Mattapoisett Lions Club Award

on February 22, 2014

The Mattapoisett Lions Club, a member of Lions International that consists of 45,000 clubs and more than 1.3 million members worldwide – making it the world’s largest service club organization – is pleased to announce a $5,000 scholarship to be awarded this year to a graduating high school student residing in Mattapoisett, Marion or Rochester.

The funds for this Award are raised through fund raisers held by the Mattapoisett Lions Club through out the year including Harbor Days, an annual festival held in Shipyard Park every July and attended by up to 10,000 people.

The Lion’s Club motto is ‘We Serve’ and one of the largest charitable causes of Lion’s International includes raising funds for eye research in an effort to end preventable blindness through out the world and providing services for those in need in our community.

To qualify, a graduating student or home-schooled student shall be enrolled in their first year of a recognized school of higher education, must be a resident of the Tri-Town area, and must have demonstrated service to the community. Special consideration will be given to those looking to a career in an eyesight-related field.

To obtain an application, learn more about this Award, or to learn how to become a member of the Lions Club, visit our website www.mattapoisettlionsclub.org. Award applications are also available through the guidance department at your high school. Applications may also be obtained by calling Helene Rose at 508-758-9841. Applications must be received by March 30.

Gateway Youth Hockey

on February 21, 2014

Mite Bobcats: The Mite Bobcats defeated the SC Panthers, 28-8. Matt Paling opened the scoring off the face off and ended with five goals. Juni Suarez, Krystian Pothel and Derek Gauvin all had hat tricks. Patrick Tripp and Jared Frates had two goals apiece and goaltender Charlie Carroll made 40 saves in the win.

Walk at Olde Field Farm

on February 21, 2014

On Sunday, February 23, at 2:00 pm, the public is invited to join the Mattapoisett Land Trust (MLT) and the Rochester Land Trust (RLT)as they hold a joint walk on MLT’s Olde Field Farm property located just west of 232 New Bedford Road. Edith and Elliott Shoolman donated this property to MLT prior to RLT’s creation so that the fields and woods could remain wild as a sanctuary for the birds they loved. The house and barns are now private property and a local farmer maintains the fields in season.

Winter is a wonderful time to hike across the main field to walk the relatively flat trail through pinewoods and into the frozen swampy land that abuts the Mattapoisett River. Folks should dress for the weather of the day, as the hike will go on rain, shine, sleet or snow!

Participants may see tracks of deer, fox, coyote, or squirrel. Many wintering birds may be seen or heard in the woods or along the field edges.

This is the second in a series of walks sponsored by RLT to highlight properties included in their booklet, Explore Rochester. The booklet, now in its second printing, was a joint effort of the RLT and the Rochester Conservation Commission’s Open Space Action Committee. Copies of the booklet are available at the Town Hall Annex and will also be available on the day of the walk.

So come out and enjoy a walk in the woods with fellow naturalists!

Blind Date with a Book!

on February 21, 2014

Tired of looking for book love in all the wrong places? The staff at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library is playing matchmaker beginning on Valentine’s Day and for the next month. Stop by the library and see the Blind Date with a Book display upstairs in the Reading Room.

It’s easy and it’s fun! Blind Date with a Book matches you with a surprise book wrapped in plain brown paper. You can choose from one of several genres (mystery, biography, true crime, romance, and more), and they have been selected with adults and young adults in mind. There is a mixture of fiction and non-fiction, with just a little hint of what you’re getting into. Anonymous library barcodes are on the outside so patrons can check out their dates. Take one home, relax, and give your choice an opportunity to make an impression. You never know until you give it a chance. If you don’t like your book, bring it back and try another.

In addition, there’s a perk for “rating your date.” Fill out the rating form included in your package to let others know how your book appealed to you … or didn’t. Bring the form back to the library, and for each rating slip, you will be entered into a free drawing for one of three prizes: A movie gift certificate with movie snacks; a $25 iTunes gift card; or, a $20 gift certificate to Nick’s Pizza. Forms need to be returned by March 17, St. Patrick’s Day! Lucky you!

How’s that for a sweet deal? So kick off the Valentine’s Day weekend with a new friend. You never know what might develop.

Board Reviews Medicinal Marijuana Bylaw

on February 21, 2014

Planning Board members decided that they needed to do a little more investigating before advertising for a public hearing to present the Registered Marijuana Dispensary (RMD) draft bylaw slated for the Annual Town Meeting warrant in May.

Town Counsel Jon Witten presented the first draft of the bylaw on February 18, asking board members to discuss what areas to zone for RMD siting, taking into account setbacks from residences, which left some board members questioning whether siting of RMDs in Marion was feasible at all.

