The Old Rochester Regional High School girls’ lacrosse team built its record to 12-4 with a 12-2 victory over visiting Bourne on May 15 and only had Monday’s regular-season finale on home field against Marshfield before preparing for the state tournament.
Boys Lacrosse
The Bulldogs lost a close one, 9-8 to Bourne (10-6). ORR’s record stands at 8-7 with the Bulldogs’ final game to be played at Nantucket on Thursday, May 23.
ORR Sports Roundup
By Aiden Comorosky
The rearranged Marion Select Board assured 159 Spring Street residents Matt and Jen Christopher that they will be heard, but new chairman Norm Hills insisted the Christophers’ complaint over their water bill be thoroughly fleshed out with representatives from the Department of Public Works on hand and only after he has had ample time to digest the documents presented the board.
Tuesday night’s meeting of the Marion Select Board still entertained some discussion after member Randy Parker requested that the Christophers state their case on the basis that hearing from them in person will help the board members interpret the documents they will be pouring over until Town Administrator Geoff Gorman is able to arrange a meeting.
The DPW is recommending the Select Board not honor the Water/Sewer Abatement request of $9,122.34, a four-year bill, primarily because the homeowner did not respond to the DPW’s contact efforts.
Matt Christopher insisted, based on the mathematics involved, that the billing goes back 18 years on an estimated basis and is wholly inaccurate as to what he should be charged.
Gorman explained that the system rounded up and down to the nearest hundred. All sides agree that given the new metering equipment, current usage is being accurately measured.
Jen Christopher said they are “asking for a fair resolution and a fair number.”
The Select Board did act to disapprove another Water/Sewer Abatement request of $600 coming from 71 Olde Knoll Road. The bill was not recommended by DPW and was attributed to high use without a cause.
Water/Sewer commitments were approved for $759.65 (final readings May 8), $10,450 April 25 new water and sewer service and $125 sewer reconnection April 12.
The Marion DPW has been contacted by the Wareham water commissioner to discuss a potential interconnection of the two towns’ water systems, the purpose being to allow Wareham to maintain its current permit (draw level). Such a connection does not necessarily imply a physical connection of the neighboring systems.
Hills pointed out that Marion’s wells in Rochester, though down for years, are scheduled to soon be up and running. He suggested the town have engineering firm Tata & Howard evaluate the situation and let Marion officials know where the town now stands.
Parker referenced a situation that had town officials seriously considering a tie-in to Wareham water on an emergency basis after the line in the Sippican River ruptured and drained the water tower.
Marion had intended to have its rehabilitated wells online by now, but there were problems with the well pumps that have since been replaced.
Given the prospects for wells online and with the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District as a fallback, Marion officials are wondering if any water connection with Wareham is necessary.
Marion Finance Director Heather O’Brien explained during a presentation on FY25 water and sewer rates that service and supplies will include an electric increase with three wells coming on line.
Projected revenue will include $300,000 lost from the departure of Lockheed Martin. In what has been characterized as a “very wet year,” O’Brien said the town is trying to carry a surplus of $100,000.
The rate adjustment for water will be 1.5% on a rate charge, 1.5% on the first and second tier of usage and a 3% increase on the third tier.
The Select Board approved O’Brien’s report.
The board re-organized with Hills back serving as the chairman, Toby Burr as vice chairman and Parker as clerk. Hills will continue representing the board to the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) as a member for 2024-25 and also as member of SRPEDD’s Joint Transportation Planning Group.
Parker publicly thanked Burr for his year as chairman, sparking applause at the meeting. Gorman, in turn, congratulated Parker on his re-election to another three-year term on the Select Board. “We need more voting,” said Parker, who was not happy with Marion’s turnout of fewer than 900 voters for the May 17 Town Election.
A DiMinimus Determination regarding the Shared Use Path is no impact according to the Select Board, meaning that the construction project will not threaten wildlife. There are several parcels in Washburn Park with easements that the board believes will enhance the recreational benefits in the park.
The public hearing for Verizon New England, Inc. and NStar (dba Eversource) for a South Street pole installation that had been scheduled for Tuesday night was continued to June 18 at 6:15 pm in the Police Department conference room.
A donation of $1,085.40 in art supplies from the Friends of Marion Recreation to the Marion Recreation Department was earmarked for the Silvershell summer program and approved by the board.
The board also approved adding Sunday hours from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm to Vinodivino’s existing alcohol license at its 154 Front Street package store.
