Ryan Pitches First Career No-Hitter

on April 16, 2014

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

Baseball: The Bulldogs had a week headlined by strong pitching. The boys notched their first win of the season over Coyle-Cassidy, 13-10, thanks to a strong performance by relief pitcher Ryan Plunkett. In his first varsity win, Plunkett struck out six opponents, allowing only one hit and no runs to turn the tide of the game for the Bulldogs. Offensively, Plunkett went three-for-four with two runs scored. Bryant Salkind also had a great game, notching four RBIs. The highlight of the week for the Bulldogs, however, was senior pitcher Andrew Ryan, who pitched his first career non-hitter in a win against Wareham, 12-0. Ryan walked only four batters to secure his first ever no-hitter. Offensively, the Bulldogs also played well, thanks to strong performances by Chris Carando (three runs), Jordan Menard (triple, two RBIs), and Kiernan Besse (triple, two runs).

Softball: The Lady Bulldogs had a rough start to their second week, losing their first two games in close scores. Against Apponequet, the girls were edged out 4-3 and then lost later in the week to GNB Voc-Tech, 6-3. However, the girls rallied back in the latter half of the week to secure their first victory of the season over Wareham, 15-5. Junior Kaleigh Goulart and freshman Olivia Labbe had great games, each securing three hits and a home-run. Goulart also played well defensively, picking up her first win of the season from the pitcher’s mound. Maddie Lee and Sam Allaire also provided offensively, recording two hits apiece.

Boys’ Track: The boys’ track team remained undefeated this week with a 93-43 win over Wareham. Kevin Saccone won four events (long jump, triple jump, 110 hurdles, and 200-meter dash) to lead the Bulldogs to their second consecutive victory. Mike Wyman had a fantastic race in the two-mile, where he ran 9:27, five seconds off the school record, with virtually no competition. Colin Knapton won three events (javelin, high-jump, and 400-meter-dash) and Ben Rounseville also pitched in with a win in the 400-hurdles.

Girls’ Track: The Lady Bulldogs also remained undefeated this week, easily beating Wareham, 99-37. Paige Santos won three events (high-jump, 400-hurdles, and 110-hurdles), and the Lady Bulldogs claimed nine other events on the day to defeat what was expected to be one of their top competitors for the SCC title.

Boys’ Tennis: The tennis team won their lone match this week against SCC rival Bourne with an easy 5-0 victory. The Bulldogs won all five matches, with Alex Bilodeau, Alden Truesdale, and Doug Blaise claiming the first, second, and third singles’ matches, respectively. Freshmen Maxx Wolski and Sean Nutter won at first doubles, 6-1, 6-3, while Connor Blagden and Steven Burke won 6-3, 6-1 at second doubles. With the win, the Bulldogs claim their first conference and second overall win.

Girls’ Tennis: The Lady Bulldogs had an exciting match against Bourne this week, where they just edged out the Lady Canalmen, 3-2, to earn their first conference win. Julia Nojeim won yet again at first singles, and sophomores Charlotte Levine and Amy Bichajian also won at second doubles. The heroes of the day, however, were senior Rachel Brown and freshman Sophie Church, who bounced back after a tough first set loss to win 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 at first doubles. The duo, which had never played together, was pivotal to the ORR win and allowed the Lady Bulldogs a chance to remain in the hunt for the competitive SCC title.

Boys’ Lacrosse: Thanks to strong performances by Ethan Lizotte and Connor Severino, the Bulldogs won their lone game this week against Pope John Paul II in a 12-1 blowout. Severino and Lizotte each scored four goals apiece to lead ORR, which had eight players score in the game. Also contributing were Chris Nadeau (three goals), Nic Suprenant and Landon Goguen (two goals apiece) and Charlie Tirrell, Ryan Manning, and Mikey Pruchnik (one goal apiece).

