The Marion Republican Town Committee will conduct its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 2 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street, Marion. The public and new members are welcome.
Mattapoisett Water Restriction Lifted
The restriction of outdoor water usage in Mattapoisett has been officially lifted as of today, August 27, and residents can now resume using their outdoor sprinklers and hoses as usual.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Nick Nicholson said during a phone interview this morning that the Fairhaven well at Tinkham Lane has been repaired and the required testing was completed on Monday August 26. The well finally went online on Tuesday, ending the need for the water restriction.
“We are in a really good position,” said Nicholson while he checked the live online status of the well. “Everything is as it should be.”
The Water and Sewer Department placed the emergency outdoor water restriction back on August 7 after the well failed. The main concern was not having enough water in the event of an emergency such as a significant fire.
The Tinkham Lane well pumps approximately 1.5 million gallons of water daily, on average.
Nicholson said the well was ready to go on Monday, but the Town preferred to wait a couple more days before lifting the water restriction, just to be certain. He thanked the residents of Mattapoisett for their cooperation during the month of August.
“Because it really did make a difference,” said Nicholson.
By Jean Perry
Quorum Confusion Delays Vote
Can we vote or can’t we vote? That was the million dollar question on August 27 when the Rochester Planning Board, poised to approve the site plan review with its town counsel-approved draft decision in hand, lacked a quorum to constitute a “super majority” of five members, which the chairman thought was needed to approve the Rochester Crossroads LLC application.
Attorney Rich Serkey for Rochester Crossroads LLC sat patiently as the board moved through the other items on the agenda to see if board member Susan Teal would make the meeting in time to vote on the approval of the Phase I construction of the access roadway and drainage area for the Cranberry Highway property.
At first, Chairman Arnold Johnson expressed concern over the lack of a quorum, and after all the other matters were addressed, he stepped out of the meeting room with a cell phone and called Town Counsel Blair Bailey to see if the board could still make the vote with only four members.
Johnson returned and announced that the application, being a site plan review and not a special permit, did not require a super majority, but it did require all four votes to be affirmative for final approval – a gamble Serkey took.
There were a couple of changes to the conditions made earlier that afternoon, including the combining of two separate conditions into one, which Johnson said did not alter the intent, and some language was changed to avoid a problem should an unresolved zoning boundary require a trip before the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The board’s decision was unanimous and the site plan review was approved.
The site plan review for Colbea Enterprises was continued until September 9 at the request of the applicant in order to allow for time to organize the traffic study for the proposed filling station/convenience store/coffee drive-thru on property owned by Rochester Crossroads on Cranberry Highway. The board approved a contract for Field Engineering, acting as consultant for the town, to work with Greenman-Pederson, Inc. on the traffic study.
In addition, Johnson mentioned a discrepancy between previously completed site calculations and Colbea’s recent predevelopment calculations, which differed slightly and need to be clarified.
Other than that, the chairman stated that he does not anticipate any further delays in the process for approving the site plan.
“Everyone seems to be on board, barring some catastrophic revelation,” said Johnson, saying the board should only need to continue the matter for one more meeting “[then] have it all wrapped up … for the first meeting of September.”
Also during the meeting, the board addressed a request from Grace R. Ashley of Dr. Braley Road for an Approval Not Required application to split one lot into two. Part of the property lies in Freetown and the other lies in Rochester.
Johnson said the application was incomplete since it was not totally in compliance with Rochester’s rules and regulations, which require that frontage and well locations be marked on the plan.
Serkey, as he waited his turn, gave some free legal advice to the board, which it took when the board denied the application without prejudice instead of dismissing the application without prejudice.
The board also discussed amendments to the zoning bylaws in preparation for bringing the proposed changes to a Special Town Meeting in October.
Two applications for Harris Real Estate Boston, LLC regarding King’s Highway were both continued until September 23 at the applicant’s request.
The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board is scheduled for September 9 at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall.
By Jean Perry
Three Special Permits Granted
Mattapoisett’s Zoning Board of Appeals on August 23 granted three special permits in rapid succession. Each of the projects brought before Chairman Susan Akin and members Paul Milott, Norman Lyonnais, and Tony Tranfaglia, as well as Director of Inspectional Services Andy Bobola, was represented by Field Engineering.
First up was Mark Robert for property located at 169 Brandt Island Road. The applicant was seeking a special permit to take down the existing residence and build a new single-family home. After assurances from Bob Fields that the height of the new structure will meet current code requirements and that lot coverage will not be increased dramatically, the board approved issuance of the special permit that saw no public comment.
