Gateway Youth Hockey Tryouts

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Gateway Youth Hockey Tryouts will begin on March 30 at Hetland Arena in New Bedford with the Squirts (birth years 2005- 2006) at 6:30 pm and Middle School (Grades 6-8, 2015 school year) at 7:30 pm. On Wednesday, April 1, Bantams (birth years 2001-2002) will go on at 6:00 pm and Pee Wees (birth years 2003-2004) at 7:00 pm. On Friday, April 3, Midgets (birth years 1998-2001) will go on at 7:00pm. There is a $100 tryout fee due at registration. All players must register before trying out for a team. Registration can be done online or on the day of tryouts. Please bring tryout fee on tryout date. For more information, email qdocanto@msn.com.

Elks Student of the Month

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The Elks of Wareham Lodge No. 1548 sponsors the Elks Student of the Month and Student of the Year Awards for students enrolled in local area high schools. The criteria used in nominating a student includes a student who excels in scholarship, citizenship, performing arts, fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school and community service, industry and farming.

We congratulate Senior Brittney Santos of Rochester for being selected by the Old Rochester Regional High School faculty and staff. Brittney is a motivated student who has self-advocated to be placed in higher-level classes and has been very successful. She has worked 20 plus hours a week for the past two years to help finance her upcoming college education. Brittney has shown true grit with her determination in reaching her personal goals.

Airlines in America

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The Sippican Historical Society’s 2015 lecture series continues on March 26 with the topic, Airlines in America: Past, Present & Future – A Pilot’s Perspective. This interactive lecture by pilot Ric Teves will explore the exciting evolution of the airline industry in America. Just over a century ago, on January 1, 1914, the world’s first scheduled commercial airline flight took place in St. Petersburg, Florida. One commercial passenger flew on one commercial flight, across Tampa Bay. By contrast, on January 1, 2014, an estimated eight million people flew on nearly 100,000 flights. The annual global view is staggering. IATA (International Air Transport Association) statistics indicate that more than three billion people flew in 2014, representing roughly 44 percent of the world’s population. The international aviation industry now supports more than 57 million jobs and generates $2.2 trillion in economic activity, including the transport of more than 50 million tons of cargo each year. What does America’s piece in this puzzle look like, how did this evolution take place in our country, and what does it portend for the future?

The presentation, to be held at the Marion Music Hall (164 Front Street) at 7:00 pm on March 26, is offered free to the public, with no reservations required. Ample parking is available across the street at Island Wharf. A certified flight instructor since 2003, Mr. Teves has worked in general and corporate aviation and, most recently, as a First Officer for a regional carrier. His presentation represents more than 10 years of research on the domestic airline industry. For more information, contact the Sippican Historical Society at 508-748-1116.

County Road Concerns Top Talks

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Jacqueline Schmidt and Lilia Cabral of the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) met with the Rochester Board of Selectmen on March 9 to discuss any needs the board felt Rochester had related to transportation including bike paths, road changes, public transportation, and more.

“We’re here tonight to get your take on what you’d like your transportation system to look like,” said Schmidt.

The board asked the representatives if they had any knowledge regarding County Road in Rochester. According to Town Administrator Michael McCue, several years ago there was an effort to extend Route 58 past Interstate 195 onto County Road.

“That road is in a constant state of disrepair,” McCue said. “My understanding is Wareham was in favor of it, the Town of Rochester was in favor of it, but there may have been some hesitation on the part of Marion. I don’t want to speak out of turn, but that’s my understanding.”

He asked if there was any way to increase movement on this plan with the help of SRPEDD. He said that this was one of the biggest transportation concerns the board had at the moment. Reclassifying the road as part of Route 58 would secure state funding for the road’s upkeep.

“It’s a major feeder road, and it’s not designated as a major feeder road,” Chairman Bradford Morse said. “It’s a back country road that gets a lot of traffic.”

Cabral recommended the board send an official request to SRPEDD on that subject.

Selectmen also requested information on general transportation trends in the area.

“There’s been a lot of bicycle planning that’s been going on, especially with the South Coast Bikeway,” said Schmidt. “There’s been talk in the past of Rochester tying into that.”

The South Coast Bikeway is a planned bike path that would connect Providence, RI to Provincetown through 13 communities. According to Schmidt, some projects in Mattapoisett, Fall River, New Bedford and Dartmouth have already been completed.

“It’s gaining a lot of momentum,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt and Cabral also presented a transportation survey, which can be found at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/regtransplan. The survey will help them develop their regional transport plan.

In other matters, McCue updated the board on the fiscal year 2016 budget, saying that there has been a great deal of effort put into the budget, but progress is slow.

“I wanted to say we continued work on the budget,” McCue said. “The meetings are, if not daily, then they’re every other day. We’re making very, very slow progress towards our goal.”

McCue said it is still “extremely difficult,” despite some minor adjustments in the right direction … “However, it’s taking an awful lot of work,” he added.

Also during the meeting, McCue said that the Planning Board has made some changes to the draft for Annual Town Meeting warrant and asked for comments on it. He said that it was open to amendments until March 23.

