Yes to Additional Teacher, Yes to PARCC

on

Mattapoisett School Committee members are celebrating the approval of an additional second grade teacher at Center School after receiving the go-ahead from the Town to hire a new teacher and pay for the health insurance with extra funds left over from the school fiscal 2014 budget.

The position will be for one year only, in order to alleviate the larger-sized first-grade classes transitioning into the second grade, which currently has just three teachers.

After Superintendent Doug White’s announcement that the town administrator agreed to the position as long as the Town did not have to contribute to the new hire’s health insurance, the committee eagerly approved the position on June 9.

“A celebration is in order I think,” said Chairman James Higgins.

Higgins had been advocating for an additional second grade teacher for months as the committee formulated its FY15 budget with hope that there would be room for another teacher.

“Thank God,” Principal Rose Bowman silently mouthed to some teachers in attendance across the room.

Also during the meeting, it is three down and one to go for individual Tri-Town districts adopting the new online PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) assessment, doing away with the old pencil and paper MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System).

White repeated the same PARCC presentation that he had given twice before to the two other towns, and which he will also present to the Old Rochester Regional District School Committee later in the week.

Students at Old Hammondtown took a pilot pen and pencil version of PARCC, and White said, although it was not the online version, students had some positive feedback pertaining to the style of and questions asked on the test.

Associate Principal Charles Egan said the shorter testing time took some of the pressure off of the students, since the MCAS testing is an all-day event, while PARCC has a much shorter testing time.

If students take PARCC instead of MCAS in 2015, not only will students get used to taking the exam online, but the results will also not count against the school should the results of the tests be less than favorable.

“PARCC could end up not being the assessment (in 2016),” said White, “but it will be a ‘next generation’ type assessment.”

The State has given local school committees the authority to choose which test to use, but there cannot be a combination of the two. It is either PARCC, or MCAS and, by 2016, MCAS will disappear and another online assessment, yet to be determined, will take its place.

In other news, committee member James Muse said a parent approached him over concerns that the Center School playground is not fenced-in, and Muse thought the committee should take action to fence it in.

Facilities Director Gene Jones said the playground was in compliance with State regulations, since the playground equipment area did not abut a public way or waterway.

“It’s a free-flowing thing,” said Higgins. “It never felt like an unsafe place to be.” He added, “We should proceed pretty slowly … I kind of like the way it looks there.”

In the end, the committee decided to investigate the possibility of installing a fence, but Higgins emphasized that it was not an approval of the fence, just an approval to investigate.

White announced the new associate principal for Mattapoisett – Old Hammondtown fourth-grade teacher Kevin Tavares – will assume the position as of the next school year. Bowman will remain Head Principal, and the two will float between the two elementary schools.

In other business, the committee approved the School Improvement Plan, as well as Assistant Superintendent Dr. Elise Frangos’ Professional Development Plan.

This was the final School Committee meeting of the school year.

By Jean Perry

MTschool061214

World Blood Donor Day

on

Mattapoisett resident and reigning Miss New Bedford, Jillian Zucco, will be hosting a blood drive on World Blood Donor Day on Saturday, June 14.

Teaming up with Southcoast Health and the New Bedford Bay Sox, the 21 year-old nursing student will be at the Paul Walsh Field in New Bedford with the Southcoast Blood Donor Van from 12:30 to 6:30 pm, just before the start of the Bay Sox game against the Valley Blue Sox.

Blood donors must bring a photo ID and are encouraged to eat prior to donating. Each donor will receive a free pair of tickets to any New Bedford Bay Sox home game.

According to Catherine Alegria, Donor Program Coordinator for Southcoast Health, every pint that is donated to the Southcoast Blood Bank is used locally at one of their local hospitals (Charlton, St. Luke’s, and Tobey) or at their Cancer Centers in Fall River and Fairhaven.

“The need is definitely great. Donations are significantly decreased this year due to the snowy winter and recent mechanical issues on the van,” states Alegria. She reports that they collect only 40 percent of what they use.

