Richard M. Dubowik, Sr.

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Richard M. Dubowik, Sr., 65, of Mattapoisett died January 23, 2015 at home after a brief illness.

He was the husband of Darlene (Scott) Dubowik.

Born in Portland, ME, the son of the late Kathleen (Manchester) Vinjerud and step-son of Lars Vinjerud, he lived in Mattapoisett for the last 25 years.

Mr. Dubowik was the proprietor of Oak Tree Carpentry building homes locally and in New Jersey.

He enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife; 4 sons, Richard Dubowik, Jr., Daniel O’Connell, Russell O’Connell, and Steven Dubowik; a brother, Lars Vinjerud, II; 2 sisters, Mary Rich and Kate Rumrey; 6 grandchildren, Keith, Dan, Amy, Rich III, Sean and Kaia; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was the father of the late Timothy O’Connell.

His visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 30th from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. His Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, January 31st at 11 AM in Cushing Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to www.crowdrise.com/taraoconnell1 to benefit Rett Syndrome of Massachusetts.

MNHM Adult and Family Programs

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Saturday, January 31, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Tracking with the Marion Natural History Museum

We will meet at Washburn Park to do some tracking and search for other evidence of wild animals with naturalist and experienced tracker, Jennifer Carlino. Jennifer has volunteered with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife Department for many years and has trained with the likes of biologist Scott Jackson. Please remember to dress warmly. You may want to bring a pair of binoculars or a camera to document your findings. Cost for the program is a $6/person donation to the museum.

Friday, February 6, 7:00 – 8:30 pm: “The Right Whale Sedation Story” with Dr. Michael Moore

Woods Hole Marine Biologist Michael Moore will present his new strategy for sedating right whales to enable dis-entangling. Mr. Moore has devoted much of his career to understanding the endangered North Atlantic right whale, which are too often the victims of human activities. Since coming to WHOI as a graduate student in 1986, Moore has investigated why populations of North Atlantic right whales have not rebounded as they could have in the eight decades since whaling was outlawed, while their South Atlantic cousins have. Moore and colleagues at the New England Aquarium and elsewhere, as part of the Right Whale Consortium, have come to recognize that the specie lives mostly in a highly “urbanized” ocean, where ship strikes and fishing gear entanglements are a constant concern.

As a result, Moore has studied various pharmacological and mechanical tools to help restrain or sedate large whales so that they can be cut loose from ropes and fishing gear. These efforts include the development of methods of injecting large whales with sedatives or antibiotics. Moore and colleagues Becky Woodward and Jeremy Winn have also modeled the interactions between fixed fishing gear and large whale body parts and conducted engineering tests to determine how rope interacts with whale baleen.

This program promises to be an interesting one, and preregistration is strongly recommended. Please preregister at the museum’s website: www.marionmuseum.org. Cost is a $6 donation to Marion Natural History Museum.

Friday, February 27, 7:00 – 8:30 pm: Family Program – BUGWORKS!

Join Bugworks! on Friday, February 27 for an interactive evening featuring live invertebrates. Topics will include insect life cycles, characteristics, defense mechanisms, historical significance, and more. We’ll also compare insects to other arthropods such as millipedes and arachnids. Join us as we peer at a praying mantis and marvel at millipedes! Program will be held at the Marion Natural History Museum. Cost for this program is a $6 donation to the museum. “This program is supported in part by a grant from the (name of local cultural council), a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.”

Friday, March 6, 7:00 – 8:30 pm: Beyond the White Shark – Sharks of New England with Dr. Tom Burns

Dr. Tom Burns has been photographing sharks for over 20 years. His pursuit of shark encounters has taken him around the world. Years of in-water interactions with sharks, often without the barrier of a cage, has allowed him to obtain a real perspective of these intelligent animals. Based on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, it is the sharks of New England that have become his focus including the mako shark, basking shark, porbeagles and the rare hammerhead and tiger sharks. Beyond the species profiles, Dr. Burns will give the audience background on how he dives, photographs, and interacts with these different species. Some might be surprised to learn that he never uses a shark cage and will sometimes use aerial spotters for encountering sharks such as hammerheads. The presentation will include some of Dr. Burns’ stunning photographs which have been published in numerous magazines. Location: Marion Natural History Museum, 8 Spring Street, Marion, MA. Cost: $6 donation to the Marion Natural History Museum.