The second hearing was for William and Debra Poutsiaka, 4 Maple Road, with an application for a special permit to construct a 50-square foot addition to the first floor, a 260-square foot addition on the second floor, and expansion of the existing deck by five feet westerly and three feet on the southerly side. Again with no public comment or concerns regarding the request, the application was approved.
Last up was the hearing for construction of two small additions to property located at 14 Ned’s Point Road, owned by Highlander Nominee Trust of Wayland. One addition, located on the north side of the residence, is planned at 273-square feet, and the addition on the southwest corner will be 166-square feet. Calling the plans a “nice looking project,” Bobola agreed with the zoning board members who unanimously agreed to approve the special permit.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for September 25 at 6:00 pm.
By Marilou Newell
Marion Art Center Fall Classes
Watercolor Painting for Adult Beginners
Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
September 17 – November 5 (8 weeks)
Instructor: Patricia White
Tuition: $175 members / $190 non-members (materials not included)
Note: This course requires a minimum of 5 students to run
This course is designed for people who would like to try watercolor painting, but do not know where to start. Students will explore different techniques, while working on the landscape, still life, figurative, and/or imaginative painting, in a nurturing environment.
About the Instructor: Patricia White is a painter and a Gallery Instructor at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She is past President of the Marion Art Center and the current President of the Bourne-Wareham Art Association. She studied Realist Painting at the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts and has shown her work in numerous exhibitions in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including the Marion Art Center, The Jonathan Bourne Library, The Wareham Library, Don’s Art Shop of Warren, The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, ArtWorks! of New Bedford, the Annual BWAA Show and Sale, and the Gift Shop of The Cape Cod Museum of Art.
Intermediate/Advanced Watercolor
Thursdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
September 18 – November 6 (8 weeks)
Instructor: Jay Ryan
Tuition: $175 members / $190 non-members (materials not included)
Note: This course requires a minimum of 5 students to run
This course is a perfect “next step” for those who would like to explore watercolor painting beyond a basic understanding of color and brush strokes. Using the brilliant nature of light (and dark), we’ll “push” the medium, adding other water media, brushes, and paper surfaces, and experiment with palette color mixing to capture magic and luminosity. In each class, we will start a new painting together using landscape, still life, the figure, abstract or imaginative thought, or narrative ideas as subjects. Each class will also provide a brief and supportive group “critique”. Students will leave with expanded knowledge of technique and traditional and contemporary use of watercolor.
About the Instructor: Jay Ryan is a Fairhaven painter and a Gallery Instructor at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. A former K-12 public school art teacher and administrator, Jay has studied at Massachusetts College of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and Framingham State and Lesley Universities. His work has been locally shown at the Judith Klein Gallery, ArtWorks! and Gallery X in New Bedford, and the Marion Art Center.
Children’s Classes
Mac Dance Academy
Mondays, September 8 through November 11 (10 weeks)
Instructor: Paige Hiller
Preschool (ages 3-4): 3:00 – 3:30 pm
Beginner (ages 4-5): 3:30 – 4:15 pm
Intermediate (ages 5-6): 4:15 – 5:00 pm
Fall 2014 Session begins Monday, September 8.
The Marion Art Center is now accepting registrations for its Fall Dance Academy. Classes are held on Mondays and run for 10 weeks. Fall session is grounded in classical dance, whereas the Spring session focuses heavily on choreography and recital performance.
Preschool Dance: Preschool instruction is for children between the ages of 3-4. Class is 30 minutes and involves ballet warm-up, jazz stretches, basic mat tumbling and basic tap steps. The fee for the 10-week session is $145 for Marion Art Center members and $160 for non-members. (Child must be 3 years of age at the start of the Session.)
Beginner Dance: Beginner instruction is for children between the ages of 4-5. Class is 45 minutes and involves ballet warm-up and barre, jazz stretches, beginner mat tumbling. The fee for the 10-week session is $155 for Marion Art Center members and $170 for non-members.
Intermediate Dance: Intermediate instruction is for children aged 5-6. Class is 45 minutes and involves advanced ballet warm-up, barre and adagio, tumbling, jazz stretches and combinations and tap combinations. The fee for the 10-week session is $155 for Marion Art Center members and $170 for non-members.
Little People’s Theatre (ages 6-9)
Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Instructor: Kim Teves
Tuition: Each six-week session is $80 for MAC members and $95 for non-members
Deadline for registration for Fall Session 1 is September 9.
