Senior Projects

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Tabor students have the opportunity to pursue an independent project during the last semester of their Tabor career. Since many of these projects take a long time to plan and to be approved, students begin planning at the start of their senior year, organizing schedules and sorting out the details of their project.

This spring, 21 seniors took part in the senior project program. From internships to kite boarding, students take advantage of this opportunity to pursue a wide range of interests.

Some students decided to look into a potential career. For example, Carly Cote interned with the New Bedford Public Health Department for seven weeks this spring. “It has absolutely reaffirmed that I want a career in public health,” says Cote, who did this project because of her interest in the field. She found her project to have been worthwhile in that the foundation of all the work she did was based on making a healthier community.

Jessica Lowe is considering a potential future in coming back to Tabor to teach. Lowe enjoyed her Advanced Placement US History course last year and decided to return to it as a teacher’s assistant. From re-creating lesson plans to assisting in class, she has expanded her knowledge and interest through a deeper exploration of the subject. “Watching students discover that ‘a-ha’ moment and make connections beyond what their teacher is expecting them to do is just really a great experience,” reflects Lowe, who is still considering a career in teaching after doing this project.

While some Tabor students took advantage of this opportunity to explore potential career paths, others used it as a time to pursue interests that they would not otherwise have a chance to. Tabor dancers, Maddie Jamieson and Alex Osgood, have created shows that they have choreographed themselves. Osgood’s project, “My Show, My Story” involves singing, writing, and movie creation in addition to dance in which each part of the show tells an emotional story.

Jamieson has also created dances that reflect events, these being based on historical events. Jamieson includes a number of Tabor dancers in the show. “I’m positive now that I want teaching to always be in my life,” says Jamieson after experiencing the rewards of directing dancers.

Exploring his musical side, Josh Kim used a computer program to compose his own songs and wrote his own lyrics. Katie Mooney taught herself German and Lisa Kraemmer began to write and speak Russian, while Patrick Montolio tested his mechanical skills to create a custom motorcycle.

Ivy Torres has taken this opportunity to create a ceramic tree with caricature figures of people that have influenced her Tabor career. “This is my way of showing them how grateful I am that they came into my life,” says Torres of her motivation to use the ceramics skills that she has acquired in her time here.

All of the projects will be presented to the Tabor community in the final weeks of the school year. Tabor’s senior project program gives students the opportunity to further their education and interests outside the classroom and allows them to independently pursue their various passions.

By Julia O’Rourke

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Southcoast Artists Showcase Work

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The show was called “Small Town – Big Art,” which is a pretty accurate description of the ratio of the scope of the location to the enormous talent that was on display at the Mattapoisett Historical Society Museum from May 16 to May 17.

The museum was packed with people the evening of the exhibit reception, and there were rows of paintings, sculptures, and photographs all squeezed in tightly inside the bustling gallery. Next to the art stood the artists, there to answer questions and give insight into their individual works – each with a story to tell about their inspiration, personal history, and how they came to discover their artistic abilities.

In much of the art, one could recognize and come to appreciate how our local surroundings and history inspired the artist to create a particular piece; take Sylvia “Sovia” Morrell’s vivid and intense depiction of a colossal angry whale overwhelming a whaling vessel, for example.

“I always wanted to paint,” said Morrell. “I didn’t know I had the talent.”

She signs her paintings as Sovia, a nickname given to her by her mother, a painter herself.

“That’s where I get my talent from,” said Morrell. “From her.”

She said her brothers were artists growing up and she felt left out; her creative expression was repressed for many years.

Morrell said she started painting about 15 years ago when she retired and started taking drawing and painting lessons.

A little farther down from Morrell, Donna Junier stood by her paintings of local familiar scenes, including Salty the Seahorse and the Butler Flats Lighthouse.

Junier said has been a painter since childhood, but she put her artistic endeavors on hold – a long hold, about 47 years, while she married and raised a family.

Junier motioned to some animal paintings she did over the winter, including one of a seemingly smiling sea lion and a couple of dogs having a “Play Date,” the title of the painting.

“This was a long winter,” said Junier, who chose lighthearted scenes to paint, which she said kept her spirits up.

The Wanderer’s own Felix Perez, whose photos have graced the cover of the newspaper for years now, had a table set up with groups of people leaning in to look at the local scenes he captured and asking for purchasing information of their favorite photos.