Ms. Zucco is a licensed EMT who is enrolled in the honors nursing program at UMass Dartmouth. Her platform is entitled, Choose A Cause, Make A Difference. “It’s about spreading the spirit of volunteerism,” states Zucco. “I am happy to assist our local hospitals to stock up on their blood supply by not only giving blood myself, but by encouraging others to do the same.”

For more information, email alegriac@southcoast.org.

Evelyn T. (Tyson) Jackson

on

Evelyn T. (Tyson) Jackson, 98, of Fairhaven died June 9, 2014 at Copley of Stoughton.

She was the wife of the late Frederick A. Jackson.

Born and raised in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Joseph J. and Rose (Rogers) Tyson, she summered in Fairhaven and lived in Fairhaven and Mattapoisett most of her life.

Mrs. Jackson was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven.

She was formerly employed at New Bedford City Hall, Continental Screw, Ft. Rodman PX, San Antonio, TX Cadet Center PX and the Acushnet Process.

Mrs. Jackson enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include her son, Frederick W. Jackson and his wife Jeannette of Dartmouth; 2 daughters, Maureen A. Hedges and Susan E. Jackson, both of Fairhaven; a sister, Frances Sylvia of Portsmouth, RI; 10 grandchildren, Joseph Jackson, Timothy Jackson, Scott Arruda, Rebecca Arruda, C.J. Hedges, Ronald Hedges, Joshua Hedges, Christina Beam, Katie Hedges and Sean Shaw; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Mildred Buchholtz, John Tyson, William Tyson, Joseph Tyson, Kathleen Pemberton, Waneta Victorino and Patricia Paradise.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 9 AM in St. Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven. Visiting hours Thursday from 4-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

 

Resident Shaves Head for Kids with Cancer

on

Some actions speak louder than words.

Jill Houck of Marion is about to make a bold move in support of kids battling cancer that most of us would consider kind of crazy – at first. But talk to Houck about why on Sunday she will allow someone to shave off her strawberry-blonde strands, and you will see that Houck is not just out to raise money for the support of children battling cancer by walking the traditional walk. She is making a sacrifice that will linger for longer than just one day.

In exchange for donations to benefit the children and their families touched by cancer, Houck promises to completely shave her head on June 8 during the Kid’s Cancer Buzz-Off happening at Gillette Stadium.

Participants in the buzz-off raise money and have their heads shaved in honor of all children going through cancer treatment who did not choose to lose their hair, showing that bald really is beautiful – especially from the inside.

This move is just one for Houck in a year that she has dedicated to enriching her life through helping others.

“I’ve decided to do a year of service and trying to do better at giving back,” said Houck, who had her own brush with cancer over two years ago when she found a lump in her breast. “It led to a lumpectomy, but it ended up not being cancer … I was lucky.”

Houck wanted to set an example for her children by giving back to the community and demonstrating how thankful she is to be healthy.

“Healthy, and thankful, and grateful,” said Houck. “Those are powerful things.”

Houck learned about the Kid’s Cancer Buzz-Off last year, and she said she felt tempted at the time to participate, later deciding to go for it this year and set a challenging goal of raising $800 for the cause. Houck has met her goal, raising $1,200, and still going.

“This is something simple that I can do, so I thought I’d do it,” said Houck. “There have been so many generous people so it’s great.”

Houck was hoping her children might be inspired by her bold move and willingly have their own heads shaved in solidarity, but they left it up to Mom who is preparing herself mentally for the first time she looks in the mirror on Sunday and witnesses a harsh reality that is part of the challenge of battling cancer for many people.

“I am a little bit nervous,” said Houck. “Mostly because people might think I’m sick. And I don’t want that.”

She said she has asked herself the question several times, “Can I be bald?”

But if there is a bright side, Houck will find it, and she pointed out that, hey – it is summer, and what better time of year to be bald?

“I feel like it’s a small price to pay,” said Houck, “compared to what all these kids have to go through.”

If you would like to support Houck by sponsoring her in the buzz-off, you can visit the event’s official webpage at www.buzzforkids.org, click on where it says, “Sponsor a Buzzee,” and enter Jill Houck in the individual search bar.

