Mattapoisett Bike Path

on August 9, 2015

To The Editor:

It’s been quiet on the Bike Path public relations front for some time, but residents of Mattapoisett and the South Coast region can get ready for a flurry of activity related to design and regional fundraising.

Many remember a successful request at Spring Town Meeting for additional funding associated with bridge and boardwalk design. The funds were needed to bring a bridge consultant on board. We are now seeing results: In mid-July, we received comments from Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Bridge and Geotechnical divisions. We expect a final submission addressing all comments first week of August and anticipate a positive response that will allow a year-long permitting phase to begin.

In addition, the State Fiscal Year 2016 began July 1. This means construction funding will become available for signing a construction contract within a year’s time and therefore we are now a high priority project with MassDOT. Because we have funding in place, MassDOT will work much more closely with us to make sure the project moves forward according to the projected funding schedule.

With regard to fundraising, the Spring Town Meeting vote guaranteed the project could proceed to permitting phase, but design work at the end of permitting is not yet fully funded. Friends of the Bike Path are planning to take fundraising regional. We need at least another $34,000 to complete the segment of the Bike Path to Depot Street. The Friends will be reaching outside our small town by asking our supporters – residents and businesses – to help spread the word across the South Coast and beyond.

If you’d like to offer a matching donation to help attract regional interest, contact Bonne DeSousa at bdesousa43@comcast.net, 508-951-2406. To show your support in other ways and stay updated, please Friend or Like us on our Facebook page “Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail”, and make our website, www.mattapoisettrailtrail.org, one of your favorites. Tax-deductible checks made out to “Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path” can be sent to P.O. Box 1336, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

Bonne DeSousa,

President, Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path

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Call for Artists

on August 9, 2015

The Sippican Lands Trust (SLT) and the Marion Art Center are partnering to sponsor an exhibition of art created by local artists to highlight the many scenic sites that comprise the Lands Trust’s forests and marshes. The Lands Trust invites everyone to walk the trails, get some exercise and be inspired by the beautiful views on the many trails maintained by the Trust.

Local artists are invited to submit up to three works, in any media, for a non-juried exhibition to be held at the Marion Art Center, October 2 through November 14. All submitted works must depict scenes of or views from SLT properties. The Marion Art Center will receive a 30% commission on the sale of each piece. There will be a special “Young Artists” division within this exhibition. Young artists in elementary school, middle school and high school are invited to submit one piece for the exhibition.

Trail maps of the Lands Trust properties are available at the SLT offices, 354 Front Street, Marion (next to Uncle Jon’s) or on-line at www.sippicanlandstrust.org. Walking tours of SLT properties will be conducted for interested artists in June, July and August (dates to be determined). For more information, call the SLT at 508-748-3080. Complete Registration Packets are also available at the Marion Art Center at 80 Pleasant Street in Marion.

Registration by September 1 is required. Artists wishing to exhibit should submit original pieces (no more than three), matted and framed with title, medium and price. Sculpture should be presented exhibition ready. All pieces must be for sale and must be originals and have been executed within the last three years and must not have been exhibited at the 2012 SLT Exhibition. All submitted works must depict scenes of or from SLT properties, and the location must be identified. All paintings and photographs must be framed, preferably matted (in white or neutrals) and ready to hang (i.e., secured with heavy picture wire and wrapped in tape, affixed to eye-hooks that have been attached securely to the frame).

Dates for dropping off artwork at the Marion Art Center are Tuesday, September 29 and Wednesday, September 30 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.

For more information about this Exhibition and for a printable registration form, please visit the MAC website at: www.marionartcenter.org/call-artists/ or call 508-748-1266 or visit the Marion Art Center located at 80 Pleasant Street in Marion.

Marion Master Plan Public Meeting 2.0

on August 9, 2015

On August 1, approximately 35 residents and town officials met in the Marion Music Hall with the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District’s (SRPEDD) municipal planning group for a continuation of public discussions aimed at helping the town create a master plan. Grant King, principal comprehensive planner/information specialist for SRPEDD, was the facilitator for this second meeting titled “Marion Master Plan Workshop on Land Use, Economic Development, and Climate Resiliency.”

