Machacam Club

on December 1, 2014

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

Our special guest will be Captain Brad Smith, who recently retired after 32 years of service with the Military Sealift Command as Ship’s Master involved with the Navy in Fleet Logistics, Training, Tow & Salvage operations including Master of a 255-foot Tug Vessel. Brad will present a PowerPoint review of his career, especially the vessels he commanded. He welcomes input and questions from the membership during his talk.

Callers and members are asked to bear in mind the importance of call list accuracy especially in view of food cost increases. Caller lists should be done and reported no later than 9:00 pm on December 1 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 December 2.

Mattapoisett Boy Scout Wreath Sale

on December 1, 2014

Decorate your home with wreaths that will be on sale at Town Hall during Saturday, December 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. This event is a Mattapoisett Boy Scout Troop 53 fundraiser. Come and support your local Boy Scout Troop and enjoy a free hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate while making your selections among the many beautifully decorated wreaths. Undecorated wreaths will also be available.

Awards and Thanks to Town Workers

on December 1, 2014

Timing could not have been more apropos as the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen expressed their gratitude to Water and Sewer Superintendent Nick Nicholson and Highway Department Superintendent Barry Denham at the November 25 meeting.

Not only did they thank Nicholson and his department, they also read from an award letter he received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on his exceptional work in providing the public with clean drinking water.

Chairman Paul Silva read the letter from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection that noted Nicholson’s exceptional efforts in preserving a safe drinking water supply for the town that exceeded the state’s standards and secured top scores for Mattapoisett. Nicholson also received a citation from Governor Deval Patrick that further acknowledged Nicholson’s accomplishments in this area.

As Silva concurred with the State’s meritorious awards to Nicholson, he also thanked him on behalf of the resident of the town.

Nicholson shared the limelight, saying he was proud to receive this award for the second time and said many others work diligently with him behind the scene.

Silva said that about six years ago, the Town built a water plant that services Marion and Fairhaven. Water from wells throughout the water district is pumped to the plant where impurities are treated or removed. Nicholson’s management of that facility was lauded.

Selectman Tyler Macallister inquired of Nicholson the status of the state-imposed water restrictions. Nicholson said he should have something to report within the next two weeks.

Denham’s work with his team at the Highway Department also received words of thanks from Selectman Jordan Collyer.

Collyer said he has heard nothing but good things from residents regarding work done by the Highway Department over the summer months, including keeping the town looking clean and tidy, and the polite character of the workers when they interface with the public.

Denham accepted those kind words on behalf of his crew.

“They are a good bunch,” said Denham. “We are lucky.”

Macallister also recognized Denham for his work in helping to give the town a grand Veteran’s Day ceremony.

On a topic that was much less cheery, Denham brought the board up to speed on the Acushnet Road closure and associated Tinkham Pond culvert disaster.

Denham said that all temporary repair options were impossible, given that the state required them to be fully engineered and designed. He told the board that the winter season would impair working in the elements, and in the end, the only reasonable course of action was a complete repair in the spring.

He expressed compassion for those who are now forced to use a detour but said, “We knew we had to do [work on the culvert], but didn’t think it was as bad as it really was … it had gone too far.”

Only after an underwater survey of the area by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation was completed did the full extent of the culvert collapse become an emergency.

Silva said there was money in the budget for some of the repair work that will be started in spring 2015 and Denham added that Chapter 90 monies would also be available.

On the topic of tree trimming on private roads, Denham wanted to remind the public that the Town is not responsible for trimming trees on private roadways.

Earlier in the evening, the selectmen, along with Mattapoisett School Committee Chairman Jim Higgins and Town Moderator John Eckland, interviewed prospective Finance Committee member, Marie Bacon.

Bacon has participated on other boards and committees in the past and was now stepping forward to help on FinCom. When asked about her qualifications, she said has an MBA and handles budgets for the health care facility where she is employed.

The board moved to appoint Bacon.

And in the category of “we’ll have a tree lighting if we can find a tree,” Denham and Secretary to the Board of Selectmen Melody Pacheco are trying to find a tree for Shipyard Park. They urged the public to come forward if they have a tree to donate. If a tree is secured in time, the annual tree lighting will be held on Saturday, December 13 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

The winter farmer’s market will be held on Saturday, December 13 in the ORRJHS gym between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to arrive by fire engine at 11:00 am with entertainment for the children.

