Fate of Solar Farm Remains Undecided

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The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals discussed a proposed County Road solar farm installation on April 17, meeting for a remand hearing for Dale and Laura Briggs regarding the project. The Planning Board and the ZBA have grappled over how to classify the proposed solar installation under the town by-laws.

The Briggses appealed the ZBA’s prior denial to the Land Court, and the February 6, 2014 court ruling focused on what constitutes “light manufacturing.”

In general, the court ruled that, if the solar facility is not engaging in light manufacturing, then the ZBA may grant the permit.

The judge povided guidelines in the form of questions for the ZBA to determine which by-law would be appropriate. What type of business activity is already permitted in residential zones in Marion? What characterizes an industrial activity and light manufacturing in particular? Does the activity employ full or part-time employees? Do raw materials, feedstock, or finished products require transportation to or from the site? Are there machines or mechanical moving parts required to perform the assembly, processing, packaging or shipping functions?

In reviewing the data from the Land Court, it appeared that the answers were “no” to all of the issues that would deem the solar operation as light manufacturing; however, due to the importance of the decision to be made, the ZBA agreed to continue to study the issue and discuss it again at their May 15 meeting.

In other business, the board discussed Patricia Figueiredo’s application for a special permit to reconstruct a porch removed from an existing non-conforming structure during the 1970s. The property is located at 54 South Street.

Figueiredo addressed the board and had a photo of the home with the preexisting porch prior to its removal. The request was to add a farmer’s porch, similar to the one on a neighboring property. The proposed porch would wrap around from east to west and connect to the current front porch. The east side existing setback is 20.5 feet, and the porch dimensions would not decrease the setback.

The board approved the special permit for Figueiredo.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

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Cool Science Art Competition

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Two students from the graphic arts department at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School were among winners of the Cool Science Art Competition, sponsored by the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the University of Massachusetts Boston.

The June 2014 winner is Melissa Peets, a junior in graphic arts from Acushnet, whose artwork will be put on display on the outside of a bus in the Lowell Regional Transit Authority system during the month of June. She also received a $100 gift certificate.

The May 2014 honorable mention winner is Aimee Hill, a junior in graphic arts from Mattapoisett, whose artwork will be put on display on the inside of a bus in the LRTA system during the month of May.

“Congratulations to all the graphic students on a job well done,” said Graphics Instructor Erin Murray.

The students were honored at the second annual Cool Science Awards Ceremony and Reception on April 4 at UMass Lowell.

Cool Science is a statewide K-12 student art competition designed to foster learning about climate change. The students were asked to create an artwork depicting climate change, which, in turn, will help educate the public through the Mass. transit system.

“In the fall, Cool Science received over 400 works of art from school districts across Massachusetts. A distinguished and diverse panel selected six winning entries, six runner-ups, and 12 honorable mentions. The 24 artists and their works of art represent the very best of our State’s young people,” the Cool Science team stated in an award memo to Murray.

“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our generation. Using the visual arts as a medium, Cool Science engages teachers, parents, and students in climate change science,” the Cool Science team stated.

The Cool Science team consisted of Dr. David Lustick, UMass Lowell, Dr. Jill Lohmeier, UMass Lowell, and Dr. Robert Chen, UMass Boston.

Additional information on Cool Science may be found on their website www.coolscience.net.

BBAHFH Home & Garden Show

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Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity (BBAHFH) will host a Home & Garden Show at Old Rochester Regional School on Saturday, April 26, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The show will be held inside the cafeteria at Old Rochester Regional School, located at 135 Marion Road in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts.

Admission into the Habitat Home & Garden Show will be FREE to the public with donations accepted. The event is in support of the Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity affiliate. The Home & Garden show will feature a variety of home improvement vendors, including contractors, window and door suppliers, energy efficiency experts, kitchen designers, architects, landscape designers, nurseries, banks, and mortgage and insurance companies. The event will also include activities for children including FACE PAINTING by Eastern Bank, and musical entertainment by the Showstoppers. Complimentary BBAHFH tote bags filled with Lindt chocolates will be distributed to the first 50 attendees!

BBAHFH would like to thank our sponsors…Eastern Bank, Jonathan’s Organic, and Cape Cod Five Bank. We would also like to thank Old Rochester Regional School for the use of their facility.

A Friendly Reminder to Marion Drivers

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A Friendly Reminder to Marion Drivers

We live in the center of Marion and I spend hours in my little garden right near Front Street. Most people driving through town are going too fast. Did you know that the speed limit in Marion  village is 25 MPH ? As summer approaches and pedestrians and kids are out and about, PLEASE  go slowly through the village.  25 MPH! Thank you.

Tinker and Bill Saltonstall

Town Benefits from Nextel Agreement

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Upon the termination of its lease, Nextel has agreed to leave its antenna and cables behind at the Mill Street water tower so the Police Department can use the cables for its own benefit, saving the Town thousands of dollars.

