Seawall Needs a Makeover

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            James Jr. and Laura Ryan Shachoy filed a Notice of Intent heard by the Marion Conservation Commission on April 10 to remove and replace the stone armor located landward of their seawall at 1 Water Street.

            In a 7:10 pm public hearing, Dave Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc., represented the Shachoys’ application, telling the commissioners that the property was impacted by the December 2022 storm. A buoy, he said, went over their seawall and took a chunk out of their lawn. Other damage occurred in the yard and stone driveway.

            Davignon said his group was not available to survey the damage until the fall of 2023. More storms in December 2023 eroded the lawn, so the survey was redone.

            The proposal is to remove all the small rock and replace it with a rip-rap seawall. All the work will be done in the lawn area behind the coastal bank, according to Davignon, who noted the land is subject to coastal storm flowage and in the buffer zone. None of the work will be done in the resource areas seaward of the coastal bank.

            Access will be provided by the driveway and the gravel road to the wharf on the north part of the lot.

            The new rip-rap seawall will keep the same width and contour as the present wall with boulders reinforcing. The difference will be the same elevation and the elimination of low spots.

            Davignon identified direct waves crashing vertically up the wall and shooting down the other side of the wall as the cause of erosion.

            “That’s what’s causing damage, and by putting in, basically, a 12 foot-wide splash pad will prevent that (wave action) from doing any damage…,” said Davignon. “When you look at all the storms we’ve had over the last year and a half, this is the extent and we’re going to go beyond that. … Can’t promise they won’t have some minor damage, but this should solve the problem that they’re having with the current storm-event cycle that we’re in right now.”

            Commissioner Shaun Walsh asked if the mortar being proposed to fill cracks and voids will inadvertently create a barrier. Davignon said the work would be done on the top couple of feet of wall, just above the high-tide line.

            Walsh also asked if Davignon had considered a 1-to-1 sloped wall.

            “It was my first consideration,” said Davignon, who was rebuffed by his client. “Their response was they didn’t want to touch any of the seawall because it’s still intact. … That will all but double the cost of the job. … As it is, I believe this is going to be pretty expensive.”

            Abutter Michael Moore commented to support the Shachoys’ application.

            The case had yet to be assigned a Department of Environmental Protection number, so the public hearing was continued at the applicant’s request to April 24 at 7:00 pm.

            Indian Cove Trust was issued a Negative Box 2 Determination of Applicability, green-lighting its plan to install an Osprey nest/stand in the salt marsh on property off Indian Cove Road also listed as Map 18, Lot 127.

            In comments to the Planning Board on Ever Ortiz, 13 Washburn Lane, Doubrava said the applicant seeks to sell used cars in a General Business zone. Noting there is buffer zone on the 12-acre property, including a site known to people as the skating pond, Doubrava suggested it depends on where the construction and vehicle storage will occur, saying Ortiz may need to file.

            Also in comments to the Planning Board, the commission determined that Eydie Matteos – Healing Villa Company, LLC, 163 Front Street Suites 100 and 102, is not jurisdictional to the commission.

            The commission granted Anne Bramhall a three-year, extension in her Order of Conditions for work at 260 Converse Road.

            Following up on comments from the public submitted on two properties (21 Olde Meadow Road and Point Road vacant lot, Map 10, Lot 11), Conservation Agent Doug Guey-Lee prepared a letter that the commission would submit advising the owners of those properties that they have jurisdictional areas on their properties and that if planning activity, it would be recommended that they discuss their projects with Guey-Lee to determine if it should involve an application with the commission.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, at 7:00 pm at the Police Station on Route 6.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Mick Colageo

Bird Flu – Time to Panic?

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What is bird flu? It is an influenza virus, related to the seasonal flu viruses that plague us every winter but one which predominantly spreads among birds. The specifics are that is an H5N1 form of influenza. (Those letters and numbers describe certain proteins on the virus surface and vary quite a bit from year to year, epidemic to epidemic.)

            This particular virus has reached pandemic status among birds – it has been found on every continent but Australia and has killed millions of birds. It seems to be spread by migrating wild birds but has been lethal to domestic fowl, leading to the culling of many flocks in Europe and America. The price of foie gras may go up.

