Mattapoisett Land Trust

on May 17, 2015

The Mattapoisett Land Trust invites the public to join its members and friends on Saturday, May 30 for a presentation by Kathy Zagzebski, President and Executive Director of the National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay. In the middle of the spring’s seal pup “shower”, Ms. Zagzebski will describe the work of the center in saving abandoned seal pups and how volunteers can help in that work. She’ll also describe how the center assisted with last fall’s “Kempocalypse” when hundreds for Kemp’s ridley turtles were rescued from the shores of Cape Cod. Learn how you can help with this national effort having a local flavor.

The lecture will take place at the Friends’ Meeting House on Marion Road (Route 6) in Mattapoisett beginning at 1:00 pm. The presentation is part to the Land Trust’s annual meeting and will follow a pot-luck lunch at noon to which the public is also invited.

For more information about the presentation, contact the Mattapoisett Land Trust at info@mattlandtrust.org or leave a message at 774-377-9191.

Rochester Police Schedule Entrance Exam

on May 17, 2015

The Rochester Police Department in conjunction with Police Exam Solutions has scheduled an Entrance Exam for the Rochester Police Department on May 30.

The Rochester Police Department employs 10 full-time officers, five part-time officers and a number of reserve officers serving a population of approximately 5,400 residents. The department will hold an entrance exam to fill part-time openings now and full-time positions in the future.

Because of the small size of the department, officers handle many of their own cases from start to finish. This allows officers the opportunity to participate in investigations, write and serve warrants, and make arrests as a result of their own work.

Rochester police officers also have the opportunity to participate in a number of the departments specialized units such as bike patrol and ATV patrol as well as being able to join specialized units such as the dive team, SWAT team, and search and rescue team attached to the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC).

Details and eligibility requirements are provided on the Police Exam Solutions website www.policeexamsolutions.com. Any questions are to be directed to the testing company through the “contact us” section of their website. Any calls made directly to the police department or Police Exam Solutions may disqualify you from being hired.

Perhaps you know someone who is thinking of getting involved in law enforcement. This is a great opportunity for them to participate in the entry level testing process and possibly earn a career in law enforcement.

If you or anyone you know would like further information on this upcoming exam, please visit www.policeexamsolutions.com. All registrations must be done online.

3rd Annual Clam Boil

on May 17, 2015

The American Legion, Florence Eastman Post 280, 3 Depot Street, Mattapoisett will hold a Clam Boil under the tent in Shipyard Park, Mattapoisett on July 12 serving at 2:00 pm. Venue courtesy of the Mattapoisett Lions’ Club. Call Mike at 508-758-9311 for reservations or questions. The Boil will include our special chowder, two pounds of clams, stuffing, sweet corn, onion, potato, sausage and linguica.

Reservations are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Cost is $25 per ticket. We need your support to continue our Community Service and look forward to providing our guests with a great meal and good fellowship right on the water!

Spaghetti Supper

on May 16, 2015

St. Anthony and St. Rita’s Churches are holding a Spaghetti Supper on Saturday, May 23 in St. Anthony’s Parish Hall from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Tickets will be sold at the churches or you may call 508-758-9578. Tickets are $5/person capped at $25 for a family. Head chef will be Marion’s own Joe Napoli, and he will be assisted by Mattapoisett’s chef extraordinaire, Colby Rottler. Mangiare mia famiglia!

ORRJH Students of the Month

on May 16, 2015

Kevin T. Brogioli, Principal of Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, announces the following Students of the Month for April, 2015:

Green Team: Nicole Fantoni and Noah Gowell

Orange Team: Lily Youngberg and Matthew Carvalho

Blue Team: Caroline King and Joshua Vinagre

Red Team: Kate Marsden and William Osbourne

Special Areas: Chloe Lanagan and Michaelis

1,000 Run at Mother’s Day 5K

on May 16, 2015

It was the largest turnout in the history of The Women’s Fund Tiara 5K, now in its ninth year as a Mattapoisett Mother’s Day tradition.

Over 1,000 runners turned out for the race on May 10, some donning tutus, costumes, and tiaras in addition to their running shoes. Traci Calabrese, director of development for the Women’s Fund, was pleased with the 47 sponsors of the event this year, and the preliminary number suggest the event will bring in roughly $50,000, the most ever.