McCue also told the board he would like to see Rochester become a Tree City USA.

“I would like the Board of Selectmen to consider an official proclamation for Arbor Day,” McCue said. “The reason for such is I’d like to see the Town of Rochester receive recognition as a Tree City USA.”

One of the requirements is that the Board of Selectmen gives an official proclamation. McCue plans to present a plan to the board at a later date with the help of Eversource. There would be no cost, as the labor involved would come from volunteers.

McCue reminded the board and the general public that the seats for appointed boards and committees are due to expire on April 31, and anyone interested in applying for a board or committee position should put in a request to selectmen prior to that date.

Under correspondences received by the board: The Town will conduct a rabies clinic on April 7 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at the Rochester Grange.

The annual Tri-Town herring meeting will take place on March 24 as part of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen meeting.

Selectmen also voted to approve the extended Sunday hours of Adrian’s Package Store located at 711 Mary’s Pond Road in Rochester to 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for March 16 at 6:30 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

By Andrew Roiter

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Welcoming Spring with Walkabout Wednesdays

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You know you are itching to get outdoors to catch a whiff of springtime air, so maybe you would like to meet up with a group of the fellow spring-starved and explore the outdoors together while learning a bit about the local habitats and history.

The Buzzards Bay Coalition is offering a new program for the month of March called “Walkabout Wednesdays,” which are guided tours through local conservation lands to promote exercise for the body and mind and share knowledge of history and the ecology of the Southcoast region.

Tanya Creamer, one of the coalition’s Commonwealth Corps environmental educators, is hoping you would enjoy a quiet fresh-air morning walk through the woods with her starting on Wednesdays from 9:00 to 10:00 am.

“Our target audience is an older audience who enjoy long, leisurely walks,” said Creamer, although all ages are welcome. She chose properties with terrain that is even with wide trails, “just kind of a nice, quiet walk to do every Wednesday.”

On March 18, the group will meet at West Island State Reservation in Fairhaven, and on March 25 the group will explore Wildlands Trust’s Rounseville II Preserve on Mary’s Pond Road in Rochester.

“Walking outdoors is great exercise for your body and mind, and on this walk you’ll also learn about history and ecology along the way,” said the BBC.

These walks are free to the public throughout the rest of the month, and dogs are welcome to come along, too! Registration is required, so RSVP with Alicia Pimental by calling 508-999-6363 ext. 226 or via email at pimental@savebuzzardsbay.org.

“The snow is melting, so definitely bring waterproof shoes or boots,” said Creamer. “People can bring cameras and binoculars because this is a really good chance to see wildlife and landscapes.”

The Wildlands Trust’s Rounseville II Preserve is 48.3 acres off Mary’s Pond Road. The trailhead is located at the ball fields, behind the back corner field, straight ahead from the entrance.

BWAA Offers Art Scholarships

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The Bourne Wareham Art Association has art scholarships available to graduating high school senior art students living in Wareham, Bourne, Buzzards Bay, Onset, Falmouth, Hingham, Brockton, Rochester, Marion, Pocasset, Plymouth, Lakeville, Rehoboth, Taunton, New Bedford, Franklin and Medford who are planning to further their art education.

Applications are due by April 1, and applicants will be required to present their portfolio of eight to ten pieces to the members for judging at the April 18 meeting at 1:00 pm at the Bourne Library. More information about these Art Achievement Awards and applications may be obtained from the guidance or art department of your school or by contacting Betty Beaulieu, brbolo@comcast.net, 508-763-2724 or P.O. Box 171, Rochester, MA 02770.

Arts of the Pacific

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The Elizabeth Taber Library presents Arts of the Pacific with Katherine Higgins on Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 pm.

After another New England winter, it’s time to start thinking about warmer weather. Join us for a presentation and conversation about art in the Pacific Islands. Katherine Higgins will discuss a range of customary and contemporary art by indigenous artists in the Pacific Islands. The beauty and diversity of the Pacific Islands has inspired artworks that embody and reflect the unique cultures, histories, and environments across the Islands. Katherine will provide a brief introduction to the extraordinary diversity across the region which includes 25,000 islands and 1/4 of the world’s languages, and then we’ll do some island-hopping to discover artistic practices such as recording genealogy through tattoo and fiber arts, production of stone and feather currency, and contemporary paintings and performance that confront colonization and nuclear testing or celebrate enduring cultural traditions. The second half of the presentation will be for questions from the audience – whether about particular islands or artistic practices. We will also have the opportunity to discuss how our modern, globalized world has transformed Islander’s perceptions of some of these art works.

Katherine Higgins is an art historian, educator, curator, and occasional artist who specializes in contemporary indigenous arts. She earned a PhD in art history from the University of Auckland and graduated with a Masters in Pacific Islands studies and a graduate certificate in museum studies from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Katherine’s research focuses on contemporary art and artistic and cultural exchange. She has worked with artists and arts organizations in Oceania, primarily in Hawai‘i, Fiji, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Sāmoa, and the Cook Islands. She has also worked in higher education, community outreach, grant writing, museum education, museum and exhibition design, and for grassroots and international art organizations in Boston, London, Honolulu, Suva, Christchurch, Auckland, and Poutasi, Sāmoa.