Marion had sought and received grant monies to secure the services of SRPEDD in their effort to drill through all the layers of issues and desires the town’s residents identify as critical areas as they attempt to craft plans for a viable and successful future in a world wrought with uncertainty. This second public meeting is one of nine stages towards the development of a master plan.

King reminded the assembled that the key areas of importance previously identified by the residents were: Route 6 and Front Street being pedestrian-friendly and maintaining a “village-like” appearance; the need for parking, especially in the village; and land use from open spaces to full blown development.

King said data should drive decisions. He then provided some data points.

Regarding the average age of year-round residents, King said that in 1990 that number was 36 years of age, and by 2014 it was 46 – a striking aging of the overall population, King stated. By contrast, he said that age number is the oldest of all the communities SRPEDD serves. Concurrent with that information, he said elementary school enrollment had declined. Of the total population, he said 36 percent were 65 years or older.

On the issue of land use, King pointed to the large amount of land in a non-tax or reduced-tax status in Marion. Tabor does not pay real estate taxes due to its institutional status, while lands held in agricultural or foresting categories, known as “chapter lands,” pay vastly reduced rates, he pointed out. A stunning 93 percent of the town’s entire tax base comes from real estate taxes imposed on less than 50 percent of the land within the town boundaries. Highlighting the way in which land is currently used in Marion, King told the group that residential use comprises 37 percent, institutional 31 percent, chapter lands 22 percent, while commercial/industrial stands at 3 percent.

Climate change was also discussed as a significant issue for a seaside community such as Marion. A 40-year projection from NOAA visually mapped by SRPEDD showed much of Marion under water in just a few decades. King said the town would need to think about a “managed retreat” at some point in the not too distant future.

During a break in the presentation, Zoning Board of Appeals and Board of Health member Betsy Dunn said, “I’m not sure we can reach a consensus, but I am hopeful,” when asked if she thought the town could come together and create a good plan.

Long-time resident Elizabeth Brainard echoed that sentiment, adding, “If we have a clear vision of how to make the changes.” Brainard also had high praise for the work done by the SRPEDD team.

Norman Hills, who sits on the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission for the town, said changes to the zoning bylaws were absolutely necessary in order to make a plan work. He said expenditures identified by the Capital Improvement Committee didn’t take SRPEDD data into consideration.

“Five fundamental things,” said Hills, need to be identified versus a “laundry list” of goals that was unachievable. He also pointed to waste management as a restriction, a problem when considering development. And continuing on the theme of waste management, Hills said most of the town was on septic systems. Rising seawater meant rising water tables, even in upland locations, affecting vast numbers of residences. “Including mine,” said Hills.

After the group brainstormed and provided the SRPEDD team with numerous hopes, dreams, and ideas for the town, King told the group that his team would distill all the feedback and return with a report on the meeting. This feedback will help to fuel future workshop-style meetings, which are planned for October 17 and December 1.

Hills said the goal is to have a plan by summer 2016. The town’s current funding for this work ends at the close of December 2015. He said they would apply for another grant to complete this study.

All public comments from this second meeting need to be submitted to SRPEDD by 5:00 pm on August 21. For more information on how you can participate in the process, visit www.srpedd.org/marion-master-plan or go to www.facebook.com/marionplan. Grant King’s contact information is gking@srpedd.org or 508-824-1367, ext. 318. You may also contact the Marion Planning Board via email to tsantos@marionma.gov or call 508-748-3517.

By Marilou Newell

What’s New at the Rochester Country Fair?

on August 9, 2015

Kids, go find those frogs, and babies, put on those racing diapers. Grown-ups, rev up that tractor, dust off those boots, and guys – quit shaving those whiskers ‘cause the 16^th Annual Rochester County Fair is back and it is just as Rochestery as ever.