Becky McCann and her daughter, Ashley McCann, who both live in Mattapoisett, showcased their paintings and mixed media pieces side by side in the middle of the gallery.

“I’m influenced by my mother,” said Becky, “and I always wanted to paint but I never really had the time.” Now she finds painting comforting while listening to classical music and painting mostly scenery and landscapes.

“Ashley sees me draw like I saw my mother draw,” said Becky. “So it’s kind of nice. We encourage one another.”

When asked about her depictions of bearded men fashioned out of different pieces of paper, she said casually, “I love men with beards.” She laughed and said, “Yup. I’m still young.”

Thirteen different artists had their work displayed for the brief exhibition at the museum.

For more information about upcoming events at the Mattapoisett Historical Society, visit www.mattapoisetthistoricalsociety.org.

By Jean Perry

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Fireworks in Jeopardy

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In spite of the best efforts of Selectman Dickerson (who is also the Recreation Director) and Administrative Assistant Donna Hemphill, nearly a year of fund raising, and countless hours of reaching out to the public in various ways, Marion’s Fourth of July fireworks display has an $18,000 shortfall. Dickerson asked for assistance in thinking through next steps that might help inspire residents and businesses to dig a bit deeper but barring that, asked when the cutoff date should be set for pulling the plug on 2014 fireworks. Board members and Town Administrator Paul Dawson concurred that a RFQ could go out with the caveat that if funding wasn’t secured by June 6, the fireworks would not happen this summer.

Chief Lincoln Miller of the Marion Police Department informed the board that the police department passed accreditation on May 1 and is the only police department in all of Plymouth County to have achieved this esteemed certification. He said that there are 159 standards that must be met in order to pass the regulations of a peer review commission. Miller said that two officers had gone above the call of duty to help the department score well. Those officers are Karen Ballinger and John Garcia. Such areas as policy development, prisoner and evidence handling, emergency planning and disciplinary actions, and top to bottom oversight in all areas are reviewed in the process. The board said it would single them out with certificates of appreciation. Miller said it was the combined efforts of everyone on the force that came together to make this happen.

Other agenda items moved along quickly through the meeting. Approved were requests from Tabor Academy for extended outdoor entertainment on June 7; Jean DaSilva for the Feast of St. Anthony on June 8; VFW for a one-day alcohol license for May 31; and Music Hall Advisory Committee to increase members from five to seven.

A water abatement request for 24 Pine Hill Lane was vetoed by the board, noting that they have rules in place that establish a 30-day period for such requests. In this case, the applicant failed to make the request within the timeframe of the policy.

A request by South Shore Race Management to use public roads on September 21 was sent back to them for more information on the purpose of the race and a mandate that they use a race course that is already well established in the town. Chief Miller was on hand to say that they had requested that part of the course include Converse Road. Citing safety concerns, Miller and the board agreed to refuse permission of that area. Dawson will contact the race organizers to get and give clarification.

There was some conversation with public input on the subject of management of contract negotiations and other financial considerations regarding the solar array scheduled for construction at the town landfill site. Steve Kokkins, 72 Cove Circle, came before the board asking them to consider RFP Evaluation Committee members who possessed strong financial backgrounds and expertise in energy contracts. His rationale was concern that the town might not get the best deal possible with a smart developer in the absence of intellectual fortitude in those areas. The board was prepared to appoint Norm Hills, Jennifer Francis, and Bill Saltonstall to the newly-formed committee. Dawson lobbied for the acceptance of these residents, noting their unique talents and willingness to volunteer.

In the case of Marion, Dawson said that the town would not be a customer of the energy, but that residents, as well as businesses, would be able to benefit and that it was in the interest of the developer to put a good package together for the town or else it wouldn’t work out. In the end, the board decided to move forward with the appointments but to bring in additional expertise if they deemed it necessary to do so once they receive the contract package.

Dawson brought before the selectmen the need to increase the contract for road repairs and improvements associated with River Road, Spring Street, Point Road and Pleasant Street. The amended contract will increase the price tag by $39,000 for a total of $599,700. Chairman Henry said that while they were considering the amendment he was looking even further into the future when sewer connections would be needed. After some lengthy conversation about drainage and sewer needs, the board decided to approve the increase for now while asking the engineering firm to include designs that allow for future upgrades.

