The Tantalizing Tastes of Mattapoisett

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It is one of the most important fundraising events for the Mattapoisett Women’s Club, and just the sort of exemplary event one would expect to see on a summer evening on the seaside of Mattapoisett.

July 15 was the time for the annual Taste of the Town beneath the great white canopy tent at Shipyard Park.

Lois Ennis of the Women’s Club was delighted that all the tables beneath the big tent were filled, as well as the 48 seats at the al fresco dining tables.

There were some tropical-like winds blowing the skirts on the tablecloths, but the weather was nothing like last year, said Ennis.

“It was so hot,” said Ennis. She recalled another year when the skies opened up an hour into the event raining buckets on all of the people. “We are always at the mercy of the weather,” said Ennis.

The was the 11th year for the annual event, which has become a tradition for many who came out to sample the different flavors Mattapoisett has to offer.

Mouthwatering aromas of seafood, pizza, and Asian cuisine merged perfectly with the salty sea air blown ashore by the wind, and everywhere you looked people were eating and laughing.

The Showstoppers, a singing group of local boys and girls, provided the entertainment for the hundreds of guests that kept pouring into the park in a steady stream.

Ennis said the proceeds go toward granting scholarships to local students, upwards to $4,000 when the event is a success. Ennis pointed to a stack of white paper event guides, saying it had originally contained a count of 500. It was roughly about a half hour into the event and already there were only about 100 left.

“It’s a lot a lot of work,” said Ennis. “But the people are here.” It looks like this year will be a generous year for scholarships in Mattapoisett.

By Jean Perry

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Multiple Vehicle Breaks in Marion

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On Friday, July 11, 2014 at 6:37PM the Marion Police Department investigated a break into a motor vehicle, which had been parked on South Street, near the intersection of Water Street. The owner reported that the passenger side window had been smashed and his daughter’s pocket book was stolen off the front seat. It is believed the incident occurred sometime between 6:00PM and 6:30PM.

On Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 7:20AM a resident of Briggs Lane reported his truck stolen from his driveway, during the night. The 2008 Ford F-150 pickup truck was believed to have been taken sometime after 11:00PM. A debit card belonging to the truck owner was used by the suspect at a store in Fall River a couple of hours later.

A neighbor discovered the license plate had been stolen off her vehicle, also during the night, which may have been used on the stolen pickup truck.

Another nearby resident reported that his unlocked vehicle had been entered during the night, but nothing was reported missing

Also on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 7:59AM a resident of Inland Road reported that her car had been broken into sometime during the night. The driver’s side window was smashed and a wallet taken from the vehicle.

Police are warning residents to not leave valuables in their vehicles and report any suspicious activity to the police department. These incidents are under investigation by Det. Scott Smith. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Smith at 508-748-1212, ext. 218.

Marion Police Department Press Release
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Donald J. Moran

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Donald J. Moran, 80, of Mattapoisett died Sunday July 13, 2014 at Sippican Healthcare Center surrounded by his family and friends.

Born in New Bedford, the son of the late James and Natalie (Fontaine) Moran, he lived in Mattapoisett for most of his life.

He was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church.

Mr. Moran was formerly employed as a sergeant with the Mattapoisett Police Department until his retirement after 38 years of service. He had also been a plasterer for Local 39, Plasterers and Cement Masons.

Donald was a fixture on the Mattapoisett Town Wharf.

He served in the U.S. Army in France and Germany from 1956-1958. He was a member of the Massachusetts Police Officers Association.

His family would like to thank the staff of Sippican Healthcare Center for the extraordinary care shown to Donald during his illness.

He is survived by his brother, James F. Moran and wife Annette of Mattapoisett; his niece and caregiver, Christine Richards; his nephew, Patrick Moran; and his great-niece, Molly Richards.

He was the uncle of the late Stephen Moran.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s Church. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 9:30 – 10:30 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Cause for Paws, 11 Ridgewood Rd., Mattapoisett, MA 02739. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Crescent Beach Art Show

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The Crescent Beach Association will host an art show of local artists on Saturday, July 26 from 10:00 to 1:00 at Raymond Hall, 12 Beach St., Mattapoisett. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the association.

Arts in the Park is Ever Popular

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Arts in the Park goers enjoyed a picture perfect day in Marion Center. Local artists exhibited their work at Bicentennial Park on Saturday, sponsored by The Marion Art Center. Photos by Jean Perry

 

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Everett E. Richardson Jr.

