The Marion Republican Town Committee will conduct its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 2 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street, Marion. The public and new members are welcome.
Summer Conditioning/Track Camp
All Sports Summer Conditioning Program will be held at ORR Monday through Thursday, June 29 – August 20 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. This overall conditioning program to get athletes ready for their fall sport is open to all athletes in grades 6-12. Cost is $100 for the summer. Contact Cindy Tilden at orrtrackcoach@msn.com for registration paperwork or sign up on the first day. T-shirts will be given to those who pre-register by June 15.
Kenneth R. Ferreira
Kenneth R. Ferreira, 64, of Wareham, died unexpectedly on May 29, 2015 at St. Luke’s Hospital, New Bedford. He was the widower of the late Elizabeth (Jorge) Ferreira and the son of Tillie (Roderick) Ferreira and the late Edward Ferreira.
Ken was a graduate of Holy Family Holy Name High School in New Bedford. He graduated from Southeastern Massachusetts University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering and furthered his degree with a Masters of Business Administration at SMU.
Ken was the Owner and President of Kenneth R. Ferreira Engineering. Prior to this he was an owner and operator of Olde Boston Land and Survey in New Bedford. Ken Ferreira was a well-known and highly respected businessman in the Southcoast for over 30 years. His knowledge in Engineering as well as his dedication, honesty, advocacy and years of experience was consistently seeked of by many.
He was a member of the Prince Henry Society. He served on the Wareham Board of Health and was a long time Chairman of the Wareham Board of Appeals for over 30 years. Ken was a member and donator of many charitable organizations. Ken was a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and a lecturer at St. Patrick’s Church in Wareham and more recently a member at St. Anthony’s in Mattapoisett.
Ken loved spending time with his family and friends. He had a passion for playing golf, reading and most of all bragging about his daughters and grandchildren.
Survivors include his mother, Tillie (Roderick) Ferreira of New Bedford; his cherished triplet daughters, Kimberly Manzone and her husband Joseph of Wareham, Kelly Silva and her husband Kevin of Westport and Kristen Higgins and her husband James of Mattapoisett.; 8 grandchildren; many nephews, nieces, godchildren and brothers and sisters-in-law.
His funeral will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 from the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett, 22 Barstow St., Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in St. Patricks’ Cemetery, Wareham.
Visiting hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Donations in his memory may be made to his Dearest Charitable Organization to Compassionate Care ALS, www.ccals.org.
For directions and online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com
Antique Home Will Be Updated
It wasn’t a long or busy night for the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals when they met on May 21 with only two hearings before a full board populated by Chairman Susan Akin, Mary Anne Brogan, Paul Milott, Norman Lyonnais and Kenneth Pacheco. But for one of the two hearings, it was a rather historical event.
Built in 1790, the residence situated at 6 Main Street and presently owned by Merry Suzan McCleary is one of the oldest homes in the village. Now used as a four-unit apartment building, when it was constructed 225 years ago it was a large home compared to most. It is still a large structure by today’s standards for the village area and planned to be a bit larger still.
Represented by David Davignon of N. Douglas Schneider & Associates, McCleary requested a special permit to construct an attached one-car garage with living space on the second story and modifications to the current second story for a one-unit living space on the reconfigured second story joining the old with the new. This modification would reduce the number of units from four to three and also require the construction of a driveway.
The board discussed with Davignon the proposed changes to lot coverage that would increase from 22 percent to 27 percent. Building Inspector Andy Bobola advised the board that they had the authority to weigh the pros and cons of lot coverage by considering that the driveway would remove several cars from being parked on the street – a very busy Main Street.
The board members felt the project would ease traffic congestion in the area and the remodeled multi-unit residence would be in harmony with the village. The special permit was granted.
Also coming before the board was Brandon Ferreira, 4 Aucoot Road, with a request for a special permit to construction a 24-foot by 24-foot garage with living space on the second story. This application was also approved.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals will be announced if there are applications requiring public hearings.
By Marilou Newell
The Bay Flows Gratitude
On May 21 at Shining Tides at Camp Massasoit, the Buzzards Bay Coalition proudly announced the completion of the Nasketucket Bay Land Conservation Project. This is the largest land conservation project completed, which covers and protects 416 acres of a variety of habitat and coastal areas.
In addition, the BBC has continued to be successful in supporting the Massachusetts Oil Spill Prevention Act passed (MOSPRA) in 2004. Although this is an annual effort in the federal courts, the BBC aims to keep this law in place to positively ensure the protection of the coastal area.
Prior to the awards ceremony, BBC members, volunteers, and the public gathered in a social hour, which allowed time for the BBC to display their many upcoming volunteer events and their new beer that will be sold locally.
The first award presented this evening from the Buzzards Bay Coalition went to two extraordinary volunteers for their outstanding dedication, Jean and Tally Garfield.