Earlier in the evening, the board reorganized their areas of responsibility for the coming year. Selectmen Henry is now the Chairman while also holding positions on SE Mass Commuter Rail Committee and SRPEDD. Selectmen Cushing is now the board clerk as well as Community Preservation Committee, Capital Planning Committee, Music Advisory Committee, Marion Land Fill, and collective bargaining. Selectmen Dickerson, who will continue on the Buzzards Bay Action Committee, is now Vice Chairman of the board, in addition to Marion Pathways Committee, and School Committee.

Dawson gave his report to the selectmen that included the curious goings on at Washburn Park. He brought pictures he had recently taken in what he termed “vandalize” on a large scale that had taken place. He said that the police, neighbors and regular users of the park were all dumbfounded as to who would have cut down trees and filled in the pond. But probably the bigger question is why. Ongoing investigations will take place, and the public will be asked to be watchful.

He also reported that House Bill 3605 has been signed by the governor. This will now allow Marion to treat its out-of-town water customers the same as in-town customers. This is especially important when customers are in arrears. The town will now be able to place liens on property falling into this category.

Dawson said that the wind power project in now 95 percent sold and fully permitted with NSTAR. He said that financing of the project is nearly complete and construction could begin as soon as late 2015. The construction phase will take six months, he said.

Selectman Dickerson asked if the board would consider establishing a committee to bring stakeholders together for more in-depth conservations for the purchase of a new fire truck. He said that although the board had been in favor of the purchase, during town meeting the Finance Committee had not and the town did not pass the warrant article. He suggested that one selectman, one Finance Committee member and three fire department personnel could comprise the committee. Henry and Cushing agreed that something needed to be done to help with this important and necessary piece of equipment, but they weren’t sure if establishing a committee now was best. Henry said they could put it on the agenda for further discussion during their next meeting.

Memorial Day will be celebrated on Monday at 9:00 am, with a parade stepping off from the Music Hall.

Finally Chairman Henry applauded public health nurse, Kathy Downey ,who recently earned a PhD in nursing from the University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth.

The Marion Board of Selectmen will meet again on June 3 at 7:00 pm.

By Marilou Newell

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Mattapoisett Land Trust

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To the Editor:

As the President of the Mattapoisett Land Trust and a citizen of the town, I would like to thank the participants at Town Meeting on Monday evening for approving Article 17 committing an additional $96,000 from Community Preservation Act funds toward the Nasketucket Bay Land Conservation Project. The Nasketucket Bay Land Conservation Project is a 400-acre deal comprised of environmentally-significant properties in Fairhaven and Mattapoisett and costing nearly $6 million. Funding commitments have already been made by Federal, Commonwealth, municipal and private sources, and this contribution with the $50,000 approved by fall Town Meeting as well as the $21,730 from a Buzzards Bay Watershed Municipal mini-grant will help preserve this important open space for the future.

The total contribution from Mattapoisett of $167,730 falls short of what was requested from Mattapoisett, however. Last year, the Town of Fairhaven committed $200,000 toward the project conditional on Mattapoisett making a similar commitment even though a majority of the property in the deal lies in Mattapoisett. In the fall of last year, the Buzzards Bay Coalition made a request of $128,000 from the Mattapoisett Community Preservation Committee to meet the Town’s share and to ensure that the funds would be available from Fairhaven. Based on its priorities, the CPC reduced that amount to the $96,000 that was subsequently approved and no additional funds were available in the Town budget to make up the difference. I respect the CPC’s decision since the members have the responsibility to allocate funds as they think most appropriate. But the fact remains that unless Mattapoisett can contribute an additional $32,270, Fairhaven will also cut its contribution.

The Mattapoisett Land Trust whole-heartedly backs this project, and to that end we have agreed to attempt to raise the additional funds to be donated to the Town and used to meet its $200,000 contribution request. However, this is not an easy undertaking for us given that we are currently engaged in our own fundraising campaign to acquire 22 acres of salt marsh and woodland on Mattapoisett Neck Road. We would encourage anyone who values open space in Mattapoisett or is concerned about the quality of Buzzards Bay to make a contribution to the MLT with a note that it is for the ‘Nasketucket Project.’ Contributions may be sent to the Mattapoisett Land Trust, P.O. Box 31, Mattapoisett, MA, 02739, or they can be made online at www.mattlandtrust.org. Any funds so designated will only be used for the Nasketucket Project, not for other MLT activities. It’s a worthwhile project and, in effect, your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar by Fairhaven.

Gary P. Johnson, President

Mattapoisett Land Trust, Inc.

