Winter Moth Prevention: Free Workshop

on October 8, 2015

The Mattapoisett Tree Committee and Tree Warden Roland Cote will present a tree-banding workshop to demonstrate how to band trees to trap winter moths this fall before they climb trees and lay eggs for a new generation of caterpillars. The workshop will take place on Saturday, October 17 at the Mattapoisett Land Trust’s property at Dunseith Gardens (Salty, The Seahorse), located at the corner of Rte. 6 and North Street at 1:00 pm. Rain date is October 18.

This environmentally-friendly technique is relatively easy for homeowners to use on their trees. The workshop is presented in partnership with the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the two trees that will be banded will be visible for several months for all to see the quantity of female moths trapped and prevented from laying their numerous eggs.

If you would like to attend this free workshop, please contact the Mattapoisett Tree Committee at MattapoisesttTreeCom@gmail.com or like us on Facebook at MattapoisettTreeCommittee for updates on our work to protect and encourage trees in Mattapoisett.

For those who are unable to attend the workshop, the following is a list of some things to do to protect trees:

Clean up leaves around trees to control the moth population.
Tree banding in the fall is a preventative control. The proper way to tree band will be demonstrated at the workshop. Visit http://mattapoisett.net/Pages/MattapoisettMA_WebDocs/treewarden for information if unable to attend the workshop. It is important to never apply petroleum or sticky substances directly to a tree.
Dormant oil sprays are safe for home application when used as directed and works by coating and suffocating egg deposits on the bark of trees. It must be applied before winter moth caterpillars hatch, usually February into March.
Chemical spray application works when pests are active. Chemical spray should be applied by licensed professionals. Timing will be determined by the professional for best results.

Nasketucket Bird Club

on October 8, 2015

Who knew there was a connection between the coffee we drink in the morning and the birds we watch outside? Bill Wilson of Birds & Beans Coffee knows. Bill will present on neo-tropical migrants and what we can do, including coffee choice, to help bird conservation.

The event will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 22 at the Mattapoisett Public Library, 7 Barstow Street. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Carolyn Longworth at bvm1290@comcast.net or visit the club website at http://massbird.org/Nasketucket/.

Town House Renovation Down to Two Options

on October 7, 2015

The Marion Town House Building Committee has narrowed down its options for the renovation of the town house and the possible addition of a senior center and upgrades to the Taber Library from four to two final options, and they released the architectural conceptual renderings and cost estimates on October 4.

Town Administrator Paul Dawson briefed the Marion Board of Selectmen on these two options during the meeting of the selectmen on October 6 and thanked the committee for its diligence and commitment over these many months.

The two concepts left on the table now were identified as options “one and four.”

With Option 1, the existing town house would be completely renovated and an addition at the back added to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility guidelines. That addition would house a large meeting room for public meetings and events.

In a press release, the building committee addressed the multi million-dollar price tag stating, “Due to the long list of the building’s deficiencies and serious escalation of costs experienced in the building industry, the cost estimate is $12.5M.”

Option 4 incorporates the same amenities as Option 1, but includes an expansion and modernization of the library and the addition of a senior center/community center that would link the town house with the library. The total cost of Option 4 is estimated at $28 million.

“We think these are the higher end of the numbers,” said Dawson. With the bidding process, he said he would expect the actual costs to be somewhat lower. “[The plans do] sort of meet all the needs of all the different things that … have been identified. We know that the library needs some attention and that there is a desire and an identified need for a … senior center.”

Dawson said the building committee would likely present the two final options to town meeting voters at the Special Town Meeting on October 26 at 7:00 pm at the Sippican School, although the subject will not appear on the warrant as an article at this point in time.

“I have to say that the committee … has been very fastidious and very thorough in their investigation,” said Dawson. “They really have left no stone unturned.”

Board of Selectmen Chairman Stephen Cushing agreed.

“We’re fortunate to have a great group working like this,” Cushing said.

Also during the meeting, Dawson told the board that the town’s pre-submission project proposal for a $200,000 grant from the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program for wastewater expansion to Indian Cove and the Mattapoisett neighborhood of Harbor Beach has been accepted and invited for a formal grant proposal.

“That’s a big first step in the way for potentially receiving this grant,” said Dawson. “I’m very pleased … and I’m very happy to present it tonight to the board.”

The proposed project would expand municipal sewer service to the Indian Cove neighborhood and a small area of Mattapoisett to reduce septic system-related nitrogen pollution in Aucoot Cove and its sub-embayment Hiller Cove.

The town would be required to contribute $50,000 towards the project, and the Buzzards Bay Coalition has pledged $10,000 towards the project if the town is awarded the grant.

In other matters, Dawson told the board that the town received two insurance settlements each totaling roughly $12,000 to cover the cost of damages to three town-owned buildings caused by a significant rainstorm in July. He is awaiting final confirmation from the insurance provider on whether a second rainstorm damage event from early September will be reimbursed.