Three Special One-Day Alcohol licenses were approved for events at the Music Hall: Blackstone Caterers June 13 (6:00 pm to 7:30 pm … 80 guests, full bar); Emery’s Catering June 16 (4:45 pm to 10:30 pm … wedding June 16 beer, wine and liquor), and ICJ Corporation June 29 (4:00 pm to 11:00 pm … 75 people, full bar).
The board determined after a second read that a proposal for a Music Hall fee increase needs more tweaking with a third read.
In his Town Administrator’s Report, Gorman recognized Jody Dickerson of the Marion Highway Department and Marion’s DPW staff in a presentation of the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) Award for the department’s work on the County Road pavement project. It was one of 10 such awards across the state. The Marion DPW saved the town between $63,000 and $65,000 on berm work.
Gorman recapped the Annual Town Meeting, thanking the volunteers and noted that voters approved all financial articles. Gorman told the board he is standing by for procurement regarding the Bird Island project, the DPW construction, the new patrol boat, and CPC projects.
Gorman thanked the DPW staff for its work on the landscaping surrounding the Police Station.
Memorial Day observances will begin at 9:00 am at the Music Hall with a procession and ceremonies at Old Landing.
Independence Day parade marching applications are available on the town website and at the Town House.
The Fireworks Committee still needs to raise “two or three thousand” to hold the event planned for July 6; the committee has until June 16 to call off the event and recover all expenses.
Gorman publicly welcomed what he dubbed the town’s “rockstar team” of Meghan Mosher and Emily Miller, Marion’s new grant administrator.
The board voted to schedule monthly meetings through the summer on the third Tuesday of the month. The Select Board summer schedule is June 18, July 16 and August 20, with meetings shifting to the Police Station.
The next meeting of the Marion Select Board will occur at the Annual Town Meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 4, at 6:00 pm at the Town House Annex building.
Marion Select Board
By Mick Colageo
This June we won’t be having our regular 3rd Wednesday of the month meeting. Instead, we will be opening our new exhibit: Past Pastimes-How We’ve Entertained Ourselves for the Last 337 Years. This exhibit is supported by the Rochester Cultural Council, a local agency, supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. This exhibit will showcase the toys, games and activities that residents of Rochester have enjoyed through the centuries. Some will be items that are lost in the midst of time while others will show how they’ve adapted and changed over the years.
In addition, on this same weekend, June 22 and 23 from 10-3, we will be holding a Historic Fair with a Colonial Flair. You’ll be able to enjoy watching Colonial living history along with old fashioned games and crafts. There will be music, a treasure hunt, a scavenger hunt and more. The fair is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. There will be lots of activities for children and adults and a bake sale.
July 17 will be music and an ice cream social at 7:00 pm in our cool downstairs. The weekend of August 3 and 4 will be our annual yard sale. Hope to see you at our upcoming events.
The American Legion Post 280 and The Tri-Town Veterans Office would like to invite all to attend the Annual Mattapoisett Memorial Day Ceremony. The ceremony will be held at Center School at 17 Barstow Street on May 27 at 1:30 pm. Our guest speaker is Pete O’Brien USMC (Ret) as well as performances by the Old Hammondtown Band and the Showstoppers. Please come out to support our community and to remember those who have fallen in service to our Country.
Unbelievably packed into one late afternoon on May 16, Rochester Memorial School for the second consecutive year celebrated its students’ achievements in various expressions via an event dubbed STEAM-a-palooza.
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math, and some of the things produced by RMS students encompass multiple facets within the STEAM theme.
Among the items on display in the school’s cafetorium was the X-Track Snow Hauler, made of Legos by sixth grader Cody Sorenson, a 12-year-old dirt-biker from Rochester.
“The whole idea is that they need certain trucks in Antarctica, so I built this snow hauler to transport, like, different things around Antarctica, and there’s more than one thing it can do,” said Cody. “It has a cab to research, and it also has (equipment) if they have to recover anything.”
Cody’s display identified the Problem as “multiple trucks that do only one job each.”
Under a Purpose subtitle, Cody’s display states, “I built the X-Track Snow Hauler to conquer the Arctic in a more functional way. It is capable of towing vehicles stuck in the snow and ice. It can also haul equipment needed by researchers. The bed can transport food and supplies needed. The cabin has a workstation that can double as sleeping quarters.”
The truck’s features include: a 4×4 articulating suspension, high-floatation tires, a winch with kinetic rope, spare tire, gas/electric hybrid and fog/work lights.
On the left side of Cody’s display were photos of past and present efforts to carry out the same work, including a 1939 Antarctic Snow Cruiser deployed by the U.S. Antarctic Service from 1939 to 1941. There were also photos of a Delta Cargo Truck and Delta Shelter Truck, both of which are still in use today.
