The Hope Factory

on April 23, 2015

On Sunday, May 3, Tabor Academy, through the efforts of senior Samantha Davis, will stage an event, called The Hope Factory, to help make the lives of hospitalized children a bit brighter. The community is invited to join the Message of Hope Foundation and Tabor Academy and enjoy an afternoon of food, fun activities for children of all ages, along with a chance to help out in an easy but impactful way! Join in an effort to pack as many Happy Hope Bags as possible with fun children’s activities, such as coloring books and crayons, stickers, puzzles and more for hospitalized children. The event is free and open to the public, rain or shine!

Davis has learned through her association with the Wareham-based Message of Hope Foundation that being hospitalized is very isolating for children. “We have so many opportunities at Tabor, to play sports, take classes, be creative and enjoy our friends, things these kids can’t do while they are sick. Doing something to let them know that there are people who care about them and are thinking of them is really important while their lives are put on hold. I hope our effort will cheer the children and each participant in our event as we remember how lucky we all are to just be together and to be healthy. This is a great community-bonding opportunity for us all: a way to help and have fun together.”

Davis is implementing all the details of this community day as part of her senior project at Tabor Academy. She is interning at the Message of Hope Foundation, a group she became familiar with through the schools’ fall Service Morning program when she participated in a similar event and met the Director, Emi Burke, of Wareham, MA. She became hooked on the mission and has kept in touch with Ms. Burke throughout the year, pledging to lead this effort in May. To learn more about the Message of Hope Foundation, you can visit their website at http://www.messageofhopefoundation.org.

Davis is also working with the foundation to visit children in participating local hospitals as a “celebrity guest.” Recently a member of the gold medal USA National team for U-18 Women’s Hockey, Davis is excited to visit children in her USA jersey and share her gold medal and her story with the children. “I learned when meeting many Olympians through the National Team how important volunteerism and being a role model was to them. I am really looking forward to now making my own impact as a volunteer and role model through this event and my visits with the children.”

Davis says, “Please join us! Bring the family and enjoy the afternoon’s events, pack some gift bags, and enjoy the community spirit! Also, if you are able to contribute one or more coloring books to share in our bags, it would be a great help!”

More information about the Message of Hope Foundation may be found at their website: http://www.messageofhopefoundation.org.

Healthy Kids Day

on April 23, 2015

On Saturday, April 25, YMCA Southcoast is holding a free community event to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active at the Fall River YMCA, Gleason Family YMCA in Wareham, and the New Bedford YMCA. YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families, features activities such as swimming, exercise, games, healthy cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts to motivate and teach families how to develop a healthy routine at home.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, celebrated at nearly 1,300 Ys across the country, aims to get more kids moving and learning, so they can keep up the habit all summer long – a critical out-of-school time for kids’ health. When kids are out of school, they can face hurdles – or gaps – that prevent them from reaching their full potential, related to hunger, water safety, learning, safe spaces to play, and health. Each year, the Y helps over 9 million youth nationwide “hop the gap” and achieve more, providing a safe to place to learn, stay healthy and build friendships.

“The Y is so much more than sports, swimming, gymnastics and a place for kids to hang out. We support families in their efforts to instill healthy habits at home,” said Nancy LaRue Bonell, COO, YMCA Southcoast. “We know that it can sometimes feel like a challenge. So at Healthy Kids Day, we’ll encourage kids to stay physically and intellectually active all summer long, and give families tips they can easily replicate at home. It’s free and open to the community.”

In celebration of YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y offers the following tips to help families develop healthy habits:

– Try, try, repeat. There are many great tasting fruits and vegetables that many kids have never heard of, let alone tried. Grab a new fruit or vegetable and encourage everyone in the family to try at least a bite.

– Play around town. Challenge the family to play on a different playground every week. Identify playgrounds at a variety of parks; expand definitions of playgrounds to include nature trails, a nearby stream, and a bike path.

– Families at play for an hour a day. From walking to gardening, or swimming to shooting hoops, make playful movement a part of your family’s day. To get 60 minutes of moderate activity throughout your day just add 10 minutes here and 15 minutes there.