Fall Session 1 LPT: September 9, 16, 23, 30; October 7, 14.
Fall Session 2 LPT: October 28; November 4, 18, 25; December 2, 9.
Winter Session 1 LPT: January 6, 13, 20, 27; February 3, 10.
Winter Session 2 LPT: February 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31.
Spring Session LPT: April 30; May 5, 12, 19, 26; June 2.
Each week the children will learn basic theater craft through drama games, readers’ theater and experience the fun of the stage while rehearsing for a small production to be performed the last week of each session.
Young People’s Theatre (ages 10-14)
Thursdays, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Instructor: Kimberly Teves
Tuition: $170 for MAC members and $185 for non-members.
Deadline for registration for Fall Session YPT is September 11.
Fall Session YPT: September 11, 18, 25; October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; November 6, 13.
Winter/Spring Session YPT: January 8, 15, 22, 29; February 5, 12, 26; March 5, 12, 19.
New! Spring 1/2 Session YPT: April 30; May 7, 14, 21, 28.
The class will meet on Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Classes are for boys and girls in grades 4 – 8. The 10-week Fall Session program starts September 11 and runs through November 13. Performance will be on Thursday, November 13. Students will learn basic theater craft through improvisation exercises, theater games, and the process of putting on a production through selection, rehearsal and production of a small show presented at the end of the session.
Call 508-748-1266 for more information.
Preschool Piano (age 3-5 yrs)
Fall 2014 Session: September 12 – November 14 (10 weeks)
Friday mornings at the Marion Art Center
Recital: November 14
25-minute private lessons for children ages 3-5 yrs.
$20 per lesson (includes cost of music/materials/recital)
Little Mozart’s Preschool Piano is an early music enrichment program for children ages 3 to 5. Lessons are designed to introduce children to the piano and teach basic foundation skills that will inspire an early appreciation for music. Individual lessons place an emphasis on rhythm, finger position, music vocabulary, music notation, note reading, and encourage overall fine motor development. It is offered three times per year at the Marion Art Center for 10-week sessions during the fall (Sept-Dec), winter/spring (Jan-April), and summer (July-August). Each session concludes with a short recital. Children may repeat sessions through age 5 to enhance their knowledge and performance skills.
To reserve a lesson time, contact Jamie Wiksten at jwiksten@verizon.net or 508-295-0379.
Saturday Morning Piano Lessons
Piano lessons for beginners and intermediates are offered on Saturday mornings, by appointment only, with instructor Donald Richard.
Fall 2014 Session begins September 27 and runs until December 13. Winter Session begins January 10, 2015 and runs until the end of the school year. To reserve a lesson time, please call Donald Richard at 781-582-6273 or email him at don@javajiveband.com.
About the Instructor: Donald Richard earned his Bachelor of Music from University of Lowell and has been teaching private lessons on piano and trumpet since 1980. He has substituted in the Old Rochester Regional School District since 1999 and since 2003 has assisted with the Sippican Elementary School Annual Band Blast and other events.
Registration and payment for all classes except piano can be made on line at www.marionartcenter.org.
The Marion Art Center is located at 80 Pleasant Street (main entrance is on Main Street) in Marion, MA 02738. For more information, please call 508-748-1266 or visit www.marionartcenter.org.
Salute to John Williams and the Boston Pops
On Friday, August 29, the Marion Concert Band will close its 2014 season with a concert featuring the music of film composer John Williams and the Boston Pops Orchestra. The program, which includes several pieces frequently performed by the Pops, is as follows:
“Bombasto” by O. R. Farrar
“Poet & Peasant Overture” by F. von Suppé
“Strike Up the Band” by G. Gershwin
“John Williams: Evening at Pops” arranged by John Higgins
“Bugler’s Holiday” by L. Anderson
“Belle of the Ball” by L. Anderson
“Star Wars Medley” by J. Williams
“Clarinet Escapade” by R. Ward
“The Waltzing Cat” by L. Anderson
“Mancini!” by H. Mancini
“Theme from E.T.” by J. Williams
“The Stars and Stripes Forever” by J. P. Sousa
The concert, under the direction of Tobias Monte, will begin at 7:00 pm at the Robert Broomhead Bandstand, Island Wharf off Front Street in Marion. The concert is free and open to the public.