Witten used the standard 500-foot setback from residences and schools as a starting point for the bylaw, reminding board members that they are not bound by that number.

“There is no place in Marion that would fall within that location,” said board member Norman Hills, questioning the 500-foot setback, saying he did not think any location existed that would not place a RMD within 500 feet of a residence. “We don’t have large zones to begin with,” he continued, asking whether or not that would even permit a RMD in Marion.

Board members decided to hold off on deciding which zone to permit RMDs and what to recommend for setbacks before advertising a public hearing on the bylaw, which would preclude the board from making any substantive changes to the bylaw presented at the hearing.

The board will have to strike a balance between being too restrictive and not restrictive enough, so they decided to continue the discussion during the March 3 Planning Board meeting. This means the bylaw will be submitted as an article for the warrant before holding a public hearing, so no changes can be made at that point, according to Witten.

The board already voted to omit Limited Business Zoning as an option, leaving General Business and Light Industrial for consideration.

Witten advised the board to lean more toward being restrictive. “It’s harder to entrench, but easier to expand,” he told the board.

Also during the meeting, Ken Motta of Field Engineering came before the board at their request, answering questions on storm water calculations pertaining to hydraulic structures in project planning.

The Department of Environmental Protection has a standard for rain water level calculation, known as TP-40, which is composed of rainfall charts for storm events from a 1-year 30-minute rainfall to a 100-year 24-hour event. A new study from the Northeast Regional Climate Center at Cornell University increases rainfall quantities of more extreme weather events, indicating that the TP-40 standard is obsolete when planning for structures such as drainage basins in construction projects.

Hills previously brought the issue up and requested that the board learn more about the newer Cornell standard, which, by the end of the discussion, did not prompt other board members to consider it further.

Motta said his opinion was that the Cornell study was “overly conservative” and could be exaggerated. After all, it is based on hypothetical storms of larger magnitude in the future, as board member Steven Gonsalves pointed out.

“Is this ‘chicken little the sky is falling,’” asked Vice-Chairman Stephen Kokkin, “or is it appropriate to [change]?” He asked Motta, “Why wouldn’t the DEP adopt Cornell?”

Motta replied that the two standards are based on “two different statistical datas.”

The bottom line, as Hills put it, is that the board will not consider the Cornell study and will keep to what is currently in the bylaw.

In other matters, John Rockwell from the Buzzards Bay Natural Estuary Program presented the board with a zoning map that the board hopes to present at Town Meeting for adoption as the official town map.

The current official map was adopted in 1999, and since then the Town adopted some zoning changes in 2006 that are not reflected in the present official town map.

The board was not confident in the FEMA velocity zones featured on the map, especially since some of them are still under scrutiny, so the board decided to have Rockwell remove the velocity zones and focus in on the zoning.

Before adjourning, the board voted to make no comment to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding the matter of Hawley Bigelow of 16 Pitcher Street, for which the ZBA requested Planning Board input.

Continued until the March 3 meeting of the Planning Board is discussion and possible comment to the ZBA regarding Dale and Laura Briggs, Lot 17, Map 21.

By Jean Perry

Silvana (Morgardo) Kane

on February 21, 2014

Silvana (Morgardo) Kane, 90, formerly of Fairhaven, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2014, at the Middlesex Health Care Center, in Middletown, CT. She was the wife of the late Arthur J. Kane.

Born and raised in Mattapoisett, the daughter of the late Antone M. and Mary (Festa) Morgardo, she settled in Fairhaven in 1963 and lived there until 1999 when she moved to be with her son and his family in Connecticut.

Mrs. Kane was an insurance broker for the Irving and Ames Agency, in New Bedford, the Kincade Agency, in Boston, and Schofield and Francis Agency. She later worked as an office manager for Shaw’s Super Market, in Fairhaven, from 1974-1994 when she retired.

She enjoyed following the Red Sox and Patriots as well as gardening and trips to Cape Cod and the White Mountains, in New Hampshire.

She is survived by her son, James Kane and his daughter Mackenzie Kane of Durham, CT.

Arrangements were by the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main Street, Fairhaven.

James R. Persson

on February 21, 2014

James R. Persson, 59, of Mattapoisett died Wednesday February 19, 2014 peacefully at home. He was the loving husband of Nancy D. (Reid) Persson.

Born in Boston, the son of Eleanor (Ioannilli) Persson of Dedham and the late Per Henry Persson, he lived in Dedham for many years before moving to Mattapoisett 18 years ago.

Mr. Persson was formerly employed as a heavy equipment operator for Arthur C. Lamb Co., Inc. and RJV Construction in Canton.