– Foster a passion for reading. Read to and with your kids. Help children read at every age and every stage of their development.

– Make sleep a priority. Doctors recommend 10-12 hours of sleep a day for children ages 5-12 and 7-8 hours per night for adults. Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining our healthy immune system, metabolism, mood, memory, learning, and other vital functions.

YMCA Southcoast’s Healthy Kids Day takes place at the Fall River YMCA, Gleason Family YMCA in Wareham, and the New Bedford YMCA from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and features fun, active play and educational activities. As an incentive to become a new Y member, YMCA Southcoast will be waiving the joiner fee on all new memberships and a free swim lesson voucher will be given on family memberships.

For more information, visit ymcasouthcoast.org.

Students vs. Staff Basketball Game

on April 23, 2015

Last Wednesday April 15,2015 Sippican held its annual 6th grade students vs. staff basketball game. We also had a special visit from a few of our ORR bulldog state champs! Thank you boys for joining us for a good time had by all.

Photos by Jean Roseman and Meg Taylor

Word World

on April 23, 2015

Sippican School on April 16 celebrated its annual Vocabulary Day, with students dressed as their chosen vocabulary word and presenting its definition before the entire school at the all school meeting that afternoon. Photos by Jean Perry

Armand J. Cournoyer

on April 23, 2015

Armand J. Cournoyer, age 100, of Acushnet died Monday, April 20, 2015 at Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion after a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Blanche P. (Charest) Cournoyer with whom he shared 56 years of marriage and the beloved companion of the late Pauline Croteau for 17 years.

Armand was born in New Bedford, a son of the late Pierre and Lauda (Bergeron) Cournoyer and lived in Acushnet for most of his life. He graduated from New Bedford Vocational High School and worked for 37 years as a Cost Estimator at Acushnet Company’s Rubber Division before retiring in 1976. He was a communicant of St. Francis Xavier Church and a former member of the Acushnet Men’s Catholic Association. He was an avid tennis player until the age of 93, playing at Buttonwood Park and Dartmouth Indoor Tennis, and just recently received the Boston Post Cane for being the oldest living resident in Rochester. He loved fishing and camping and travelled with the New Bedford area Royal Travelers. Armand stressed love of family and emphasized the importance of the little things in life. His family would like to thank the entire staff of Sippican Healthcare for the loving care and compassion shown to Armand while in their care.

He leaves 2 daughters: Claire E. Parent and her husband Lawrence A. of Marion and Janet T. Poyant and her husband Philip T. of Rochester; 4 grandchildren: Jacqueline Kisbert, Jennifer Farias, and Mark and Christopher Parent; 9 great-grandchildren: Nicole, Jake, Hannah, Hayden, Benjamin, Sarah, Reed, Cole and Quinn; and several nieces. He was also the brother of Maurice Jacques and Lucille Barrett.

His Funeral will be held Friday, April 24, 2015 at 9:00 am from the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford with a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am in St. Francis Xavier Parish, 125 Main St, Acushnet followed by burial in Acushnet Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Thursday from 5 to 8 pm.

Visit www.rock-funeralhome.com for tributes and directions.

Lena A. (Lopes) Gomes

on April 23, 2015

Lena A. (Lopes) Gomes, 75, of Bourne, formerly of Marion died April 22, 2015 at her family home. She was the daughter of the late Benjamin A. and Hazel C. (Garcia) Lopes.

She was born in Marion and lived there most of her life before moving to Bourne.

Mrs. Gomes worked as a Nurse’s Aide at Tobey Hospital in Wareham for many years before retiring.

She was a communicant of St. Rita’s Church and also attended St. Patrick’s Church in Wareham. She was a life long devoted catholic. She loved her family and friends. She enjoyed playing Bingo, trips to the Casino, scratch tickets, music and traveling.

