Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail

on

The bike path project team is anticipating hitting another milestone next month: review of our proposed boardwalks should be complete leading almost directly to 75% construction and the beginning of permitting phase. The project is on schedule for construction to begin in 2016, and all construction funding is in place. Please come to our Harbor Days booth on July 17 and 18 to learn more.

In related news, The Summer Bike Challenge is in full swing. All you have to do is register on the website with your zip code and all your miles add to your Town’s team. Towns all along the South Coast Bikeway route are competing against each other for bragging rights. Individuals are competing for an array of prizes. Marc Anderson is the leader for May and June across the state. There are winners every month, so you aren’t too late to compete for honors in July and August. Go to southcoastbikeway.com to learn more or nationalbikechallenge.org to register.

Chaperones ‘Survive’ Year After Year

on

The annual Survival camping trip is one of the most notable features of the Old Rochester Regional Junior High School experience. Each year since 1973, a large group of seventh grade students has traveled up to the hills and forests of Northfield, MA for a week of hiking, climbing, exploring, and learning about the great outdoors. This year’s trip departed on Sunday, June 14, and returned on Saturday, June 20.

As a byproduct of the Survival experience, many former participants continue to take the trip as chaperones. Noah Tavares, a rising junior at ORRHS, Jared Wheeler, a rising senior, and Evan Tilley, a rising sophomore, are among the students that travel up to Northfield each year to aid the seventh graders. Jillian Higgins was one of the many students who participated in this year’s trip. She, Wheeler, Tilley, and Tavares shared their experiences post-Survival.

This was Noah Tavares’ third year as a chaperone. For him, it’s all about seeing the seventh graders live up to Survival’s motto.

“I enjoy seeing the seventh graders succeed, and helping them achieve the many goals that the trip sets for them,” said Tavares. “[One of the best benefits of Survival] is watching the seventh graders unite and empower their fellow classmates to overcome challenges.”

Speaking on his best Survival memories, Tavares mentioned the great mountain views in Northfield that “we don’t get down here near the ocean.”

Wheeler has now been a Survival chaperone for four consecutive years. He had an interesting take on Survival’s effects on junior high culture.

“For one week, all the cliques dissolved and became friends,” he said, reflecting on his initial voyage as a camper in 2011.

Wheeler’s best memory – so far – is lying under stars with a group of fellow chaperones this past year. He called the experience “surreal.”

Survival has had a big impact on Wheeler.

“The friends I have made will last a lifetime, and the gratitude of the kids and their families makes it all worthwhile,” said Wheeler.

Tilley enjoyed being a chaperone for the first time in 2014, so he returned this year.

“I think it’s a good experience that creates lots of memorable moments and makes you appreciate your daily lifestyle,” said Tilley.

Tilley acknowledges that Survival has had a profound impact on him as a person.

“I’ve learned how to become more supportive, helpful, and optimistic,” he said.

All three of these chaperones plan to continue with the program in the future.

As any past Survival participant knows, climbing the Notch Mountain is one of the most physically challenging parts of the trip. Seventh grader Jill Higgins noted that this was the one thing she was nervous about before heading up to Northfield this year. However, when asked what her favorite part of the experience was, she said it was “the feeling of accomplishment and the great views at the top of the Notch.”

Like many before her, Higgins wasn’t sure what to expect on the trip.

“The hardest part was preparing, because you didn’t know what was coming,” said Higgins.

In Higgins’ experience, the most important lesson Survival taught was “learning to encourage and support the people around me.”

The mission statement of the Survival program is “A shared road to a stronger self.” Each and every year, Survival instills great values into the students who participate, allowing them to achieve this goal. For this group of chaperones, the lessons taught by Survival have left a lasting impact, causing them to come back each year. Higgins’ experiences resonate with the mission statement, and as 40+ years of Survival participants can tell you, the program does make a person stronger: mentally, physically, and emotionally.

