Clock Still Ticking for EPA Response Period

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The Town of Marion was given four more days past the allotted comment period to respond to the Environmental Protection Agency’s draft NPDES permit, which threatens to shut down the Town’s three sewage holding lagoons located at the end of Benson Brook Road. NPDES stands for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.

Engineering firm CDM Smith has been working with Town Administrator Paul Dawson on a reply to defend the Town’s position that the data the EPA used to determine the wastewater facility’s impact on the environment was flawed. Dawson also says that the new maximum nitrogen output levels are impossible, even with the latest technology available to mitigate nitrogen pollution.

Dawson says the EPA used data from a study conducted by the Buzzards Bay Coalition, which he referred to in the past as scientifically unsound. That study alleges that the Marion wastewater lagoons are one of the largest single sources of nitrogen pollution into Sippican Harbor, leeching nitrogen into the groundwater and into the surrounding watershed.

If the lagoons were ordered to shut down by the EPA, it could cost the Town somewhere around $15 million for a new wastewater treatment plant.

CDM Smith was initially on the agenda for the February 3 meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen, but had to be removed and placed on the agenda of a February 5 special meeting of the selectmen due to the impact of the past two storms. Representatives from CDM, Dawson said, had been held up due to hazardous driving weather, snow travel bans, and resulting meeting cancelations with the Town.

As per the request of Dawson, the EPA granted the four-day extension to the comment period because of the weather, pushing it back to Friday, February 6.

The weather also halted a meeting Dawson had with environmental law firm Hall & Associates based in Washington, D.C. Attorney John Hall was scheduled to meet with Dawson while visiting the Boston area, but the meeting was canceled because of the blizzard.

Dawson emphasized that the law firm has not yet been hired to formally represent the Town; rather, the Town is seeking initial advice from the experienced law firm that is representing other towns in the Taunton area.

In other matters, selectmen approved the timeline Dawson proposed for soliciting and hiring a new fire chief to replace Fire Chief Thomas Joyce, who announced last month that he will be retiring on July 1.

Advertising for the position will begin March 5, providing a deadline date for resume submissions of April 10.

“With an eye towards making a selection of the new fire chief at the May 19 (selectmen’s) meeting,” added Dawson.

But is that enough time, Selectman Jody Dickerson wondered.

“I’m just afraid if there’s somebody selected,” said Dickerson, “are they going to have enough time or notice to leave (their current employer)?”

Dawson said the schedule gives the new candidate a total of six weeks from the date of notification of selection to July 1, the first day on the job.

Also during the meeting, the board voted to partner with the Marion Affordable Housing Trust in seeking Community Preservation funding to purchase additional affordable housing units from the Bay Watch project.

Selectmen Chairman Jonathan Henry suggested the board make the presentation to the Marion Community Preservation Commission when the time comes to apply for the funding, which Dawson speculated would be “more warmly received” by the CPC.

The next scheduled meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen is the special meeting with CDM Smith on February 5 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Station conference room.

By Jean Perry

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First AHA! of the Year: “Tall Tales”

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We’re back, baby! After a month’s hiatus, AHA! makes its ’15 debut on February 12 when the theme is “Tall Tales.”

AHA! (Art, History and Architecture!) is a FREE family-friendly event held rain or shine on the second Thursday of each month from 5:00 to 9:00 pm in historic downtown New Bedford – but feel free to arrive early and stay late.

Here are just a few of the evening’s events. For a full list, visit www.ahanewbedford.org.

Got a tale? Is it tall? Tell it at the ”Tell A Tall Tale” competition at the New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks! (608 Pleasant St.). Participants may tell a two-minute original or classic. Sign-ups begin at 5:00 pm. Competition is from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

Family Story Night at Buzzards Bay Coalition (114 Front St.) Kids can listen to ocean adventure stories, color and make crafts from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.

Hear a story, tell a story or take home a book at “Way Cool Storytelling.” New Bedford Unitarian Church (corner of Union, County and 8th streets.), 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

It’s tall “tails” with the Lloyd Center for the Environment at the New Bedford Free Public Library (613 Pleasant St.). Kids can observe and hold whale artifacts from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.

Head to Tales & WHALE at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (33 William St.) for:

– Historical and hysterical “mad libs” with 1850s Lady Ruth.

– “No Trains, No Tunnels,” a lecture about New Bedford and the Underground Railroad with the New Bedford Historical Society, 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the Corson Theater.