            The reason for the recent interest is that the virus can spread from birds to mammals. Foxes, cats, seals, dolphins and bears have been infected. Most recently, outbreaks of bird flu have occurred in dairy cattle in the U.S. Herds in at least five states have been infected.

            In the first week of April, the virus was confirmed to have infected a human: a farmworker in Texas. This is not new; scientists have known for some time that people who have direct contact with sick birds or mammals can be infected. To date, there have been no known cases of human-to-human spread.

            The virus has been found in the milk from infected cows and eggs of infected chickens, but the virus is killed by pasteurization or cooking. It could potentially be spread by consuming raw milk or using uncooked eggs.

            To become a serious threat to human health, the virus would have to undergo major mutations to allow human-to-human spread. Not impossible, but unlikely.

            Also in our favor is that the few people proven to be infected with H5N1 have had very mild illness. The man in Texas had only conjunctivitis (“Pink eye”).

            Finally, the antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) work well to reduce symptoms, and are readily available.

            So… stay away from raw milk for now, be sure to cook your eggs, and, most important, do not pick up or examine dead birds or animals, and warn your children not to do so. A veterinarian called to a north shore beach found that the dead birds were all infected. Let the pros handle it.

            Dr. Ed Hoffer is the chairman of the Marion Board of Health, a graduate of MIT and Harvard Medical School. He is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard and a Senior Scientist at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Ed Hoffer

You Are Somebody Special

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A Ladies Friendship Luncheon will be held on Saturday, May 4 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall at First Congregational Church of Rochester, located in the center of town (11 Constitution Way). Too often we are told things about ourselves that are untrue. We believe the lies that are told to us by our parents, siblings, friends, and teachers. These lies shape the way we live and feel about ourselves and our relationships with others. However, the truth is that we are special to God. Invite a friend to come and discover how much God loves us and how each of us is somebody to Him. Advance reservations ($15/person) required. Please RSVP to the church office by calling 508-763-4314 or emailing rochestercongregational@comcast.net by April 28.

MWC Offers Continuing Education Scholarship

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is pleased to offer a continuing education scholarship award to a Mattapoisett resident who is re-entering the academic world after graduation or receipt of GED and is in pursuit of a postsecondary degree or certificate. The application is available online at www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org. All applications must be postmarked by May 31. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.

            The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is a philanthropic organization that plans and executes fundraising events including the Taste of the Town and the biennial garden tour to help generate the revenue for these scholarships and other charitable donations. These scholarships are intended to support the club’s belief in the importance of education and its grateful dedication to the community. Membership is open to any woman who is interested in the objectives of the organization.

Local Teens Request Animal Shelter Donations

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The Mattapoisett Free Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board is collecting donations for the Fairhaven Animal Shelter. The shelter needs nonclumping cat litter, laundry detergent, bleach, canned dog food, Lysol cleaner, Pine Sol, and dry cat food. They would also be interested in other appropriate things, such as dog and cat toys, blankets, etc. All donations may be left in the bins at the Mattapoisett Library located at 7 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett, until May 14.

            If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Lawrence, the Adult Services Librarian, at ALawrence@sailsinc.org. The Teen Advisory Board appreciates your support of the Fairhaven Animal Shelter.

Fieldstone Abutters Will Be Heard

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            A continued public hearing Tuesday night with the Marion Planning Board on Major Site Plan Review for the application of Fieldstone Farms Market to expand its 806 Mill Street footprint upset abutters in attendance when the hearing was continued because the board is waiting on its peer review.

            Planning Board Chairman Tucker Burr issued an impassioned apology to those in attendance, saying he never should have allowed a discussion to begin without that information.

            Citing specific requests made by the town such as a stormwater report and zoning compliance, Town Planner Doug Guey-Lee told the board that he anticipates peer review wrapping up its work later this week and recommended waiting on that feedback before engaging in further discussion.

            Things got dicey when a letter submitted by the abutters outlining their concerns was mentioned. The board batted around the merits of holding discussion and when specifics were mentioned, member Jon Henry sought a point of order in asking if the case was going to be discussed.

            Vice Chairman Andrew Daniel noted that peer review will not look at screening, so the board might find that conversation to be useful. He also introduced photos that were taken, meant to address issues raised in the abutters’ letter.

            Doug Troyer, applicant Arnie Johnson’s attorney, was attending the meeting remotely and sought to maintain the intended order of the process.