The truck was one of many impressive projects, art forms and problem-solving inventions.
“This night is a fantastic event for RMS students to showcase their scientific inquiries, engage in math games, explore various types of art and show off their own artwork,” said RMS Principal Heidi Letendre in a press release about the event.
The event showcased a variety of student achievements and projects, including The Art Show, musical ensembles, math games and STEM challenges, according to the release.
A book fair was held in the library, and everyone gathered in the gymnasium for a grand finale of Grade 3 students participating in the early stages of music education by way of what they call a “recorder concert.” A beat and music with familiar songs is played to the students, who sing with it and then show off their abilities following along with horns.
“We are so fortunate to have such dedicated faculty and staff who have organized this 2nd Annual STEAM-a-palooza night for everyone to enjoy,” said Letendre in the release.
Added Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson, “I would like to thank our student participants as well as our dedicated faculty and staff for organizing another successful STEAM-a-palooza.”
STEAM-a-palooza
By Mick Colageo
The May 20 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission found the commissioners unanimously voting to lift an Enforcement Order issued against restoration work taking place at The Bogs, a property of the Buzzards Bay Coalition.
After winter storms flooded the project area, resulting in stormwater pouring away from the site into neighboring properties, the commission found it necessary to issue an Enforcement Order that included not only ramping up erosion controls but evaluating whether or not leaching of agricultural chemicals of a hazardous nature onto adjoining parcels had taken place.
The BBC, along with Mattapoisett Conservation Agent Brandon Faneuf, met at the site weekly thereafter, monitoring conditions while all parties waited for a decision from the Select Board on whether or not the town would require further action in the form of chemical testing. Several commission members expressed concern over the movement of chemicals from flowing stormwater and sought to require third-party testing.
At Tuesday’s meeting, it was confirmed that testing would be required.
Conservation Commission Chairman Mike King stated, “…everything is now complete at The Bogs,” and that, “…the Select Board is in agreement with the (Buzzards Bay) Coalition for independent testing.” The Enforcement Order was lifted.
In other business, the commission issued a Negative Determination ruling to Timothy and Carolyn Kelley, 2 Windwood Way, to demolish and reconstruct a shed.
A Notice of Intent filed by Mark Whalen, Birchwood Street, was conditioned contingent on approval from the Board of Health on septic plans. Abutters articulated their concerns over proposed plans for a new home on elevated pilings, but King clarified the commission was only evaluating the project plans as they relate to the Wetlands Protection Act and furthermore was not involved with the aesthetic design of any future building. King told the audience that they had 10 days to appeal the commission’s decision.
Certificates of Compliance were issued to: David Evans, 4 Sagamore Road; Jay Dupont, 12 Old Mattapoisett Neck Road and Alice McGrath trustee, 0 Cove Street.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, June 10, at 6:30 pm.
Mattapoisett Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell
The Marion Art Center announces the MAC Theater presentation of The Minotaur, written by Anna Ziegler and directed by Kate Sorensen. A present-day version of a classic Greek myth, The Minotaur is a contemporary take on love, honor and human connection. With refreshing originality and wit, it explores how we break out of history in order to shape new stories for ourselves. Show dates are June 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 pm, and Sunday shows begin at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $20 for MAC members and $23 for nonmembers. The cast includes, Michael Ferron, Laura Stevens and Bethany Whitehead. Stage managed by Gary Sousa, Assistant Stage Manager Marisa Biever. Sound & Lighting by Steven McManus with Kate Sorenson. Buy tickets at marionartcenter.org/events.
Rochester is holding a Memorial Day event at 12 noon on Sunday, May 26 at the Rochester Town Hall. Events will include selected readings at the town hall, a short walk to Daggett Square and additional readings and music there.
On May 19, the treasure chest better known as the Mattapoisett Museum, opened its doors, welcoming George Lowery and his family to the permanent home of his gift – a scale model of the last whaling ship built in Mattapoisett, the Wanderer.
Though the delivery occurred on January 30, the story of Lowery’s interest began when he was a boy growing up in the Bronx. He was enthralled by all things miniature. A field trip to a natural history museum, Lowery told us in April 2023, inspired him. He began building airplanes and other models from kits. By 1987, the hobby became a career.
There were intervening years that found the young Lowery enlisting in the Air Force and raising a family, but always fermenting in the back of his mind was model building, not just your run-of-the-mill models but scale models with all the finite details.
He is a perfectionist, an artist.