The next meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen is scheduled for October 20 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.

By Jean Perry

Academic Achievements

on October 7, 2015

Six seniors from Falmouth Academy have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for testing within the top five percent of students, nation-wide, on PSAT exams.

Commended students are Charles Colt-Simonds of Woods Hole, John “Samuel” Cox of Falmouth, Alexander Gottlieb of Mashpee, Gregory Pickart of Falmouth, Nicolas Pingal of Hatchville and Charlotte VanVoorhis of Mattapoisett.

These students were selected from among more than 1.5 million students who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Friday Night Movie: Moby Dick

on October 7, 2015

The Sippican Historical Society will be showing Moby Dick on Friday, October 9 at the Marion Music Hall at 7:00 pm. We will be showing the 1956 film starring Gregory Peck and Richard Basehart. The movie is based on Herman Melville’s book, which was originally published in 1851. Ishmael, the narrator, begins the story in New Bedford when he joins the whaling ship, Pequod, whose captain Ahab begins his self-destructive obsession to hunt and kill the white whale, Moby Dick. After the movie, David Pierce will lead a discussion about not only the movie, but also about this very important era of our local history. We hope to see you there. The movie is free and open to the public.

Open Table

on October 7, 2015

You are invited for supper on Friday, October 9 at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. As always, something delicious and nutritious is on the menu and we can’t wait to see you. There is no charge, although donations are gratefully accepted. Doors open at 4:30 pm and the meal will be served at 5:00 pm. Everyone is welcome!

Faye Elaine Miles

on October 6, 2015

Faye Elaine Miles (75) ended her long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease on Oct. 5, 2015. Born in Bridgton, Maine she was the daughter of the late Ethel Claire (Barker) and Archibald Miles. She is survived by her partner of 35 years, Barbara A. Meehan, of Wareham.

For 28 years Faye taught PE at Old Rochester Regional High School. She had also taught in New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island. During her long career she coached tennis, field hockey, and basketball. Over the course of her career she truly made a difference in the lives of so many students. Faye graduated from the University of Maine in Orono as a history major and PE minor. At one time she was ranked 7th in New England in tennis. Eventually golf replaced tennis and Faye was a Club Champion at Little Harbor in Wareham. After retiring from ORR she worked in the greenhouse at R.F. Morse where she developed a love for gardening. Often she brought home plants headed for the scrap heap and was able to nurse them back to health. Faye loved being outside in her garden or on the golf course.

In addition to her partner she is survived by her brothers, Douglas (Anita), Donald, David (Rosalie) and her sisters, Natalie MacAllister and Lucille Mayo all of Maine. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Faye is survived by her half-sister, Mary Porter (Al) of Maine. In addition, Faye leaves her Connecticut family, Aileen Meehan Hurley and Stacie Hurley of West Haven.

Faye was predeceased by her brothers-in-law, David MacAllister and Philip Mayo, her nephew, Peter MacAllister, and her half sister, Louise Houston.

Many thanks to some very special staff and residents on Units 1 and 4 at Forestview and to some who have gone elsewhere. You know who you are. Special thanks to the hospice staff at Community Nurse. You truly made this difficult time easier.

According to Faye’s wishes there will be no calling hours and her service will be private. Know that Faye believed in “paying it forward” and did many anonymous kind acts. If you wish to honor her memory do something kind for someone who doesn’t expect it. And when you do, look up and say, “This is for you Faye. We will miss you.”

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2015, Team “Friends of Faye”, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472 or Community Nurse Home Care, Memory Loss Program, 62 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719.

Arrangements are by the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham. For more info and online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com

Former NBA Player Talks Drug Abuse

on October 6, 2015

“The first page of every drug addict’s story is the red Solo cup.”

Chris Herren, former Celtics point guard, spoke of the horrors of addiction to the students of Old Rochester Regional High School on Monday, September 21.

Herren attended Durfee High School in Fall River as a teen, and later went on to play professional basketball in the NBA, as well as a number of international leagues. Herren is infamous for his substance abuse, which eventually ruined his basketball career.

After being in and out of rehabilitation centers, Herren finally became sober and has remained so for about seven years. Now, as a father and husband, Herren travels around the country telling teens and adults alike of his battle against drug addiction through his foundation, “The Herren Project.”

Both students and teachers flooded into the gymnasium Monday morning, awaiting Herren’s appearance. The presentation began with a video explaining Herren’s beginnings at Durfee and his successful career in basketball. The video, titled Unguarded, first aired on ESPN in 2011 as a documentary and describes Herren’s battle with substance abuse from his first interaction with drugs and alcohol to his recovery. After the video, Herren entered the gymnasium and began to speak to the students and staff of Old Rochester Regional.

