The Marion Republican Town Committee will conduct its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 3 at 7:00 pm at 122 Converse Road, Marion. The public and new members are welcome.
Capital Assessment Rating Begins
It’s that time of the year again when towns begin the evaluation and review process for departmental capital needs. It is no small job and one that the Marion Capital Improvement Planning Committee has now begun in earnest.
On January 23, the committee headed by Norman Hills with members Paul Naiman, Casey Barros, Carol Sanz, Ted North, Dick Gilberti, and Stephen Cushing reviewed the project list and discussed the scoring process.
The multi-million dollar list contains: Pumping station repairs – $14,195; Atlantis Drive Fire Safety system – $17,775; Washburn Park restroom repairs – $11,395; Sippican School floor renovations – $50,000; Sippican School EMS communications (as required by new state testing procedures) – $18,000; Marine/Harbormaster new trucks – $63,000; Highway Department one-ton diesel pick-up – $56,000; Highway Department FY14 pavement plan – $273,000; Highway Department general road repairs – $60,000; Water Department one-ton 4×4 pick-up – $56,000; Sewer Department generator replacement – $35,000; and for the Fire Department, a new pumper – $540,000; new ambulance – $237,000; engine 2 repairs – $20,000; two Lucas CPR devices – $28,000; and computer software – $27,000.
Another Highway Department line item titled ‘NPDES Permit Analysis’ was kept on the list but the price tag is an evolving number. As a placeholder, the committee used $450,000 but a firmer number will be needed before it can be sent to the Finance Committee for their review.
NPDES stands for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. The Environmental Protection Agency oversees the wastewater discharge of municipal and industrial wastewater facilities, regulating the levels of pollutants discharged and issuing a permit with strict requirements. Marion is appealing the EPA’s findings that call for lower levels of nitrogen discharged and threaten the elimination of the Town’s three sewage lagoons.
Calling for “…further review … but may return,” Hills dropped the following Highway Department projects totaling just over $5 million from the list: MS4 permit assessment; isolated flood area study; Phase 1B construction; and Phase 2 design. Also on hold indefinitely were two Water Department projects. Those projects are well field explore tagged at $50,000 and Mill Street Water Main design at $150,000.
The majority of the capital needs identified by the Town’s departments will be funded through general funds, although enterprise funds may be eyed on several. All requests will require voter approval at Town Meeting in the spring.
In an effort to employ a rating or scoring system from one to 10 for the projects, the committee received a rating sheet that asks critical questions. Those questions are:
1) Is the capital item a matter of regulatory state, federal or local compliance?
2) Is the capital item a matter of public safety?
3) What is the department’s priority for the requested item?
4) Is the capital item request a replacement, upgrade or new item or service?
5) What is the impact of the capital item on the overall operation and maintenance for the department to provide service?
6) How will this capital item be financed?
7) What is the capital item’s lifespan?
Hills counseled the committee to use the same method or thinking process for each request. Their hope is that this part of their work can be wrapped up by the end of February.
The next meeting of the Marion Capital Improvement Committee is scheduled for January 29 at 7:00 pm in the Police Station community meeting room.
By Marilou Newell
Academic Achievements
Rhode Island College is pleased to announce that Jaclyn Hahn of Mattapoisett and Sarah Blasenak of Rochester been named to the Fall 2014 Dean’s List for scholastic achievement. Full-time RIC students must attain a minimum grade point average of 3.25 for the semester in order to qualify.
Breannon Meuse of Rochester was recently named to the Castleton College Dean’s List for the fall semester of the 2014-15 academic year. To qualify for this academic honor, the student must maintain full-time status and a semester grade point average of 3.5.
UMass Dartmouth students are named to the Chancellor’s List in recognition of earning a semester grade point average of 3.8 or higher of a possible 4.0:
Jessica Chalkley of Marion
Derek Marshall of Marion
Michael Rezendes of Marion
Ian Whelihan of Marion
Mya Akins of Mattapoisett
Matthew Burke of Mattapoisett
Myles McQuade of Mattapoisett
Megan Merlo of Mattapoisett
Sarah Ribeiro of Mattapoisett
Izak Thuestad of Mattapoisett
Aimee Gonsalves of Rochester
Nathan Murphy of Rochester
Amanda Pacheco of Rochester
Gateway Youth Hockey
Mite C: The Gateway Mite C team had an off night and lost to the SC Panthers on Saturday by a score of 28-11. The Mites came out in the first period slow but were able to only be down by two goals in the first period, 9-7. The second period, however, they were not so lucky. The Panthers took control of the game and the lead and never looked back. Brayden Cannon led the team with a hat trick. The other scorers on the night were Jarrod Frates, Paxton Jones, Brayden Hathon, Jack Langlais, Pat Tripp, and Tommy Clavell. Nate Wilson had 21 saves filling in for the sick Charlie Carroll. It was a tough loss for the Mites, but we will be sure to get back to our total team effort ways against Nantucket next Saturday in Falmouth.