Mattapoisett Lions Club Award

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The Mattapoisett Lions Club, a member of Lions International consisting of 45,000 clubs and more than 1.3 million members worldwide making this the world’s largest service club organization, is pleased to announce a $5,000 scholarship to be awarded this year to a graduating high school or home-schooled student residing in Mattapoisett, Marion or Rochester.

The funds for this Award are raised through fundraisers held by the Mattapoisett Lions Club throughout the year, including Harbor Days, an annual Arts and Craft Festival held in Shipyard Park every third weekend of July and attended by up to 10,000 people.

The Lions Club motto is WE SERVE, and one of the largest charitable causes of Lions International includes raising funds for eye research in an effort to end preventable blindness throughout the world and providing services for those in need in our community.

To qualify, a graduating student or home-schooled student shall be enrolled in their first year of a recognized school of higher education, must be a resident of the Tri-Town area, and must have demonstrated service to the community. Special consideration will be given to those looking to a career in an eyesight-related field.

To obtain an application, learn more about this Award, or to learn how to become a member of the Lions Club, visit our website www.mattapoisettlionsclub.org. Award applications are available through the guidance department at your high school. Applications may also be obtained by calling Helene Rose at 758-9841. Applications must be received by March 28, 2015.

Seniors Share Tips on College Applications

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Senior year is generally a busy time for students, with challenging classes, graduation looming, and events like Prom and field trips designed to celebrate seniors’ time at the school. However, perhaps nothing is more time-consuming than college applications. Although most deadlines for colleges occur between November 1 and February 15, they still affect a large chunk of students’ school year. To discover more about the college applications process, three seniors shared their experiences about prioritizing their time during this busy period.

Michael Kassabian tried to narrow down his choices to schools where he could see himself doing well, and he recommended it as a good strategy for those applying in the future. He applied to five schools, including Notre Dame, Holy Cross, and Harvard.

“It’s just chipping away and getting my school work done first,” said Kassabian on balancing school work and college work. “I started in the late summer, brainstorming stuff, so I could come into the school year with a base.”

Kassabian offered advice for students in the throes of application season. “Don’t let it (the applications process) get the best of you. Buckle down, and don’t procrastinate.”

Asked to sum up the applications process in one word, Emma Purtell decided on “stressful.” She applied to seven schools from all across the country, including St. Bonaventure, the University of Arizona, and the University of New Hampshire.

Describing her strategy to work effectively, she said, “I get my homework done, that’s my first priority. Any free time I have, or over the weekend, that’s when I work on college applications.”

She noted a difference of schools that accept the Common App and those that require a unique application.

“The common app schools had applications that were easier to bang out,” said Purtell, “but I worked from September to December on applications for schools that don’t have the Common App.”

Similar to Michael, she advised getting a head start on college applications as a way to not get overwhelmed. In addition, Emma said that speaking to your guidance counselors was a good idea.

Stephen Gouin agreed with Emma, picking “stressful” as his word to describe his time applying to colleges. He applied to three Massachusetts schools – Dean College, Nichols College, and LaSell College. When questioned about when he tackled his college-related work, Stephen responded, “I usually would dedicate some time on the weekends to do it.”

He encouraged students from next year’s class and beyond to “really think about your future and what schools are the best for you.”

All students who plan on going to an institute of higher learning have to devote some of their time to researching and applying to colleges. With the other burdens senior year can provide, the college applications process can be a challenging time for students, but as these students have proven, time management and focus can lead to success.

By Patrick Briand

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Juno, What? Winter Storm on its Way

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A blizzard watch is in effect for our area effective Monday evening until late Tuesday night, with an urgent warning from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the potential for a historic winter storm to bury the region with snow and blow through with winds that could gust up to 60 miles per hour.