 

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.

Academic Achievements

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Deborah Fraine of Mattapoisett was awarded a Master of Science degree in Healthcare Administration and Management during Salve Regina University’s 64th commencement held Sunday, May 18 overlooking the Cliff Walk in Newport, RI.

UMass Dartmouth held their Commencement Ceremonies on May 16, and 17 graduates were celebrated at Main Campus.

The following is a list of the University of Massachusetts undergraduate and graduate students from the Tri-Town:

Marion: Nealyn Dunlop

Marion: Holly Fern

Marion: Lisa Graves, Cum Laude

Marion: Trina-Noie Jones-Rudolph, Summa Cum Laude

Marion: David Souza, Cum Laude

Marion: Caileigh Stearns, Magna Cum Laude

Marion: Penny Sullivan

Marion: Michelle Wright

Mattapoisett: Lisa Cardoza

Mattapoisett: Kathleen Downey

Mattapoisett: Tabitha Foulk, Magna Cum Laude

Mattapoisett: Ryan Hansen

Mattapoisett: John Jacobsen

Mattapoisett: Allison McGlynn, Magna Cum Laude

Mattapoisett: Sean McNulty, Magna Cum Laude

Mattapoisett: Stefan Mendell

Mattapoisett: Margaret Pullo, Magna Cum Laude

Mattapoisett: Kevin Zeppenfeld, Magna Cum Laude

Rochester: Matthew Bejtlich, Summa Cum Laude

Rochester: Amanda Boulay, Cum Laude

Rochester: Dylan Hall

Rochester: Katherine Hartley, Magna Cum Laude

Rochester: Karen Mello

Rochester: Lauren O’Brien

Rochester: Melissa Rigby, Cum Laude

Rochester: Amanda Stubbs, Summa Cum Laude

Rochester: Melissa Weigel

Boat Race Ham and Bean Supper

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The Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race (RMDBR) Ham and Bean Supper will be held Saturday May 24 at the Rochester Memorial School, 16 Pine Street in Rochester. The supper will be served from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, and tickets can be purchased at the door. Adult tickets are $10 and tickets for children under twelve are only $5. Beans baked by the finest bean bakers in town, coleslaw and potato salad prepared by the Culinary Arts Department at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical HS and apple crisp for dessert prepared by Meredith of the Artisan Kitchen. Proceeds from the supper help offset the expenses of the race. This is the 80th anniversary of the race, and it remains one of the few racing events with no entry fees as it was in 1934 when it was started. Enjoy a great meal at one of the important social events of the year in our area. The more, the merrier. Parking at the rear of the school, enter at the rear door. For additional information, please contact Arthur Benner, Chairman, RMDBR, 508-763-2024.

ORR Summer Conditioning Program

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The summer conditioning program will once again be held at Old Rochester.

There will be one conditioning program for grades 7-12, Monday – Thursday, 5:30 – 7:00 pm, June 23 – August 14. The cost is $100; checks made out to Mattapoisett Recreation. Open to both boys and girls. It is a general conditioning program geared towards getting athletes ready for their fall sport and concentrates on agility, mobility, strength, speed and overall conditioning. Football boys should speak to their coaches about how many days they prefer them to come. All others pick your days – all or a couple. Cross-country coaches recommend their athletes come two days a week in addition to doing your base summer running at home.

We will also be doing the same program for boys and girls entering grades 3-6, Monday – Thursday, 4:30 – 5:30 pm, June 23 – August 14. Cost is $75. Checks made out to Mattapoisett Recreation.

Again this summer, we will also offer a track and field camp with dates to be announced. Cost will be $125; checks made out to Mattapoisett Recreation. Events are taught by Old Rochester, SCC, Foxboro and New Bedford coaches. Monday – Friday, probably in August.

Turtle Crossing

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To the Editor:

As you drive around Rochester, you’ve probably noticed ‘Turtle Crossing’ signs. But this time of year, many drivers are encountering turtles crossing the road in unmarked places. Obviously, like many residents of Massachusetts, Rochester turtles flaunt the law and just jaywalk at will. What is a driver (or walker, or biker) to do with these flagrant lawbreakers?

