Mattapoisett Road Race: Now and Then

on

In a few short weeks, summer will be here and with it comes the 44th annual Mattapoisett Road Race on July 4. The race is such an integral part of community life that the publicity committee wants to share some interesting moments in race history over the next few weeks. Runners, volunteers, and sponsors have graciously provided comments and thoughts on the race.

Today, approximately 1,000 runners enter the race. Quite a change from the first race that was run in 1971 with 30+ entrants. The race began at Pt. Connett. Runners were transported from the village to the starting line in a school district truck. Bob Gardner, the first race director, remembers the race was started with cannon fire. While this was an effective means of starting the race, this method came to a quick demise when windows in nearby homes were blown out. Runners would wend their way through Crescent Beach and continue on to the finish line. The five-mile race ended on the town beach wharf under the watchful eye of Beatrice Ingram. Bob’s daughter, Karen, would record a runner’s time on a chalkboard. Unfortunately, if race day was rainy, the results might get washed away. A quick dip in Mattapoisett Harbor gave runners the chance to cool off. With such a small number of runners, this was very doable. It would be a little trickier to have 1,000 people jumping off the wharf into the harbor.

The race today is far more sophisticated with high-tech timing, numerous officials stationed along the race route, medical personnel, police and volunteers in Shipyard Park providing water and fruit as runners finish. Runners come from all over New England and beyond to participate in this five-mile test of their running ability. But it is the local runners who have a special attachment to the Mattapoisett Road Race. It is best summarized by last year’s winner, Jason Eddy, who grew up in Rochester and graduated from Old Rochester Regional High School: “This race is an amazing tradition that brings the entire community together. To see all of the people of all ages out there on race day is so inspiring. The volunteers and spectators really make the race the success it is.”

SHS Annual Meeting & Special Lecture

on

The public is cordially invited to attend the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Sippican Historical Society, to be held Thursday, May 22 at the Marion Music Hall (164 Front Street). The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm and will feature a brief wrap-up of the Society’s business year. The evening’s main event will be a lecture and image presentation by Michelle Marchetti Coughlin, author of One Colonial Woman’s World, a book which reconstructs the life of Mehetabel Chandler Coit (1673–1758). Mehetabel penned what may be the earliest surviving diary by an American woman. Her long life covered an eventful period in American history, and Ms. Coughlin’s book explores the numerous – and sometimes surprising – ways in which her personal experiences were linked to broader social and political developments, also providing insight into the lives of countless other colonial American women whose history remains largely untold.

Ms. Coughlin is an independent scholar and former editor who holds graduate degrees in history and English and American literature. One Colonial Woman’s World will be available for purchase and signing at the Annual Meeting. For more information, call 508-748-1116.

K of C Presents Misgivings

on

On Saturday, May 17 Mattapoisett Knights of Columbus proudly presents Misgivings – a “Divine” Comedy of belly laughs, blessings, blarney and bingo. Join Father Patrick Aloysius Misgivings for this divine presentation of stories and one-liners about growing up Catholic. From miracles and marriage counseling to bazaars and birth control, nothing escapes the good father’s razor sharp Irish wit. This hilarious, interactive comedy includes a collection, a raffle and even an actual Bingo game. Join us at Mattapoisett Knights of Columbus, 57 Fairhaven Rd. in Mattapoisett. The doors open at 5:00 pm with a pork roast dinner at 5:30 pm and show following dinner. The tickets are $20 (cash bar). For tickets call Jim 508-863-3496 or Rick 508-758-4933.

Dolores M. (Meyer) Winkler

on

Dolores M. (Meyer) Winkler, 88, of Mattapoisett died May 11, 2014 at Alden Court.

She was the wife of the late Robert J. Winkler.

Born in Passaic, NJ, the daughter of the late Julius and Muriel (Shelbourne) Meyer, she lived in Mattapoisett since 1972.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, family gatherings, gardening, decorating and cooking.

Survivors include a son, Bradford Winkler and his wife Kathleen of Southborough, MA; a daughter, Dawn Sell of Mattapoisett; a brother, Robert Meyer and his wife Doreen of Old Lyme, CT; a sister, Barbara Regan of Greensboro, SC; 5 grandchildren, Kelsey Winkler, Jenna Winkler, Nicole Winkler, Dana Sell and his wife Amanda and Courtney Sell.

She was the mother-in-law of the late Bradley Sell, the sister of the late Elaine Griswold and the sister-in-law of the late Thomas Regan.

