Lorraine M. (Pelaquin) McGuire

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Lorraine M. (Pelaquin) McGuire, 89, of Mattapoisett died Friday February 14, 2014 at Alden Court Nursing Home in Fairhaven. She was the wife of the late Herbert L. McGuire.

Born and raised in Brockton, the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Viola (Noel) Pelaquin, she lived in Hanson for 37 years before moving to Mattapoisett in 1996.

Mrs. McGuire was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed quilting.

She is survived by her children, John Kevin McGuire and his wife Joy of Post Falls, Idaho and Cheryl A. McGuire and her husband Chris Jaskolka of Mattapoisett; eight grandchildren, Angela Street, Alanna, Chris, Siobhan, Talia, and Kekei McGuire, Jacob and Serena Jaskolka; a great-grandson, Nathan Street; and several nieces and nephews

She was the sister of the late Russell, Paul, Louie, Joseph, and Frank Pelaquin.

Her family will receive guests on Friday morning from 8:30-10 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett followed by her Funeral Mass in St. Anthony’s Church at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. For directions and guestbook, please visit  www.saundersdwyer.com.

Marion Snow & Ice Removal Over Budget

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The Marion Board of Selectmen met on a snowy, cold Tuesday evening at the Town House. One agenda item included a request for $38,000 above the designated snow and ice removal allocated budget for 2014. The Board approved the request.

After a signing of the warrants and approval of minutes for February 4, 2014, the board launched into other agenda items.

A recommendation from Police Chief Lincoln Miller to appoint Derryl Lawrence, Jr. as a full-time police officer was approved. Lawrence recently completed his one-year probationary period with the Marion Police Department.

A request from the Marion Art Center for the use of Bicentennial Park on July 12 for “Arts in the Park” was also approved. The event will run from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.

A one-day all-alcohol license, on behalf of the VFW for a birthday party on March 1 from 4:00 until 11:00 pm, was approved. Another one-day all-alcohol license, on behalf of the VFW for a birthday party on March 8 from 3:00 until 9:00 pm, was also approved. A one-day all-alcohol license for the Marion Firefighters Association clam boil on March 22 from 4:00 until 7:00 pm was approved.

Next up was a discussion of the Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project that asked if the Town of Marion was in support of their proposed budget. “With the Eastern Equine Encephalitis issue and other insect issues, the PCMCP is asking if we support their budget,” said Town Administrator Paul Dawson. The board voted to support the effort.

Another discussion ensued regarding the calendar year 2014 Internal Revenue Service mileage reimbursement rate of 56 cents per mile, which is a reduction from last year’s reimbursement rate of 56.5 cents per mile. The rate is effective from January 1, 2014. The board discussed the rate reduction and had no comment.

A report by Town Administrator Paul Dawson regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency flood map followed. Dawson said that Marion adopted the proposed maps that went into effect on January 17, 2014. “Some communities in southeastern Massachusetts are not determined yet, but Marion and Mattapoisett are approved by FEMA,” said Dawson.

A discussion followed regarding a volunteer to help with the Carver-Marion-Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District (CMWRRDD). A newspaper advertisement requesting volunteers went unanswered. Dawson noted that Ray Pickles, head of the CMWRRDD, asked that volunteers have some experience in the trucking industry.

Lastly, Dawson asked the Board to appoint Facilities Director Sean Cormier as the Owner Project Manager of the oversight committee for the Town House feasibility study. Dawson also proposed advertising and using ‘word of mouth’ advertising to attract qualified individuals to join the committee.

In other business, the board said that they would like to have the two individuals who applied for positions on the Affordable Housing Trust come before the board and meet them. Jennifer Watson and Amy Wolfson both applied for slots on that board.

The board closed the meeting to go into executive session for strategy related to collective bargaining.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

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Shed Approved, Recycling Plant on Hold

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The Rochester Conservation Commission made quick work of their agenda Tuesday evening, with only one issue discussed in great detail.

That issue involved a plan by Shoen Morrison of 20 Foss Lane for the construction of a 14×20 foot shed with an extended roof, for which the Commission issued a negative Determination of Applicability, meaning that Morrison can go forward without having to come up with a more detailed proposal.

The work also includes the removal of some small pine trees near where the shed will be constructed.

Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon and Commission members Laurene Gerrior and John Teal said they had all been to the proposed site, which came before them because Morrison’s plans fall within the 100-foot buffer zone to bordering vegetative wetlands. No one took issue with the proposed project.

“I would agree that if they were mine that I’d want to take those trees down,” said Teal.

“That area is pretty much open save for a couple trees that he’s looking to take out,” added Farinon, noting that a barrier must be placed around the area of proposed activity and that the Commission be notified at time of construction.

Initially, Green Seal Environmental was to appear on behalf of Shawmut Associates for construction of a recycling facility at 50 Cranberry Highway that is currently in the process of receiving approval by the Planning Board after some changes were made to their initial Order of Conditions.

According to Farinon, a report from a third-party reviewer has been completed, and it needs to first go to the Planning Board, after which it can go to the Commission for approval.

The Commission issued a continuance on an amendment to the Order of Conditions for the project.

They also announced the completion of the pilot phase of a Forest Management program at Old Colony, which Farinon said was completed with “no problems.”

“It really came out nice,” she said, noting that some logs were left for a future state-sponsored woodworking program involving students at the school.

The next meeting of the Conservation Commission is March 4 at 7:00 pm.

By Nick Walecka

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Hidden Treasures Appraisal Day

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The Friends of the Mattapoisett Library is hosting its own version of “Antiques Roadshow” on March 29 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the meeting room at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, 7 Barstow Street.

Frank McNamee of Marion Antique Shop, Marion Antique Auctions and Frank H. McNamee Certified Estate Appraisals, will be on hand to evaluate your favorite treasures such as paintings, prints, silver, furniture, Oriental rugs, books, glass and china and nautical items. Frank’s assistant, Paula Deane, estate jewelry specialist, will be appraising jewelry and collectibles.

Frank McNamee’s qualifications include 35 years in the antiques business and 25 years of appraisal experience. Frank is a graduate of the Henry Francis DuPont Winterthur Institute program on American Furniture and Decorative Arts; he also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History from Providence College, a degree in Marketing from Bridgewater State College and is a member in good standing of the New England Appraisers Association. He has completed a course on Appraisal Studies, as well as Uniform Standards of Appraisal Practice Course (USPAP) at Rhode Island School of Design.

Paula Deane, of Sandwich, has been in the antiques and appraisal business for over 30 years. She is a general antiques dealer who specializes in vintage jewelry.

The cost is $5 per item to be appraised, with a three-item limit. If an item is too large you can bring in a photograph. If the piece is a bit obscure or needs preliminary research, send an e-mail prior to the event to Frank at Frank@MarionAntiques.com with “Mattapoisett Fundraiser” as the subject line. Frank and Paula don’t appraise stamps or coins, and diamonds aren’t graded as a gemologist would do.

Members of the Friends will be on hand to talk with patrons about membership and to provide refreshments. As always, your donations support the library, its programs and services.

Last Tuesday of the Month Free Movie

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Blue Jasmine (PG-13, 98 min.) Showing at the Mattapoisett Senior Center on Tuesday, February 25 at 12 noon. The movie is free, pizza (two slices) is $2, prepaid. Stop by the Senior Center at Center School, Barstow St, by 2/24/14 to pay for your pizza AND to reserve your seat.

Cate Blanchett stars as a rich, spoiled, NY socialite who suddenly finds herself betrayed by her husband and is forced to seek refuge with her blue collar sister.  Woody Allen directs this ensemble cast, but it is the tour de force performance by Blanchett that is the star of this film.  There are reflections of “A Streetcar Named Desire” that seem familiar, yet under Allen’s deft touch, different and funny.

Fire Fighters Clam Boil

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The Marion Fire Fighters Association is holding it’s annual winter clam boil Saturday, March 22. This year’s event will be held at the Marion VFW Post 2425, 465 Mill St (Route 6), and will feature a traditional winter seafood dinner, raffle prizes and a cash alcohol Bar. There will be a Raw Bar available at 6pm, dinner served at 7pm. Tickets are $25 each and available from Association members or by calling Ron Auld 774-263-2589 or Brooks Wilson 508-728-0840. The deadline to purchase tickets is Saturday, March 15. We look forward to seeing you there.