By Jean Perry

JILL

Students Explore NYC Highlights

on

Last Friday, forty-six students from Old Rochester Regional High School spent the day in New York City. The group departed from the school at 6:30 am and arrived at the Museum of Natural History in NYC around 10:30 am. The students and chaperones enjoyed the museum’s abundance of exhibits before spending the remainder of the day in Central Park and Times Square.

“I think it’s very important to have education outside the classroom, and experience teaches,” said Merrideth Wickman, an English teacher and chaperone on the NYC trip.

The other chaperones agreed wholeheartedly. “When you get out into a world beyond our Tri-Town, it just opens your mind and you learn through osmosis,” said Nurse Kim Corazzini.

This is why the AFS club organizes a trip to NYC each year. With “just a taste” of the city, Corazzini says she hopes the students will feel more able to explore and learn on their own in the future.

This year, the senior class was invited on the trip along with AFS club members. On the ride home, many of the students expressed disappointment that they didn’t get to spend more time in the Museum of Natural History. Four hours simply wasn’t enough to see the ocean life exhibit, the African mammals exhibit, and everything in between.

These two examples of exhibits were among the students’ favorites. “The most memorable part would probably be going through the museum where all the taxidermy animals were, because they looked so realistic and in habitat,” said Nancy Pope, a senior student on the trip. “They did such a nice set up and you felt like you were with a living creature.”

Emily Hyde, another senior student, preferred the dinosaur exhibit. “I have not seen dinosaur bones before, so I really liked that experience,” she said happily.

One of the most interesting exhibits the group visited was the poison exhibit. The museum had elaborate displays, fascinating videos, and captivating speakers to describe the composition of poison and its uses throughout history. The exhibit also analyzed the use of poison in literature, covering everything from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” to Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

            After exploring the Museum of Natural History, the group enjoyed a long walk through Central Park and into Times Square, where the students were given some free time to shop. Many students simply enjoyed walking through the streets, taking in the unique culture of the city life around them.

“My favorite part of [the trip] was probably when we were walking through Central Park,” said Cate Feldkamp, a sophomore student on the trip. “We started walking through the fashion district and we went over to Rockefeller Center. I thought that was really cool.”

While many students said the curious characters they saw in Times Square were their favorite part, Corazzini said she was just happy to get everyone on the bus at the end of the day. After a full head count, the trip was deemed a success.

In other news, Old Rochester Regional High School’s drama club held their annual cabaret and banquet this past weekend. Saturday’s cabaret was a night of talent, consisting of singing, dancing, and acting performances by student members of the club.

At Sunday’s banquet, every member of the cast and crew was recognized. Those who have participated in four shows earned their ORR letter and a drama club pin. Director Paul Sardinha announced that next fall’s show will be the radio version of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” After a vote, the drama club selected “Sweeny Todd” as their 2015 spring production, pending approval by the school committee.

By Renae Reints

ORRUpdate060514---1

Reappointed After a Day of Retirement

on

William Chamberlain of the Rochester Police Department may have retired, but he is not going anywhere any time soon.

            Chamberlain was first on the agenda for the June 2 Rochester Board of Selectmen meeting, with Chief Paul Magee stating that, although Chamberlain retired from the police department just one day ago, he was now back asking to be appointed as a reserve police officer.

Magee praised Chamberlain for all his many years of service beginning in June 1994 when he was appointed as part-time officer. He then advanced to full-time in 1997, finally earning the title of sergeant in 2003.

Magee shared with the board a long list of roles that Chamberlain filled within the department, which will now be taken on by nine other employees. Magee said that Chamberlain is “everything Rochester.”

“Bill is such a wealth of knowledge about everything Rochester,” said Magee. He used the words integrity, dependable, and trustworthy to describe his colleague and friend.

The chief presented a certificate to Chamberlain, as well as a plaque from the selectmen and a card from another officer in attendance.