Lowery said he sought out and eventually found an artisan who would help him develop skills in model shipbuilding, one Frank Mastini. As Lowery told us, Mastini didn’t teach, he advised. Students were given models to build, and throughout the process, Mastini would critique and lend guidance.
Overtime and dedicated effort, Lowery learned what he had longed to know: how to turn raw wood into stunning pieces of maritime art.
Lowery’s first commission to build a whaling-ship model happened at an art fair in 2017. He was approached at the fair being held near his Arizona home by a gentleman interested in a model of the Wanderer. The gent was planning on opening a business in Mattapoisett and would use the Wanderer model as a showpiece in the establishment.
Lowery recalled his need to obtain a set of plans in order to build the model. He would reach out to the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the Mattapoisett Museum. New Bedford offered engineered drawings, scant though they were, but coupled with pictures from Mattapoisett, Lowery was able to build the model.
Lowery would labor for some 2,000 hours building his model of the Wanderer. He estimated a retail price tag of $100,000 would be appropriate based on other crafts and trades. But the gentleman who ordered the ship was not to be found. No money, not even a deposit, had exchanged hands.
But Lowery isn’t bitter, “My models are my children,” he told The Wanderer. Lowery wants them to be appreciated and cared for.
With that in mind and having built a long-distance relationship with Mattapoisett Museum Curator Connor Gaudet, Lowery offered the Wanderer model to the museum. Without hesitation, Gaudet accepted the gift.
The Wanderer sailed into Mattapoisett via a delivery truck in January. No doubt it will enjoy a safe harbor at the Mattapoisett Museum into perpetuity.
Mattapoisett Museum
By Marilou Newell
Rochester’s Conservation Commission Tuesday had to satisfy a roomful of concerned neighbors as it approved the wetland resource boundary limits for an address on Gifford Lane.
Land surveyor John Romanelli told the commission that the property’s owners, the estates of James and Sharon Barton, want to come up with a value for selling the property, which abuts Snows Pond, and they want to get the wetland lines correct first.
Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly said that as a result of her inspection of the property, she approves of the wetlands line that has been delineated. “It’s good,” she said. “I agree with it.”
Neighbor Michelle Kirby then raised her hand to speak and explained why most of the seats in the meeting room were occupied by Gifford Lane abutters. She said they are concerned that any development of the parcel will adversely affect Snows Pond. Before the property is sold, Kirby said, “more needs to be taken into consideration.”
Conservation Commission Chairman Christopher Gerrior reassured Kirby that this is just a very basic first step, and no development plans of any kind are being presented.
“They have had a professional to flag where the wetlands start,” Gerrior said. “From there, they can say, ‘here will be a lot’ or ‘there will be no lots.’ This is just the marking of the lines. This is not even a step toward any kind of planning process.”
Noreen Hartley wanted to know why the trust did not start with filing a Notice of Intent instead of the Determination of Applicability petition the board was reviewing. Gerrior said that’s because this is just a wetland line being approved. “This is just seeing how much wetlands there is,” he said.
The commission voted to agree with the limits of the wetlands as shown, with Ben Bailey the only member to abstain. “I don’t we’ve ever had to vote to accept a wetlands line,” Bailey said. “We don’t do that. Registered engineers approve those lines.”
In other action, Gerrior announced that a letter from the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District has conveyed a “thumbs up” endorsement of the commission’s plan to clear the sometimes-clogged herring-run area from Hartley Farm Pond to the start of the Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race. Kelly said she has started to create a Notice of Intent for the project.
Kelly then updated the commission on her review of open orders of conditions. She said she has found around 50 of them, some as old as 1985. She said the owners of these properties will be contacted to “close them out” with certificates of compliance.
The commission approved the Notice of Intent for an address on Bishop Road to permit the construction of a single-family home with on-site septic system within a wetlands buffer zone. Only the machinery to install the project will have to be within the 100-foot buffer, it was explained.
The commission continued until its June 4 meeting the Notice of Intent public hearing for 96 Wolf Island Road’s plan to install within the 100-foot buffer to a vegetated wetland a gravel driveway, stone patio, walkway and landscaped area for an existing single-family home.
Gerrior raised concerns about an existing shed on the property 25 feet from the wetlands “no-touch” zone. Consulting engineer Bob Rogers said the shed was there when the current owner, Marc Wilson, purchased it, and he could not say how old the shed was. The commission agreed to schedule a site visit there.
The Rochester Conservation Commission set its next meetings for June 4, June 18, July 16 and August 7. It will meet next on Tuesday, June 4, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.
Rochester Conservation Commission
By Michael J. DeCicco