Town Hall will be closed from November 27 to November 30 and will reopen with regular business hours on Monday, December 1.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for December 9 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall conference room.

By Marilou Newell

It Happened on Fifth Avenue

on November 30, 2014

On Friday, December 5 at 7:00 pm, the public is invited to the Marion Music Hall for the month’s Classic Film Friday Presentation: It Happened on Fifth Avenue. The event is co-sponsored by the Sippican Historical Society and the Marion Council on Aging, and is offered to the public, free of charge. Directed by Roy Del Ruth and starring Victor Moore, Ann Harding, Don DeFore, Charles Ruggles and Gale Storm, this little-known 1947 gem received an Academy Award nomination for Best Writing, Original Story (but lost to another holiday-themed classic, Miracle on 34th Street).

A heartwarming comedy set in New York City, it tells the tale of Aloysius T. McKeever, a genial homeless man whose clever resourcefulness has sustained him for years. Each winter, when millionaire-businessman Michael J. O’Connor vacates his Fifth Avenue mansion until springtime, Aloysius moves in and lives like a king until O’Connor’s return. Aloysius usually operates alone, but this time out he takes in an unplanned assortment of other downtrodden guests, who soon turn the O’Connor mansion into a fancy flophouse. When O’Connor’s rebellious daughter, Trudy, comes home unannounced without revealing her true identity, complications arise. Running time for It Happened on Fifth Avenue is 116 minutes, and the film will be followed by a brief talk-back session by David Pierce. The Marion Music Hall is located at 164 Front Street, and ample parking is available across the street at Island Wharf. For more information, contact the SHS at 508-748-1116.

Influential ORR Science Teacher Retires

on November 30, 2014

When students return from Thanksgiving break, the Old Rochester Regional High School Science Department will look and feel a little different.

Longtime science teacher Mary Cabral will be retiring after teaching at Old Rochester for over 15 years. Her last day is Tuesday, November 25, and she recently described her time spent as a teacher and what she plans to do in her retirement.

Cabral has been teaching for over 25 years. In addition to her time at ORR, she also taught at Wareham High School.

“I took off some time, about ten years, to raise my children,” said Cabral. “I also taught two years at Newbury College.”

Throughout her career, Cabral has taught a wide variety of science subjects.

“I’ve taught so many different things, including Biology, but mostly I’ve taught Human Anatomy and Physiology.” During all three of her teaching jobs, Cabral has taught that subject.

“As much as I love teaching, it was time to give a younger teacher the opportunity,” said Cabral about retiring. She expressed a desire to travel with her husband, and said they have already planned trips to Mexico and California, as well as a cruise.

However, Cabral is not closing the door on working entirely.

“Who knows, there might be another career out there for me,” Cabral said. “I’m open.”

Reflecting on her time at Old Rochester Regional, Cabral said that her greatest accomplishments were the contributions she made in terms of adding to the science curriculum.

Upon beginning at the local high school, she wrote the course outline and curriculum for the human anatomy class, which had previously not been offered.

“I would hope to think that I increased course offerings in the Science Department,” said Cabral, “and in turn, increased the interest in science for the students of Old Rochester.”

Also on Mrs. Cabral’s mind before her departure are the relationships she has developed with both teachers and students over her time at ORR.

“Some of my most important memories are with my colleagues, time spent collaborating, and the students I’ve met while teaching,” said Cabral.

It’s clear that Mrs. Cabral has had a huge impact on ORR, especially in the way the Science Department has developed. Her contributions, particularly in the field of Anatomy and Physiology, will be recognized long after she leaves her teaching position. Here’s to wishing her the best in retirement!

By Patrick Briand

Gateway Youth Hockey

on November 30, 2014

Mites: The Gateway Mites C team tied the South Coast Panthers 9-9 in a nail biter on Saturday. The Panthers got on the board in the opening minute. Gateway then turned the jets on and began peppering their goalie with several shots and was able to take the lead by the end of the first period. The Panthers came out flying in the second period and with three minutes to go, Gateway was down by three goals. The Mites pushed hard the rest of the game and with about a minute to play were able to tie the game. However, the resilient Panthers were able to score with 36 seconds left and it seemed the game would end that way. But with 16 seconds left, Pat Tripp tied the game with a great pass by Ben Hebbel. Gateway was also able to get a good scoring attempt with six seconds left, but they were denied. Gateway proved, as always, that they never give up until the final buzzer. Tripp and Brayden Cannon each had a hat trick. Hebbel ended the night with two goals and an assist. Jarrod Frates also had a goal and Bree Killion had an assist. Charlie Carroll had another strong outing with 30 saves.