Also during the meeting, the board appointed Stephen McGraw as Plumbing Inspector for the Town of Rochester, and Frederick Underhill was appointed to the Mattapoisett River Valley Water Supply Protection Advisory Committee.

In other matters, Town Administrator Richard LaCamera notified the board that the state will award the town of Rochester $45,000 for paving and filling potholes under the condition that the work is completed by the end of this month.

Also, William Chamberlain wrote to the board seeking permission to install a granite memorial stone at the Perry’s Lane fisherman’s parking area on behalf on his sons, Paul and Adam, in honor and remembrance of their grandparents, Joseph and Georgia Chamberlain. The stone would be put into place at no cost to the town.

Chairman Naida Parker stated that she would like to see “more of a bench than a granite block,” elaborating her fear that this stone could be misconstrued as a monument put in place by the Town.

The other selectmen approved the granite stone as is, with Selectman Bradford Morse saying, “I’ll second it. I don’t have a problem with it.”

Chief Magee notified the board of an upcoming opportunity for Police Department employees to take the exam for promotion to sergeant on July 12, 2014. Magee also asked the board to approve a letter to Verizon regarding a new problem the department has been experiencing with Verizon trucks working on busy roads without a police detail.

According to Magee, on more than one occasion, Verizon trucks have been found without the required police detail and, when questioned by the investigating officers, the Verizon workers have replied, “We have been told to work without a detail until we get caught.”

The board unanimously approved this letter of concern to be sent to Verizon.

The next Rochester Board of Selectmen meeting will be June 16 at 6:30 pm at the Town Hall.

By Sarah Taylor

ROsel_060514

Residents to Ride in Pan-Mass Challenge

on

On Dec. 30, 2007, after watching her father battle leukemia for two years, Heather Hobler, 53, of Mattapoisett, lost him to the disease. Within a month, she was diagnosed with cancer herself. Hobler was grieving her father as she was dealing with her own treatments for a rare form of breast cancer.

Within weeks of her diagnosis, Hobler underwent a mastectomy followed by a year of reconstructive surgeries. She was lucky in that she did not require chemotherapy or radiation. The night of her last visit to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for treatment, she saw TV news coverage of the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) check presentation, an event that celebrates the millions of dollars raised by PMC riders and supporters each year to fund adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber through the Jimmy Fund. When Hobler learned the mission of the PMC and met the people behind the organization, she knew she had found the perfect way to channel her emotions during this difficult time. She registered to ride in the annual bike-a-thon the day she endured her last surgery.

In 2009, as she began to train for the 190 mile ride as a cancer patient, Hobler knew she needed help communicating to people what she was doing in order to fundraise. She started formydadandforme, a blog through which she documents her relationship with her father, her cancer experience and the miles and dollars she has accumulated over the last four years for the PMC. Her motivation to ride and raise money for the cause is simple. She wants to honor the drive to fight cancer she and her father shared.

“PMC weekend is the most empowering and amazing experience I have ever had,” says Hobler. “It’s possible to weep, smile and bicycle at the same time. I cried the entire 190 miles my first year riding and felt an incredible sense of support from other riders, volunteers and spectators along the route. I am fully aware and heartened by all those who have supported me up to getting on my bike.”

On August 2 – 3, Hobler will ride in the 35th annual event in what will be her fifth PMC experience. She will be among more than 5,800 cyclists who will ride to raise $40 million. Although she is no stranger to the cause, this will be her first year riding with a teammate, Henry Gleason, the son of a close friend who met Hobler along the route last year and was inspired to join her ride this year. Hobler hopes to become a four-time PMC Heavy Hitter, a rider who annually raises $6,900 or more. To date, she has raised more than $30,700.

New this year, she will implement a “give to receive” fundraising strategy. She will offer her three-bedroom beachfront cottage for a week in August or September for a donation of $2,000 to her PMC campaign. Similarly, she will serve as captain and provide the use of her yacht for a six-person evening harbor cocktail cruise for donations of $300 and she will lead a private yoga sessions (she is a professional instructor) for donations of $150.