Mattapoisett Free Public Library
To the Editor:
The staff of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library would like to thank the many sponsors and volunteers who made the 2014 Summer Reading Program, “Fizz Boom Read!” such a huge success. Over 200 children and families participated in the wide range of programs, reading activities, and story times that were part of our weekly schedule. In addition, many patrons and guests visited the library to enjoy an afternoon out of the sun, reading and playing on the new educational computer stations.
Our volunteers, both youth and adult, are too numerous to mention by name here, but they have been heartily thanked by the staff. In particular, though, we would like to thank Jen and Nathan Zieske who provided the prizes awarded to the children who complete the reading aspect of our summer program. Each year the Zieskes go above and beyond in a way that inspires the children to participate.
Others who made Mattapoisett’s Summer Reading Program very special this year include: Diane Newell of the Yankee Candle Store in Dartmouth; The Eastern States Exposition; Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield; Friendly’s Ice Cream; Mattapoisett’s own No Kidding Toy Store and its wonderful staff; the Mattapoisett Cultural Council; and for programs: Kay Hanley Alden and Matt Richards; The Wareham Gatemen and Cindy Dawicki; Rob Magee and Chief Magee; Deidre Smith; Elizabeth Hutchison; and terrific helpers Jeanne Smith, Emily Newell, Greg Schneider, Sienna Wurl, Alex Wurl, and Griffin Dunn.
The Junior Friends of the Library and their advisor, Kathleen Kvilhaug, offered their enthusiasm and assistance with lawn games and fun for the community’s children. They give generously of their time and talents all year long.
The Mattapoisett Library’s regular volunteers continued to shelve the hundreds of children’s books each week so that good reading was always available to our young patrons.
The library’s Summer Reading Program is one of the highlights of the year for staff and families alike. We appreciate the support of the community that makes our program unique and something children eagerly say yes to when they have so many choices of things to do. Reading still thrives! Please visit our Facebook page to view some photographs of this summer’s events.
With appreciation,
Linda Burke
Jeanne McCullough
Lynn Haugen
Miyuki Dawson
The Mattapoisett Free Public Library Children’s Department Staff
The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.
The Tri-Town Celebrates the Beatles
Local Beatles historian and collector Jim Cushman, along with Old Rochester Community Television, would like to invite you to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Beatles first appearance in New England by joining us for a memorabilia show that will benefit a local food pantry. Come see rare Beatles collectibles including Beatle-worn clothing, band autographs and other rare memorabilia. There will also be showings of rare Beatles film footage and photo opportunities; cameras are welcomed and encouraged. This event will be held on Saturday, September 13 from noon until 5:00 pm at the ORCTV studios at 345 Front St. in Marion, nearly 50 years to the date of the Beatles legendary performance at the old Boston Garden on September 12, 1964. Admission for this event is one nonperishable food item per person to be donated to a local food pantry for the upcoming holiday season. For more information, please call ORCTV at 508-748-1600. We look forward to seeing you!
Free Movie: Last Tuesday of the Month
Nebraska (PG-13, 1 hr. 55 min.) is playing at the Mattapoisett Senior Center, Center School, Barstow St., on Tuesday, August 26 at 12:00 noon. Sponsored by the Friends of the Mattapoisett Council on Aging (formally known as the Friends of the Elderly), the movie is free.
You get two pizza slices for only $2 prepaid. Pay for your pizza at the Senior Center by Monday, August 25. Also, reserve your seat – so we’ll know how many chairs are needed.
Nebraska is a black and white road trip drama starring Bruce Dern as a tempestuous Missouri father who’s convinced he’s won a million dollar magazine sweepstakes. Will Forte plays the son who grudgingly agrees to drive him to Nebraska to claim his winnings.
MPOA Charity Golf Tournament
The Mattapoisett Police Officer’s Association Charity Golf Tournament will be held at the Allendale Country Club, 1047 Allen St. Dartmouth, on October 6 at 8:30 am.
Entry Price is $125 per person, $500 Foursome and the entry deadline is September 29.
Registration fee includes: 18 holes of traditional scramble golf format, golf cart fee, awards lunch, gift bag, and T-shirt. Prizes awarded for winning team, longest drive, and closest to the pin, in addition to raffle prizes and a chance to win a 2014 GMC automobile for Hole-In-One Contest. All proceeds benefit local charities and community-sponsored events.
For further sponsorship opportunities and donations, contact Turner Ryan at mpoainc@gmail.com or 508-525-2531. For registration forms and online registration, visit: www.mpoagolf.com.