– Nostalgia Night with WHALE (the Waterfront Historic Areas LEague). View WHALE’s 52-year collection of photos and listen to historic era music from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the Corson building.

Stop by the Seamen’s Bethel (15 Johnny Cake Hill) for the Schooner Ernestina’s Birthday Celebration & Maritime Tall Tales, plus singing and cake from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

Pilgrim United Congregational Church (635 Purchase St.) hosts local poet and playwright Richard Pacheco from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

The Culture of Tea Tasting continues at Gatlin’s Framing and Subtext Books (209 Union St.).

Kids activities with New Bedford Parks, Recreation and Beaches at the New Bedford Free Public Library (613 Pleasant St.)

FREE admission to select galleries at the New Bedford Whaling Museum (18 Johnny Cake Hill) Plus! The first lecture in the 25th annual Sailors’ Series, featuring Llewellyn Howland III, titled “No Ordinary Being: An Introduction to the Life and Times of W. Starling Burgess.” Reception starts at 6:00 pm followed by a 7:00 pm lecture. Cost is $20, $15 for museum members.

The New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks! (608 Pleasant Street) hosts four new shows:

– “Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts: Celebrating Craftsmanship, Creativity & Community”

– “Urban Narratives,” the work of Hungarian textile artist, Eszter Bornemisza

– “Masters of the Japanese Print,” exhibited prints from the collection of the New Bedford Free Public Library

– “Floating Stone,” furniture by Michael Pietragalla

TL6 the gallery (100 William St.) hosts work by metal-smiths Arianna Swink and Jenny Liscombe-Newman, and jelly tasting by Sprig Savory Herb & Pepper Jellies.

Swing by the South End to check out Judith Klein Art Studio’s “Rouge,” a 12-artist exhibit featuring painting, photography and mixed-media sculpture, plus jewelry and silk hand-painted scarves just in time for Valentine’s Day. (127 Rodney French Blvd. Door #31)

The Wall at Travessia Urban Winery (760 Purchase Street) presents local artist Fitzcarmel LaMarre’s exhibition “The Ambassadors of Peace.” Meet the artist and taste local wines from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.

Opening Reception for “The Party Platform,” drawings and handmade shoes by Chris Donovan, at Gallery 65 (65 William Street). Plus a Special Event! Trunk Show featuring Howland Designs clothing and accessories, 5:00 to 9:00 pm.

Amore! Artistic musings on the subject of love at Gallery X (169 William St.)

Café Arpeggio (800 Purchase St.) presents Sy Yules & Family at 6:00 pm followed by Weekly Open Mic from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.

Joaquin Santos and Friends at Cork Wine and Tapas (90 Front St.)

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @ahanewbedford, and join us on Instagram @ahanewbedford.

All activities are FREE and open to the public. Year-round programming is funded in part by the Mass Cultural Council’s John and Abigail Adams Arts Program, The Island Foundation, The NEA, The City of New Bedford, the AHA! partners, individual supporters and in-kind marketing support from The Wanderer and Edible South Shore/SouthCoast. For more information, call 508-996-8253 x205

First time visitors may want to start AHA! Night at the National Park Visitor Center (33 William Street). Complete program flyers with maps are also available at all AHA! venues starting the Tuesday prior to each event.

Directions: From I-195 E or W, take Exit 15 (Rte. 18). Follow Route 18 to 2nd traffic signal; take a right onto Union St. At the first traffic signal, take a right onto Second Street and take your first left for parking in Custom House Square or continue on two blocks to the Elm Street garage. On-street parking also available for free after 6:00 pm.

Beverlyn Bessette Silva

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Beverlyn Bessette Silva, 50, of Rockland, formerly of Marion, passed away on Wednesday December 17, 2014. She was the wife of the late Richard L. Silva.

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of Milton “Babe” Bessette and the late Florence E. (Nye) Bessette, she lived in Marion for most of her life.

Beverlyn was involved in childcare for many years.

Survivors include her father Babe and his wife Janice; her daughter, Grayson E. Bessette Silva; her stepdaughter, Rachelle “Shelley” Erickson and her husband Shawn; and her brother, Brett Labonte and his wife Mary.

A private Memorial Service was held on Saturday February 7, 2015 at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Palmeda A. Daggett

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Palmeda A. Daggett of Rochester died peacefully Thursday, February 5, 2015, at Sippican Healthcare Center.