Survivors include 2 sons, Carl C. Gomes of Worcester and Chris Gomes and his wife Michelle of Dartmouth; a daughter, Lenora Gomes of Wareham; her brothers and sisters, Rose Ann Chancellor and her husband Al of Vallejo, CA, Edward Lopes of Stone Mountain, GA, Benjamin Lopes, Jr. of Vallejo, CA, Rita Mott and her husband Robert of Alamogordo, NM, Sylviana Espejo of Wareham, Laura “May” Lopes of Wareham, Diane Flaherty and her husband Gerald of Marion and Patricia DeBarros and her late husband Donald of New Bedford; 9 grandchildren, Stephan Gomes, Tynesha Dias, Dallas Gomes, Hannah Gomes, Nicole Gomes, Leah Gomes, Chanel Gomes, Jenaya Smith and Tyson Borges; 2 great grandchildren, Kaiya Fernandez and Daysia Thomas; her godson, Michael McNeeley; several nephews and nieces. She was the mother of the late Paul Gomes.

Her funeral will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2015 from the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Rita’s Church, Front St., Marion.

Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Marion. Visiting hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Boys’ State and Girls’ State

on April 22, 2015

Five members of the class of 2016 at Old Rochester Regional High School will be attending the Boys’/Girls’ State Convention sponsored by the American Legion’s Florence Eastman Post 280, June 13-19, at Stonehill College in North Easton, MA.

The Florence Eastman Post 280 will be sponsoring Holly A. Frink in memory of Florence Eastman. Lawrence DiCara, Esquire, will be sponsoring William F. Santos in memory of George White, Evan D. Santos in memory of Jack DeCosta, and Catherine N. Feldkamp in honor of Gerry DeCosta. Matthew V. Fortin will be sponsored by the Machacam Club in memory of George White.

To be eligible for Boys’/Girls’ State, a student must be a member of the junior class who has achieved high academic success. Delegates must also show evidence of leadership ability and an interest in the democratic process. At the convention, delegates will study local and state government. They will establish and operate their own cities and towns and state government in miniature. This will include forming two political parties, holding conventions, nominating candidates, conducting campaigns, and electing officials. The primary goal of Boys’/Girls’ State is for attendees to develop a better understanding of how State Government functions.

ORR Seniors Upcoming Event Schedule

on April 22, 2015

The following schedule is provided to help you plan for the end of year activities for seniors.

Monday, May 11: Locker clean-out/inspection day for seniors during homeroom. Homeroom will be extended for five minutes.

Thursday, May 14: Senior Breakfast; first block; location Marion VFW. All seniors will be in Block 2 classes. Teachers: If a senior is absent from Block 2, please send their name to the main office. All library books, out-of-season athletic equipment must be returned for all seniors. All outstanding obligations regarding fees and parking tags must be settled at this time.

Tuesday, May 19 and Wednesday, May 20: Last two days of classes for seniors. Teachers should complete “Student Holds” for any outstanding equipment (books, calculators, etc.). Holds should be submitted to the Main Office by May 27 at 11:00 am. Any holds after that time should be placed in Mike Devoll’s Mailbox. We will not be using “Sign-Out” sheets this year. Senior Picnic: Wednesday, May 20; Seniors will be dismissed at the end of Block 2; yearbooks will be distributed during picnic.

Thursday, May 21 through Thursday, May 28: Senior final exams will be held in their classrooms. Please report on time for all exams. Students missing exams will be expected to make that exam up during Thursday’s makeup period. The order of blocks will be different for all students on May 26 and 27. Students late to a final exam will not be admitted. Students need permission in advance from the principal to take an exam during the makeup sessions.

Tuesday, June 2: Promenade (line up at 4:15 pm); Senior Prom: Doors open at 6:30 pm; dancing until 11:00 pm.

Thursday, June 4: Graduation Rehearsal at 9:00 am. Senior Awards Night: Ceremony begins at 7:00 pm. Students arrive by 6:00 pm (gown only, do not bring caps). Students are to park at the Junior High School. This program will be held in the gymnasium. Attendance is mandatory unless excused by the Principal. We encourage all students to invite their parents to this special senior event. Please press gown and wear for Senior Awards Night.