Winter Storm Juno is expected to make its largest impact on coastal communities with a possible 18-24+ inches of heavy snow, strong sustained winds between 20-30 mph with stronger gusts, and zero visibility at times resulting in possible blizzard conditions.

The worst of the storm will be between Monday night through Tuesday afternoon, with whiteout conditions making travel nearly impossible and maybe life-threatening.

The strong wind and heavy, wet snow brings the threat of downed tree limbs causing fallen power lines and power outages. Temperatures will be in the low 20s.

In preparation for the storm, residents are urged to charge their electronic devices such as cell phones, as well as flashlights and radios in case of a loss of electricity.

The Wanderer will keep you updated on storm forecast changes and alerts, as well as local coverage, alerts, and school and recreational cancelations in Rochester, Marion, and Mattapoisett. Like us on Facebook to stay posted on the unfolding winter events.

By Jean Perry

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Marion Census Forms

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Marion Annual Street Listing 2015 (census) forms were mailed out this month. Please complete the forms as soon as possible and drop them off at the Town House, 2 Spring Street, or mail them back in the enclosed envelope.

These census forms are very important for the Town as State aid is based on the numbers returned. The Annual Street List is compiled from this information. No children under the age of 16 are placed in the street list; however, it is very important that children be noted on the census form for school and state purposes. Again, no children under the age of 16 are placed in the street list.

2015 Dog Licenses are now available at the Town Clerk’s office. Please stop by or use the application which will be with the Annual Street List form, making sure to read the instructions carefully as incomplete applications will be returned. People over 70 years of age do not have to pay for one dog license fee but are still responsible for showing current rabies information.

Please call the Town Clerk’s office at 508-748-3502 with any questions.

Marion Senior Population Growth

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This past fall, the Friends of the Marion Council on Aging (FMCOA) contracted with the UMass Boston Gerontology Institute to complete a demographic analysis of the town’s population and to also conduct several focus groups to investigate the needs and interests of Marion’s older citizens.

The demographic study found that the current population of Marion’s seniors – those over the age of 60 – is at 30%. This shows a 24% increase since 2000. By 2030, it is expected that this age group will account for 40% of Marion’s total population. In terms of state averages, this percentage is higher than most. Many of Marion’s seniors over 60 live alone and are considered less than wealthy.

Focus groups were conducted with a range of stakeholders in Marion’s seniors. These groups represented municipal organizations, community non-profits, and consumers of services for seniors. These groups examined current aspects of Marion that make it a “user friendly” town for seniors. In addition, these groups discussed opportunities for Marion to become a more “livable” community for seniors.

Each of the focus groups felt that Marion has good public services – police, fire, EMT, and nursing – but that communication is lacking between departments about senior activities. Many felt that this could be improved by establishing a Senior Center. This would serve as a central hub where one could go to find out what is available and what is needed to care for Marion’s senior residents. It could also be utilized as a space for a wide range of services and activities.

Another common concern that was expressed was the need for affordable housing and transportation services for seniors.

The FMCOA has met and determined several steps the group can take to move toward the recommendations from the report. These activities for 2015 will include advocacy with the Council on Aging for a Program Coordinator, helping to market programs and transportation activities for seniors in the town, contacting local newspapers with “senior spotlight” articles for publication, and working with the town to advocate for a Senior Center space as part of the Town House renovation project. The group will also continue to research models that help to promote aging in place, and ultimately help to make Marion a town that is well prepared to meet the needs of its senior population.

The full report of the demographic analysis can be viewed on FMCOA’s website at www.fmcoa.org.

Girls’ Track Clinches Fifth-Straight Championship

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Here is a look at the sixth week of scheduled games for Old Rochester Regional winter athletics.

Boys’ Basketball: The Bulldogs continued their conference domination this week, defeating two SCC rivals to keep their conference record at a perfect 9-0. The boys first defeated Bourne 89-60, thanks largely in part to Noah Fernandes and Matt Valles, who led ORR in scoring with 18 and 17 points, respectively. Jordan Menard also played well on the game, scoring 11 points and recording six rebounds. The Bulldogs continued their momentum later in the week against Case, where they won in a huge 73-38 blowout. Ten different players scored for the Bulldogs, showing the overall depth and teamwork of the team. ORR was in control from the start and never let up en route to their ninth victory of the season.

