A clambake is scheduled on Sunday, June 28 at The Knights of Columbus Hall, 57 Fairhaven Road in Mattapoisett. The starting time is 1:30 pm and the cost is $35 per person. Tickets need to be bought in advance for this function. For tickets or information, call Jim at 508-863-3496.
The Machacam Club will hold a special meeting on June 3 at the Legion Hall, 3 Depot Street. Social time is 5:30 pm; dinner is at 6:00 pm.
This meeting will be a business meeting of the club and will feature a new proposed menu for the members’ approval. We hope to have a maximum attendance for this very important discussion.
Callers and members are asked to bear in mind the importance of call list accuracy. Caller lists should be done and reported no later than 9:00 pm on June 1 by email to GPFNR@AOL.COM or by phone to Mike at 508-758-9311. Members with requests or changes can contact either no later than 9:00 am June 2.
The Marion Planning Board met May 18 to appoint a new chairman and vice-chairman following the ousting of former Chairman Stephen Kokkins from the board by Jennifer Francis.
The board voted 4-3 in favor of Robert Lane, the former clerk, for chairman over Norman Hills, who was vice-chairman entering the meeting. Lane was nominated by Stephen Gonsalves, and Hills was nominated by Eileen Marum. The board also voted 4-3 in favor of Rico Ferrari for vice-chairman over Hills.
The position of clerk went to Hills over Marum in a 5-2 vote. Hills and Marum voted for each other. Hills was nominated by Ferrari, and Marum was nominated by Francis.
The position of representative to the Community Preservation Committee, which does not require a vote, stayed with Mike Popitz with no argument, as did the positions of co-chairs of the Master Plan Subcommittee, Hills and Ferrari. The position of representative to the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) stayed with Marum.
“We’re all here to do the Town’s work as best we can, and in the best interest of the community,” Lane said. “And I hope that we do so in a way that’s constructive and cooperative, and I look forward to that as we move forward.”
Lane said, in reference to recent disputes about the recording of meeting minutes from past meetings when Lane was clerk, once approved, there would be no further discussion of the form of the minutes, just their accuracy.
“With regard to the minutes, Norm (Hills) is our new clerk, and I’m sure he will prepare the minutes in accordance with the manner that he deems as appropriate,” said Lane. “And when the initial set of minutes is presented to the board from Norm, I hope to ask the board at that point to approve them both for form and accuracy.” Lane continued, “And once we have approved them in regard to form, then I will not have any discussion regarding form in the future. We will only deal with accuracy.”
Additionally, Lane delegated the task of finishing the unapproved minutes over the last year to Hills.
“Furthermore, because I know that Norm has strong feelings in regard to the minutes,” said Lane, “I have a lot of confidence in his judgment in regard to it and I will delegate the responsibility to him, if he’ll accept it, to complete the remaining minutes from the past year that have not been approved by the board.“
Hills accepted the assignment.
The discussion Lane referenced was one that has appeared several times at Planning Board meetings. During a past meeting, a heated discussion broke out between then-clerk Lane and both Marum and Hills regarding the form and accuracy of the minutes from a December 1, 2014 meeting. In that discussion, Hills voiced concerns that Lane had misrepresented his words in the minutes.
An April 21 discussion over those very minutes ended with a 4-2 vote to approve them, with Marum and Hills opposed.
Following the appointments, the board moved onto old business. Marum brought up concerns regarding the reports she and other board members file. Currently, Marum submits written reports to the board regarding her visits to SRPEDD meetings. She said she would like to present verbal reports on the matter as well.
“I think that any Planning Board member who attends a meeting should be required to give a verbal report as well as a written report,” Marum said. “I think this would be doing all the members a great favor so that we are all on the same page.”
Lane responded, saying that written reports should be submitted and can be read by each member of the board, and discussion will follow if deemed necessary. Marum then raised the point that, by reading the reports aloud, members of the audience would be able to learn more about the meetings.