Plumb Corner Market to Get a Facelift

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It looks like Plumb Corner Market will be getting a bit of a facelift.

At a meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, the Board approved an appeal from James Junkins, the owner of Plumb Corner Market, to replace and add to existing signage on the business.

Mr. Junkins said that the current signs are deteriorated and rotten, and that he would replace the existing signage, as well as add one sign to the front wall of the building and another to a side wall of the building.

“I’m not trying to go above and beyond [with the signage],” said Junkins, noting that he thought the signs would help identify his business to those who may not be familiar with it. “Identities are very important to businesses [these days].”

“[We’ll] do it in a style and fashion that represents the town,” he added.

The Board agreed to approve a variance that allows Junkins to go forward with the signs, with the provision that any lighting on the signage be pointed directly at the signs and not up towards the sky to avoid any potential light pollution.

“You’ve done a good job [with the market in general],” said Board member Ben Gilmore. “It’s quite nice inside.”

“I don’t have any problems with this – I think it’s a great idea,” he added. “It would probably be very helpful for them to know it’s there. It’s clearly keeping with the character of the town and the structure that’s there – I have no issue with it at all.”

In other news, the Board approved an appeal for William and Anna Milka of 268 New Bedford Road to allow them to add onto an existing barn on their property, as well as to grant them permission to allow a horseback-riding academy on the property.

The Milkas filed the appeal because the barn falls within the minimum setback of 100 feet from a road, causing Rochester Building Commissioner Jim Buckles to deny their initial request for the addition.

The Board approved the Milka’s request and granted a variance to allow the barn addition that will provide storage space, with a stipulation that they house no more than 16 horses on the property.

For both variances, there is a 20-day appeal period before any work can take place.

By Nick Walecka

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Anthony Frank Souza

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Anthony Frank Souza of Mattapoisett and formerly of Orlando, FL was born in Falmouth on October 19, 1921. He was the son of Antone and Mary (Roberts) Souza of East Falmouth where he resided. Anthony passed away peacefully on the morning of February 13, 2014 at the age of 92.

In January 1942 he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He served in WWII in the Asia-Pacific area from May 1942-April 1944. Wounded in the Guadalcanal engagement in Nov. 1942 and again later in Gloucester, New Britain in Jan. 1944, he was given an honorable discharge in Dec. 1946 where he received the Purple Heart Medal with the Gold Star for his bravery and service.

When he was discharged from the USMC, he worked as a drycleaner for ACME Laundry in Yarmouth, MA for 33 years. He was then employed by Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL as a drycleaner specialist for 10 years, retiring in 1987.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Sophie (Lopes) Souza. He is also survived by his daughter Deborah (Souza) Giokas of Mattapoisett, MA. He leaves behind three grandchildren: Kristen (Giokas) Torres (Matthew Torres) of Marion, MA, Matthew Giokas of Charlestown, MA and Andrea Giokas of Mattapoisett, MA. He also leaves behind a great-granddaughter, Kaedence Sophia Torres of Marion, MA and great-grandson, Nicholas Anthony Giokas of Mattapoisett, MA. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews.

Anthony and his wife traveled the country in their camper including a trip from Florida to Alaska. He enjoyed their summer trips to the Cape spending time with family and friends.

Burial with Military Honors will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home of Bourne.

Vera’s Errand Girl

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There are things that are so pressed into one’s memory they become part of your arms, your legs, the nose you smell with, the tongue you taste with, a touch of skin that is never forgotten. Those memories swirl in the cold of a cloistered winter morning that slides into late afternoon before you realize you haven’t changed out of what you had worn to bed the night before.

In between the first cup of coffee and preparing the evening meal on a day when you’ve dwelled in prior decades, talking to people who are no longer, walking in hot sunshine, solving life’s problems, the stories slip in and out. They begin eagerly, but before they can be captured, they dissipate like smoke rings, they simply lose their form. And some take on a life of their own …