By Patrick Briand

normal_Survival_6

Munro Preserve Cleanup

on

Members of the Mattapoisett Land Trust invited the public to help remove weeds on Saturday morning from the Munro Preserve at the town wharves. A new bench was donated to the site by Alice McGarth in memory of her husband. Photos by Marilou Newell

MLTcleanup_2250 MLTcleanup_2257 MLTcleanup_2407

John S. (Jack) Musser, II

on

John S. (Jack) Musser, II, 90 died on July 2, 2015. A summer resident beginning in 1960, He lived at Peases Point in Mattapoisett year-round since 1978, and loved his water views of Buzzards Bay.

Jack was born on October 17, 1924, in Harrisburg, PA to Claire Van Dyke and Andrew Jackson Musser. He grew up in Harrisburg and attended Fork Union Military Academy and Penn State University, where he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He served as an Army Air Corps aerial gunner in World War II, on B-25 bombers.

Jack was preceded in death by his first wife, Ann Bradshaw, his former wife Ruth Tate Musser, and his son David Van Dyke Musser. He leaves 3 children, John S. Musser, III, of Cambridge, MA, Barbara Musser of Petaluma, CA, and Laura Musser Montgomery of New Durham, NH; his brother Warren V (Pete) Musser; 7 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Jack was a member of AA for 40 years; a vestryman, treasurer, junior warden and usher at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Marion. He was a board member of the SouthCoast YMCA for 32 years and co-donor of the Musser Family facility.

A memorial service will be held at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, July 18 at 10:00 AM. His ashes will be buried in the St. Gabriel’s memorial garden beneath the AA bench.

Rochester Historical Society Meeting

on

The July meeting of the Rochester Historical Society will be an Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, July 15 at the East Rochester Church/ Museum, 355 County Rd. at 7:00 pm. Members will be entertained with music by the gospel group Know Greater Love featuring Tom and Sheila Perry and Carol Ann Sylvia of Wareham.

The Marion Pathway Committee

on

Thanks to the Marion voters for supporting construction of the pathway connecting the South Coast Bikeway. Show your continuing support and enthusiasm by making miles count! Join the Bikeway Challenge at www.nationalbikechallenge.org:

– Register with your zip code

– Edit your profile and be added to the South Coast Bikeway team

– Log any miles you ride to contribute to the team and Marion

Think before you get in your car to do local errands and choose cycling to the bank and local shops. Our planet will thank you as well as your healthy body. Be part of the National and Local Bike Challenge!

Selectmen Frown on Vacation Carry-overs

on

It is the end of fiscal year 2015, time for town employee requests to carry over unused vacation time into the next fiscal year – an annual custom that has Marion Board of Selectmen Chairman Stephen Cushing openly expressing his distaste for the tradition.

“I think everybody knows what my opinion on the carry-over of vacation hours is,” said Cushing on June 29. “I will once again say how important vacation time is.”

Harbormaster Michael Cormier requested the carry over of 80 vacation hours, which selectmen agreed was excessive.

Cushing acknowledged that the harbormaster position is often subjected to difficult work hours and a busy summertime, the time when most plan their vacations. But when the vacation requests happen on a yearly basis, Cushing frowned upon the steady practice of foregoing a vacation.

“I’m not going to take anybody’s vacation time from them,” said Cushing. “But they need to understand that the vacation time is theirs. It’s theirs to take…. It benefits the overall department in general, their family life, their personal life.”

Town Administrator Paul Dawson said the harbormaster department does try to take vacations during the wintertime, but even then there needs to be coverage.

“I get it, but I think sometimes … it’s difficult to find the time,” said Dawson. Then in a moment of slight awkwardness he said, “Mine (40-hour vacation carry-over request) is going to be the one that follows this. I tried to use it…. I tried to take a week off, but it wouldn’t work.”

But hey, at least it’s 40 hours and not 80, Cushing said.

“I’m not going to beat this one up,” said Cushing.

The selectmen approved both vacation carry-over requests.

Also during the meeting, selectmen quickly approved and executed the contract for the new fire chief.