            “We set up the peer review, let’s get the peer review,” he said, recommending a continuance of the public hearing. “That would also allow the abutters to review the peer review.”

            The public hearing was continued to Monday, May 6, at 7:15 pm.

            In a public hearing held earlier Monday night, the board voted to recommend several proposed bylaw changes at a future town meeting, only not the May 13 Annual Town Meeting, as the warrant has already been closed by the Select Board.

            Building Commissioner Bob Grillo was consulted for his comments on some of the proposed bylaw changes: 230-2.3 Powers of Board of Appeals; 230-4.2 Table of Principle Uses; 230-5.3 Multifamily Residential Housing; 230-5.6 Special Permit and Local Initiative Program (LIP) Dwelling Units 230-5.6A and 230-5.6B(5); 230-6.1 Nonconforming Uses and Structures; Signs 230-6.2(4), 230-6.2A(5) and 230-6.2D(4) and 230-11.2 Definitions.

            Grillo said the Powers of Board of Appeals needs to consult with Town Counsel for the change’s potential impacts on other bylaws. He said former Town Counsel Jon Witten had told the town that most towns do not allow for a use variance anymore, so he recommended striking the bylaw. “It’s something we want to make sure everything is in line before we pull the trigger on that,” said Grillo.

            Under Table of Principle Uses, Grillo identified an inconsistency that he recommended Marion address regarding retail uses by right for spaces less than 5,000 square feet. He said retail is probably the least invasive of any business use, so while a restaurant can be by right, it makes sense to allow the same for retail. The board voted to recommend the change for a future town meeting.

            Tweaks were made to language in other bylaws addressing accessory apartments and self-storage facilities.

            The board tabled a vote on the Multifamily Residential Housing after the application of the term “affordable” was considered inconsistent in some instances with its definition where it concerns state housing laws relative to terms such as “low-income” and the 40B statute.

            Local developer Sherman Briggs spoke on the matter, referring to his former proposal for 28 market-rate housing units off Spring Street, a plan he abandoned because of sewer rates he says the town is charging at $37,000 per unit under that scenario.

            “Last week, I filed for 42 units under this bylaw, and I will build the affordable units required,” said Briggs, who says with a 42-unit plan he can negotiate the sewer fees.

            He said Marion’s inclusionary housing bylaw makes it “next to impossible” to build a market-rate development, which he believes would better serve the town because of it would generate $300,000 per year in taxes and water/sewer fees.

            Grillo recommended tabling the bylaw change and sending it back to the Codification Committee for cleanup.

            During the Planning Board’s April 1 meeting, the members approved a site-plan-review contract with SITEC at $3,200 that cuts in half a previous quote at $6,500 for the Fieldstone project.

            The draft for a Short-Term Rentals bylaw was poured over. Daniel recognized editing work done by member Alanna Nelson and, prior to, Eileen Marum, in preparing a version that the board could run through in preparation for the public hearing to be held on April 16.

            Among items discussed was the limit on the total number of short-term-rental units in the town. Crafted as 20% of affordable-housing units in Marion, Daniel asserted that the overall housing number is what should be referenced. Burr said he did not like putting a number on it regardless. A limit of registrations to single owners was scrapped.

            Guey-Lee reminded the board of a comment at a prior meeting that predicted a “gold rush” to ensure a spot under whatever cap the town might set.

            Parking restrictions were also discussed, and the board opened the floor to residents attending the meeting. Dan Crete asserted that applying a bylaw outside of a residential zone is overstepping the intent of a short-term-rental bylaw’s concerns.

            Neither Marum nor Nelson were present at the April 1 meeting, and Burr said the board should ensure their comments on the April 1 iteration of the draft should be heard and taken into consideration.

            Guey-Lee reiterated his advice that the April 1 discussion not produce a vote to recommend any aspect of the bylaw because the session was not an advertised, public hearing.

            The MS4 Stormwater Management Bylaw proposal was also discussed on April 1. Burr said DPW engineer Meghan Davis would head up the process, and the board would revisit at a later date. Guey-Lee requested he remain in the loop. Burr does not anticipate the matter to continue being discussed by the board. Daniel reiterated his concern that the town obey the law but not in excess so as not to burden taxpayers.