Girls’ Basketball: The Lady Bulldogs also had a great week, winning both of their games by fairly large margins to advance their record to 6-4 overall. The girls defeated Bourne 40-28 in an exciting game which included an explosive third-quarter from ORR, who scored 17 points to extend their lead and essentially secure the win. Kaleigh Goulart continued her excellent season, scoring 13 points, and Sophie Church was the team’s leading scorer on the night with 14 points. Later in the week, the girls defeated Case by a large 56-37 margin to win their seventh game of the season. The tandem of Goulart and Church struck again against the Lady Cardinals, with Church scoring a team-high 22 points and Goulart scoring 16 points. Seniors Ashley Pacheco and Morgan Browning also played well, scoring 5 and 4 points, respectively.

Boys’ Track: The Bulldogs suffered their first loss of the season this week to Dighton-Rehoboth in an exciting 48-38 matchup that came down to the final event, the 4×400 meter relay. Thanks to wins from Kevin Saccone (600-meters, 55-meter hurdles) and Ben Rounseville (high jump), as well as some key second place finishes, the Bulldogs had the chance to tie the meet with Dighton-Rehoboth. In a thrilling 4×4, the Bulldogs just missed first place by less than a second. The loss was a tough one for the Bulldogs, as they are likely pushed out of the running for the SCC Championship, which D-R has all but clinched. In the same meet however, the Bulldogs managed to beat Apponequet by 50 points, 68-18.

Girls’ Track: The Lady Bulldogs were a different story, easily defeating Dighton-Rehoboth, 59.5-26.5, and Apponequet, 73-13 to remain undefeated and clinch at least a share in their fifth consecutive SCC title. The ORR girls won seven events: Zoe Smith (high jump, 55-meter hurdles), Arden Goguen (55-meter dash), Nina Bourgeois (1000-meters), Bailey Truesdale (300-meters), Nicole Mattson (600-meters) and the 4×400 relay. Unless the girls lose against Seekonk next week, which is very unlikely, they will remain undefeated SCC Champions for the fifth year in a row.

Boys’ Swimming: In their lone meet of the week, the boys’ swim team lost to perennial powerhouse Apponequet 108-32. Try as they might, the Apponequet team simply had too much depth for the small ORR team to overcome, and they won every single event besides the 100-breaststroke, which ORR’s Nate Wentworth won in a quick 1:24. With the loss, the boys’ record now stands at 1-3.

Girls’ Swimming: The girls’ swim team also suffered a loss to Apponequet this week, 122-61. The Lady Bulldogs managed to hold strong against the powerful Apponequet team despite not winning any events. By claiming some key second and third places, the girls managed to put up a fight against one of the area’s best teams. With the loss, the girls’ record stands at 1-3.

Below are the overall winter team records, followed by the conference records in wins, losses, and ties as of January 18.

Boys’ Basketball: (9-1-0) (9-0-0); Girls’ Basketball: (6-4-0) (5-3-0); Boys’ Track: (6-1-0) (6-1-0); Girls’ Track: (7-0-0) (7-0-0); Boys’ Swimming: (1-3-0) (0-3-0); Girls’ Swimming: (1-3-0) (0-3-0); Ice Hockey: (6-2-0) (3-0-0).

By Michael Kassabian

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New Book Features Local Volunteer

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Norene Hartley of Rochester has a perspective and insight into the land, character, and history of Rochester that is unique.

A descendant of the “original Hartleys” of Rochester, Norene, 69, grew up in and continues to live out her life in the rural Southcoast town, working as a carpenter and spending a great deal of her time preserving the land and open spaces of Rochester as a volunteer with the Rochester Land Trust.

A new book just published this January called Being Where You Are, written by Robert Barossi, dedicates a chapter to Hartley, who is one of the original founders of the RLT formed back in 1996.