Katherine currently serves as Arts Editor for the academic journal The Contemporary Pacific published by University of Hawaii’s Press and as a trustee for TransCultural Exchange.

Gateway Youth Hockey

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Mites C: The Gateway Gladiator Mite C team defeated YD 18-8 on Saturday and ended the regular season on a high note. The Gladiators came ready to play, executing on play after play. The Gladiators showed true sportsmanship through a penalty filled game with only one being called against them. The Gladiators stuck to our team motto of total teamwork playing solid on both offense and defense. Jarrod Frates led the team with eight goals. The other scorers included Brayden Cannon with four, Pat Tripp with three, and Tommy Clavell with two. Ben Hebbel and Brayden Hathon ended with a goal apiece. Charlie Carroll played another strong game between the pipes, ending with 35 saves with one coming on a penalty shot. The Gladiators had several great goals resulting from stick-to-stick passing and relentless back checking. The Gladiators are waiting to hear who their opponent will be in next Saturday’s playoff tournament. The team has been by far the biggest surprise in the league after struggling in the first half of the season. The coaches are thrilled with the improvement and the teamwork they have displayed throughout the season.

Squirts: The Gateway Squirts started its playoff series on the right skate Saturday morning, getting the win 6-0 against Braintree White. Scoring the first of the game was Matthew Quinlan, followed by Nathan Rebeiro assisted by Quinlan. Gateway had a shaky start trying to get their legs moving but soon began to gel as the game got going. In the second period, Quinlan added another goal, assisted by Juni Suarez and Lucas DeMoranville. In the third period, Suarez scored a hat trick with assists from Ty David Rebeiro on two and Brady Kidney on one. The Squirts play again Sunday against YD Dolphins.

Pee Wees: The Gateway Youth Hockey Pee Wees had their first play-off game of the season against KP Walpole on Saturday morning. Gateway came ready to play and out paced Walpole in three strong periods of hockey. Gateway had excellent puck movement, good positioning and played well as a team. Walpole fought hard to keep the scoring low, allowing only two goals in the first two periods. Danny Flynn, assisted by Stephen Old and Zach Barris, scored one in the first period, while Jack Martins, assisted by Old, scored one in the second period. Gateway tired Walpole out by the third despite Walpole sneaking one goal in, but Gateway fired back with three additional goals of their own in the third. Matt Quinlan scored two unassisted goals and Luke Mello scored the final goal off of an assist by RJ Vickery. The final score was 5-1 with Gateway going into a tough game two with a little momentum.

Middle School 1: The MS1 Jr. Vikings were back in action Friday after a month of not playing. They came away with a 5-0 win against FR Shaughnessy. Quirino doCanto got the scoring starting making a nice move to beat the goalie. Tyler Lovendale put home the second goal, assisted by brother Zack Lovendale and doCanto. Peter Pimental got into the action next, putting in a rebound from a Robert Ramsay shot. Robert Maloney followed up with a goal, knocking in a rebound from a James L’Heureux shot. Vyper LaTulippe finished up the scoring, assisted by defenseman Coleby Paling. Alex DeMarco played great in net, earning the shutout for the Jr. Vikings.

Bantams: The Gateway Gladiators began the Yankee Conference Bantam division playoffs with a 6-3 victory over the Pembroke Titans. A sluggish start and a lack of execution by the Gladiators resulted in a tied first frame, as each team netted two goals. Coleby Paling netted a slapshot from the blueline and Jake DeMoranville went top-shelf with a wrister for Gateway. A slightly better effort in the second period resulted in a Gladiator goal for Nick Snow. Gateway found its rhythm midway through the third period, as Snow scored again, hustling to create a breakaway opportunity. Josh Smolinsky and Zachary Lovendale also added goals in the final minute of play. The “round-robin” tournament continues next weekend, as the Gladiators meet up with the WHK Hawks.

Planning Board Workshop

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The Rochester Planning Board will hold a public workshop to discuss and solicit public feedback on the potential amendments to the Limited Commercial District to allow for mixed-use development in the Limited Commercial District located in Rochester Town Center. The workshop will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 9:00 am at the Council on Aging, 67 Dexter Lane, Rochester.

Rochester Land Trust Annual Meeting

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The public is invited to join members of the Rochester Land Trust for its Annual Meeting that includes a potluck dinner and talk by our Representative, Bill Straus.

A fabulous Pot Luck will begin at 6:00 pm at the First Congregational Church Hall in Rochester Center on Wednesday, March 25. It will be followed by a short business meeting during which members will vote on revised bylaws which are posted on the rochesterlandtrust.org website. The evening will conclude with a talk by Representative Straus.

This evening is always a pleasant break from our own cooking and gets us ready for the many spring events ahead. Next, RLT will be holding a Recycling Event in conjunction with the Woman’s Club at the Town Hall Annex parking lot on Saturday, April 25, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. There will be a charge for TVs and monitors, but other items are free with donations accepted.

So plan to join the RLT on March 25 for a pleasant meal, good company, and an interesting talk by Representative Straus.