Rochester is home to some of the most scenic byways of Southeastern Massachusetts with its acres of sprawling farms, wildflower fields, and canopies of towering trees. But this rural setting, with its historic legacy of pioneers, hardworking farmers, and grandmas in overalls will switch from picturesque pastoral to badass bucolic when the Country Fair comes to town from August 13 to 15 – and everyone knows it’s not the size of the tractor that matters; it’s how far it can pull the sled that counts.

By this time in the year, some of us just find ourselves craving the familiar ol’ olfactory euphoria caused when the smells of deep fried food, diesel smoke, and livestock combine. And if you are gonna stand around swatting at horseflies, what better way to do it than by watching cow chip bingo to the sounds of revving tractors with a grilled sausage in one hand and an ice cold beer in the other? Oh yeah, that’s right! This year, for the first time, you can come to the Rochester Country Fair – and drink beer.

But beer isn’t all that’s new to the Country Fair this year. On Thursday, August 13 at 6:15 pm, Boston Faneuil Hall Magician & Juggler Robert Clarke, the “one-man sideshow that fits into a suitcase,” will be throwing a bunch of things all at once and catching them in an entertaining and hilarious manner, and aweing the crowds with magic tricks that will have us cow-chipping our pants.

On Friday, August 14, 16-year-old Marion guitarist Aaron Norcross will perform with his band Aaron Norcross Jr. & the Old Dogs from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. He will likely be armed with a full arsenal of gorgeous guitars. Norcross is all about the blues and rockabilly, and he’s been playing the guitar since 2006.

Also new to the fair this year, at 7:00 pm starts the year’s Professional Wrestling featuring a Midget Match, along with returning Gary Eleniefsky of Rochester and regional wrestlers and ladies match.

On Saturday, August 15 starting at 3:00 pm, the Country Fair introduces the New London County Tractor Pullers, featuring the Limited Modified (4,300 lb., 4,600 lb.), the Limited Enhanced Modified (6,500 lb., 6,800 lb.), the Pro Modified (6,700 lb., 7,000 lb.), and for the big boys and girls, the Pro Enhanced Modified (8,700 lb., 9,000 lb.) That’s a lot of weight and a lot of noise.

For this year’s headlining band, the Country Fair is proud to present Vyntyge Skynyrd live, a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band hitting the main arena at 7:00 pm.

This year’s theme is “prehistoric,” and there will be activities for the kids such as a dinosaur dig, children’s Bam Bam strong man contest, diaper derby, and a costume contest. There will also be a “prehistoric” photo contest, where participants will submit their old photographs. Personal drawings can also be submitted and will be judged in a separate category.

And then there is the parade. This year’s parade was the parade that almost didn’t happen, due to progressively poor attendance and participation over the years. The Country Fair Committee suggested canceling the parade this year, but reconsidered after the public response was overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the tradition alive. The parade, which starts at 9:30 am on Sunday, August 16, and begins and ends at Rochester Memorial School, will also be celebrating the fair’s prehistoric theme, with floats and participants dressed up in costume.

All the favorites will return this year again: the mechanical bull and zip line rides; children’s races, including frogs and babies; lawn mower races; the woodsman competition; and lots of tractor pulling.

See you there, smile for the camera, and don’t forget to read The Wanderer – you might be in it!

By Jean Perry

Boston Post Cane Tradition

on August 8, 2015

Good genes, family, and Cape Cod air – these, according to the latest recipient of the Boston Post Cane and her family, are the secrets to longevity for Marion Thomas, 98, of Rochester.

Thomas, born December 21, 1916 and named Marion Henrique by her parents, was presented the Boston Post Cane on Monday, August 3, by Selectman Naida Parker at the Rochester Senior Center, surrounded by four generations of family. Thomas was born and raised in Provincetown, where she was a clerk at a gift shop in 1937 when she met her late husband, a local fisherman. She worked for the Provincetown Chamber of Commerce for 27 years, until the age of 85, just before she moved to Rochester to be closer to her son, Tom Thomas, who resides in Acushnet.