Squirts: Gateway Squirts held their undefeated status after a win 4-0 versus Franklin on Sunday. The team seemed a little sluggish in the beginning but soon found their pace. In the first period, Nathan Ribeiro put Gateway on the board assisted by Osvaldo (Juni) Suarez and Matthew Paling. In the second period, they picked up the speed and team work scoring three goals credited to Paling, Suarez assisted by Thomas Leger, and Joe Urnek with assists from Ty Ribeiro and Brady Kidney. Defense played a good game, giving forwards multiple chances to get the puck down the ice. Squirts play next Sunday.

Middle School 1: The Middle School 1 team got back on track this week against Taunton, winning 5-0. Quirino doCanto got the Jr. Vikings on the board less than one minute into the first period, assisted by Tyler Lovendale. Neither team scored after that, until the third period, when Peter Pimental put in one of his two goals. Robert Maloney quickly followed with a goal of his own. Late in the period, Pimental put home his second goal and defenseman Coleby Paling put one in the back of the net to finish the scoring. Alex DeMarco earned the shutout, making numerous saves.

Plumb Library Food for Fines

on November 30, 2014

From December 1-26, Plumb Library patrons can donate nonperishable food items for Damien’s Pantry, or pet food items for local animal shelters, and their fines will be cleared. Clean out your overdues for the New Year. This does not cover lost book or card fees, or copying or faxing fees. For more information, call the library at 508-763-8600.

Beanie Baby Fundraiser for Pets

on November 30, 2014

Please join us for our annual Beanie Baby fundraiser to benefit pets in need. A Helping Paw has been collecting Beanies all year long, and thanks to generous donors we have hundreds from which to choose! All have been gently loved and are now in need of loving new homes. The fundraiser will be held from now through December 20 at our facility, 3086 Cranberry Hwy, East Wareham. Beanies make great gifts, prizes or even stocking stuffers! Just $1 each or buy five and get three FREE! For more information, please call us at 508-291-7297 or visit our website at www.ahelpingpaw.org.

I’m a Wanderer

on November 29, 2014

Michael & Anne Bartnowski brought The Wanderer to the Lake George New York Adirondack Balloon Festival in September.

From August 9 to 24, Russ and Joanie Dill sailed on a Baltic Cruise aboard the Cunard’s Queen Victoria. Starting in Southampton, England, we visited Stockholm, Sweden,Tallinn, Estonia, St. Petersburg, Russia, Copenhagen, Denmark, Kristiansand and Lillisand, Norway; amazing part of the world, but good to be home.

Mattapoisett Center School Project GROW teacher Lisa Hill took the class Georges to Washington, D.C. on a Hill family trip.

Wednesday Nov. 19th, seven members of the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club volunteered to help decorate for the holidays at the Breakers in Newport. We’re standing in front of the two trees we decorated: Elaine Botelho, Sue Lockwood, Kathy McAuliffe (with a copy of the Wanderer), Mary O’Keefe, Barb Van Inwegen, Erin Burlinson, and Sue Mitchell.

Mattapoisett Library News

on November 29, 2014

It’s Game On! Students are invited to stop in on Saturday, November 29 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm to play X-Box Kinect on the big screen in the library meeting room. All ages welcome for snacks and fun.

New England Irish Harp Orchestra Concert: Celebrate the holiday season with traditional and modern music performed by The New England Irish Harp Orchestra in the library’s reading rooms. The concert begins at 2:00 pm on December 14. It is preceded by the Friends of the Library Annual Meeting at 1:00 pm in the downstairs meeting room.

The Nutcracker: Children in grades kindergarten through four are invited to register for The Nutcracker: A Reading with Kay Alden on Tuesday, December 16 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Children can choose to perform as one of the characters, complete with wands, wings, and music! Call 508-758-4171 to sign up.

Enjoy the Holidays, Gluten-Free: The Gluten-Free Support Group will provide suggestions and tips for making it through the holidays with stress around food. Samples and recipes are shared. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, December 17 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Everyone is welcome.

Christmas with Dr. Who: Everyone is invited to hang out with Dr. Who episodes on the big screen on Friday, December 19 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Snacks, fun and comfy furniture. Sign up by calling 508-758-4171.