“I think these meetings are televised,” said Marum. I think people … would like to know what their representatives to various boards or committees … are doing.” She continued, “Everyone who’s sitting in the audience doesn’t have the opportunity to read our summary reports; therefore, I am requesting that we be permitted to give a verbal report as well as a written report.”
Lane said it would be handled on a case-by-case basis, but not adopted as common practice.
The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for June 1 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.
By Andrew Roiter
On May 24, for the 10:30 am Sunday Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church, a choir of 30 children will be leading the congregants in song. The Nazareth College Bach Children’s Chorus from Rochester, New York, directed by Karla Krogstad, is in Massachusetts for a learning field trip and performing experience. From their repertoire in their concert at Christ Episcopal Church, Pittsford, New York, they will be singing Frank’s “Panis Angelicus”, and Mendelssohn’s “Lift Thine Eyes” from Elijah, plus concluding the Mass with a Portuguese Holy Ghost Feast ritual and songs. These children are also opening the Red Sox game on Saturday, May 23, with the “Star Spangled Banner.” The Sunday Mass is open to all, and everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information, please call Thom at 508-717-2824. Visit www.bachkidsusa.org or www.facebook.com/bachchildrenschorus.
The following Tri-Town students will graduate from Tabor Academy on Tuesday, May 26. Commencement will take place on the waterfront at 11:00 am.
– Robert Balboni of Marion
– William Curley of Marion
– Hannah Gierhart of Marion
– Melissa Hooke of Marion
– William Knight of Marion
– Gweneth McCain of Marion
– Rachel McCoog of Marion
– Julia O’Rourke of Marion
– Logan Russell of Marion
– Eleanore Sullivan of Marion
– Jared Gamache of Mattapoisett
– Peter Poulin of Mattapoisett
– Abigail Taber of Rochester
– Connor West of Rochester
The Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee elected a new slate of officers on May 16. Serving two-year terms will be Co-Chairmen Rick Ernst and Bill Cantor, Vice Chairperson Michelle Bernier, Secretary Kathy Reed, and Treasurer Diane Tsitsos.
This team will continue to provide leadership on issues such as Tax & Income Fairness, Infrastructure Repair, International Trade & Energy, Energy Policy, and Regulation of Too Big to Fail Banks.
Registered Democrats are always welcome at meetings of the Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee.
Walter Judd Sawyer, 88, of Rochester died at home on Wednesday May 20, 2015 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of M. Raye (Smith) Sawyer for nearly 56 years and the son of the late Marshall M. and Marion (Kelley) Sawyer.
Walter graduated from Fairhaven High School in 1944 and enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in Italy. Later he studied naval architecture at M.I.T. and worked for many years at Burr Brothers Boats.
When he earned his Master’s Degree at Northeastern University, he began a new career as an Economics instructor and taught at Bristol Community College for more than 20 years. Later, into his eighties, he volunteered as a tutor.
Walter was also active for many years teaching various navigation classes for the Mattapoisett Power Squadron.
He loved traveling with his wife and children, especially to Canada, and made many trips as far north as the Hudson Bay and Labrador. He especially loved Prince Edward Island.
He is survived by his son, Benjamin Alden Sawyer, and grandson, Samuel Alden Sawyer.
He was predeceased by his eldest son, Nathaniel Judd Sawyer, and is survived by Nat’s wife, Catherine (O’Malley) Sawyer, and their son, Patrick Judd Sawyer.
Walter’s memorial service will be held on Tuesday May 26, 2015 at 11 AM at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church St., Mattapoisett. There will be a brief reception following in the Church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter’s memory may be made to the Bristol Community College Foundation, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River, MA 02730, or to the Plimouth Plantation, P.O. Box 1620, Plymouth, MA 02362. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
When my granddaughter told me that the cancer rate statistic for developing some form of the disease was ‘one in three’ I could hardly believe it. But she was well informed having just been named as chairperson of her university’s annual Relay For Life event.