Dress Code for Senior Events: Dress code for Senior Awards Night, Senior Assembly, and Graduation: No jeans, shorts, or sneakers. Gentlemen should wear dark pants, a collared shirt with tie, and shoes. Ladies should wear appropriate dress and shoes. In addition, no sunglasses or purses will be allowed.

Friday, June 5: Senior Last Assembly: 9:15 – 10:38 am in the gymnasium. Block 1: 7:38 – 8:20 am (42 minutes); Block 2: 8:26 – 9:09 am (43 minutes). Seniors are to arrive and report to the auditorium no later than 8:30 am. Gowns, no caps, are mandatory. Proper footwear and dress is to be worn. Underclassmen will leave belongings in Block 2 classroom or locker.

Saturday, June 6, Graduation, 12:00 pm. Students arrive at school at 11:00 am. Students are to park at the Junior High School. Report to gym to pick up flowers. Attendance is mandatory unless excused by the Principal. If an indoor graduation is required due to inclement weather, seniors are to report to the library.

Graduation Ticket Information: There will be six graduation tickets issued to each graduate. Students not needing six tickets are asked to let Mrs. Durocher know so that these additional tickets may be used by other families who have additional seating needs. Families needing more than six tickets should contact Mrs. Durocher and make their request known as soon as possible. Additional tickets will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Parents are able to call the school on Friday, May 29 to request additional tickets. With an outdoor graduation, unlimited seating is available on a first come, first serve basis.

Master Plan Doesn’t Garner Public Interest

on April 22, 2015

Norman Hills and Rico Ferrari, members of the Marion Planning Board, outlined for the Marion Board of Selectmen members Jody Dickerson and Stephen Cushing the Town’s Master Plan. Hills said a public workshop had been held and meetings with SRPEDD had taken place. Information and feedback gathered from those activities fed into the final document.

But a lack of public response caused Cushing to question if sufficient public input had been acquired. Only 19 residents participated in the workshop, Hill reported. He also said not many residents had visited the Town’s website to provide feedback.

Dickerson said, “In the 1990’s we did neighborhood meetings…town employees too and got great response doing that.” He wondered if tax bills or water bills could go out with a notice asking for the public to participate in this important work.

“People need to come to the workshops,” said Hills.

One of the articles expected to be on the Town Meeting Warrant is a request for $30,000 for a part-time town planner.

“A planner would support the master plan,” said Hills. Ferrari added, “…Someone to supplement our lack of knowledge and implement the plan…”

Previous master plans included action items that were never acted upon, Hills pointed out. Dickerson said they had tried to get the Town to approve a town planner in the past with no success.

Hills stated again, “Community effort, people have to be involved.”

Ferrari added, “We want to draw from the community some leadership…” to help the town see results from the Master Plan.

Hills asked if the Board of Selectmen would invite the Town’s department heads to come together for a brainstorming session saying, “Marion residents’ participation is critical.”

In other business, the selectmen voted to approve the Affordable Housing Plan; to increase the number of Music Hall Advisory Committee members to nine; and the Department of Public Works union contract that will increase two percent in Fiscal Yean 2016.

Town Administrator Paul Dawson reported that the fire chief search has generated 48 interested people.

Dawson also told the board counterfeit guest privilege passes had been discovered and reported by a resident who witnessed someone making them on a commercial copier. He said residents holding passes will receive a letter reminding them of the proper use of the passes, and that improper use will result in all family parking privileges being denied.

On a happier note, Dawson said that bids will be accepted starting Thursday, April 23 for the 2015 July 4th fireworks show. Dickerson assured Dawson that the money, 100 percent from private donations, is funding this summer’s event.

The next meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen is scheduled for May 5 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.

By Marilou Newell

Rochester Tax Notice

on April 21, 2015

Rochester‘s 2016 tax bills were mailed March 25 and are due May 1.

If paying by personal online banking allow sufficient time for the bank to generate a check and mail it to the Town. Please supply sufficient information on the check identifying which bill should be credited.

If you have not received your tax bill in the mail, please contact the Collector’s Office at 508-763-3871 ext. 16 or 10. If you have questions regarding property values and abatements, please contact the Assessor’s office at 508-763-5250.