First, it might be best to identify the culprits. There are basically three members of the ancient (220 million years of history) order of Testudines, or turtles, that one might encounter in Rochester. Snapping turtles can be found near any wetland. With dark carapace (shell) often draped with algae, long nails, hooked beak and thick tail as long as its shell, not to mention its reputation of snapping and holding on. The carapace can measure up to 18 inches and the record largest ever caught was in Massachusetts weighing 76.5 pounds. Painted turtles are seen basking in rows on logs and rocks in any wetland in the spring. It is probably our most abundant turtle. Its dark olive to black carapace is bordered top and bottom with red and black designs. Its bottom shell (plastron) is usually yellow but may have markings on it. The legs and tail are usually red and black and the head is yellow and black. Finally, there are Eastern Box turtles, which are more tortoise-like, although they also use wetlands. They have a high, domed carapace with a brown to black background and yellow to orange marking in varying patterns. Its plastron is yellow to olive with varying black blotches or lines. It is also hinged so that the turtle may completely close itself up if it senses danger. There are some other kinds of turtles that may be found in Rochester, but they are extremely rare.

So why do these turtles cross the road? Well, like the chicken, to get to the other side. But why? In the spring, the females are searching for somewhere to lay their eggs. One theory is they can smell disturbed earth, especially sandy or gravel banks. Another theory is that they are returning to where they hatched. Whatever the reason, the proper etiquette if one sees a turtle in the road is to first do nothing to endanger your safety. If it is a snapper, you can just watch and wave off traffic or, if brave, grab a stout stick, let it bite and drag it by the mouth to the other side of the street where you can leave stick and turtle to sort it out. But if it is a Box turtle or a Painted turtle and traffic is light and you have the time, just watch it. If you are in a hurry or think it might be hit by another car, pick up the turtle and carry it in the direction it was heading to the other side of the road. You might think it might be better to put it back in the wetland it came from or to bring it home to a safe place. Don’t do it. It is on a mission and will complete it at all costs.

The bottom line is if you can do this small act of kindness to help a fellow creature without endangering yourself, please do. Remember Karma is always watching. And if you get to see where she digs and lays her eggs, you are extremely lucky. You might want to cover the area with chicken wire to prevent predation of the eggs. But more than that, any encounter with a wild creature is a special occasion. The chance to observe and interact with a bit of our wild world is a wonderful thing; embrace it. We are lucky to live in a town where this is possible to see and appreciate so much wildlife.

This tongue-in-cheek bit of education was brought to you by the letter ‘T’ and the Rochester Open Space Committee, who thought you might like to know! If you have turtle or other nature-related questions, you can call the Conservation Commission at Town Hall Annex.

Laurene Gerrior, Rochester

 

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.

Mattapoisett Picks its New Town Clerk

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It was the only contested race in this year’s election, and the results are in, naming Catherine Louise Heuberger as the winner of the Mattapoisett town clerk position.

The percentage of voter turn-out was 29.9 percent, and the numbers for town clerk came in at 692 for Heuberger and 669 for Erika Suzan Osetkowski.

The uncontested results are as follows:

Selectman, three years, R. Tyler Macallister – 1,001;

Assessor, three years, Raymond H. Andrews – 1,024;

Mattapoisett School Committee, three years, James Higgins – 1,006;

Mattapoisett School Committee, one year, Harry C. Hunt, III – 964;

Old Rochester Regional District School Committee, three years, Peter L. LeBrun – 953;

Old Rochester Regional District School Committee, two years, Cynthia Johnson – 947;

Trustee of the Public Library, three years, Ruth Oliver Jolliffe – 908;

Trustee of the Public Library, three years, Virginia Callery Beams – 826;

Moderator, one year, John A. Eklund – 1,051;

Water/Sewer Commissioner, three years, David Chase – 1,011;

Board of Health, three years, Carmelo Nicolosi – 1,025;

Planning Board, five years, Thomas Matthew Tucker – 988;

Community Preservation Committee, two years, Jodi Lynn Bauer – 1,026; and

Community Preservation Committee, two years, John N. DeCosta, Jr. – 975.

Remaining vacant are the two Mattapoisett Housing Authority seats.

Question One for a Proposition 2½ exemption for an unspecified amount to make general repairs to the roads passed, 620 – 303.

By Jean Perry

Rabid Fox in Mattapoisett

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A disoriented fox was put down by Police and an Animal Control Officer this Saturday at Peases Point after it had attacked a woman down at the beach area. After an autopsy was performed on the animal it was confirmed that the fox had rabies. Residents throughout the town are being reminded to report strange behavior of wild animals to Police at 508-758-4141 and to not approach disoriented animals at all.