During a quick special mid-day meeting of the selectmen April 25, Town Administrator Paul Dawson presented the proposed deal to selectmen to approve as an amendment to the agreement between the Town and Nextel, saying the “high-quality” cable Nextel will leave behind will allow the Police Department to move its communication equipment from the Marconi tower to the Mill Street tower.

“That would be a tremendous cost savings,” said Dawson.

Police Chief Lincoln Miller said the quality of the 12 cables being left by Nextel is higher quality cable than what the Town would purchase on its own for the same purpose, and the three cables the Town will initially use will work well with the Police Department’s existing equipment.

Nextel is leaving behind $12,000 worth of cable, so the Town only needs to purchase connectors for hooking up the equipment to the cables.

“I think this is great,” said Selectman Stephen Cushing.

“It’s a great opportunity,” concurred Selectman Jody Dickerson.

Miller told selectmen that once Nextel says they are completely finished with the tower they would turn it over to the Town. Selectmen are allowing Nextel to leave behind their antenna after the lease is terminated which will remain unused for the time being.

By Jean Perry

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Mary S. (Dexter) Costa

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Mary S. (Dexter) Costa, 71, of New Bedford passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford after a long illness. She was the wife of 54 years, of Gerald A. Costa, Sr.

Born and raised in Mattapoisett, the daughter of the late Gordon J. and Leather (West) Dexter, she settled in New Bedford 54 years ago. A homemaker, Mrs. Costa loved her animals especially her cats and dogs.

She is survived by her husband; a daughter, Joanne M. Fitzgerald and her husband Tom of New Bedford; three sons, Gerald A. Costa, Jr. and his wife Cheryl of Douglas, MA, James P. Costa and Patrick L. Costa both of New Bedford; seven grandchildren; a great granddaughter; a brother, James Dexter, Jr. and his wife Dana of Mattapoisett; a sister, Debra Townsend and her husband Robert of Georgia; a sister in law, Dolores Adesso of Dartmouth and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, April 25, 2014, from 9-10am, with a funeral service at 10:00 am in the Donaghy Funeral Home, 465 County Street, New Bedford. Interment will follow in River-Side Cemetery, Fairhaven.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Cats, P.O. Box 79571, Dartmouth, MA 02747.

Joyce L. Bennett

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Joyce L. Bennett, 64, of Mattapoisett passed away Sunday, April 20, 2014.

Joyce was a woman of many creative talents. One of her passions was cooking for which she attended courses at the Johnson & Wales College, School of Culinary Arts. She was the former wife of the late David S. Bennett of Westport. Together they operated Easy Aces, a restaurant from their home for their friends and families. When she wasn’t cooking, she could often be found happily planted up to her elbows in dirt working in her vegetable or flower gardens. Joyce had a knack for bringing beauty to everything she touched. She was never short of quick wit and humor.

Joyce did many things to keep herself busy, painting, always lending a hand to those that needed help and for a time worked at the Fairhaven Council on Aging. She enjoyed the people she met there, the assistance she provided and the relationships she formed.

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Ernest and Bella Monty, Joyce spent time living in Westport, Fairhaven and Mattapoisett. Joyce leaves behind a son, Emmit Bennett; a step-daughter LeeAnn Quint; grandsons Cameron and Evan Bennett; 8 siblings Cora Baker, Linda Lavoie, Pamela Arnold, Donna Ramos, Bridget Monty, Lana Collins, Jeffrey Monty and Ernest Monty; and several nieces and nephews.

In accordance with her wishes she will be cremated with private arrangements. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Damien’s Place Food Pantry, 3065 Cranberry Hwy, East Wareham, MA 02538.

Dance Party Fundraiser

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The Friends of the Mattapoisett Council on Aging (formerly the Friends of the Elderly) is sponsoring a fundraiser on Saturday, May 3 from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 57 Fairhaven Road (Route 6) Mattapoisett, MA.

We will be featuring Ballroom and Line Dancing with music provided by Dave Valerio. Light refreshments, cash bar, door prizes and a Chinese Auction will be included.

Ticket prices are $20 per person in advance (prior to April 28) and $25 per person at the door. Tickets are limited to 100 and reserved table seating is currently available. All proceeds are for the benefit of the Mattapoisett COA. Contact Jo Pannell for tickets 508 758-2654.

It promises to be a great night so come and dance or come to enjoy some great music while you socialize with some delightful folks.

Elks Student of the Year

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The Elks of Wareham Lodge No. 1548 sponsors the Elks Student of the Month and Student of the Year Awards for students enrolled in local area high schools. The criteria used in nominating a student includes a student who excels in scholarship, citizenship, performing arts, fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, and industry and farming.