The American Cancer Society website says that in the United States, the lifetime risk of developing cancer is higher in men (1 in 2) than for women (1 in 3). The website also says, in 2015, about 590,000 Americans are expected to die of cancer, the second most common cause of death in the country.
But there is hope. Cancer treatments are improving, and humanity has never been more committed on every level to produce good results for those who walk this difficult path.
Speaking of walks, the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life events are the world’s largest fundraising activity. The money is used to support those entrenched in the daily management of the disease, as well as to provide funding for ongoing research. And the residents of Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester can be counted on every year to do their part, too.
Margaret DeMello of Mattapoisett, a member of the Massachusetts chapter of the society, recently described a new awareness campaign taking place in the Tri-Town area.
“Starting May 23, ‘Paint the Town Purple’ – a ribbon and exterior decoration activity – is planned to raise awareness in support of the American Cancer Society’s goal to find a cure,” said DeMello. She continued, “The project runs from May 23 through June 14.”
DeMello, who last year walked as part of a team during the relay in spite of recovering from knee surgery, also said, “The idea is to encourage homeowners and local businesses to decorate their property with purple-colored bows or lights to paint the town purple.”
The Mattapoisett Town Hall has a basket full of purple bows for residents who wish to pick one up (for free) and expand awareness in their neighborhoods.
The decorations will display the local commitment to the cause and the event itself, the annual Relay For Life being held at ORRHS on June 13 and ending at 8:00 am on June 14.
“It’s a chance to walk in memory of a loved one, someone currently in the fight, or a survivor,” DeMello said.
Presently there are 13 teams each with unique names like “Sole Survivors,” “Ray of Hope,” or “Linda’s Angels” who have already raised $17,000 in donations.
Although at times the steps people take in this effort may seem as small as baby steps, staying on the path at any speed are steps in the right direction.
For more information about the Tri-Town Relay For Life, contact Margaret DeMello at 508-758-2741 or visit www.cancer.org for the website of the American Cancer Society.
By Marilou Newell
Despite significant absences of students and professionals on Good Friday this year, the day will remain a regular school day next year even though a minority of committee members and administrative staff no longer support the notion as they did the previous year.
Absenteeism on April 3, Good Friday, was higher than usual, ranging from 10 to 21-percent of students absent, up from the usual 4 to 6 percent.
Mattapoisett School Committee Chairman James Higgins spoke strongly against the Good Friday school day, saying it had traditionally been a day off from school for hundreds of years and it should not have been changed.
“I think it was a mistake. I think we clearly received a message from the community.” Higgins said he heard concerns from many residents about the change and said the committees represent the taxpayers who want Good Friday off.
“I wholeheartedly disagree,” said Tina Rood, Rochester School Committee member. “We made this decision because we are a public school.” She said the data reflecting only a single Good Friday is insufficient to assume the coming years would be the same. “[The data] is very deceptive because it is one day in time…. I think we need a larger body of knowledge than this particular data point.”
Marion School Committee member and Chairman of the Superintendency Union Christine Winters said the district had established some annual days off as a result of significantly low attendance year after year, for example the day before Thanksgiving, questioning the continuance of the Good Friday school day.
“I think as we look at these numbers here, this is far past the threshold,” said Winters. She looked to the data from this year, saying she did not expect this to be a “one shot deal.”
“I don’t think next year is going to be any different,” said Winters. “Are we really doing the right thing?”
A number of high school students managed to convince their parents that Good Friday was an optional day of school, said Principal Mike Devoll, and 42 students in the district were dismissed early from school after tending to some assessments and assignments. The magic time for dismissal at the high school, said Devoll, was 10:40 am – the time a student can technically be counted as present at school.
Devoll said that the School Committee’s insistence on following the Massachusetts Department of Education policy that no tests or assessments be planned for the day unless students opting to observe the religious holiday are allowed to make them up added to the appearance that Good Friday was an optional day.