Barossi said during a phone interview that the work began while developing his thesis for his Master’s degree in environmental studies from Green Mountain College. While he was an intern for the Trustees of Reservations, he began working in communications, writing press releases about the organization’s “small army of volunteers.” It turned into something bigger for Barossi, who calls this work “the most rewarding and exciting work of my life thus far.”

Barossi said he cast a wide net while contacting land trusts around Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. He interviewed volunteers from a number of different environments from coastal to rural settings, and eventually compiled the material into a book. Barossi said he “really wanted to get the word out there” about the work of these dedicated volunteers.

The Rochester Land Trust was one of about 80 different land trusts Barossi reached out to. He said Hartley offered a unique perspective on Rochester because of her emotional connection to the town.

“When seeking volunteers, Norene was truly one of my favorites,” said Barossi. “She had this great personality, a great sort of rugged New England sass about her. But at the same time, so sweet and so giving of her stories and her past.”

Barossi, while developing the book, said he wanted to let people know what environmental volunteers are doing to preserve the environment and spare land from excessive development. The volunteers he met over the course of three years, said Barossi, were what inspired the book. He remembered Norene especially for her insight into “the good old days” of Rochester and how it has developed over the years from a rural population of 1,600 when she was a child to the over 5,000 residents of today.

“Norene, she had such a unique perspective because her family had lived in Rochester for so long,” said Barossi. “What it used to be and how it has all changed.”

Chapter 13 of the book, titled “Keepin’ it Rural: Norene Hartley,” is chock full of that insight and knowledge Hartley possesses of Rochester, with candid recollections of her childhood exploring nature and her return to a more developed Rochester after living 26 years away.

“I have to tell you, when I was growing up, outdoors was the place to be,” Barossi quoted Hartley in his book. “I’d get home from school and it was like five seconds from the time I hit the back door to the time I was going back out in my play clothes.”

Hartley also describes leaving Rochester in 1963 to attend college and returning to “houses all over the place.” She joined the Rochester Master Plan Committee in 1996, which she says in the book, “I swear it almost did me in.”

“It’s a very emotional thing,” says Hartley. “You grow up in a place and it seems like an old comfortable shirt or something, and it’s always there in some respects.” Starting the Rochester Land Trust was Hartley’s way of preserving the character of the town, a rural community.

“I think we’ve done pretty well,” Hartley told Barossi. “I think you have to get down to the nitty-gritty.” Hartley describes a memory of when she was two-years old, playing in stump holes in her family’s backyard, “sitting there and my butt was damp and my knees were wet but the sun was really warm.…” Hartley continues, “So I guess I’ve had it since two, at least. So, I guess the Land Trust is just a community extension of how I am.”

Conservation Commission member and Land Trust member Laurene Gerrior, in a phone interview, called Hartley a kind, good person, knowledgeable about the outdoors and Rochester history.

“He (Barossi) was able to capture that about her in his book,” said Gerrior.

The book has been published in eBook form, but it could result in a hard cover in the future. Barossi said he wanted to write the word about the volunteers and get it out there sooner rather than later.

Being Where You Are by Robert Barossi is now available and can be purchased and downloaded from amazon.com, iTunes, and barnesandnoble.com for $1.99.

By Jean Perry

BeingWhereYouAre

Machacam Club

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The Machacam Club will hold its February meeting on February 4 at the Legion Hall, 3 Depot Street. Social time is 5:30 pm; dinner is at 6:00 pm.

Our special guest, courtesy of Mike Jennings, will be Captain Brad Smith, our December speaker who is returning to continue his presentation on his 32-year career with the Military Sealift Command. Brad is certain to be of great interest to the members as he was in his earlier presentation.

Callers and members are asked to bear in mind the importance of call list accuracy, especially in view of the food cost increases. Caller lists should be done and reported no later than 9:00 pm on February 2 by email to GPFNR@aol.com or by phone to Mike at 508-758-9311. Members with requests or changes can contact either no later than 9:00 am on January 3.