She leaves two sons, Raymond C. and Kenneth E. Daggett; four grandchildren, Cory Daggett, Andrew Daggett, Caleb Wood-Daggett, and Heather Guay; one great-grandson, Aiden Guay, and her brother, Edmund F. Arruda. She was the widow of Calvin R. Daggett.

Pal, as she was known to all, grew up on a farm in Rochester during the Depression. She spoke often of having to buy nothing but sugar, flour, and coffee. Everything else came from the farm, including the casings for sausage, compliments of the family pig. Pal attended Wareham high school and then worked at Goodyear in New Bedford during the war years. She married Cal in 1942.

While her children were growing, she worked at the Boy Scouts of America office in New Bedford. This job was a perfect fit with Cal’s duties as the long-time scoutmaster of the Rochester Troop 31. And it was a family interest. Her son Ray became the first Rochester boy to become an Eagle Scout in 1967.

After her retirement, Pal became an active member of the Rochester Council on Aging. She spent many hours at the council, went on many council outings, and, with other seniors, had many a lunch at Old Colony Vocational High School, thanks to the school’s culinary department. Pal was also very active in the First Congregational Church of Rochester.

Pal’s greatest joy in life was her grandchildren. Her grandsons Cory, Andrew, and Caleb spent many weekends together at “Grammy’s” and now trade stories of their times there, many at Grammy’s good-natured expense.

Pal’s love for and loyalty to her family was fierce. She saw few flaws and forgave all transgressions. For those she leaves behind, this unconditional love and loyalty are her greatest legacy.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday, February 12th at 10:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Rochester, Constitution Way, Rochester. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, February 11th from 5 – 8 p.m. at Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Rt. 28), Wareham.

In lieu of flowers, donations to her favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, will be appreciated. For directions and on-line guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com

Richard Woods Carr

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Richard Woods Carr, 90, passed away peacefully at home on February 6, 2015 surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, June (Hiller) Carr.

Born in New Bedford, he was the son of William Bell Carr, Jr. and Mary Ann (Woods) Carr.

Mr. Carr was employed for 25 years by FMC Corp. as a District Manager moving many times during his career before retiring and returning to Marion and Rochester. After retiring from FMC, he and his wife June took time to sail the eastern waterway before starting a new business venture by opening one of the first Entre Computer Centers in the country in 1982. After selling that business he and his wife June enjoyed their golden years living on East Over Farm and operating their family cranberry business.

Mr. Carr was a graduate of Classical High School in Providence, RI and Colgate University in Hamilton, NY. He interrupted college in 1944 to join the Army during World War II. Arriving in England just after the Normandy invasion, he volunteered for the Army Airborne, completed jump school at the 82nd Airborne Training facilities in Nottingham and was assigned to Hq, Hq Company of the 507th PIR, 17th Airborne Division as a replacement for their diminished ranks. Attributing his survival in the war to the amazing company of men he served with in the 507th, he received decorations including the Bronze Star for his participation in the Battle of the Bulge, Operation Varsity and the Central Europe Campaign. Following the war, as part of the Occupation Forces, he qualified for the Army Education Program and attended Sorbonne University in Paris before returning home. He completed his college education at Colgate University with a BS degree in Chemistry in 1947, shortly before marrying the woman who would shape the rest of his life, June Hiller.

Mr. Carr was a devoted parishioner of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church. He was a long time member of the Kittansett Club and enjoyed several years as a member of the Beverly Yacht Club. He and his wife enjoyed sailing, golfing and traveling.

Mr. Carr is survived by his five children: David A. Carr of Weatherford, TX, Deborah Clark and her husband, Daniel of Rochester, MA), Richard H. Carr, and his wife Joanne of Pewaukee, WI, William G. Carr of Wrentham, MA, and Teresa Casaceli and her husband, Robert of Reno, NV, as well as ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Services will be announced at a later date to be held in the springtime. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable contribution to the Community Nurse and Hospice Care, Inc. in Fairhaven, MA.

Sharing Your Passion: Personal Collections

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Everybody collects something and we’re all passionate about the things we collect. Why not share your interest with others? The Mattapoisett Historical Society is providing an opportunity for collectors to share their unique, fanciful and maybe even eclectic collection with fellow Mattapoisett residents at our first Personal Collections night. Residents are invited to display their beloved collections and share their knowledge with the public for an evening of celebration of the personal collector. Space is limited, so if you are interested in displaying your collection, please contact the museum at 508-758-2844 or mattaposiett.museum@verizon.net. A reception will accompany the exhibit on February 26 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Be sure to join us to celebrate the passions of the Personal Collector.