The next meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen is scheduled for July 7 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Police Station.

By Jean Perry

MRsel_070215

Cashing in on History

on

The Sippican Historical Society hosted a fundraiser heirloom discovery/antiques appraisal at the Marion Music Hall on June 27. Featured appraisers Frank McNamee and Jim Gahan examined a number of pieces of art, jewelry, and artifacts throughout the morning. Photos by Colin Veitch

MRantique_8000 MRantique_8008 MRantique_8017 MRantique_8041 MRantique_8042 MRantique_8046 MRantique_8051 MRantique_8061 MRantique_8072 MRantique_8075 MRantique_8097 MRantique_8099

Friends of the Library Book Sale

on

The Friends of the Mattapoisett Library’s big July book sale begins with a Members-only Preview on Wednesday, July 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, then continues July 16, 17 and 18 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, 7 Barstow Street. There will be great deals on adult and children’s books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles and games.

The Members-only Preview is the perfect time to become a member or to renew your membership. The Friends of the Mattapoisett Library is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and your donations are tax deductible. All proceeds benefit the library.

ORRHS Term 4 Principal’s Honor Roll

on

The following students have achieved honors for the fourth term at Old Rochester Regional High School:

Highest Honors, Grade 9: Haleydawn Amato, Samantha Ball, Erin Burke, Ava Ciffolillo, Nicholas Claudio, Evan Costa, Ian Craig, Maggie Farrell, Megan Field, Owen Foster, Sophie Johnson, Hanil Kang, Maxine Kellum, Alexander Lorenz, Lindsey Merolla, Sam Pasquill, Hannah Powers, Madeline Scheub, Evan Tilley, Ashleigh Wilson; Grade 10: Mason DaSilva, Hannah Guard, William Kiernan, Olivia Labbe, Molly Lanagan, Jordan McArdle, Riley Nordahl, Daniel Renwick, Matthew Wyman; Grade 11: Julianna Bernardi, Grace Costa-Medeiros, Christopher Hathaway, Elizabeth Hathaway, Jane Kassabian, Jessica Keegan, Keegan Lant, Alexandra Melloni, Lauren Ovian, Jacob Plante, Drew Robert, Evan Roznoy, Paige Watterson; Grade 12: Abigail Bentz, Danielle Cammarano, Mikayla Demanche, Sierra Ennis, Gerald Lanagan Jr., Kyra Lorden, Ashley Pacheco, Seijal Parajuli, Austin Salkind.

High Honors, Grade 9: Elizabeth Baroa, Emily Bock, Isabelle Choquette, Rachel Demmer, Collin Fitzpatrick, Elle Gendreau, Thais Gorgonha, Sophie Gurney, Alexandra Hulsebosch, Alisha Mackin, Andrew Miller, Ethan Moniz, Jahn Pothier, Leah Przybyszewski, Jackson Reydel, Jake Thompson, Courtney Vance; Grade 10: Amy Crocker, Gavin Fox, James Goulart, Jonathan Harris, Abigail Johnson, Connor Kelley, Davis Mathieu, Hannah Nadeau, Sahil Raje, Maxxon Wolski, Emily Ziino; Grade 11: Colleen Beatriz, Isabella Bernardi, Mallory Kiernan, Lucy Milde, Gabrielle Poitras, Dennis Reynolds, Rachel Scheub, Zoe Smith, Jared Wheeler; Grade 12: Jennifer Aguiar, Catherine Ball, Morgan Browning, Brittany Brzezinski, Hunter Cooney, Michael Kassabian, Mya Lunn, Ryan Manning, Julia Nojeim, Sarah Robertson, Christina Sebastiao, Riley Sherman.