Council on Aging Director Sharon Lally described Thomas as “sharp as a tack.” One of Thomas’ relatives described her as a “lovely lady” because she always took care of others and her family.

“She was a very good house cleaner,” said Laurie O’Neil, Thomas’ great-niece. Tia Marion is how they called Thomas, whose parents both came from Portugal and settled together in Provincetown.

Thomas’ son, Tom, said Thomas had a green thumb, and she left behind a legacy of botanical beauty at her last place of residence in Provincetown.

“Her hydrangeas have been there 60, 70 years,” said Tom. “And they’re still there. And all the roses, all the length of the house.”

Tom also remarked on how Thomas always took care of her self and lived a healthy life.

“She never smoked, never drank, had one cup of coffee every day, as far as I know,” Tom said. He said Thomas’ family all lived long, healthy lives. Her parents lived well into their nineties, and Thomas’ brother lived to the ripe old age of 101.

Thomas’ niece, Kathy Rubbicco, recalled how Thomas would always comfort others and care for them.

“She’s got a big heart. She’s genuine,” said Rubbicco. “Everything she does is genuine.”

It was always all about the family, said O’Neil. And one of the highlights of every year for the family was the Blessing of the Fleets. They were fishing people, after all.

Four generations celebrated with Thomas that afternoon, and they marked the occasion with blueberry pie and chocolate cake after the cane was handed to Thomas. Tom said his mother had no idea all the family would be coming out to celebrate with Thomas and witness her receiving the honor as being named Rochester’s oldest citizen.

“My mother is a very humble lady,” said Tom. “This is, to her, over and above.”

Thomas said she was happy to be living in Rochester these past 10 years and is glad to be nearer to her beloved family.

“I really was alone in Provincetown,” said Thomas, “and I really appreciate what my son did by bringing me here.”

The Boston Post Cane tradition has been going strong in Rochester since 1909 when the now defunct Boston Post sent each town in Massachusetts a cane to be presented to the oldest citizen of each town, and subsequently passed down to the next surviving oldest resident.

The “fine gold-headed ebony stick to be carried by the oldest citizen,” as described by the Boston Post in an August 1909 press release of sorts, was manufactured by J.F. Fradley & Co. of New York, who was widely recognized as the leading manufacturer of fine canes.

The canes are of Gaboon ebony from the Congo, and the ebony was shipped to the United States in logs about seven feet long, which were then cut into stick lengths. It took about a year from the moment the logs first arrived to the final finishing of the cane, completed with a 14-karat gold head with the town’s name inscribed and blank areas for the initials of future cane recipients.

Rochester is one of the remaining towns, as well as Marion, who still has the Boston Post Cane in their possession. Many towns have lost their canes over the years to damage or theft.

The Boston Post Cane was passed on to Thomas after the cane’s last recipient, 100 year old Armand Cournoyer, passed away on April 20, 2015.

By Jean Perry

Confusion Clouds Solar Project

on August 8, 2015

Representatives for the Clean Energy Initiatives solar farm project proposed for the Clemishaw property off Tucker Lane expressed confusion and frustration on August 3 at the seemingly esoteric nature of a part of the town’s solar bylaw, as interpreted by Marion Planning Board Chairman Robert Lane.

The main issue that contributed to miscommunication between Bob Rogers of G.A.F. Engineering, Greg Carey of Clean Energy Collective, and Lane, was the withdrawal of Chapter 61A land to change the use of the land and how that would affect setbacks to any possible future houses that “could” be built within the 100-foot setback from the solar energy system, should any surrounding lots later be subdivided and developed. There was also the issue of whether the 35-foot setback surrounding the solar energy facility would need to be taken out of Chapter 61A as well.