Mattapoisett Addresses NFIP Issue with Survey

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Mattapoisett Town Administrator Michael Gagne on January 30 introduced a new survey for Mattapoisett residents to take online to gather public input as the Town works with a citizen’s group to suggest revisions of the National Flood Insurance Law to Congress.

Mainly, said Gagne, the biggest concern residents have over the National Flood Insurance Program is the high cost of the premiums.

The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Act of 2012 passed by Congress extended the NFIP another five years until 2017 before higher premiums would come into effect, while calling for reform.

In addition to the high rates of flood insurance, said Gagne, citizens are also concerned about the methodology used in determining subjectability to FEMA-determined flood plains – specifically, height, fetch, and velocity.

“Input is sought on what residents’ thoughts are regarding [what] current federal subsidy of flood insurance should look like,” said Gagne in an email. How should the insurance address historical high frequency of damage claims, and how does the flood insurance address long-term enrollees in the plan with no real loss experience? Gagne wants to know what Mattapoisett residents think about these issues.

Gagne also poses the question, should flood insurance operate in a similar fashion as current home insurance in a free market environment? Gagne said this online survey is residents’ chance to note their concerns, make comments, and offer suggestions as the Town works with the Massachusetts Coastal Coalition to make revisions to the law.

You can fill out the online survey by visiting the town website at www.mattapoisett.net, and scrolling down to “Town News” and clicking on the link to the survey.

By Jean Perry

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Gateway Youth Hockey

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Mites C: The Gateway Mite C team came back strong this week, beating Nantucket for the first time this season 20-7. Gateway came out of the gate flying, scoring off the opening face-off just 30 seconds into the game. The team got back on track after a rare letdown last weekend. The Mites played like a team passing and back-checking the whole game with several beautiful passing plays resulting in goals. Jarrod Frates led the team with six goals and two assists. Brayden Cannon, Tommy Clavell and Ben Hebble each had hat tricks and two assists. The other scorers were Bree Killion, Paxton Jones, Brayden Hathon and Pat Tripp. Charlie Carroll played stellar in net with 30 saves, making a great kick save off a break away to start the game. The Mites played their best game by far and moved up in the standings with the win. The Mite C team is back in action next Saturday versus YD at 1:50 pm in Falmouth.

Squirts: Gateway Squirts provided quite the nail bitter Saturday versus Lower Cape Black, tying it up in the dying seconds of the game to secure a 3-3 tie. Matthew Quinlan put Gateway on the board early, assisted by Ty David Ribeiro and Juni Suarez. L.C.B. matched the goal late in the first, then made Gateway trail by the score of 2-1. In the second, Gateway played with heart and soul. Suarez found the net, giving Gateway a chance to get ahead but L.C.B. stepped up and got another after several key saves by goal tender Ryker King. In the third, Gateway was hit with yet another point from L.C.B., making them push to keep their undefeated record intact. With 30 seconds left, the coach pulled the goalie to get an extra player, and Suarez, making a split second decision, took the shot with 11.3 seconds that tied the game in a dramatic fashion. With the crowd cheering and the team giving their all, they settled for the 3-3 tie. Next week, Squirts play Franklin.

Pee Wees: The Gateway Youth Hockey Pee Wee Team dropped a game to the Canal Sharks by a score of 4-1 on Sunday. The Sharks came out strong and played hard for three periods of hockey to overcome a traditionally tough Gateway team. The Sharks took an early two-goal lead in the first period. Gateway would get on the board in the second period to make it a one-goal game after a goal by Chris Cogan, assisted by Jack Martins, but the Canal team pressed hard and scored their third goal with 30 seconds remaining in the second and then sealed the deal with one more in the third.

Bantams: The Gateway Youth Hockey Bantams easily defeated the Plymouth Bantam B2 team by a score of 8-0. It was the second straight shutout for goalies Zachary Pateakos and Steven Strachan. Jake DeMoranville registered his first career hat trick. Gateway goal scorers also included Zachary Lovendale, Robert Ramsay, Jackson St. Don, Jared Westgate, and Jameson Woodward. Mike Ripley and Matt Youlden each had a pair of assists, while Nick Snow and Ty Lovendale also added helpers. Gateway continued to move the puck and play strong fundamental hockey, despite Plymouth’s attempts to draw players into the penalty box. While Gateway finished the game without a single penalty, the same could not be said for Plymouth. Player ejections continued to mar the winless Plymouth team’s score-sheet, as they finished the game with two, including a game misconduct.