Although Jean was unable to attend due to other volunteer service work in which she was participating, her granddaughter Cali Tetreault accepted the award on her behalf as she was credited for leading the coalition for New Bedford.
The Guardian Awards are the highest honor the BBC presents for “outstanding service or education advocacy to an unsung hero who inspires others to make a difference.”
The first BBC Guardian Award was presented to Assistant Attorneys General Seth Scofield and Pierce Cray for a decade of defense of MOSPRA and determination to continue to keep this law intact.
The next BBC Guardian Award went to Paul Niedzwiecki, executive director of the Cape Cod Commission, for his outstanding leadership in producing the Cape Cod 208 Water Quality Plan. Thanks to all of Niedzwiecki’s efforts, there is a clear path for addressing the Cape’s nitrogen pollution crisis and continuing preservation of the treasured area.
Another BBC Guardian Award was given to Jennifer Howard, the director of Land Protection at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Howard received the BBC Guardian Award for her leadership on behalf of the Commonwealth and support of the completion of the Nasketucket Bay Land Conservation Project, which essentially doubled the size of the Nasketucket Bay State Reservation.
The final BBC Guardian Award was presented to Dr. Joseph Costa, the executive director of the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program for his lifetime dedication to the Buzzards Bay Coalition.
Dr. Costa, from New Bedford, participated with SeaLab and earned his Ph.D. at Boston University where he researched water quality with a focus on nitrogen issues at Woods Hole. Dr. Costa also helped raise money to help search for solutions for the Buzzards Bay Watershed and helped start the Baywatchers water quality monitoring program.
With future plans to start a research database involving his research with the Buzzards Bay Coalition, Dr. Costa has dedicated a plethora of hours in service to help protect and study water and wildlife.
As stated, “The bay flows in Joe’s veins and we love him for that.”
For more information about the Buzzards Coalition and volunteer opportunities, visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org.
By Bethany Coito
MYC Boats Compete in Figawi 2015
Five boats from the Mattapoisett Yacht Club made the Memorial Day weekend trek to Hyannis to compete in the 44th Annual Figawi Race from Hyannis to Nantucket on May 23. Of those five boats, Mattapoisett Yacht Club had a win, a place and a show! MYC Commodore Bob Warren in his Dufour 38 In Deep finished first place in Division D, Charlie Prefontaine in his Alberg 35 Helios finished second in Division O, and Jim Barnes in his Little Harbor 64 Lynley III finished third in Division E. Their combined scores gave them a third place in the team competition.
The MYC racing season officially begins June 9 with the first Tuesday night series for the Ensign and 420 class boats. The handicap cruising fleet will hold a practice race on Wednesday, June 10. Wednesday and Tuesday night Racing Series are open to all boats who register: $60 for members and $75 for nonmembers. For further information, go to mattapoisettyc .org.
Flotsam, Jetsam and the Science of Ocean Motion
On June 1, Loree Griffin Burns, Scientist/Author will give two presentations to the Old Hammondtown School’s 6th Grade: Flotsam, Jetsam and the Science of Ocean Motion.
Lots of kids have heard the story: 29,000 rubber bathtub toys fell from a cargo ship in the Pacific Ocean and floated, quite literally, around the world.
What they may not know is that this fleet of rubber duckies has become the Tracking Track book basis of an international scientific research program aimed at better understanding our world ocean.
Drawing on the content of her first book, Tracking Trash, Loree will tell students a fascinating story of drama, intrigue, science and geography (www.loreeburns.com).
This program is organized by the Mattapoisett PTA Arts & Humanities and is made possible by generous donations and funding from the PTA fundraisers throughout the year and is supported in part by a grant from the Mattapoisett Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Zoster Vaccine Availability
The Marion-Rochester Health District, in collaboration with the Marion Board of Health and the Rochester Board of Health is pleased to announce a continuation of the Zoster (commonly known as Shingles) Immunization Program.
Shingles is a condition that can present in individuals who had Chickenpox as a disease when they were younger. The Chickenpox virus remains dormant in the body after the childhood illness but can present as a “Shingles” rash later in life. This rash can be quite painful, and often is accompanied by blisters. The rash usually lasts for 2-4 weeks. The Zoster vaccine has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the risk of shingles occurring by 50%. It has also been shown to reduce the pain of shingles in those who get shingles even though they have been immunized.
Currently, there are a limited number of doses of Zoster vaccine available through the Marion-Rochester Regional Health District.
Insurance coverage for the Zoster vaccine is highly variable. Pre-approval from insurance companies is required prior to administering the vaccine. In some cases, co-pays may apply or residents may be asked to pay for the vaccine at time of service and seek reimbursement from their insurance company.
Interested residents may contact Betsy Dunn, RNC, PNP at the Rochester Board of Health (508-763-5421) or Kathy Downey, PhD, RN at the Marion Board of Health (508-748-3530).