Visiting hours Wednesday from 5-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett. Her Funeral Service and burial on Thursday will be private. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Irene Rezendes Morgado

on

Irene Rezendes Morgado, 75 of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May7th, 2014 at home surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was the wife of Antonio Morgado with whom she shared 56 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Frank and May (Medeiros) Rezendes, she resided in Rochester for the past 25 years.

Mrs. Morgado had worked as a preschool teacher at Cape Cod Child Development for 20 years. Prior to that, her and her husband operated the Onset Bakery at Point Independence.

She was a talented cook and quilter and most of all loved spending time with her loving children, grandchildren and great-granddaughters. She had a special way with children in which we all admired.

Surviving in addition to her husband Antonio is a daughter, Debbie Guillotte and her significant other Harry Hughen of NH, two sons, Kevin Morgado and his significant other Laura Dodge of New Bedford and Kenneth Morgado and his wife Dawn of Freetown, two grandsons, Keith Morgado and his fiancé Beth Hague of Carver, and Kenny Morgado and his wife Theresa of Freetown, two great granddaughters Kenedi and Carolyn Morgado, and a sister Linda Massa and her husband Ed of Dartmouth. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Saturday, May 17th from 2-5 at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, Ma. Immediately following, there will be a gathering at 30 Quanapoag Rd. East Freetown 02717. All friends and family are invited to join us in celebrating Irene’s life.

Honorable Night for NHS Inductees

on

Last Tuesday, the Old Rochester Regional High School inducted 55 students into the National Honor Society (NHS). The students were honored with a ceremony held Tuesday night in the school’s cafeteria. The night began with a piano performance by junior NHS inductee Michael Kassabian, followed by welcome addresses by NHS Advisor Sarabeth Morrell, ORRHS Principal Michael Devoll, and current NHS President Leah Thomas. Senior NHS member Connor Blagden introduced the night’s speaker, Micah Kidney.

Kidney, a math teacher at ORR, is also a dedicated member of the National Guard. He gave a fantastic speech based on “five lessons from his father.” Through anecdotes and powerful words, Kidney encouraged the student inductees to never stray away from a challenge, never give up, and always cherish family. He also encouraged the students to be charismatic – “Be a Norm,” he said, referring to the popular classic TV show “Cheers.”

“I thought that Mr. Kidney was a wonderful speaker,” said NHS Advisor Sarabeth Morrell. “He’s so inspirational and funny at the same time, and the audience seemed really engaged.”

After Kidney’s moving speech, the senior student officers of NHS recognized the National Honor Society qualities: knowledge, scholarship, service, leadership, and character. After each officer spoke a few words about their quality, they lit a candle representing that value.

Next, the ORR chapter of the National Honor Society was dedicated to Dana Dourdeville, a promising young alumnus of ORR who passed away this past winter. “I can say that having been Dana’s teacher and having known him well, that he completely epitomizes everything that the National Honor Society stands for,” said Morrell, stating she felt it was important for ORR to continue Dourdeville’s legacy.

In honor of this dedication, senior NHS member Zachery Tilden read Dourdeville’s valedictorian speech from his graduation in 2011. The brilliantly written speech had students and parents inspired and laughing three years after Dourdeville read it himself.

The night moved on with a flute performance by senior NHS member Keren Satkin, followed by the presentation of inductees. NHS President Leah Thomas read off the names of the student inductees as they stood to light their candles and receive their NHS pins. Then, senior NHS member Chris Carando administered the oath, and the 55 inductees became official members of the National Honor Society.

The night wrapped up with a musical performance by senior NHS member Justin Smilan, an address by current NHS Community Service Coordinator Amanda Carreiro, and a closing by Thomas and Morrell.

“It was fabulous,” Morrell said, pleased with the night’s smooth running.

The 2014 inductees into the National Honor Society are Jennifer Aguiar, Michael Amato, Catherine Ball, Kasey Baltz, Morgan Browning, Stephen Burke, Madeline Cafarella, Danielle Cammarano, Victoria Canton, Morgan Collings, Alysha Cote, Benjamin DeMello, Benjamin Dion, Samuel Dorothy, Jaclyn Dyson, Sierra Ennis, Nicole Gifford, Michaela Guard, Chrystina Hai, Andrea Harris, Michael Kassabian, Rebecca Koerner, Andrew Kuhl, Gerald Lanagan Jr., Hannah Lerman, Shannon Lynch, Samantha Malatesta, Julianne Mariner, Ian MacLellan, Laura McCoy, Victoria Medeiros, Jordan Menard, Mitchell Midwood, Benjamin Mimoso, Heather Nadeau, Julia Nojeim, Margaret O’Day, Shannon O’Malley, Ashley Pacheco, Jonathan Perreira, Zachary Peterson, Chloe Riley, Jentelle Rioux, Sarah Robertson, Shane Ryan, Kevin Saccone, Austin Salkind, Christina Sebastiao, Jillian Sethares, Kyle Sherman, Riley Sherman, Vincent Tepe, Louisa Truss, Cassandra Vance, and Angela Weigel.