He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and was fond of spending time at the Mattapoisett Town Wharf.

Survivors include wife; his mother; his stepchildren, Olivia Contini and her companion, John George of Dedham and Reid Contini of Washington, D.C.; his brother, John R. Persson and his wife Elizabeth of Foxboro; his beloved Godmother, Mary Savignano of Wareham; a niece, Stephanie Wilson and her husband James; a nephew, John R. Persson, Jr.; aunts, uncles, and cousins; as well as his cats, Bea and Buttons;

He was predeceased by his cat, Pete.

His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday February 22, 2014 at 1 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. Visitation will be from 11AM – 1 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to “It’s All About the Animals, Inc.”, 103 Marion Rd., Rochester, MA 02770. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Technology: Improving and Puzzling Education

on February 20, 2014

Over the years, the technological tools we use in our everyday lives have been making their way into the classroom. Thus digital learning has become a growing concept in the educational world. It sparks a question: How can we use technology to enhance the education of our students?

The Southeastern Regional Student Advisory Council (SERSAC) – a collection of students from schools all over southeastern Massachusetts – has committed their bimonthly meetings this year to the topic of digital learning. Last Wednesday, at their meeting at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School, the students of SERSAC began filming their own public service announcement. The PSA will address the “dos and don’ts” of technology in the classroom.

With the assistance of Brittney Hotte, a senior at Old Rochester Regional High School with film editing experience, SERSAC hopes the PSA will be completed and distributed to school committees across Massachusetts by late April.

Here at Old Rochester Regional High School, the technology council is working on its own project. While snow days have disrupted some of their monthly meetings, Megan McKeon, a history teacher at ORR and member of the tech council, said the council is working on creating a long-term plan for technology at ORR. They’ve researched to see what other schools have done, what would be most useful at ORR, and how they can make cost-effective decisions.

“I’m really excited that we have a tech council with really dynamic community members, parents, [and] teachers. We have so many people who want the best for our community,” said McKeon, “The challenge is – how do we get that, especially with the cost? … We also have to keep in mind, technology is changing so fast.”

McKeon recalled how the tech council once believed that the huge TV set in each classroom would be instrumental. However, technology grew in a different direction, and teachers are now more likely to use their projector or Elmo document camera in the classroom.

“Technology is expensive. We’re exploring all options on how to get the best technology here, the best software here – but then we have to be realistic too, and we have to budget,” McKeon said.

ORR does have a number of computer labs available to students. However, Bertrand Allain, an English teacher at ORR, often has trouble fitting his classes of up to thirty students into one lab. Occasionally, students will bring their own laptops in order to participate in online lessons.

“I think that technology is very accessible because it’s everywhere,” said McKeon, “The accessibility is partially because we provide it, but it’s partially because students are bringing in their own laptop, or they’re using their smartphones to do research through the Boston Public Library in my classroom.”

ORR follows a “teacher’s discretion” policy, meaning that each teacher decides when it is appropriate for a student to use their laptop, tablet, or phone during class time. This is a common school policy, although there are some other schools that have established a strict no-technology rule. That viewpoint would argue that school should follow a more traditional path, providing an education without the distractions technology can produce.

ORR, however, has been managing well with their “teacher’s discretion” policy. Most teachers at ORR follow this open-minded view and recognize when technology can be useful.

“Students need to learn how to self-regulate. All of these devices are in their life, whether we like it or not,” said McKeon, “If you have access to those three things [a smartphone, laptop, and tablet] in college, shouldn’t you be practicing in high school how to effectively use them?”

With this idea in mind, ORR has embraced technology. Families and teachers are connected through PowerSchool; the library offers a diverse set of databases for research; history teachers pull docudramas offline to engage the students; English teachers project documents on the board for the class to analyze.

“We can link to anything in the world instantaneously,” said McKeon, “It’s amazing.”

Allain, along with a handful of other teachers at ORR, utilizes a website called Schoology.

“I find it to be a great website because I can organize all of my homework and my assignments in one place,” said Allain, “I feel comforted knowing there’s a central place all of my students can access that has access to their work and their assignments, so that when people are absent, there isn’t a lot of guesswork, there’s always a place you can go.”

While many teachers have expanded the technology in their classroom, ORR hasn’t yet reached its full potential for digital learning.

“We don’t have a ton of technology-based professional development, so at the end of the day I don’t think everyone’s getting a lot of exposure to the technology unless they’re doing it outside of their hours at Old Rochester,” said Allain, “That being said, the school has been super supportive of anything that we do want to use.”