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Everett E. Richardson Jr., 67, of Marion passed away Friday July 11, at the McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich. Mr. Richardson was the husband of Barbara L. (LaChance) Richardson of Marion. He was born in Providence, RI the son of the late Everett and Inez (Ramos) Richardson. He attended Providence public schools and enjoyed fishing, camping and boating. Mr. Richardson recently retired from the Ocean Spray Co. as a cook and supervisor.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his children: Andrea Mitchell of Providence, Barbara “Lisa” Richardson of Providence, Susan Vasvatekis of Marion, Deborah DiMiranda of West Wareham and Scott Boggs of Bridgewater. He was the grandfather of ; Andre, Lenny, Saria, Kejuan, Dyquan, Kemoni, Daziah, Corissa, Troyana, Alaysha, Passion, Charles, Wesley, Mitchell, Paul, Yanni, George, Vicky, Ce Ce, Jamie and Lynn. He was also the great grandfather of James, Dimony, David, Paul, Paris, Ben and Santwaun. He was also survived by many loving relatives, friends and he was the father of the late James Boggs and grandfather of the late Jamont Richardson.

Services will be private.

Thomas F. Skrutski

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Thomas F. Skrutski, 71, of Rochester had wonderful riding weather for his passing to Harley Heaven on Tuesday, July 8, 2014, surrounded by his family after his third and final courageous battle with cancer. Born in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Betty June Reynolds.

Thomas’ employment included working on the oil barges and cross-country truck driving for AFC. Thomas was the founder of Tootle Chimney Sweeps, Center Village and most recently a co-founder of The Bonney House in Rochester. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Rochester. He served in the United States Army as a Heavy Weapons Infantryman, 101st Airborne and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. He also served as a Merchant Marine in Desert Storm.

Thomas’ greatest loves were his family, riding his Harley and creating new business ventures. He once embarked on a 27-day cross-country journey on his motorcycle to benefit cancer.

Survivors include 4 daughters: Dani Sue Gladson and her husband, Jeff, of Wyoming, MI; Kerri Sousa and her husband, Leo, of Fall River; Roselie Beland and her husband, Joel, of Fairhaven; and Heather Melo and her husband, Herman, of Fairhaven; 2 step-children: Jessica Taylor and Adam Cecil, both of Rochester; his former wife: Marjorie of Rochester; a very special friend Polly Church of Rochester; a brother: Jeffrey “Buford” Armes of New Bedford; 3 sisters: Marguerite Cleland of Florida, Sandra Armes of Michigan and Michelle Gilliam of New York state; 11 grandchildren; a great-grandson; and many nieces & nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, July 20, 2014 at the First Congregational Church of Rochester, 11 Constitution Way, Rochester.

Reception to follow.

Herring Population Growth a Good Sign

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Alewives Anonymous is excited about a 156 percent increase in the number of herring during this year’s annual herring migration count. This year, the group counted 55,429 alewives (herring) in the Mattapoisett River, almost 34,000 more fish than the 2013 count of 21,613.

“We don’t have any explanation for such a large increase,” said Benner during a phone interview on July 7. “In 2012 there was about a 100 percent increase, and that was a surprise.”

            Starting in March, the group monitored the counters located within the Mattapoisett River and the Sippican River where they visually witnessed a lot of herring at different times, which leads them to believe that their counters are functioning accurately. On some days, the group counted 6,000 to 8,000 herring a day.

Benner’s passion for helping restore the herring population stems from his childhood days when he would watch the herring climbing the ladders. He said back then, there were so many herring in the water, “It was thick enough you could walk across on them.” And over the years, he said, the herring decreased every year due to overfishing and a decline in the quality of the river.

In 2000, according to Benner, Alewives Anonymous counted 130,000 herring, but then the bottom fell out the next year when only 5,000 were counted. Benner said this trend was witnessed all along the east coast. In 2004, there were less than 5,000.

“And it just dropped off by half, year after year,” he said.

Benner said he hopes Alewives Anonymous can keep the momentum going, and he pointed out that two or three years ago, Tri-Town had a significantly successful spawning season. But it takes about four years for the fry (baby herring) to mature and return to the pond to spawn.

“We’d be very happy to see it hold its own over a few more years,” said Benner.

The rain that preceded Hurricane Arthur might have incidentally given this year’s spawn a big boost with all the water it dumped on the Tri-Town area. It rejuvenated water levels in the rivers and ponds, which is essential for the fry’s first journey to the ocean. If water levels are low, said Benner, then the fry are forced to remain in the ever-evaporating ponds throughout the summer, making it likely that larger fish in the pond would eat them.

“It would be a big benefit if we could get them out of the pond early,” said Benner.

Herring are smack dab in the middle of the marine life food chain, between feasting on plankton and being feasted upon by larger fish such as bluefish and bass, as well as birds and seals.