Herren talked about his high school career and his first interaction with alcohol. He explained how his experimentation with “harmless” drugs quickly escalated into a seemingly untamable addiction to heroin. Most of Herren’s presentation, however, revolved around the reason why high school age students try drugs and alcohol in the first place.

Herren spoke of how using any type of substance is a sign that something is not right in your life. One shouldn’t have to alter themselves in order to be with their friends.

“How come being is not enough?” asked Herren, as he explained how it takes courage to be yourself, without the influence of drugs and alcohol to feel better. At the conclusion of his presentation, Herren opened the floor to questions.

It only took one brave staff member to ask the first question before hands from every grade were raised. Questions varied from how to help a friend with an addiction to how to grieve the loss of a loved one due to drugs or alcohol. There was no stereotypical giggling that comes when someone asks an honest question – only quiet respect for those who wanted answers from a firsthand perspective that only Herren could offer. The sheer amount of hands raised demonstrated the importance of the presentation to the Old Rochester community.

After his presentation, Herren went to Old Rochester Regional Junior High to speak to the 7th and 8th grade members of the Tri-Town community about drugs, alcohol, and self-esteem.

By Sienna Wurl

Visitors Browse Old Presto Press Issues

on October 6, 2015

He was first and foremost an artist. Flipping through copies of decades old issues of the Presto Press, one quickly sees the artistry on nearly every page, including beautifully executed front covers. Donald C. Jason would probably be pleased to see that his work is still appreciated today with the sale of duplicate back issues over this past weekend.

When Jason passed away, family members had the daunting task of liquidating everything that remained in his residence and former printing warehouse in the heart of the Mattapoisett village. Through that process, his niece Sharon Hartley came into possession of some 26 boxes of Presto Press issues.

Those issues she donated to the Mattapoisett Library. The library’s director, Susan Pizzolato, appreciated receiving this treasure trove of local history, but knew that having the collection digitized was the way to go.

With the help of the Mattapoisett Historical Society, the donated issues were warehoused in a climate-controlled environment while the digitizing process could take place.

“It was a natural collaboration between the library and the society,” Pizzolato said.

She explained that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commission, through federal funding, paid for the digitization.

“There was no expense to the town,” she explained. But, in the meantime, until the digitizing process could be completed, Pizzolato knew the importance of properly storing the newspapers.

“The society stepped in and paid for the storage while the digitizing was taking place,” said Pizzolato. More than 80,000 pages will soon be available to the public via the Internet.

On Sunday, September 28, duplicate copies were sold to offset the expense incurred by the Historical Society.

People poured over the stacks searching for copies that contained a bit of lost memory now found. Family moments from their lives, like a child’s participation in a school play, or a few lines noting an achievement were sought, or a photograph long since forgotten would now go home forever.

But it’s Jason’s artwork that is most evident on page after page, demonstrating a love of expression in everything from couples dancing on the wharves to automobiles for sale.

Pizzolato plans to have a link placed on the Town’s homepage, as well as the library’s website, giving folks near and far the opportunity to return to a time gone by.

From the early 1950s until the early 1990s, Jason printed his local publication in the heart of the village. I’m sure he’d be pleased to know that a complete set of hardcopies is now available at the library, staying right in the heart of the village he imaged time and again in his drawings, while a virtual set can now travel the globe.

Visit www.mattapoisett.net in the coming weeks to access the Presto Press online.

By Marilou Newell

‘Safe Haven’ for Online Transactions

on October 6, 2015

The Rochester Police Department has announced its new initiative to protect residents who want to sell or buy items in online marketplaces such as Craigslist by becoming a safe spot for such transactions to occur.

Rochester has joined a growing number of other police forces around the country in offering specific locations at the police station as a safe haven for meeting with buyers and sellers to complete their transactions.

Rochester Police Sergeant Robert Small said that as of October 5, the Rochester Police Station parking lot and front entrance lobby would be an official online safety zone.

“Obviously, this is a much safer alternative,” said Small. He said the camera surveillance, the lighting, and the police presence would increase personal safety when making a monetary exchange for goods with a person unknown to the resident that could be a risky endeavor.

“There have been numerous violent crimes across the country and several locally,” said Small. He cited a June 2015 incident involving a 21-year-old Mattapoisett man who was robbed at gunpoint in New Bedford while attempting to purchase a dirt bike from an unknown seller from Craigslist. “It just offers people an additional level of security.”

The worst place to meet a buyer or seller, said Small, is in your own home.

“There have been robberies of cash,” said Small. “It’s just too easy of an opportunity.”

The Rochester Police Department will officially begin offering the parking lot and lobby as safe online exchange zones starting on October 5. Assistance would be available 24/7, said Police Chief Paul Magee.

By Jean Perry