Squirts: The Gateway Squirts faced Plymouth Orange Saturday morning and played a stellar game and taking the win 8-0. Joe Urnek got Gateway on the board in the first period assisted by Braden MacDonald. Juni Suarez added two more goals in the first. In the second period, Matthew Quinlan cleared the net assisted by Urnek and Nathan Ribeiro, who also got a goal himself assisted from Matthew Paling. Ty David found the net assisted by Suarez. In the third period, Quinlan and Suarez both put points on the board giving Suarez a hat trick. On defense, Jacob Hebbel, McDonald, Paling, and Thomas Leger were on their game keeping the puck out of Plymouth’s possession. Brady Kidney made some nice passes to keep the puck moving. Ryker King earned the shut-out, making some key saves.
Pee Wees: The Gateway Youth Hockey Pee Wee team faced the #1 Pembroke Titans Sunday evening. Although the Pee Wees played hard, they weren’t able to overcome the relentless pressure of the Titans, who won the game with a score of 4-0 to hold their top ranking.
Bantams: The Gateway Youth Hockey Bantams blanked Hanover B2, 5-0. Gateway goal scorers included: Tyler and Zachary Lovendale, Jake Demoranville, Robert Ramsay, and Jameson Woodward. Tyler also added an assist. Jared Westgate added two helpers. Noah Demoranville, Jackson St. Don, and Mike Ripley also assisted Gateway goals. Goalie Zachary Pateakos turned away several late-game scoring attempts to preserve the shutout.
Middle School 1: The Middle School 1 team was back in action on Friday night against a tough Taunton team. The Jr. Vikings skated away with a 5-2 victory, pushing their win streak up to six games. The team came out a little flat early on, but eventually found their rhythm when Peter Pimental tipped home a Seth Tomasik slap shot. Next to score was James L’Heureux, who grabbed the puck out from a pile of players in front of the net and snuck it by the goalie. Taunton wouldn’t be outdone, scoring on a deflection and a one timer from in close. With the score tied at two, defenseman Coleby Paling found a streaking Quirino doCanto, who beat the defender and somehow managed to get it by the sprawling goalie to give the Jr. Vikings a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Robert Ramsay scored the fourth goal on a nifty backhand shot up and over the goalie, almost from behind the net. Vyper LaTullippe found an open Robert Maloney in the slot to score the last goal, making it 5-2. Jake DeMoranville did a great job in net again, making multiple saves.
MattMen Chili Cook Off
The MattMen of Mattapoisett Congregational Church came together Sunday night, January 25th ,to see who amongst them cooks up the best man-made chili. Tasting was free to all who came. Those who wished to vote contributed $5 to The Baby Project of New Bedford. $518 was raised for The Baby Project. Out of 15 chili cooks who prepared 16 pots of chili, Rory McFee received the most votes for his “Smoky Chili.”. Bob Field’s “Oyster Chili” came in second place. David Dunn, last year’s top vote getter, came in third with his “BBC Chili.” Special mention goes out to two boys who entered the fray: Freemin and Tommy were the fourth and fifth vote getters, respectively. Thank you to all who came out for fun, fellowship, and helped to raise a little for a good cause. Photos by Felix Perez
Tabor Academy to Host Wrestling Championship
Tabor Academy is honored and excited to host the 68th annual New England Independent School Wrestling Championship. On Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21 approximately 280 wrestlers, representing fifty New England independent schools, will compete for All New England status and a chance to qualify for the Prep National Tournament held annually at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. While this is the first time Tabor has had the opportunity to host this prestigious New England Tournament, the Tabor wrestling program is experienced in competing for the championship – holding four team titles and crowning 33 individual champions. Last winter, the Seawolves placed third in this event and we will be just as competitive this year. Wrestling begins on Friday at 5:00 pm and continues on Saturday at 9:00 am in Tabor’s Fish Center for Health and Athletics at 256 Front Street, Marion, MA 02738. The public is welcome.
Tabor Academy Hosts Ceramics Exhibition
Two years ago, Tabor Academy art department faculty member Kevin Arnfield (Ceramics, Art History) received a Braitmayer Fellowship from Tabor to research, design and construct a 50-cubic foot wood-fired kiln. Mr. Arnfield’s project, much more complicated and involved than he anticipated, took nearly two years to complete and ended up involving a range of people from the Tabor community and beyond. Tabor art faculty, students, trustees, alumni, and people from the local community came together, either in the work of constructing and preparing the kiln or in the work of filling the kiln with ceramics to be fired. The inaugural firing of the kiln in October 2014 was a great success and produced very promising results.