Rogers and Carey were visually perplexed by Lane’s request to demonstrate that any possible future houses that could be developed would not lie within the 100-foot setback, and Lane told the gentlemen that he had already requested the information at the previous meeting. Lane told them, if there could one day be a residence within 100 feet of the solar arrays, then the project would need a 100-foot setback from the actual property line.

“You have to demonstrate that there won’t be a residence,” said Lane. Lane pointed out that the solar bylaw uses the word “could,” pertaining to possible houses within 100 feet of the solar energy facility itself.

Lane also said the 35-foot setback surrounding the solar farm would need to be taken out of Chapter 61A for the purpose of using the land as a solar farm, not just the 6.59 acres on which the arrays would stand.

Rogers said the Board of Selectmen would be hearing the matter of the Chapter 61A land and the property owners’ intent to remove the land from agricultural use to the use of the solar farm during the selectmen’s meeting the following night. Lane said the Planning Board should not form or release a decision on the solar farm application until the Chapter 61A status was addressed. Lane added that he was not satisfied with the applicants’ plan, insisting that the setbacks as-is do not meet the requirements of the bylaw.

“And only the Planning Board can make that determination, not town counsel or the Board of Selectmen,” said Lane. Lane later said town counsel determined that the 35-foot setback buffer zone surrounding the solar farm would have to be taken out of Chapter 61A status as well in order to satisfy the bylaw’s required setbacks. Lane began to raise his voice at this point in the back and forth discussion between Lane and Rogers and Carey. He continued, “You have to demonstrate to us that it’s impossible to build a house on these (surrounding) lots.”

“There are already houses on them,” said Rogers.

But you haven’t demonstrated that, Lane replied.

“But we have, sir,” said Rogers.

“No you haven’t,” Lane said. “You have to show the whole lot.”

“We have shown the whole lot,” said Rogers. “So, essentially, you’re taking the extreme position (interpreting the bylaw),” Rogers suggested to Lane.

Lane proposed getting abutting property owners – the Marion Trustees of Reservations – to sign a letter stating they would never use the lands to build houses. Because, don’t forget, Lane said, the word “could” within the bylaw means “it’s not impossible.”

“You’re projecting into the future,” said Rogers.

“If you say that it’s not possible, then you have to demonstrate that it’s not possible,” said Lane. “I didn’t draft the bylaw. That’s what the bylaw says.”

Rogers conceded at that point that he would need to consult with legal counsel.

And that’s the setback issue as it is connected to the Chapter 61A issue, Lane told him.

The misunderstandings continued, and Carey asked Lane to provide him with a memorandum or an outline detailing exactly what Lane wanted to know, and Planning Board member Norman Hills supported Carey’s request.

Carey suggested the selectmen the following night would make the determination on the Chapter 61A status, which would affect the Special Permit for the project. “It’s within their jurisdiction to make any decision subject to any action the board takes,” said Carey.

“Wait, wait, wait,” said Lane. “They (the selectmen) can’t act on the 61A until we say the land area is necessary,” said Lane. “It’s our job to decide what is the proper area that they have to make that decision on.”

Carey argued that the Chapter 61A matter was separate from the Special Permit application.

“If you want to shrink this so that you meet all of the setback requirements…” said Lane, knocking his hand onto the plans on the easel.

Until the plan meets the setback requirements, said Lane, the Chapter 61A matter cannot move forward to the selectmen. Just prove to the board that abutting neighbors will not sell and subdivide their land to build houses.

“It’s completely subjective to say that [the neighbors] could put a house…” said Carey. Theoretically, yes. Neighbors could subdivide their land.

Hills interjected.

“It’s highly unlikely that anything would be built in that area,” said Hills, also Chairman of the Conservation Commission. Hills said the surrounding areas are rife with wetlands and no development can occur on wetlands.

Lane said he was happy with that explanation, but the applicants would have to prove that. Planning Board member Michael Popitz agreed with Lane, asking the applicant to include details of the possible scenarios of neighbors building future houses on surrounding lots.