“It does sound like an optional day,” said Devoll. “If it’s going to be a school day, let’s make it a school day.”
Rochester and ORR School Committee member Robin Rounseville, who voted in favor of making Good Friday a school day, defended her decision last year, saying in response to Higgins’s earlier point, “’It’s been done this way’…I don’t necessarily think that’s a good reason to continue to do something.”
Higgins made the cumbersome motion “to not make Good Friday a school day,” confusing some other members as to what a ‘yay’ or ‘nay’ vote would support.
Before the vote, the committee looked to Superintendent Doug White for his opinion on the matter.
“When I look at it, I have to take the data that I have in front of us,” said White. He noted the high absentee percentage compared with the average daily percentage, referenced the shortage of substitute teachers to cover absent staff on Good Friday and said, “That’s a concern for me as an educator.”
Rood pointed out that, if returned to a day off, the Good Friday holiday would be made up by tacking on an extra day at the end of the year.
“A day in June is not the same as a day in March,” Rood said.
The two Joint School Committees – The ORR School Committee and the Superintendency Union comprised of the Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester School Committees – took the vote, with the superintendency side voting 3-5 to keep Good Friday a school day, and the ORR side tied at 4-4, resulting in a failure of the motion.
Also during the meeting, White sat through the School Committees’ annual review of his performance that fell in his favor with the majority of comments ranking him proficient and sometimes “wholeheartedly proficient” in certain areas.
This year, the two chairs of the Joint School Committees relied on information compiled from the three local committee chairmen as a way to more thoroughly examine how individual committee members rated White’s performance.
The Marion School Committee commented in a report, “Doug has worked harder this year than any previous year … and provided consistent communication and comment engagement as a whole.”
A handful of committee members rated White as “needs improvement” in the area of instructional leadership, but also rated him highly in several other areas.
Marion School Committee member Joseph Scott said turning to White, “This is the first year he’s really had a full staff of administration beneath him. And I think this year was a very, very good year. I’m happy to see the place we’re in right now.”
“I know as a district and as an administrative team that we still have some work to do,” said White. “And we will make sure each child in the three towns has the best [educational] experience.”
Also during the meeting, in addition to the Good Friday school day next year, both committees vote in favor of the 2015/2016 school year calendar as presented that night, which will include four additional early release days to accommodate eight more hours of professional development.
The Joint School Committee will not meet again until the start of the next school year in September.
By Jean Perry
As swim season approaches, the YMCAs across Massachusetts encourage children and parents to explore the many benefits of swimming, while also keeping safety top of mind. In the Y’s swim programs, participants can enjoy water sports, enhance or learn new techniques, meet new friends and develop confidence, while also learning safety skills that can save lives.
Swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity for children and adults alike, and it’s an easy way to stay physically active and improve strength, flexibility and stamina. YMCAs across the state are committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to swim and learn water safety practices.
As part of National Water Safety Month in May, Massachusetts YMCAs encourage parents to take an active role in their child’s safety. Following are safety tips to practice when in and around the water:
– Only swim when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; never swim alone.
– Adults should constantly and actively watch their children.
– Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
– Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm’s reach.
– Children and adults should not engage in breath-holding activities.
In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation, and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It also teaches life lessons of sports and sportsmanship, so that children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing.
As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 100 years. The Y continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. There are a variety of programs to choose, including swim lessons for all ages, water fitness classes, competitive swimming, and family swim times. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, financial assistance is available for those in need to help cover the costs.
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With five branch sites serving more than 37,000 people, YMCA SOUTHCOAST has been working to meet the needs of our community for over 150 years. The Y engages people of all ages – regardless of income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Everyone is welcome at the Y and financial assistance is available. For more information about YMCA SOUTHCOAST, visit one of the branches in Dartmouth, Fall River, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, and Wareham or online at ymcasouthcoast.org.