Sippican Historical Society Annual Meeting
The public is cordially invited to attend the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Sippican Historical Society to be held Tuesday, June 9 at Marion’s Music Hall. The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm and will feature a brief wrap-up of the Society’s business year, followed by the posthumous presentation to Richard A. Anderson of the 2015 SHS Award, honoring dedicated service and commitment to the preservation and enrichment of the Town of Marion.
The evening’s main event will be a lecture and image presentation by Halsey Herreshoff, member of the legendary yacht design and sailing family. The H-12 Fleet has been racing at Beverly Yacht Club every week in the summer since 1915, a benchmark which SHS is celebrating jointly with the BYC in this co-sponsored lecture. The Historical Society will also feature a photographic exhibit on the H-12 throughout the summer. Often referred to as the best small boat design ever for its perfect proportions and expert construction, it was created in 1914 by Halsey’s grandfather, Nathanael G. Herreshoff. Designed essentially as a learning boat for young sailors, the 12½-foot boat remains one of the most long-lived and popular one-design classes in New England. As a testament to their reputation for excellence, the small boats are still actively raced in Sippican Harbor a century after their introduction to the area. In fact, the 2015 H Class Championship will be held at The Beverly Yacht Club this summer, from July 31 – August 2, with 40 of the timeless 12½-footers expected to race in Marion that weekend.
Halsey C. Herreshoff is distinguished as the most active America’s Cup sailor during the 12 Metre Era. A crewman as bowman, crew boss, or navigator in six campaigns, he sailed in four America’s Cup matches. As a naval architect and marine engineer, Halsey Herreshoff has also contributed to the support of technology and management of many campaigns. He is the co-founder of the America’s Cup Hall of Fame. Mr. Herreshoff’s lecture is presented free to the public, with no reservations required. The Music Hall is located at 164 Front Street, and ample parking is available across the street at Island Wharf. For more information, contact the SHS at 508-748-1116.
Local Bar Switches Hands
Ask anyone in town where Rick’s Tavern, AKA “the old Brad’s,” is located and they will likely point you toward the small narrow structure nestled at 35 County Road.
The bar has now switched hands and will be called “The Stowaway,” and the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen on May 26 approved the On Premise All Alcoholic Beverages License, as well as the Common Victuallers License to prepare and serve food, Automatic Amusement Device License for the juke box, Entertainment License for the TVs, and Pool Table License for the pool table that will remain – for now.
Co-owners John Mello of Mattapoisett and Joe Sauro of Wareham told selectmen they plan to renovate the interior, expand the bar, and add food service to the site. They plan to open the bar seasonally, beginning this summer and closing in early winter for renovations.
“We kind of want to get it back to where we remember it,” said Mello. More like the days when the bar was called Brad’s, he specified. “A little bit more welcoming. We just think it’s time to get back to where we were.”
In other matters, entrepreneur Eric Desrosiers of 10 Captains Lane was close to being issued his license for a Class II used auto dealer, but selectmen ordered Desrosiers to withdraw his application without prejudice and reapply to reflect the change of address he requested from his residence to the post office box.
Selectmen had no problem with Desrosiers’ business plan to sell one used auto one-at-a-time online while storing the single vehicle in a self-storage facility with the owner’s permission. Desrosiers also had permission from a Fairhaven garage to service the vehicle. None of the business activities, Desrosiers said, would take place at the residence.
Selectmen were poised to approve the relatively benign request until two residents claiming to be two of several owners of the property opposed Desrosiers’ business plan.
Roger Gibbons told selectmen he found the proposed business a violation of the lease agreement.
“This is rental property … not for business use,” said Gibbons. Vera Gibbons, seated beside Roger Gibbons, said three cars already park on the private lane, and another would create a problem.
Newly appointed Chairman Jordan Collyer told the Gibbonses the address of the business was a post office box, no business would take place on the residential property, and reminded the two that vehicles for sale would be stored off-site.
Vera Gibbons still had a problem with Desrosiers’ plan since “he’s going to have to go in and out of Captains Lane more than usual,” she said, referring to Desrosiers’ need to go to work. “It seems like it would make more traffic.”
Selectmen paused and turned to Town Administrator Michael Gagne to say whether the change of address on the application from 10 Captains Lane to the post office box was a significant enough change to require a re-filing and reposting of the hearing.
Gagne said, although Desrosiers does not propose to change the use of the property, the change in address merits a withdrawal without prejudice and a re-file.
Gagne also recommended Desrosiers submit written permission from both the self-storage facility and service station owners with the application.
Also during the meeting, selectmen approved a Hawkers and Peddlers License to Jaime LeBlanc, owner of Jaime’s Hawaiian Ice, a vintage ice cream cart that might be spotted along Mattapoisett beaches this summer.
Selectmen will switch to the “summer schedule” of meeting once a month beginning with the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Selectmen on June 9 at 7:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Town Hall.
By Jean Perry