We congratulate senior Renae Reints of Rochester for being selected by the Old Rochester Regional High School faculty and staff as Student of the Year. Renae is an accomplished student.  She is on the field hockey team and is also involved with many committees.  Renae is an asset to the ORR community.

Boys’ and Girls’ Track Remains Undefeated

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

            Baseball: The Bulldogs had a great week, winning all three of their games against Fairhaven, Dighton-Rehoboth, and GNB Voc-Tech. Against Fairhaven, the boys won 11-8 thanks to a strong offensive performance by designated hitter Austin Salkind, who hit three doubles, a home run, and scored three runs on the day. Tyler Zell earned his first victory of the season after pitching five-plus innings, with Ryan Plunkett earning a save after taking over the mound in the sixth inning. The boys went on defeat Dighton-Rehoboth 3-1 later in the week, with ace pitcher Andrew Ryan recording 12 strikeouts and only allowing two hits. The boys finished out their winning week with a 9-6 victory over GNB Voc-Tech.

            Softball: The Lady Bulldogs were not as fortunate as the boys’ baseball team, as the girls lost both of their games this week. The girls suffered a tough 24-0 loss to Fairhaven early in the week, as Fairhaven’s pitcher Courtney Girouard pitched a perfect game against ORR. Later in the week, the girls lost to Dighton-Rehoboth 6-3.  Despite the loss, however, Kaleigh Goulart played well, striking out five on the pitcher’s mound and recording a hit. Courtney Dextradeur, Sam Allaire, and Maddie Lee also added hits for the Lady Bulldogs, whose record drops to 1-6.

            Boys’ Track: The boys’ track team remained perfect this week, winning their third meet of the season against Bourne, 89-46. The highlight of the meet was senior Mike Wyman, who broke Mike Tiger’s three-year-old school record in the 800-meter with a 1:54. Also shining for the Bulldogs was junior Kevin Saccone, who won the long jump, triple jump, 400 hurdles, and 110 hurdles to contribute 20 points to the team victory. Other winning performances came from Colin Knapton (high jump, javelin), Jack Smith (100 meter, 200 meter), Ben Dion (400 meter), and Jesse Noonan (shot-put).

            Girls’ Track: The Lady Bulldogs also remained undefeated this week, continuing their dominance in the SCC with a 122-13 win over Bourne. The girls placed first in every single event on the day, while also claiming several seconds and thirds. Both Abby Adams and Paige Santos were double winners for the girls, with Adams claiming the long jump and 100 hurdles and Santos claiming the 200 meter dash and the high jump. Another highlight was that the girls swept the throwing events with Jill Sethares winning shot-put, Nicole Gifford winning javelin, and Morgan Browning winning discus.

Boys’ Tennis: The boys started their week off strong with two wins over Dighton-Rehoboth, 4-1, and Apponequet, 4-1. In both matches, Alex Bilodeau won at first singles, as did the third singles, with Doug Blaise claiming the win over DR and Josh Lerman against Apponequet. However, the boys’ winning streak was cut short later in the week with a tough 4-1 loss against Dartmouth. Bilodeau provided the lone victory for the Bulldogs in the loss.

Girls’ Tennis: The Lady Bulldogs had a so-so week, as their undefeated SCC season came to an abrupt close. The girls started the week off strong, claiming a close 3-2 victory over Dighton-Rehoboth thanks to a pivotal win by senior Haley Dickerson at second singles. In a tense third set, Dickerson came through to win 6-2 and give the Lady Bulldogs the needed third point for the win. Unfortunately, later in the week the girls suffered their first conference loss and second overall loss to SCC rival Apponequet, 4-1. Julia Nojeim provided the lone win for ORR at first singles. The loss marked Apponequet’s first ever win on ORR’s home courts, and gives them the upper hand in what will likely be a close SCC title race.

Boys’ Lacrosse: After a tough 14-5 loss early in the week to Dartmouth, the boys looked to turn their luck around against out of conference Pope John Paul II. Thanks to Ethan Lizotte and Mikey Pruchnik, who both scored two goals apiece, the boys defeated Pope John Paul II 9-4. Connor Severino was dominant on face-offs, where he won 16 of 17. Severino also added a goal as did Nic Suprenant, Chris Nadeau, Ryan Manning, and Landon Goguen.

Girls’ Lacrosse: The girls suffered their second conference loss this week against Apponequet, 16-8. Bailey Truesdale scored four goals on the loss, with junior Chloe Riley adding a hat trick and Mikayla Demanche contributing with one goal. The loss put the girls further back in the SCC rankings, which is also shaping up to be a tight race. Later in the week, however, the girls defeated Sturgis West by a huge 17-2 margin. Three Lady Bulldogs scored hat tricks: Truesdale, Julia Barrett, and Sarah Ryan. Freshman Emily Hiller added two goals in the big win.

Below are the overall spring team records, followed by the conference records in wins, losses, and ties as of April 13.

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

By Michael Kassabian

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