I’m walking down Longwood Avenue to Vera Dingman’s house. I’m maybe 8 or 9 or 10 and eager to make money. Vera was my first employer. Her house was situated on the high side of the street. All the houses on that side of the street ran up from the sidewalk in steep steps, two levels of steps before you reach the front door. My short stubby little girl legs had to stretch high, my knees nearly hitting my chin in order for me to push my body up and up to Vera’s door. Vera was always waiting in her upholstered chair, a formerly tall elegant woman, now slightly stooped by advanced old age, long thin arms, legs and a voice gravelly from cigarette addiction. She wore old-fashioned high collared black dresses from another era, black sensible shoes, saggy hosiery with her white brittle hair piled upon her head. She was dignified in her manner, polite and peaceful in a way that only those who are at peace with themselves exude from their pores. She had a cat forever cradled in her lap. I see the sun coming through the window behind her on an early summer morning, making the lacy cobwebs hanging in grand swags around that window and extending over the ceiling above Vera’s head less fearsome and more decorative.

The shopping list would be ready. In her perfect old lady, once steady hand, she scratched out the necessities that would last her for a couple of days. Milk, bread, cat food, maybe a quarter pound of bacon cut fresh by the grocer and wrapped in brown butcher’s paper, two bananas, an apple, tomato soup and cigarettes. She hands me a few dollars from her cloth change purse that is tied to her belt by a piece of string. Her long slender fingers are curved, the uncut nails are talon-like and yellow, the skin stained from nicotine. She gently uses her hands like tools she must focus on to get the proper result. The process seems an eternity, but I am as patient with Vera as she is of her hands.

Finally, I hurry away to get the job done. Vera knows she can trust me to get it right, bring back the supplies, all the change from the purchases and without wasting time. I run up the hill, stop at the crosswalk, and then skip into the grocer’s. The walk back is always a struggle. The supplies are heavy for my small frame, but I’ve got a purpose and it must get done.

Back at her house after conquering up those tall stairs with a bag or two, Vera hasn’t moved but I notice several more cigarette butts in the standing ashtray by her chair. I set the bags on the tiny kitchen table in a room that is no longer really a place to prepare food, but more a receptacle for used plates, glasses and bits of moldy bread. Opened cat food cans reek where they have been left on the floor for the faithful feline, some empty while others partially full of dried out fish by-products. Everything goes in the kitchen but the cigarettes. The fresh pack is delivered into her waiting claw-like hands along with the list and the change. She smiles at my efficiency and calls me a good girl. Then the reward is passed from her cool papery hand to my wet fleshy palm: a half dollar. That princely sum she pays me three days a week – never two quarters, nickels, dimes, or pennies – always a half dollar coin. I say goodbye and sprint for the door.

The short return home transports me to the modern world circa 1960. As I run upstairs to my room, my Mother calls out “don’t slam the door” from her perch at the kitchen table. In my bedroom, I fish from under the mattress the tin box that is my vault and open it carefully so the contents don’t slip out. Half dollar coins make a racket when they hit the floor, and I don’t want my Mother to know how many I have. I count the coins, stacking them like poker chips. As Vera’s errand girl, I’ve amassed a fortune – nearly ten dollars.

My excitement at having earned so much money over the past few months gives me such a sense of accomplishment and power. I’ve got big plans that include using a Sears & Roebuck catalog in September. With the help of my Aunt Margaret, I’ll send an order to them and buy my Mother some Christmas gifts. My aunt will conspire with me, helping me fill out the order form and envelope, writing out the payee name on the postal money order, and then receiving the shipment to her address. It will work like a charm.

Selecting the items was a mixture of joy and pain. The electric mixer was what I really wanted to purchase, but I didn’t have enough coins to acquire it. I had to settle on a hammered pewter lemonade set and a porcelain jar for her instant coffee.

Looking back with the knowledge time imparts, I see Vera, Aunt Margaret and Ma in ways the child could never conceive. I see my benefactor as the frail elderly lady in the big house who could scarcely care for herself never mind a cat. She needed so much more assistance than a little girl could provide. Nor did I have the cognitive wherewithal to comprehend her need. But I’m glad I was there for her in my small way, and she made me rich beyond my dreams.

Aunt Margaret had a house full of children and very little in the way of financial resources. She put all that aside and helped me spend my fortune on my Mother, her younger sister, without ever making me feel it was a waste of my hard-earned cash.