            Select Board member Randy Parker asked Burr how it came about that the Planning Board is vetting the bylaw. Burr explained it came to the board and that he has hoped that Davis would lead the way. He is against a process that would add restrictions and expense.

            Daniel added that the board voted in a prior meeting not to support the current draft at Town Meeting. Guey-Lee said he and Davis determined that expertise is required to take the matter further to engage potential audits and/or enforcement on Marion’s status as required by the state and federal governments. Guey-Lee said the study is being paid for by a line item in the DPW’s budget.

            Member Ryan Burke said that the board’s pushback was essentially requesting that Davis limit the bylaw proposal to reflect the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency. In answer to a question from Parker, Guey-Lee and the board interpret Davis’s presentation of the bylaw as a draft inherited rather than authored.

            Daniel explained his battery-energy storage subject on the agenda to introduce the matter to the board that will be charged with drafting a bylaw. Daniel pointed out battery-farm fires contaminating water and necessitating evacuations.

            “Right now, they can do it anywhere and by right, and right now we’ve got nothing,” he said, noting that the existing solar bylaw should be integrated with a battery bylaw.

            Member Dale Jones said the board should make suggestions to the Select Board on the discontinuance of Wells Road and leave it in the Select Board’s hands. Crete said he worked in the area and said he experienced “many near misses” breaking on Route 6 westbound and turning right onto Wells.

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, May 6, at 7:00 pm at the Police Station.

Marion Planning Board

By Mick Colageo

Specially Processed American Meat

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            I like Spam!

            There, I’ve said it. I like Spam. That would be Spam with a big “S”, not spam with a small “s”. No one likes spam with a small “s”. Spam with a small “s” is junk that fills your email inbox with unsolicited commercial jetsam of useless garbage.

            Spam with a big “S” is a delicious wedding of pork and ham, which can be served in a variety of ways that satisfies one’s hunger for specially processed American meat. It comes in an easily recognized, convenient, rectangular container that can sit in your pantry for years. Whenever the cabinet is bare of other foods and the refrigerator is empty of leftover pizza or Chinese food, Spam is the go-to luncheon choice in our house. Well, for me – my bride hates it.

            Spam has been much maligned. It has a reputation as a low-quality product associated with World War II rations and poverty. Also, its high sodium content is frowned upon by sophisticated foodies of the world. Hey, I say everything in moderation, right? It is nutritious … really … and it fed our troops through thick and thin. If it’s good enough for Uncle Sam’s boys in the trenches, it’s good enough for me.

            I like Spam!

            Spam is versatile. It can be prepared in a wide-ranging variety of ways. Of course it can be eaten right out of the can, sliced to fit nicely between two slices of bread, preferably Wonder Bread white, maybe toasted, perhaps with a little mayonnaise and a slice of crisp lettuce. You can fry it and pair it with your morning eggs instead of pricey bacon for a nice breakfast. It can be diced and mixed in with scrambled eggs or rice. It makes a great hash too. I haven’t tried it, but some say you haven’t lived until you’ve tasted a delicious Spam potato chowder.

            There are hundreds of recipes for Spam, mostly created by Hormel, the manufacturer, but who cares as long as it tastes good. Right?

            I am surprised that I have never seen Spam on a restaurant menu, particularly at a diner paired with home fries and a pickle. Mmmm good. Or a sub shop. I could certainly devour a good Spam sub from time to time. Not to mention ground Spam on a pizza. Now you’re talkin’.

            Spam is really popular in Hawaii. According to Hormel, Hawaiians consume 7,000,000 cans of Spam per year, that’s five cans per person. It is ingrained in the island culture, even surpassing pineapple. “Hawaii’s Spam Cookbook” is a best seller there and is a staple in nearly every Hawaiian cook’s kitchen.

            Who wouldn’t enjoy a delicious, chopped pineapple, mango and Spam taco drizzled with a balsamic glaze. Or crispy Spam fries dipped in ranch dressing. Maybe a breakfast quesadilla or a jalapeno popper egg roll. Man, I’m hungry already.

            Each May, 25,000 people or more show up for the annual Waikiki SPAM JAM, a fundraiser for the Hawaii Food Bank, where people celebrate all things Spam. Costumed characters dressed as cans of Spam circulate throughout the crowd hocking blue and yellow tote bags, T-shirts and hats. Restaurants offer samples of all their best Spam dishes. The SPAM JAM is truly Spam heaven.