“My goal this year is the up the ante with my PMC fundraising campaign in order to show people how invested I am in the event and its mission,” says Hobler. “My doctor once told me that cancer is common and compared it to the common cold. Watching my father battle cancer and then experiencing the disease first-hand reminded me that life is a gift. I am committed to riding in the PMC to help save more lives in the future.”

Scholar Chosen by the Land Trust

on

Mattapoisett Land Trust is pleased to announce that Leonard Murphy, fifth in his class of the top ten seniors graduating from Bishop Stang High School, is this year’s chosen scholar to receive the Blanche B. Perry Scholarship for $1000.

Leonard is the son of Marigloria and Leonard Murphy of Rocky Hill, in Mattapoisett. Leonard is headed for Harvard College to pursue pre-medical studies.

Leonard is no stranger to the Mattapoisett and Marion communities, as he has performed many community service hours and volunteer activities in both towns. “He was one of the earliest core junior friends of the Mattapoisett Library, “said Mrs. Linda Burke, the children’s Librarian. She remembers, “Lenny and his sister Mari were among the most polite and courteous of the young patrons. Leonard was always available for fundraising activities and organizing clean up, he was a hard worker, with a quick and high quality sense of humor.” Mrs. Burke said, “It has been a privilege to watch him succeed into a fine young man” For the second summer, Silvershell beach in Marion has him back again.

In addition to the Mattapoisett Land Trust award, Leonard received highest honors in Theology, Fine Arts, World Languages, Math, and the Saint Julie Billiart Service award. He is a recipient of the U.S Presidents’ Education Award, which is awarded to the top ten seniors with a GPA of 3.8 or better and who also achieved a combined SAT score of 1800 or more in Math, Verbal and Writing. Leonard is a National Honors Society member and varsity cross-country, swimming, and tennis athletic achiever. Mr. Murphy received the National Hispanic Recognition award, and he has had a perfect attendance for four years at Bishop Stang High School.

Janice Foley, Mattapoisett resident and Bishop Stang Director of Advancement, said “Lenny demonstrates a shared vision of improving the quality of life for others and he is certainly smart, but more importantly, he is a compassionate, creative and humble young man that gives his all.”

Ellen P. Flynn, Chair of Education said, “The Mattapoisett Land Trust is thrilled and honored to have such a high quality achiever as Leonard Murphy to grant to him their scholarship. The Land Trust is looking forward to Leonard’s even greater achievements during his college career and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

Truesdale Hits Century Mark

on

Here is a look at the eighth week of scheduled games for ORR spring athletics.

Baseball: The Bulldogs had an eventful week this week, playing their four final regular season games. The boys began with a key 6-3 victory over Bourne, which automatically guaranteed them at least a share of the SCC Championship. ORR had a chance to win the title outright, but was unfortunately thwarted by league rival Apponequet, who defeated them 6-1, forcing a tie for the conference crown. The boys would suffer another loss to Bishop Stang, 10-2, before winning their final regular season game against Coyle Cassidy, 8-1. The boys continue their season in the state tournament, where they are currently awaiting their seed.

Softball: The Lady Bulldogs had a tough start to their final week of games, suffering a tough loss to Bourne, 8-7. However, the girls rebounded nicely to finish out their season with two impressive wins, one over Seekonk, 11-2, and the other over Bishop Stang, 5-2. The latter win was especially impressive, as it is the first time the Lady Bulldogs have ever defeated Bishop Stang in softball. Credit must be given to Kaleigh Goulart, who pitched well for the entirety of the game, as well as Michaela Guard, who batted in two runs. Though the girls had a tough season and will not advance to the state tournament, they put together a respectable record and set the groundwork for future success, thanks to graduating seniors Ali Holmen, Arissa Underhill, and Sam Allaire.

Boys’ Track: This week, the Bulldogs competed in the annual SCC meet, where they placed second to Dighton-Rehoboth. Kevin Saccone won the 400-hurdles, 110-hurdles, and triple jump en route to being named the overall athlete of the meet. The Bulldogs also got key points from Mike Wyman, who ran a state-best two mile in 9:11. Colin Knapton and Jack Smith were both double winners on the day, with Knapton claiming the javelin and 100-meter and Smith winning the 200-meter and long jump. The meet also marked the final conference meet for the Bulldogs, who now look to the state divisional meet this Saturday.