Girls’ Lacrosse: The Lady Bulldogs had a strong start to their week, easily defeating Sturgis West, 15-5. Bailey Truesdale was the leading scorer of the game with five goals, while Mikayla Demanche and Ali Grace each had a hat trick. Goalie Madison Thomson made seven saves on the game. The win against Sturgis West lengthened the girls’ undefeated streak to three games. Unfortunately, that streak was snapped later in the week as the girls suffered their first loss of the season to Bourne, 16-13. Truesdale played fantastically during the loss, scoring eight goals, while teammate Demanche notched four and senior Rachael Chandler added one. The Lady Bulldogs trailed 9-7 at the half and were never able to recover despite a strong offensive effort.

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

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

By Michael Kassabian

Congregational Church Rummage Sale

on April 16, 2014

On Saturday, May 3 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church Parish Hall, 27 Church Street, there will be plenty of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and domestic goods for sale at bargain prices. And don’t miss “The Boutique Booth.”

In addition, there will be White Elephant Tables filled with a large variety of items, including books. Questions? Call 508-758-3744. Donations may be left in the Parish Hall beginning April 21.

Brandt Beach and Leisure Shores

on April 16, 2014

Dear Editor:

I wish to call to the attention of not only the Brandt Beach and Leisure Shores communities, but also to the whole town of Mattapoisett, about the changes that the Brandt Point Realty Trust is trying to get in their original agreement for a cluster development on Brandt Island Road. Their attorney, Mr. John Williams, is asking for an amendment to the previous agreement which would allow for a change to three-bedroom homes from two-bedroom homes so that he can better market the sale of this land. In his presentation, he notes that the original plan called for a septic system that could handle 10,000 gallons of water treatment a day and that this would be “improved” with a system that could handle 15,000 gallons a day. I truly question whether or not such a system would ever be placed, and I’m told that some of the people who live south of this development have seen an increase in the ground water flowing through their yards just as a result of the first few houses that have been erected since phase one was initiated. Barry Denham had to demand that the roads that had been put in by the developer were not up to standards and that changes had to be made. If this is any indication of the way this development is going to proceed, then the claims of an “improved” septic system must be looked at with skepticism. A perennial stream runs through Leisure Shores and originates from this land. It’s soaking wet back there where phase two is planned.

This whole plan was originally “sold” on the basis that there would be 41 housing units with two bedrooms, eight of which would be three bedroom units. That brings it to a total of 90 bedrooms. With the new “plan” there would be approximately 120 bedrooms. This makes it a significant increase in the number of souls that must be serviced by the town without any increase in revenue to the town. We the citizens and tax payers of Mattapoisett would like to thank the Brandt Point Realty Trust for thrusting this cost upon us. Mr. Williams is quoted as saying that the schools of Mattapoisett are under filled and that “Mattapoisett is a dying town.” Thanks again for “filling” our schools without increasing our revenues. He should come down to Brandt Beach and see the large number of young children that will be “filling” the schools.

The Planning Board voted to require another full hearing regarding this request for and amendment on the grounds that this is a significant change to the original agreement. I urge all who care for Mattapoisett to attend this hearing and discuss this issue completely.

We are being sold a bill of goods by someone who wants a BAILOUT. This country has seen enough bailouts. The developers made a bad decision and we don’t have to “fix it” for them. Just because they didn’t plan their venture correctly doesn’t mean that we have to “pull them from the financial fire” that they had not seen. We shouldn’t have to absorb the costs of a faulty plan just to stuff our schools. The cost in services provided by the town like fire, police and emergency services for this development doesn’t balance with the revenues that this development will provide. The runoff of water which will come from this area will have a serious impact on the water quality in the Brandt Island Cove where some of the cleanest water on the south coast of New England lies.

Watch out all you quahogs, oysters, and fish in Brandt Island Cove, the Brandt Point Realty Trust is coming to make Mattapoisett an “undying town.”

Sincerely,

Paul E. Osenkowski, Mattapoisett

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

Dwayne Cameron Mathematics Scholarship

on April 16, 2014

Applications for the Dwayne Cameron Annual Mathematics Scholarship Award are being accepted for qualified applicants at Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett.