            I think a nice Specially Processed American Meat grilled cheese sandwich would hit the spot right now.

            I like Spam!

            Editor’s note: Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and retired newspaper columnist whose musings are, after some years, back in The Wanderer under the subtitle “Thoughts on ….” Morgado’s opinions have also appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

Nasketucket Bird Club

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The next meeting of the Nasketucket Bird Club will be on Wednesday, April 24, at 6:30 pm at the Mattapoisett Public Library, 7 Barstow Street. Free and open to the public. More bird info at the Nasketucket Bird Club website: www.nbcbirdclub.com or the Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/NasketucketBirdClub

            Woodpeckers, Presented by Dana and Bob Duxbury-Fox. Come and hear Dana and Bob tell the fascinating story about the Woodpecker family of birds. With 233 species in the world, they are found almost worldwide where trees are abundant. They can’t sing like some other birds, but they certainly can make a lot of noise. They don’t migrate but survive on a variety of foods. They are the super craftsmen of the bird world using their bill like a chisel. Their four legs hold them vertically firm on a tree while they carve out their spacious homes and find food. We will go a bit deeper to see how this family evolved, their special biology and how they live in difficult locations. Of course, we have come up with some interesting stories about many of the most interesting species that might surprise you.

Seniors Learn about Financial Wellness

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Mike Devoll are pleased to share that Old Rochester Regional High School hosted its inaugural Credit for Life Fair on April 10.

            The fair aims to help students learn about budgeting and money management skills, as well as starting to think about building healthy financial habits.

            Prior to the event, students selected a career of interest. Based on the associated salary of their chosen occupation, students were tasked with budgeting real-life expenses during the fair, such as housing, transportation, education, insurance and more. They were given checking and savings accounts and a credit card. They were also hit with real-life, pop-up scenarios along the way, such as their luggage being lost, expenses from their best friend’s wedding, saving money on insurance for safe driving, and receiving grant money for school.

            “Most high schoolers don’t have an understanding of what credit is, what a credit card is, or when to use it,” ORR senior Hunter Bishop said. “The best part of the event was learning how to manage our finances and knowing what accounts (credit, checking, savings) we should be paying for things with. It felt very interactive, and everyone ended up learning something.”

            Overall, the fair seeks to give students a “reality check” on how much money they would realistically be working with given the selected career, what their expenses may look like and how they can live within their budget.

            “It was exciting to host our first Credit for Life Fair this week to help our students learn about developing healthy financial habits,” Superintendent Nelson said. “Budgeting, saving and other skills students practiced through the Credit for Life scenarios are a valuable part of financial literacy education. We are grateful to host events like this that allow students to participate in hands-on, realistic learning experiences and ask questions of professionals.”

            Prior to the fair, Jim Curran presented to seniors about the FitMoney financial literacy certificate program, the five habits for financial wellness and using a household budget calculator.

            High school students throughout Massachusetts participate in the Credit for Life Fair in the spring. It is put on by a group of local banks that partner to support financial literacy in Massachusetts public schools.

UCT to Host Lacrosse Out Cancer

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Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School is proud to host a Lacrosse Out Cancer Challenge on Saturday, May 4 at Upper Cape Tech’s Football Field, offering an afternoon of competitive lacrosse games and comradery as they rally together to raise awareness for pediatric cancer research.

            Lacrosse Out Cancer is a lacrosse based “challenge” to raise awareness for the benefit of pediatric cancer research. Individual athletes or teams may pledge involvement for the purpose of awareness or to raise donations for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. The pledge is to participate in 47 reps on a daily or weekly basis to represent the 47 children diagnosed every day with pediatric cancer.

            On May 4, the below match-ups will be hosted on Upper Cape Tech’s Football Field:

            Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs South Shore 12:00 pm

            Boys ‘Varsity Lacrosse vs South Shore 1:30 pm

            Boys’ JV Lacrosse vs South Shore 3:00 pm

            There will be a suggested donation price for the game of $4.00 for students and $7.00 for adults. All proceeds will go towards the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. We hope that together we can Lacrosse Out Cancer and make a meaningful impact against pediatric cancer.