Middle School 1: The Middle School 1 team had their six-game win streak come to an end with a 5-0 loss to the North Devils. It was the last team to beat the Jr. Vikings before their win streak. The team started off flat and just couldn’t find their way against the Devils.

Marion Town Election Information

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The Town of Marion’s Annual Town Election will be held on Friday, May 15.

Nomination papers for elected positions will be available beginning February 9. Nomination papers may be obtained at the Town Clerk’s office, 2 Spring Street, Marion.

Papers must be returned to the Town Clerk’s office for certification by Monday, March 23 by 5:00 pm.

Positions on the ballot include:

– Selectman: 1 position for 3 years – Jonathan E. Dickerson, Incumbant

– Assessor: 1 position for 3 years – Ray E. Pickles, Incumbant

– Moderator: 1 position for 1 year – David B. Titus, Incumbant

– Board of Health: 1 position for 3 years – John B. Howard, Incumbant

– Planning Board: 2 positions for 3 years – Stephen Curtis Gonsalves, Incumbant & Stephen J. Kokkins, Incumbant

– Marion School Committee: 2 positions for 3 years – Jay Pateakos, Incumbant & Joseph A. Scott, Incumbant

– Open Space Acquisition Commission: 1 position for 3 years – Jonathan Howland, Incumbant

Late voter registration will take place in the Town Clerk’s office on April 21. The Town Clerk’s office will remain open until 8:00 pm for anyone who wishes to register to vote. If you aren’t registered to vote and wish to vote in the May 15 Annual Town Election, you must register by April 21.

The Marion Annual Town Election will be on May 15 at the VFW, 465 Mill Street (Route 6), Marion. Polls will open at 8:00 am and close at 8:00 pm.

February Programs at Plumb Library

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The Café Parlez’ selection for February is I Have Always Loved You by Robin Oliveira. The young Mary Cassatt never thought moving to Paris after the Civil War was going to be easy, but when after a decade of work, her submission to the Paris Salon is rejected, Mary is tempted to heed her father’s pleading to return to Philadelphia to find a husband. Then one evening a friend introduces her to Edgar Degas, and her life changes forever. So begins the defining period of her life and the most tempestuous of relationships. We will discuss this novel of Belle Epoque Paris on Thursday, February 26 at 6:30 pm. Books are available at the desk or bring your own copy.

For their February book, “Just the Facts,” the nonfiction book discussion group, will be reading Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 by Stephen Puleo. There had been warnings. The local handyman who worked at the tank had heard its rumblings and saw the molasses that leaked through its seams and streamed down its sides. But this is not what the tank’s owning company needed or wanted to hear. Then came January 15, 1919, when the fifty-foot-tall tank containing 2.3 million gallons of molasses collapsed on Boston’s waterfront, sending its contents out in a 15-foot high wave that traveled at 35 miles per hour. Who was at fault? Would anyone be found guilty of killing 21 people, not to mention the scores of animals and the over 100 people injured. We will discuss this book on Thursday, February 19 at 6:30 pm. Copies are available at the desk.

Plumb Library is pleased to present a new item for circulation: snowshoes. We have two pairs of snowshoes for children (up to 150 lbs). Check them out with your library card and try them for one week. Each pair comes with a pair of poles and carry bag with strap. Ask at the desk or sign up to reserve a pair. Many thanks to the Friends for purchasing them for us.

February Vacation Programs

Tuesday, February 17, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Essential Oils and Yoga with Ms. Marsha for ages 9 and up. Bring your lunch. Pre-registration is requested.

Wednesday, February 18, all day: Lego Challenge Drop-In program for ages 3 and up.

Thursday, February 19, 1:30 – 2:30 pm: Build a milk carton greenhouse. This is a MOBY program.

Friday, February 20, 11:00 – 11:30 am: Yoga Toes for Tots. Toddler yoga for ages 1-3 with Ms. Marsha.

For more information, or to register for these programs, call the library at 508-763-8600 or email info@plumblibrary.com. You can also register for programs at our Events Calendar access through our web page www.plumblibrary.com.