The most regular technology lessons the teachers see are at the staff meetings once a month, where “Ten Minutes of Technology” will occasionally be scheduled. During this time, the school’s technical director presents new software or new tools available to the teachers.

“We talked about things ranging from the really basic things, like YouTube, all the way up to some different websites you can use to do in-class surveys and things like that,” Allain recalled.

“Now if we could only have holograms I’d be really happy,” laughed McKeon.

As ORR deals with the changing times, they’re always looking towards the future as well.

By Renae Reints

Rochester Council on Aging

on February 20, 2014

• The COA’s Annual Irish Luncheon will take place on Friday, March 14, at 12:00 pm. The meal is the traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner! The cost for this meal is $10 per person and must be paid in advance at sign-up. Space fills up quickly, and the limit is 100, so you must sign-up in advance for this dinner! The deadline to sign-up is Friday, March 7. Call 508-763-8723. Anyone is welcome to attend. A 50/50 Raffle will also be held at the luncheon that day for the Senior Center Building Fund. May you have the “Luck of the Irish” and win 50%!!

• Monday night BINGO resumes on Monday, March 3, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Any Senior Citizen is welcome. The COA plays BINGO two times per week (Monday nights and Wednesday. afternoons, 12:30 – 3:00 pm) and we play by the MA Senior Citizen Recreational BINGO laws. Cost is 50 cents per card, 25 cents per game. No card limit. Average 12 – 15 games played each time, and all money collected is given in prizes that day/night.

• A Balance Clinic will be held on Tuesday, March 4, at 10:30 am, given by Randy Veraguas of CAREtenders. It is a free group presentation on ways to improve your balance and reduce your risk of falls. Offered by Tender Hearts, Inc., and held at the Rochester Senior Center. Anyone is welcome to attend.

• The Cosmetology students from Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School will be offering free manicures and hand massages to anyone interested here at the Senior Center on Thursday, March 27, beginning at 9:45 am. Anyone is welcome to come!

• Rochester COA March Day Trips:

1. Sunday, March 2: Plymouth Home Show and Lunch Stop; 10:30 am – 4:00 pm.

2. Friday, March 21: Hyannis Shopping Trip (Christmas Tree Shop, Trader Joe’s, Hyannis Mall), and Lunch Stop; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

3. Sunday, March 23: Maple Sugar Days at Old Sturbridge Village; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Note: Advance sign-up is necessary to reserve your seat – call 508-763-8723!

• Housing Options as We Age: Legal and Financial Considerations: A free Panel Presentation at the Rochester Senior Center on Thursday, March 6, 4:00 – 6:00 pm offering information on financial and legal aspects to consider as you contemplate making a housing change. Panelists include Daniel Surprenant, Esq., a Certified Elder Law Attorney; Carol Milligan of Bank of Canton; and others. The public is welcome to attend. Advance registration requested by calling COA at 508-763-8723 or Mary McCann of Jack Conway Mattapoisett office at 617-930-2170. Refreshments will be served.

• Rochester’s Pampered Chef returns on Monday, March 3. Food preparation demonstration begins at 11:30 am, and the complete Luncheon is served at 12:00 pm. Anyone is welcome to attend. Please call 508-763-8723 in advance to sign-up. Suggested donation for the meal is $4 and includes beverage and dessert.

• Soup & Sandwich Lunch: Mondays at 12:00 pm; suggested donation $4. Anyone is welcome to attend. Please call 508-763-8723 in advance to sign-up.

• The Quarterly Birthday Party for Rochester’s older adult residents having a birthday in the months of January, February or March is scheduled at the Senior Center for Monday, March 31 at 12:00 pm. A complete lunch includes beverage and traditional cake and ice-cream. Anyone can attend the lunch. Suggested donation for non-birthday attendees is $4. Please call 508-763-8723 in advance to sign-up.

• Recently-released current DVD movies are shown each Friday at 1:30 pm at the Rochester Senior Center. Movies are free and anyone is welcome to attend. If interested, call by Wednesday each week to learn which movie will be shown that coming Friday. Movies are rented online through Netflix.

• Ballroom Dancing Lessons are given every Wednesday at 10:00 am by Instructor Nancy Barrett. Singles and couples are welcome. No advance registration needed. Just come! Suggested $4 donation per person per week. All levels and abilities are welcome. Come every week, or come when you can!

• Chair Yoga Classes at the Rochester Senior Center on Mondays at 1:00 pm with Instructor Susan Ashley. Suggested donation of $3 per person per class. Prior registration not needed. Just come when you can! Anyone is welcome!

• Weekly Blood Pressure Checks at the Rochester Senior Center on Mondays, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, given by the Rochester Health Department. Free service and anyone is welcome.