And my Mother expressed such surprise at my enterprising nature and such delight at the gifts I selected for her, even though we never drank one drop of lemonade from that pitcher and tumbler set. She did use the instant coffee container, however. On wintry afternoons, I see her standing in her kitchen waiting for the water to boil and commenting on how ‘nice’ the little brown jar is sitting on her table – I’m warmed by the memory, the sight of her smile. (“Some memories are realities, and are better than anything that can ever happen to one again.” My Ántonia by Willa Cather.)

By Marilou Newell

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Solar Project Plan Changes

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During the agent’s report given by Elizabeth Leidhold, the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission heard that Blue Wave Capital LLC’s Tinkham Hill Road solar project will now be constructed in two phases. Phase 1 was planned to begin by January 27, 2014, with Phase 2 planned for a future date. The commission’s office received the new plans the morning of the meeting and didn’t feel they had sufficient time to study any impact on wetlands given the plan changes. The commission felt they needed to review the project’s new scope to ensure that wetland protections were still not compromised. It was also noted that the ZBA may need to review the revised project plans given the change in scope. An increase in the number of solar panels was an additional change to the original plans. They decided to put the issue on the agenda for the next meeting to ensure that the ConCom process could be held with full public oversight. Acting Chairman Bob Rogers directed Leidhold to contact Blue Wave’s contact person to schedule their appearance at the next meeting.

Earlier in the evening the commission members heard a number of applications. The first was from Leon Halle for property in trust from David Halle located at 4 Shore View Avenue. The applicant was seeking approval to renovate a deck area into a three-season room. After some discussion regarding the gravel and concrete on grade construction, the commission voted for a negative finding with standard de-watering conditions. The project was approved.

Next up was Heidi Payne of 109 Marion Road, site of the former Spring Meadow Farm, regarding the installation of fencing to enclose alpacas. The proposed fence would be situated in a former bog area. However, the topography of the land would need some sculpting to ensure proper installation of the fence so that prey animals would not be able to enter the enclosure from under the wire fencing. There was also review of a flume that once serviced the bog. The commission members wanted that structure to stay as is to prevent water flow into neighboring properties. Payne was in agreement with that request. On the subject of animal waste entering the fresh water system, she explained that animal waste was removed from the enclosure daily, collected and contained for later used as fertilizer for gardens. Her request received approval through a negative finding with use of hay bales along one portion of the reconfigured bog.

Joseph and Dora Doubrava were represented by their son in their application to build a single car garage attached to the home located at 28 Brandt Beach Road via a mudroom. Doubrava explained that his parents purchased the home with assurance that this type of modification would not be a problem. With their mobility issues of concern, they wished to build a single car garage and to move the washing machine and dryer to the mudroom space for easier access. Abutters at 26 Brandt Beach Road, the Bender family, were concerned that storm water drainage from a new garage roof would add to increasingly problematic water flow onto their property. Rogers said that in his many years of professional engineering experience and study through working for the commission that water run-off would not be increased simply by adding a 16’ x 20’ garage roof. The Benders were not much assured and pressed on with the issues of water in their yard. They said that since the sewer project had been completed and the road repaired, their property is now flooded regularly. Rogers said, “I don’t think you are going to see any changes in the neighborhood from this project.” He said that Doubrava had a right to build a garage of the size planned. Wetlands delineations the owners had completed, however, were not accepted and will require verification. The project was approved.

Jon Connell of Field Engineering then came forward representing Denise Cassese regarding a new home construction for Harbor Road. The proposed single-family dwelling construction would require filling in some wetlands with a proviso for wetland replication at another location within the site. Abutter Tyler McCallister voiced his concern about water flow onto his property, although he was not against development of the site. It was determined that Leidhold would work closely with Connell moving forward to ensure proper installation of the replication site, delineation flagging and associated wetland issues. The project plans will be enhanced to note placement of a utility pole. The project was approved with standard conditions.

Finally coming before the commission was Highway Supervisor Barry Denham, seeking guidance for drainage issues at the intersection of Atkinson’s Way (a private road) and Water Street. After explaining the concerns he has for the manner in which a newly renovated driveway was completed and the need to address questions of the homeowners on how best to proceed with drain repairs and upgrades, Denham was told to have the residents reach out to the commission. Denham will let the residents know they may come before the commission to review storm water drainage problems they are facing.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is February 24 at 6:30 pm.

By Marilou Newell

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