During the first two weeks of February, the gallery in the Braitmayer Art Center will feature an exhibition entitled Wood Fire: Kiln, Art & Community – Ceramics from a Pre-Industrial Technology curated by Mr. Arnfield. The exhibition will address the history and aesthetics particular to wood-fired ceramics and the design and construction of his kiln. It will also address the value of labor and community work inherent in the wood firing process. A selection of ceramics from the 300+ pieces fired in inaugural kiln firing will be on view side by side with a number of important pieces of wood fired art pottery from local collections.
The public is invited to the opening reception of this exhibition on February 6 in the Braitmayer Art Center at Tabor Academy from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
Mattapoisett Free Library News
Read to Sadie the Listener Dog: Sadie, the library’s wonderful listening ears dog, is coming back to hear young patrons read on Saturday, January 31 from 11:00 to 11:45 am. Children may sign up to read to the pup who loves to sit patiently and enjoy stories. Sign-ups are limited to ten children, so call today.
Harry Potter Club: The Fun Begins – Join the Harry Potter Club! Students age 7 and up are encouraged to join other HP fans for fun, a team trivia challenge, crafts, snacks, and more. Wear your best HP outfit. The first meeting will be held Tuesday, February 17 (school vacation week) from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Register for this meeting at the library or by calling 508-758-4171.
Get Ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count! Families are encouraged to join Justin and Jessica Barrett and other experienced birdwatchers for a program on Saturday, February 7 at 11:00 am. Learn how to participate in the bird count by identifying birds and recording your findings. Be a citizen scientist while having fun in your own backyard. This program is part of the Tri-Town libraries’ MOBY, My Own BackYard natural science program, supported with federal funds as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Take Your Child to the Library Day – It’s a National event! All over the country, families are visiting their public libraries on this day to enjoy stories, crafts, and fun.
Visit the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Saturday, February 7 between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm where you can:
– Explore the Preschool Science Station’s sensory tables, magnets, and building sets
– Try the new Apps on the Children’s Department iPad
– Play some fun educational games on the AWE Learning Stations
– Go on the Library Scavenger Hunt and enter to win a prize
– Play with the library’s Lego Collection or chess
– Sign up for the Harry Potter Club and see the HP movie schedule
– Check out the Literacy Backpacks that offer books and activities for all ages on a variety of subjects
Sign up to be on the MOBYfun mailing list and learn more about this new exciting natural science program for children in grades 3 through 8.
Need a library card for your child or grandchild? Children 5-years old and up can have one – free!
The Future of Fundraising is Here: Looking for funding for a new business, a great idea, or a favorite charity? Learn how to use websites such as Kickstarter, gofundme, Indiegogo, and others on Tuesday, February 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Register for this workshop by calling the library at 508-758-4171 or emailing esherry@sailsinc.org.
Chess Club: The Chess Club will resume Wednesday, January 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Instructor Jim Kegle is ready to get students’ chess skills back in shape after the holiday break or teach new participants some of the basics. Bring ideas for how the chess club might grow and expand. Suggestions including membership cards and tournaments will be discussed. Please bring a chess set, if possible. Students: Sign up in the children’s department or by calling the library at 508-758-4171.
RMS Basketball a Winner
It was a pretty close game, 67-59, at Rochester Memorial School on January 23. It was the annual sixth grade vs. staff basketball game, and this year it was attended by a record crowd. $370 was raised for the Nurse Thayer Scholarship Fund. “It was a great event,” said RMS Principal Derek Medeiros. “It’s all about the engagement, and seeing all those people there was great.” Photos by Jean Perry
Martha D. (Delano) Wenstrom
Martha D. (Delano) Wenstrom, 87, of Mattapoisett died January 28, 2015 at Tobey Hospital after a brief illness surrounded by her family.
She was the loving wife of Robert E. Wenstrom, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Ralph and Mabel (Neeley) Delano, she lived in Mattapoisett most of her life.
Mrs. Wenstrom was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who always put her family first. She enjoyed walking the beach, bird watching, traveling to Maine with her husband and outings with her daughters.
Survivors include her husband; 2 daughters, Laurie Niemiec of Mattapoisett and Pamela Archambault and her husband Paul of Fairhaven; a brother, Ralph Delano, Jr. of Rabun Gap, GA; 3 grandchildren, Nichole Sullivan, Heather Beaulieu and Kellie Archambault; 2 great-grandchildren, Kaia and Bria; and 2 nieces, Linda and Jane.
Her visiting hours will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2015 from 1-5 PM in the the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6, Mattapoisett. Burial will be private. For directions and guestbook, please www.saundersdwyer.com.