“The Women’s Fund Tiara 5K is our largest fundraiser,” said Calabrese. “We have intentionally maintained a real, family-friendly atmosphere for this race. We want moms and dads and kids to come out together on a beautiful Sunday morning and have a good time.”

They always say, said Calabrese, you don’t have to clock your best time ever – just have the best time with the ones you love.

“It’s important for us to honor women and mothers in this way,” said Calabrese. “It’s all about supporting other mothers in our community who are trying to make ends meet.

There was a kids’ fun run race in addition to the 5K, and one of the highlights of the 5K was when the winner, Michael Grasela, stopped short of the finish line to allow his young friend Alana to cross the finish line with him to come in first place, a dream of hers. Grasela sacrificed his race time to let Alana come in first place with her idol.

“This is the type of atmosphere we want for our race,” said Calabrese. “Of course, we want to raise a lot of money for our work, but in the end it’s also about love and sacrifice and family.”

As a runner, Calabrese said this race is one of the most beautiful in the area. Beginning at Oxbow Creamery, the course wraps around Ned’s Point and winds through the neighborhoods of Mattapoisett into the downhill finish line –Calabrese’s favorite part of the race.

The race started nine years ago when a group of women passionate about the Women’s Fund and about running decided to start the Mother’s Day fundraising tradition. The women they support are constantly running, Calabrese said. Pursuing higher education, working a job, and taking care of a family all at the same time. They are seeking economic independence and a living wage to support themselves and their children.

“For me personally, the race represents so many things,” said Calabrese. She said the Women’s Fund Tiara 5K is a metaphor for those women struggling for economic security and all the women who are running towards a goal. “When we work together, lean on and support each other,” said Calabrese, “we’ll all cross the finish line.”

By Jean Perry

10th Annual Relay For Life of Tri-Town

on May 16, 2015

The American Cancer Society’s 10th Annual Relay For Life of Tri-Town will be held from 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 13 until 8:00 am on Sunday, June 14 at Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett. The Relay For Life is an event where teams made up of local community members take turns walking around a track. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are an overnight event.

Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their campsites during the Relay.

The dollars raised through Relay For Life events help to fund the American Cancer Society’s vital cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient service programs to defeat this disease.

Last year, our Relay For Life of Tri-Town was able to raise more than $50,000 and included many teams made up of family, friends, cancer survivors, and those passionate in the fight against cancer.

Are you a cancer survivor? We would love to honor you at our Survivors luncheon held on Saturday, June 13 at 1:00 pm at the Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett. Free entertainment and a free catered lunch by On the Go, which includes a survivors T-shirt and lots of door prizes!! Your caregiver is also welcome. Join us at 3:00 pm for the opening ceremonies where survivors and caregivers kick off the event with the first lap around the track.

Have you lost a loved one to cancer? Come to our beautiful Luminaria ceremony at 9:00 pm on June 13 where we honor the people we have lost during a beautiful candlelight ceremony.

This is a great family event!! Come join us for a fun Carnival! We will have a Midway with lots of games, face painting, popcorn, cotton candy, frozen slushies and more!!!

If you would like to participate or join us for the Survivors lunch, please contact Kelsey Newton, American Cancer Society at 508-897-4323, Pam Houston, Co-Chair, Tri-Town Relay For Life at 508-922-4024 or MaryBeth Meunier Tripp, Co-Chair Tri-Town Relay For Life at 508-991-9870 or sign up on our website: www.relayforlife.org/tritownma or “Like” our Facebook page Tri-Town Relay for Life. Please help us finish the fight!

Dickerson Reelected, Francis Heads to Planning Board

on May 15, 2015

Selectman Jody Dickerson will remain on the Board of Selectmen for another term, after easily beating Dale Jones 771-281.

In the middle of an excited crown gathered at the Marion VFW May 15, the two gentlemen shook hands after the results were read, and Jones congratulated Dickerson on his win.

“Honorable campaign,” said Jones to Dickerson. “Congratulations.”

Dickerson’s words could hardly escape his mouth, overjoyed with his win.

“I’m very excited that the voters of Marion will allow me to continue to serve the town,” Dickerson said. “

There was tabletop banging and cheers for Planning Board newbie Jennifer Francis, who took second in the three-way race for the two seats on the board. She will join incumbent Steve Gonsalves who came in first. The two bumped out Planning Board Chairman Stephen Kokkins and Todd Richins. Gonsalves brought in 711, Francis 522, Kokkins 490, and Richins 171.