• Dental Clinic at the Rochester Senior Center with Holly Petruzzo, a visiting Dental Hygienist in Public Health. The mobile dental program offers cleaning & fluoride, dental cleanings, sealants, and oral health education. Cost: $79 and/or a sliding scale for those who can not afford this price. Accepts Mass Health and Senior Whole Health. Appointments in Rochester are on Tuesday, March 18, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm. Call Holly directly at 774-766-7238 to schedule your appointment.

• Free Income Tax Preparation appointments are being scheduled on Wednesdays through Tax Season, and will be processed by Certified AARP Tax Volunteer Ann Cambra at the Rochester Senior Center. Call 508-763-8723 to reserve your appointment! Don’t forget to apply for the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax at the same time!

• Rochester COA provides transportation for grocery shopping for Rochester residents to the New Bedford Market Basket on Wednesdays, leaving at 8:30 am. Anyone is welcome to ride the van, but they must reserve their seat in advance by calling 508-763-8723.

• Rochester seniors have a growing Bowling League on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 am at the Lanes in Mattapoisett. Anyone of any skill level is welcome to join in!

• Line Dancing Classes are held at the Rochester Senior Center on Tuesday afternoons at 2:30 pm and again on Friday mornings at 9:30 am. Instructor is Nancy Cabral. Suggested donation of $2 per person per class is given directly to instructor. No registration necessary. Just come!

• Stepping & Stretching Exercise Class: Instructor Karen Corcoran offers this class two times a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Program is grant funded through Coastline Elderly Services. Donations for each class are appreciated. Any senior is welcome to attend. No prior registration needed.

• “Ye Olde Breakfast Shoppe”: Anyone of any age is welcome to drop in for breakfast from 7:00 – 9:00 am, Monday through Friday, at the Rochester Senior Center. Breakfast is an expansive varied menu, with weekly specials, and reasonable prices! Includes a bottomless cup of coffee. Sponsored by volunteers from the FRIENDS of the Rochester Senior Center and the Rochester Lions Club. Closed holidays, snow days, and weekends.

• Cardio Dance-Fit Exercise Program: Instructor Ellie Higgins leads this fast-paced program on Tuesdays at 9:00 am. Cost is $4 per person per class, paid directly to instructor. Anyone of any level is welcome to come and participate! No prior sign-up necessary.

• The monthly Veterans Social for area Veterans of all ages will be held on Wednesday, March 19, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Anyone is welcome to come to this free, informal gathering of brothers who share experiences and camaraderie. Refreshments are served. No prior registration needed. Just come!

• Hot Congregate Meals are served at the Rochester Senior Center on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays at 11:30 am. The program is federally funded and operated through Coastline Elderly Services. Call 508-763-8723 for the daily menu. Suggested donation of $2 per meal and 24-hour advance sign-up is requested. Any senior is welcome to attend.

• Cribbage Enthusiasts: Cribbage is scheduled every Monday from 9:00 – 11:30 am. Anyone interested can just drop in and join in with a group. Just bring your cribbage board and a deck of cards. Program is free! Stay for lunch, too!

• The Painters in the Monday morning Art Group at the Rochester Senior Center extend an invitation to anyone who is interested in painting to come and join other artists from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm for friendly encouragement and conversation. All levels welcome! Watercolors or Acrylics, whichever you enjoy! Instruction materials are available. Bring your own supplies. Free! Why not stay for lunch afterwards, too!

• The Rochester COA has the following Volunteer Opportunities available:

1. Breakfast Program Cook: one day a week, or as a substitute

2. Kitchen Assistants (waitresses & dishwashers)

3. Friday afternoon Movie Attendant

4. Computer Teacher to teach organized class on any topic. (The Senior Center is now wireless!)

5. Crafts Instructor (general or one specific craft)

If interested, please call Sharon Lally at 508-763-8723.

Machacam Club

on February 20, 2014

The Machacam Club will hold its March meeting on March 5 at the Legion Hall, 3 Depot Street. Social time is 5:30 pm; dinner at 6:00 pm.

Due to the postponement of the February meeting, our speaker this month will be Mark Mello who will return in order to wrap up his December presentation of “A Soldier’s Life,” a very interesting review of what the Civil War was all about for the soldiers who fought the battles of this bloody conflict. All members present were quite outspoken with desire to have Mark return ASAP to finish it up. We all look forward to this young historian’s wrap up.

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 am, March 3, email to cwmccullough@comcast.net or by phone to Chuck at 508-758-1326. Members with requests or changes can contact either no later than 9:00 am March 4.