced their concerns when it came to forking out more money for the bike path and changing the voting structure when dealing with general bylaws.

Article 6 would have authorized the Board of Selectmen to file a Home Rule Petition that would change the way Mattapoisett’s General Bylaws are amended or altered, from a simple majority vote to a two-thirds majority vote.

Donald Fleming, a resident and practicing attorney asked, “Why would people want to give up their right? The board is suggesting limitations on every citizen in this town. Zoning needs a two-thirds vote because it deals with property.…”

Fleming felt that, by passing this article, residents would be more restricted in petitioning through the town meeting process.

Brad Hathaway spoke up, “Majority rule has served this town well for 60 years!”

Kevin Geraghty, resident and Finance Committee member, also voiced his concern saying, “I agree with what I’m hearing from the crowd. Why get a super majority? I haven’t heard any reason why we need to restrict people’s ideas. Two-thirds makes it harder for the average citizen.”

When the vote was counted, the article carried 52 in favor and 41 against. That brought Ray Andrews to his feet, asking Town Moderator Jack Eklund for a motion to reconsider.

“Move this to the Annual Town Meeting,” said Andrews. “The vote is too close.”

Eklund was not disposed to do so, however. He explained in detail that he had researched his responsibilities and authority to decline such a recall. In spite of Andrews, again asserting the vote was too close, Eklund dismissed the request and the meeting continued.

Article 18 pertained to the bike path and asked voters to approve another $30,000 for test borings required by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Presenting the article was Bike Path Committee member Robert Price.

Price explained that the test borings is a new requirement added since the birth of the bike path and its proposed traversing of sensitive wetlands. The DOT wants to ensure sufficient rock material for anchoring a bridge across Eel River and associated wetlands.

Residents stepped up to the microphone speaking both for and against spending these additional funds.

Bill Dumas said he had been sitting in the same location in the high school auditorium for town meetings since 1972 and since the l980s, he said, “We were told the bike path wouldn’t cost us anything. How much is the ‘it’s not going to cost us anything’ is it?”

Others expressing concern that costs might continue to ratchet upwards were Finance Committee member Elisabeth Pennington, Selectman Jordan Collyer, and resident Bill Sweeney.

Voters speaking on behalf of supporting approval of the article were Principal Assessor Kathleen Costello, and residents Randy Smith, Jim Dildine and Mike Botello.

Town Administrator Michael Gagne said that, to date, the town had ponied up $470,000 for engineering and design services.

In the end, the sentiment of the assembled was to approve the spending. The article carried 82 in favor, 7 against.

Highway Surveyor Barry Denham presented Article 13 pertaining to town bridge and culvert design. The article asked voters to support spending $25,000 of free cash to perform assessment of culverts throughout the town, with most along the beleaguered Acushnet Road. The article easily passed 93 to 0.

Regarding Article 15, Library Roof Repairs, Gagne explained that due to a product failure of the roof tiles installed less than ten years ago, the town was engaged in litigation against the manufacturer. In the meantime, the library roof needed a hefty $189,000 worth of repairs. The article carried 93 to 0.

Fifteen articles were easily put through with monies going towards much-needed water and sewer projects, roadway repairs, or the rescinding of borrowing authorizations previously granted.

Article 16, Replacement of Damaged Police Cruiser, was withdrawn by Chief Mary Lyons.

In a tender moment mid-way through the evening, Nick Nicholson was acknowledged by the selectmen for his many years of service to the town in his role as Water and Sewer Superintendent. He is scheduled to retire in December. Nicholson received a standing ovation from all in attendance.

By Marilou Newell

Honoring Our Veterans

on November 11, 2015

A full house at Old Hammondtown School celebrated Mattapoisett veterans and all veterans on November 11, and with hundreds in attendance it was possibly the largest turnout ever for the annual event. Photos by Jean Perry

Alternative Gift Fair

on November 11, 2015

On Saturday, November 14, the Mattapoisett Friends Meeting will hold its third annual Alternative Gift Fair. There will be several local and international non-profits represented, as well as fair-trade crafts, coffee, and chocolate. Participating organizations include: the Mattapoisett Land Trust, the Coalition for Buzzards Bay, Friends of the Mattapoisett Bicycle and Recreational Path, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Mattapoisett Historical Society, Heifer International, and Sanga Sangai (Nepal). Local Artist Charlotte Purrington will have a new print on sale in the form of greeting cards. The fair will run from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The meetinghouse is at 103 Marion Road (Route 6).

Knights Teen Dance

on November 11, 2015

The next dance is on Friday, November 13 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm for $8 at The Knights, 57 Fairhaven Road in Mattapoisett. Teen dances are a safe place for 6th, 7th and 8th graders to have a good time socializing, dancing and listening to their favorite music on a Friday night. Knights chaperones and a uniformed police officer are on site at all of our dances.

Couple Looks for Lost Engagement Ring

on November 11, 2015

A Rochester couple is seeking the public’s help in finding a missing engagement ring lost on Halloween night.