“I think we’ve got a lot of work to do,” said Francis. “And I want to look forward…”

There will be a new face on the Marion School Committee, along with a familiar one. Newcomer David MacDonald came out on top of a tight race with 572; Michelle Oullette brought in 550, and Jessica Harris came in with 526.

“I’m excited about having my first opportunity to serve the community,” said MacDonald, turning toward Oullette seated next to him. “We both worked very hard to achieve this.”

Oullette’s face said it all with wide eyes and a wide smile. “I want to cry. I’m emotional,” said Oullette. “I’m very grateful.”

The new town moderator is Patricia McArdle with 572 votes, beating Matthew William Nowick with 379 votes.

Ray Pickles ran uncontested for assessor, bringing in 894 votes. John Howard ran for reelection uncontested, receiving 869 votes.

There were three ballot questions, and ‘yes’ prevailed in each of them.

Question 1 allows for the snow and ice removal of private ways. The result was 716 yes, 374 no.

Question 2, a Proposition 2 ½ exemption to purchase the new fire pumper, passed with 716 yes, 374 no.

Question 3, another Prop 2 ½ exemption, came in with 672 yes, 400 no. However, on Town Meeting floor May 11, the Board of Selectmen passed over the article to allocate the funds, choosing to wait until the new fire chief is chosen so he or she can be a part of the decision making process. The tally was 671 yes, 380 no.

By Jean Perry

Rochester Women’s Club

on May 15, 2015

The Rochester Women’s Club at 37 Marion Road, Rochester will host the Mermaids of Cape Cod Mermaid Bus on Sunday, May 31 from 1:00 to 3:30 pm. The mobile chic boutique is filled with fun, summer apparel, Cape-inspired jewelry and cool hand crafts by local artists. This is a fundraising event for The Raymond C. Hartley Scholarship Fund. Come join in the fun!

The Rochester Women’s Club is holding a yard sale at our clubhouse at 37 Marion Road, Rochester on Saturday, June 20 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. We are accepting donations. Clean out your cellar, attic and garage and bring your unwanted items to us. If you would like to sell your own items, space can be rented for only $25. Contact Yvonne at 508-763-4979 to drop off items. All proceeds benefit The Raymond C. Hartley Scholarship Fund.

Tabor Academy Announces Commencement Speakers

on May 15, 2015

Tabor’s Commencement services on May 26 honoring of the Class of 2015 will feature two engaging speakers who are both successful and important social entrepreneurs.

Christine Ward, parent of Francesca Ward ’15 and Lulu Ward ’16, will speak at Baccalaureate on the evening before Commencement. Ward was the Founder of The Darfur Project, an initiative connecting the financial community with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur and the surrounding areas. From 2007 to 2010, they provided over $17 million worth of medical support for the region. Seeking a longer-term solution to some of the world’s most pressing problems, Ward is now focusing her energies on a new project, ROCKFLOWER, a not-for-profit venture philanthropy fund investing in women in developing countries. By partnering with local community organizations and social impact strategists, ROCKFLOWER works to develop resourceful and practical solutions to improve and often rebuild the lives of women and girls. In their unique roles as mothers and providers, Tine says, women “discover innovative and adaptable solutions necessary to protect, educate and care for their children.” ROCKFLOWER believes this determination and resilience has enormous and far-reaching impacts on communities as a whole. Read more at www.rockflower.org.

Travis Roy, a member of the Tabor Academy Board of Trustees and a graduate of the Class of 1995, will be the Commencement Speaker. Travis is the founder of the Travis Roy Foundation (http://www.travisroyfoundation.org) and in November was awarded the Spirit of Courage Award by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation for his work assisting people with spinal cord injuries. The Travis Roy Foundation has awarded over $6 million in equipment and research grants that directly impact quality of life. One of his annual fundraisers is the Travis Roy Cup, a much loved hockey game held each year between Tabor and St. Sebastian’s School. Travis also raises money for the Foundation through his motivational speeches at schools, businesses and organizations around the country.

With many Tabor students devoting more and more of their time to community engagement, these speakers will provide final lessons to the Class of 2015 in effective ways to best impact the course of people’s lives in lasting ways as they head off to leave their own indelible marks on our world.