Girls’ Track: Like the boys, the girls competed in the SCC meet this week. Unlike the boys, however, the girls easily won the meet, garnering 143 points thanks to some fantastic performances. Paige Santos earned the overall female athlete of the meet, winning both hurdle races as well as the high jump. Morgan DaSilva was also a triple winner on the day, winning the long jump and 400-meter as well as running a leg on the winning 4×400-meter relay. Nina Bourgeois and Riley Shaughnessy placed second and third in the mile, respectively, providing some key points in the distance events. The win marks the Lady Bulldogs’ fifth consecutive SCC title. The girls hope to continue their excellent season at the state level, as they are competing in the Division 4 State meet this Saturday.

Boys’ Tennis: The boys’ tennis team wrapped up their season this week with two wins over Dighton-Rehoboth and Bishop Stang. Thanks to wins from Alex Bilodeau (first singles), Alden Truesdale (second singles), and Maxx Wolski and Doug Blaise (second doubles), the Bulldogs earned their thirteenth conference victory of the season, giving them the outright conference championship. The boys finished off their regular season with a 4-1 victory over Bishop Stang, winning all but one match in third singles. The Bulldogs are now awaiting their seeding for the state tournament.

Girls’ Tennis: The Lady Bulldogs had a tough finish to their season, suffering a 5-0 sweep to Bishop Stang. Second singles’ player Haley Dickerson was the only Lady Bulldog to win a set in the entire match, as the Spartans won every single match in dominant form. The Lady Bulldogs will not be advancing to the state tournament, but had a great season considering the lack of experience on the team.

Girls’ Lacrosse: The highlight of the week for the girls came from junior Bailey Truesdale, who scored her 100th varsity goal for the Lady Bulldogs in a 7-4 win over Coyle-Cassidy. Truesdale is the first ORR player to reach the milestone in the history of the girls’ lacrosse program. In the win over Coyle-Cassidy, freshman Emily Hiller played well, recording a hat trick, while Maggie Wiggin and Chloe Riley each pitched in with one goal apiece. The Lady Bulldogs finished off their regular season with a win over out-of-conference Silver Lake. The girls received a seventh seed in the Division 2 South Tournament, and will face off against Mashpee later this week.

Below are the overall spring team records, followed by the conference records in wins, losses, and ties as of May 25.

Baseball: (14-6-0) (12-4-0); Softball: (7-11-0) (6-11-0); Boys’ Track (7-1-0) (7-1-0); Girls’ Track (8-0-0) (8-0-0); Boys’ Tennis: (15-3-0) (15-1-0); Girls’ Tennis: (10-7-0) (9-4-0); Boys’ Lacrosse: (10-5-0) (8-1-0); Girls’ Lacrosse: (16-4-0) (4-4-0).

By Michael Kassabian

New ORR Business Administrator

on

Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union # 55 are pleased to announce that Mr. Patrick Spencer will be the new School Business Administrator beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. Mr. Spencer is presently the Business Administrator for Salem Academy Charter School in Salem, Massachusetts. Prior to being the Business Administrator at Salem Academy Charter School, Mr. Spencer was an Assistant School Business Administrator in the Wellesley Public Schools and held the position of district account in the Minuteman Regional School district for over 25 years.

Mr. Spencer has a Master of Business Administration from Framingham State University in Framingham, MA and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bentley College in Waltham, MA. Mr. Spencer currently lives in Billerica, MA and is planning to move to the area.

As a Business Administrator, Mr. Spencer has expertise in many areas of finance including: budget building, state reporting, group purchasing, revenue predictions, facilities management, equipment and software inventory, food service oversight and student transportation. In addition, he has a collaborative leadership style that will be instrumental as he works with the many stakeholders in the Tri-Town school districts.