Honors, Grade 9: Margaret Adams, Felicia Araujo, Ainslee Bangs, Thomas Browning, Eleni Buss, Gabrielle Choquette, Madison Cooney, Angelina Cosgrove, Alexa Costa, Jacob DeMaggio, Carly Demanche, Celia Deverix, Mackenzie Drew, Abigail Dyson, Noah Fernandes, Bennett Fox, Jason Gamache, Alexandrea Gerard, Mackenzie Good, Kacey Henriques, Emma Higgins, Sydney Hughes, Marina Ingham, Michael Kennefick II, Caitlyn Kutash, Benjamin Lafrance, Fiona Lant, Alexander le Gassick, Joseph MacKay, Madisen Martin, Thomas McIntire, Julia Melloni, Tyler Menard, Elizabeth Mitchell, Mikayla Mooney, Ethan Mort, Hannah Niemi, Gabriel Noble Shriver, Alyssa Perry, Marcus Rita, Isabella Rodrigues, Jamie Roznoy, Isabella Sauro, Christopher Savino, Michael Sivvianakis, Jack Sollauer, Abigail Stark, Caitlin Stopka, Trevor Stopka, Nicole Sullivan, Aidan Thayer, Katherine Tracy, Ella Vercellone, Eleanore Wiggin, Julia Winsper, Jacob Yeomans; Grade 10: Madison Barber, Julia Barrett, Andrew Bichsel, Kyle Brezinski, Emma Cadieux, Jacob Cafarella, Tessa Camboia, Erin Costa, Madison Cristaldi, Patrick Cummings, Griffin Dunn, Kelly Fox, Colleen Garcia, Joshua Garcia, Emma Gelson, Kathleen Gifford, Celeste Hartley, Emily Hiller, Kelsey Holick, Courtney Kelly, Jonathan Kvilhaug, Diana LaRock, Joshua Lerman, Matthew Merlo, Thomas Miller, Camryn Morais, Tyler Mourao, Andrew Nadeau, Alexandra Nicolosi, Avery Nugent, Colin O’Malley, Daniela Ochoa, Max Pallatroni, Alexis Parker, Olivia Pellegrino, Lauren Scott, Ryson Smith, Jacob Spevack, Lauren Valente, Jacob Vinagre; Grade 11: Elexus Afonso, Haley Aguiar, Emil Assing, Samantha Babineau, Amy Bichajian, Rikard Bodin, Paola Briceno Sanchez, Daniel Carneiro, Laura Casey, James Estudante, Lillie Farrell, Abigail Field, Matthew Fortin, Holly Frink, Lauren Gaspar, Kyra Greco, Brianna Grignetti, Sean Hopkins, Serena Iacovelli, Serena Jaskolka, Meghan Johnson, Riley Johnson, Emily Josephson, Adrian Kavanagh, Samantha Kirkham, Edward Krawczyk, Sara Lafrance, Jacob Lawrence, Peter LeBrun, Madeleine Lee, William Lynch Jr., Kylie Machado, Nicole Mattson, Madeline Meyer, Frederick Miller III, Victor Morrison, Jeffrey Murdock, William O’Neil, Alexandria Powers, Molly Richards, Hannah Rose, Bryant Salkind, Evan Santos, Kameron Silvia, Robert Smart, Bailey Sweet, Ally Sylvia, Alex Tavares, Sarah Varney, Mia Vercellone, Teagan Walsh, Joshua Winsper; Grade 12: Michael Amato, Mikayla Burke, Stephen Burke, Madeline Cafarella, Victoria Caton, Ariel Costa-Medeiros, Shelby Cunningham, Benjamin DeMello, Joellie Dextradeur, Benjamin Dion, Steven Durocher, Nicole Gifford, Kaleigh Goulart, Michaela Guard, Ryan Lawrence, Hannah Lerman, Shannon Lynch, Samantha Malatesta, Laura McCoy, Patrick McGraw, Victoria Medeiros, Heather Nadeau, Hannah Nyman, Zachary Peterson, Potsawee Pliansak, Chloe Riley, Jentelle Rioux, Jillian Sethares, Kyle Sherman, Serena Stanton, Vincent Tepe, Bailey Truesdale, Gwendolyn Underwood, Cassandra Vance, Elena Voigt.