These students were accepted into NHS based on their academics and their compliance with the NHS qualities. To become eligible for NHS, the students needed at least a 3.75 GPA at the end of semester one of junior year. The students then had to fill out an application, which required an essay, a community service/leadership log sheet, and a letter of recommendation. Morrell explained that this letter couldn’t come from a teacher, since the students have already shown their academic strengths. It had to come from a coach, an employer, a neighbor, or anyone else that can vouch for the student’s strong character.

Now inducted, the new members of NHS are already getting started on service projects. On May 30, NHS members will volunteer at Rochester Memorial Elementary School and help out with their walk-a-thon and field day. The students will also help with the set up and break down of Relay for Life and they will run a teddy bear collection for a local hospital before the end of the school year.

In other news, ORR’s Community Service Learning club is running a sports ball collection until May 9. Gently used and new sports balls are being collected in the high school’s main lobby and all donations will go to Gifts to Give.

By Renae Reints

ORRUpdate050814---1

Boys’ Lacrosse Remains Perfect in SCC

on

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

            Baseball: The Bulldogs snapped a lengthy win streak this week with a close loss to Case, 3-1, in an eight inning game. The game was tied 0-0 going into the eighth inning, where the Bulldogs gave up three runs in quick succession. In the bottom of the eighth, Kiernan Besse, who went 3-4 on the day, scored the lone Bulldog run, but it was not enough to secure the victory. The loss was a pivotal one for the Bulldogs, as they now have the same amount of losses as SCC rival Seekonk, making the race for the SCC championship much closer. The one bright spot in the week, however, was ORR’s 6-1 victory over GNB Voc-Tech, where Andrew Ryan struck out thirteen and only allowed three hits.

            Softball: After a disappointing 5-0 loss to Case early in the week, the Lady Bulldogs rebounded nicely, responding with a 6-0 shutout over GNB Voc-Tech. Pitcher Kaleigh Goulart only allowed five hits on the day, and she also hit a two-run homer early in the first inning to lead the Bulldogs both on the offensive and defensive fronts. Sophomore Maddie Lee and freshmen Hannah Guard and Olivia Labbe also played well, each recording two hits. The win gives the Lady Bulldogs their second of the season, and puts their overall record at 2-8.

            Boys’ Track: The boys’ track team continued their undefeated win streak this week, earning their fourth victory of the season in a 92-44 win over Apponequet. Kevin Saccone won four events (110-hurdles, triple jump, long jump, 400-hurdles) while Colin Knapton won three (high jump, javelin, 400-meter) to lead the Bulldogs. Jesse Noonan did extremely well, winning two of the three throwing events (discus, shot put) to lead the Bulldogs in field events. Newcomer Jack Smith was also a double winner in the meet, claiming the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash.

            Girls’ Track: The girls remained perfect this week as well, easily defeating Apponequet 107-28 to earn their fourth win of the season. Sophomore Zoe Smith was the lone double-winner in the meet, claiming the high-jump and triple jump. The Lady Bulldogs won 11 events, including both hurdles, where sisters Brooke Santos and Paige Santos won the 400- and 100-hurdle races, respectively. Nicole Mattson won the 400-meter dash in a quick 67.1, while teammate Shannon O’Malley won the 800-meter. In throwing events, junior Ashley Pacheco won discus while classmate Nicole Gifford won javelin.

Boys’ Tennis: The tennis teams were the lone ORR athletic teams to play more than two games or matches this week, as rainy weather made it impossible to play on several of the sports fields. The Bulldogs won all three of the matches this week, gaining three important victories over SCC rivals Case, Bourne, and Fairhaven. First singles Alex Bilodeau won two of his three matches this week, easily defeating his Case and Bourne competitors but falling to Fairhaven’s first singles player. Alden Truesdale won all three of his matches at second singles, while third singles player Lars Eklund also won all three of his. The scores of the matches this week were 5-0, 5-0, and 4-1, showing the overall consistency of the Bulldog tennis players.