Of the 80,000 to 100,000 eggs the herring spawns, Benner said only two or three adult herring actually make their way back to Snipatuit Pond and Leonard’s Pond, Tri-Town’s two main spawning sites.

“We’ll cross our fingers for another great year coming,” said Benner.

For more information about Alewives Anonymous and Tri-Town’s herring migration, visit http://www.plumblibrary.com/alewives.html.

By Jean Perry

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New Tabor Academy Dormitory Proposed

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Tabor Academy came before the Planning Board on July 7 with a proposal to build a new 15,160 square-foot, two-story dormitory on the old TenBrook property across from the Marion Fire Department on Spring Street.

            The curved, winged dorm would be situated in the middle of the lot, which stretches from Front Street to Spring Street.

            Will Saltonstall of Saltonstall Architects presented the preliminary plan and how the building would be sited on the campus of Tabor Academy. John Quirk, Head of School, also addressed the board.

            The proposed building would house from 24 to 26 students and three faculty members and their families. Of the three faculty residences, one would be a two-bedroom unit, another a three-bedroom unit, and another a four-bedroom unit.

            Parking for various vehicles around the faculty areas was presented as well. A looped driveway in front of the facility, which faces the campus, would be for parents to drop off and pick up students.

            Saltonstall said that Tabor Academy representatives met six weeks ago for a “pow-wow,” or preliminary discussion with various committee chairs in town, along with Town Administrator Paul Dawson and Department of Public Works Superintendent Rob Zora, to present the idea for the new building. Committees represented at the meeting with Tabor Academy included the Board of Health, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Planning Board and others.

            The primary issue with the project is the expansion of the existing sewer connection, which was for the TenBrook property, formerly a single-family dwelling.

            Board member Rico Ferrari commented that expanding the existing sewer stub to the not yet known capacity might compromise that of incoming businesses in the town.

            “We are charged with the Master Plan for the town and that includes attracting new business over time and in the future … sewer capacity is a consideration for us, as a board,” said Ferrari.

            When asked by Chairman Steve Kokkins about population growth at Tabor Academy, Quirk replied that the intention is to remove students from three residential units and get them into a dormitory-style complex. The three residential units that house students, along with faculty, are New House, Wee House and the Sail Loft, which would become faculty-only housing.

            “We are not growing the student body,” said Quirk. “Our hope is to improve the quality of life of students.”

            Chairman Kokkins noted that the approval of the sewer upgrade was the largest issue and that the board would wait to hear the decision of the Water and Sewer Commissioners and the Marion Board of Selectmen, who will meet on July 14 to discuss the issue in more detail.

            Will Saltonstall noted that if the permitting process proceeds in a positive way, the intention would be to build in the fall of 2014 and open the new facility in September of 2015.

            In other business, the board approved the building of a one-hoop basketball project in the rear of Sippican Elementary School. Old Rochester Regional District Facilities Manager Gene Jones presented the proposal.

            “No town monies or ORR District monies will be used in this project … it is all volunteer labor and donated materials,” said Jones.

            The hoop will be adjustable for ages from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. “This is in the back of the school and for the little guys,” said Jones in his presentation. The proposed court would be 50 feet by 40 feet.

            “If approved, I’d like to get this done while school is not in session,” said Jones.

            The board approved the request.

            Next up, the board held a public hearing on a site plan review for PNH Realty Trust Hiller Corporation at 635 Mill Street. Richard Riccio of Field Engineering represented the applicant.

            “We are proposing a 2,000 square-foot addition to the existing building and a 4,800 square-foot new storage building and an expanded, paved parking area at the existing location,” said Riccio. The proposal had been formerly presented to the board back in 2005.

            “This proposal uses a seven and a half inch rainfall in 100 years,” said board member Eileen Marum. “We had eight inches on July 4th. What happens if we have more incidents like this … does this project plan for that?”

            Riccio replied that he used the “100-year event of a seven and one half inch rainfall, which is the standard now used in the engineering industry.”

            After some discussion, the board approved the proposal.

            The next Planning Board meeting will be held at 7:00 pm on July 21 at the Marion Town House.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

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Minecraft Club at Plumb Library

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The Junior Friends will hold a Minecraft Club for children aged 10+ on Tuesdays in July from 4:30 to 5:30 pm at the Plumb Library, 17 Constitution Way, Rochester. An older teen will be on hand to supervise. All skill levels will be welcome. The group will be playing Minecraft and doing Mine “Crafts.” Bring your device or laptop with Minecraft on it. To reserve a space or for more information, contact Mrs. Fuller at lfuller@sailsinc.org or call 508-763-8600.