Joelyn Conde and Ian Moniz say the diamond ring, priceless in sentimental value, was lost somewhere during a 45-minute period of trick-or-treating. Conde gave the ring to Moniz for safekeeping and the ring at one point fell out of Moniz’s pocket.

Conde and Moniz suspect the ring could have been lost around the vicinity of 7 Earls Court in Rochester and have appealed to local parents to search their children’s treat bags for the missing ring.

The ring is described as having a large center stone with a halo of smaller diamonds around it. The couple is offering a reward if the ring is found.

“We are desperate to find this ring,” said Conde. “The ring is not just something materialistic, but it was something that had so much sentimental value that we wanted to pass down to our daughter and eventually our future grandchildren.”

If you have information about the lost ring, call Joelyn Conde at 508-858-8147 or contact the Rochester Police Department.

By Jean Perry

Marion Board Of Health Flu Clinic

on November 10, 2015

The faith communities of the First Congregational Church, St. Gabriel’s, and St. Rita’s are co-sponsoring a flu clinic with the Marion Board of Health on Sunday, November 15 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the First Congregational Church’s Community Center Meeting room behind the General Store at 144 Front Street, Marion. Please remember to wear short sleeves and to bring your insurance cards. All are welcome!

Tabor to Host Fall Dance Recital

on November 10, 2015

Don’t miss the Tabor Academy Fall Dance Recital on November 12 at 6:30 pm in the Fireman Center for the Performing Arts at Tabor Academy at 235 Front Street, Marion. This year, the dance team is 23 strong! They will perform five hip hop routines, a theatre routine to “Money” from Cabaret, a ballet excerpt from Paquita, a contemporary and a flamenco-style tap routine. There will be many solos and duets.

Last year was one of the strongest years yet for Tabor’s dance team. The team attended three competitions and won first place awards at each. At the largest competition, Starpower in Rhode Island, the team secured their place in the world championships for their hip-hop routine.

The event is free and open to the public at 235 Front Street in Marion. Why not enjoy a night of dance in Marion?

Florence Eastman Post 280

on November 10, 2015

The monthly meeting of the Florence Eastman Post 280 will be held at the Post Hall at 7:00 pm on November 18. At this meeting, we will review the Veterans’ Day Ceremony of November 11 and our upcoming fundraising efforts, as well as the pending dues changes that will be effective January 1, 2016 when any outstanding, over due dues, will be charged the new rate of $35 as a result of national and state increases.

Bring your ideas for these endeavors as we cannot function without our members’ support and, obviously, the support of the great folks in our area who always patronize our efforts. Please mention this meeting to members you may know as everyone should be involved with the subject matters. The Hall is always available for rental. Just contact one of our members or call Mike at 508-758-9311.

New Student Breakfast

on November 10, 2015

Change is intimidating, even for those who appear to be fearless. For the transfer students at Old Rochester Regional High School, change meant leaving their friends behind and moving into an entirely new school system, completely unsure about what to expect.

These students are on a totally different playing field from the incoming freshmen, who only had to deal with a school switch. These students were forced into a lifestyle switch. Not having previously-established friends meant walking into a new school alone, starting over from scratch, and hoping to make friends.

In order to make these transfer students feel more welcome and more at home, the AmbassadOR Club held a new student breakfast. Invitations were handwritten by the AmbassadORs and sent to the new students of ORR. On Tuesday morning, AmbassadORs and transfers flooded into the Media Center, where food was shared and friends were made.

Although taking time out of the school day to meet new people may seem odd, the students involved felt it was helpful in order to meet the people whom they may not normally run into during the school day.

“A lot of us hadn’t had the opportunity to really meet them [the transfers],” said junior Tessa Camboia, “so it was really nice having a set period of time to talk to everyone.”

Members of the AmbassadOR club were asked to bring breakfast foods and drinks. Of course, this resulted in boxes and boxes of Dunkin’ Donuts. (What high schooler doesn’t love Dunkin’, after all?)

On top of donuts, there were homemade cinnamon rolls, fruit platters, orange juice, and a plethora of other delicious breakfast foods.

The students talked over their breakfast with old and new friends, everybody equally enjoying a sweet, delightful start to their day.

“We made their transition into this school easier,” thought Diana LaRock, an AmbassadOR.

Was this activity actually helpful, or a bust? Not one single student had anything bad to say about the breakfast.

AmbassadOR Josh Garcia believed it made students feel closer to each other.

“I think that it was a great way to bring the student body together and get to know one another,” Garcia said. Many, if not all, of the students felt the same way. A number of them expressed wishes for the breakfast to become an Old Rochester tradition, as junior Madison Barber said, “I look forward to it next year.”

Not only did the breakfast benefit the transfers from other countries, but also transfers from other school districts and school choice freshmen. As AmbassadOR Julia Barrett said, “I think it was especially nice for the freshmen who were school choice because they didn’t really know a lot of people, so we got to introduce ourselves to them.”

By Sienna Wurl