Girls’ Tennis: The girls’ tennis team wasn’t quite as successful as the boys’ team, only winning two out of their three matches this week. Against Case, the girls shut out the Lady Cardinals in a perfect 5-0 score. The girls followed the win up with another victory, this time over Bourne, 3-2. However, the girls lost their second conference match of the season to Fairhaven, losing in a close 3-2 decision. In all three matches, Julia Nojeim dominated at first singles, while Triona Cuddy and Morgan Middleton also played well, winning all three of their matches at first doubles.

Boys’ Lacrosse: The highlight of the week for the Bulldogs was defeating SCC powerhouse Apponequet in a 12-9 thriller. Thanks to a strong performance by Ethan Lizotte, who scored five goals, the Bulldogs had five players score and were able to gain the upper edge over the Lakers. Connor Severino and Hunter Cooney were key assets to the Bulldog offense, with Severino winning every single one of his face-offs. Defensively, ORR played well, with Gerald Lanagan stopping several shots as goalie. The win was an important one for the Bulldogs, as it continued their perfect SCC record. The boys would go on to defeat Pope John Paul II later in the week.

Girls’ Lacrosse: The Lady Bulldogs dominated in both of their games this week, defeating Abington 15-3 and Pope John Paul II 16-3. In both games, Chloe Riley and Bailey Truesdale played well, with Riley scoring three goals against Abington and four against Pope John Paul II, while Truesdale provided three goals in both games. Madison Thomson also continued to play well in the goalie’s net, making a combined twenty saves over the course of two games. With the two wins, the girls’ record improves to an impressive 9-3.

Below are the overall spring team records, followed by the conference records in wins, losses, and ties as of May 4.

Baseball: (9-3-0) (8-2-0); Softball: (2-8-0) (2-7-0); Boys’ Track (4-0-0) (4-0-0); Girls’ Track (4-0-0) (4-0-0); Boys’ Tennis: (8-3-0) (7-1-0); Girls’ Tennis: (7-3-0) (6-2-0); Boys’ Lacrosse: (7-3-0) (5-0-0); Girls’ Lacrosse: (9-3-0) (2-3-0).

By Michael Kassabian

Mattapoisett Candidates and Warrant Review

on

The south coast League of Women Voters hosted an afternoon for civic- minded voters in Mattapoisett. Kris Eastman of the LWV chaired the event. The agenda featured a presentation of the warrant articles for the upcoming annual Town Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 pm in the ORRHS auditorium, in addition to interviews with the two candidates vying for the Town Clerk position.

Presenting the warrant was Town Administration Michael Gagne, Town Moderator John Eklund, and Selectman Tyler Macallister. The crib notes from their presentation are as follows: Article 1: Elected Officers Compensation – has not been adjusted for 15 years and is asking the voters for an increase spread over the next three years; Article 2: General Operating Budget – details available on the town’s website; Article 3: OPEB Liability Funding – continuing to set aside funds to pay for retirement obligations known as post-employment benefits; Articles 4 and 5 – amendments to the stabilization fund for ORR assessment of $190,000 for Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical and Bristol County Agricultural High Schools in the event enrollment to those schools increases next year; Article 6: Revolving Fund Authorization – simple documentation correction; Article 7: GASB 45 audit fund – $7,500 to audit OPEB accounts; Article 8: Phase IV of roadways improvements in village area; Article 9: Capital Improvement Plan; Article 10: Capital improvement line items totaling $455,000 from which $175,900 are from levy funds, $100,000 from ambulance receipts, and $180,000 from capital improvement stabilization fund; Article 10: $15,000 Fire Engine, $35,000 Police cruiser, $7,000 repair library windows, $135,000 repair Fire Engine 4, $175,000 new police ambulance, $18,500 parking at Center School tennis courts, $21,000 playground improvements at Old Hammondtown and Center Schools, $10,000 repairs town beach raft, $17,400 bundle for various town equipment repairs and replacements, $22,000 completion of street and road sign project; Article 11: Property re-evaluation – $35,000; Article 12: Sick Leave Buyout – $10,000; Article 13: Zoning Map Change – numbering correction required by FEMA; Article 14: Storm Hazard Mitigation Solutions – $7,500; Articles 15 and 16: Allocation of Revenues Community Preservation Act – documentation correction and funding requests; Article 16: CPA – Bike Path engineering funds; Article 17: CPA – Nasketucket land purchase $50,000; Article 18: CPA – Pier renovations $49,000; Article 19: CPA – beach house repairs $50,000; Article 20: CPA – Center School Tot Lot $55,000; Article 21: CPA – Barlow Cemetery Fence replacement $3,672; Article 22: CPA – Historic records systems, Mattapoisett Historical Society; Articles 23 and 24: Reserve Funds – $20,000 for water and sewer department; Article 25: Water meter replacements – $250,000; Article 26: Amended agreement with Town of Fairhaven for increased waste water capacity; Article 27: $200,000 to fund additional waste water capacity; Article 28: Authority to sell property owned by the town to pay for new water and sewer consolidated offices located on Industrial Drive – parcels on Church Street and off Route 6 (inside the Bay Club); Article 29: $30,000 for new water and sewer department truck; Article 30: replacement of water main on Route 6 between Prospect and Aucoot Roads; Article 31: acceptance of land gift from YMCA for bike path; Article 32: Adoption of personnel schedule – 2% increase; Article 33: Bike Path language perfection for state and federal requirements; Article 34: language perfection for 1977 easement for bike path; Article 35: citizen petition for right to tie into sewer system if additional capacity is available.