“We’re not in the business of doing hypotheticals,” said Hills. “Everything has to be realistic. We’re not into science fiction here.”

“I agree with you,” said Lane. “If it’s wetlands, it doesn’t make any sense to use that parcel.” But prove it.

The board then engaged Rogers in a discussion on a request to waive the two-foot separation from high groundwater level regarding stormwater management, stating its case for the waiver since the solar farm will not generate any additional drainage issues. The engineer doing the peer review on behalf of the Planning Board said the Mass DEP would not accept anything less than two feet. Several members of the board were comfortable with the 12-inch waiver, but no action was taken. Lane said no vote would be taken separately apart from the whole package.

Lane then went deep into the minutiae of the escrow agreement, and asked Carey to look more in depth at the language of the agreement so that the Town of Marion would not lose its rights to access the monies in the future should the project be improperly decommissioned.

The matter was continued until the next meeting of the Marion Planning Board at 7:00 pm on August 17 at the Marion Town House.

By Jean Perry

Clement L. Yaeger Music Scholarship

on August 8, 2015

In the 52nd year of the Clement L. Yaeger Music Scholarship, the Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce three awards to help talented music students further their education in music performance, music education or music therapy at the undergraduate or graduate college level at an accredited institution. We respect and admire the dedication of our Chairperson, Janet Ratcliffe, who served on the first Committee in 1963 and continues to share her wisdom with both Committee members and generations of aspiring young musicians.

Michael Bliss from Mattapoisett was one of this year’s scholarship winners. Bliss, a graduate of Old Rochester Regional High School entering his third year at the New York University Steinhardt School, is continuing to pursue a degree in music performance, to be followed by graduate studies in music education. Recent performances this year have been with the NYU Jazz Orchestra at Lincoln Center and at The Blue Note in Greenwich Village. This is his third award from the Yaeger Music Scholarship Fund.

National Night Out at ORR

on August 8, 2015

Citizens were invited to the 3rd Annual Tri-Town National Night Out at ORR on Tuesday, August 4. The event is aimed at bringing together citizens and local law enforcement and is sponsored by the Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester Police Departments. Photos by Colin Veitch

Plato’s Search for the One Thing Needful

on August 8, 2015

The public is invited to the Marion Music Hall on Thursday, August 20 at 7:00 pm for a special lecture, Plato’s Search for the One Thing Needful: Why Philosophy Is Important Today, with featured speaker David M. Prentiss. Sponsored by the Sippican Historical Society, the lecture will explore the relevance of ancient thinkers in the modern world. Is it possible to learn anything important from a person who lived nearly 2,500 years ago? Plato is perhaps the most influential – and misunderstood – thinker of all time. Yet at the heart of his wisdom is a very simple insight: Human beings have a deep and permanent need to understand themselves and their world, and this need must always be accounted for in how we live individually and politically. Plato and his teacher, Socrates, understood philosophy as a way of life devoted to seeking this understanding. By seeing how they understood philosophy as an activity rather than as a system of knowledge, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world today.

Dave Prentiss has taught political philosophy as an adjunct professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth for 15 years. He is also the President and CEO of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and former Board Chair of the Alma del Mar Charter School in New Bedford. He has a B.A. in philosophy from Assumption College, a Master’s degree in political science from Boston College, and a J.D. from New England School of Law. His lecture will be presented free of charge, with no reservations required. The Marion Music Hall is located at 164 Front Street, and ample parking is available across the street at Island Wharf. For more information, contact the SHS at 508-748-1116.

ORR Class of 1965

on August 7, 2015

The Reunion Committee of the Old Rochester Regional High School Class of 1965 invites all classmates to their 50 year reunion on Saturday, September 19 at Brew Fish Bar & Eatery in Marion. Cost is $22/person for cash bar and light fare and prepayment is required. For further details, email mdjonesww@aol.com. It has been over 30 years since our last reunion, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone and renewing old friendships.