Special Town Meeting Warrant contains two articles. Article 1 is for $35,000 for continued bike path funding, and Article 2 is for $10,000 reserve fund supplemental appropriation.

Eastman then directed the audience’s attention to video-taped interviews of the candidates seeking the only contested position on the May 20 ballot, that of town clerk. She noted that both candidates had been given the same list of questions in advance of the interview. Eastman herself interviewed Catherine Heuberger, while Bill Cantor interviewed Erika Osetkowski. When asked what qualified them for the position, both stressed their educational and professional backgrounds. Heuberger noted her nine years of service in Mattapoisett’s treasurer collector’s office and her ability to problem solve and assist residents in a thorough and knowledgeable manner. Presently, she holds the position of Principal Clerk. Osetkowski detailed her experience as an executive assistant in private industry and current position as head teller at a local bank. Heuberger holds an associate degree in Business Administration from Bristol Community College, while Osetkowski has a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State College in Business Management. They both felt that while there would be a significant learning curve, the State offered programs and training that would assist and support them during the transition period.

When asked what they would do should they be asked to do something that didn’t necessarily follow the rules, they both responded that they would be able to field such requests with integrity and support from the state ethics office. Heuberger was on hand to meet those in attendance. Osetkowski was unable to attend due to a family commitment.

Eastman said that the local chapter of the LWV covers the entire south coast region, has approximately 50 members (both men and women), and with the sale of advertising in the annual ‘Blue Book’ that serves the Tri-Town area, is able to fund grants for local schools. She said that last year, LWV gave out ten mini-grants of which Mattapoisett was the beneficiary of five. These grants allow the schools to secure materials focused on civic involvement in democratic societies. As John Eklund said, “…. [we need to] accept the responsibility of citizenship…” As the LWV bummer sticker reads, “Democracy is not a spectator sport.”

By Marilou Newell

MTcandidates

Marion Council on Aging

on

The Council on Aging will be running the following trips:

May 12: IKEA

June 23: JFK Museum, Boston

July 21: Cape Cod Canal Cruise

August 18: Country Store in Mansfield

September 22: Isaac’s in Plymouth

October 20: Battleship Cove in Fall River

November 17: Lee’s and Partner’s Country Store in Westport

Pick up will be at 11:00 am. Please call to reserve your spot on the van. Admission and lunch are up to the individual riders.

Dolls for a Cause

on

Do you have old doll items sitting in an attic or closet that need a good home? Donate your antique and vintage dolls to a great cause. Last year’s successful sale of donated vintage dolls, auctioned on Ebay, has inspired The Mattapoisett Friends Meeting (Quaker) to hold a Donate Your Old Doll Day on May 17 at the meeting hall, 103 Marion Road (Rte. 6), East Mattapoisett.

All doll donations, including doll clothes, doll hats and shoes, dollhouse furnishings, Steiff animals, doll accessories, including dishes and furniture, will be auctioned on Ebay to benefit the church’s Restoration Fund. All donations must be clean and saleable.

As a 501 (c) 3 religious organization, the meeting will provide tax-deductible forms for every donation on request. Receiving hours will be 9:30 am to 1:00 pm on that Saturday.

All proceeds from the eventual sale of the donations will be used for restoring the historic 1827 meetinghouse. It is estimated the total cost of the restoration project will be upwards of $245,000.

The idea for Dolls for a Cause was hatched after last October’s Quaker flea market when several donated circa 1950 vintage Betsy McCall dolls were set aside for sale on Ebay. They sold for more than $2,000. One doll sold to a Texas collector for $1,126.