In October 1989, Richard I. Arthur, President and CEO of Sippican, Inc., established this annual scholarship to honor Dwayne Cameron on his recognition as Mathematics Teacher of the Year. Mr. Cameron was chosen as the 1989 Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by the National Science Foundation. This award is given annually to the student most deserving of such an honor, to be based upon the criteria set by Mr. Cameron and Old Rochester Regional High School. Lockheed Martin Sippican has continued to sponsor this $1000 scholarship after the retirement of Mr. Arthur. After Mr. Cameron’s passing in 2007, the award was increased to $1500 thanks to generous contributions from his friends, former students, and colleagues.

Seniors and alumni of ORRHS, who are currently enrolled as full-time students in graduate school or a four-year college or university, are eligible for this $1500 scholarship and are encouraged to apply. Please request an application from the Guidance Department of ORRHS. The deadline for applications this year is May 19.

Plumb Corner Easter

on April 16, 2014

Come celebrate Easter at Plumb Corner Mall, 565 Rounseville Road, Rochester on Saturday, April 19. The event starts at 10:00 am with bag decorating at Countryside Child Care Center and the Hair & Body Solution. The Easter Egg Hunt starts at 10:30 am, and there will be cookie decorating at Rockland Trust, face painting with the Junior Friends of Plumb Library, and a guest appearance by the Bulldogs mascot, as well as a raffle for a gift card to Toys R Us. Hope to see you there!

Bomb Scare Leads to Drug Stash

on April 15, 2014

On April 15, 2014 at 8:19AM, the Marion Police Department responded to the Lockheed-Martin facility, off Route 6 in Marion, for a suspicious package found at the rear of one of the parking areas.

A witness reported that a vehicle had pulled into the lot and a young male had left the vehicle with a package and placed it under a bush, next to the parking area, before leaving the area. Officers confirmed the location of the package.

The area was secured and Bomb Squad units from the Massachusetts State Police and the United States Navy (Newport, RI) responded and, using specialized equipment, were able to determine the package was not explosive, but contained marijuana.

As of this afternoon, a juvenile suspect had been identified. This incident is still under investigation.

Marion Fire/EMS, Massachusetts State Police D Troop and Lockheed-Martin Security assisted at the scene.

Marion Police Department Press Release

Solar Project at Landfill Moving Forward

on April 15, 2014

After a moment of silence in honor of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, the Marion Board of Selectmen opened their meeting on Tuesday evening with a full agenda.

First up was an appointment with the Marion Energy Management Committee for a review of a draft Request for Proposal for a community solar garden to be located on the town landfill.

EMC members Bill Saltonstall, David Pierce, Eileen Marum and Jennifer Francis presented to the board. Although the solar overlay area at the town landfill consists of approximately fifty acres, the level plateau at the top of the landfill, consisting of approximately 2.4 acres, is being put out to bid to contractors to put a solar installation on the dump.

“There are financial advantages to the town and this will move us ahead … we will have a short article on the warrant at town meeting asking to approve the RFP to get bids,” said Saltonstall. “We think it’s a good site. It’s fenced in and the only shade is a sliver shadow from the cell tower for only a short time daily.”

Town Administrator Paul Dawson said that the EMC “has worked tirelessly and have been very prepared, knowledgeable in the industry and standards and has done an all-around professional job in getting the town up and running in solar development.”

Selectman Jon Henry noted that the town’s AAA bond rating reflects how the town is run and that work done by the EMC helps to show how the town is organized and forward thinking.

Next up, the board discussed the applications for appointment to the Town House Building Committee. There were twelve applicants. Shaun Cormier, facilities manager for the town, culled through the applications and recommended five of them. The idea was to keep the committee manageable. After discussion, the BOS determined that seven would be a good number for the committee, given that some members may not be able to make every meeting.

In the end, the following committee members were voted in by the BOS: Robert Raymond, Bill Saltonstall, Priscilla Ditchfield, Evelyn Crocker, Wayne Mattson, Meg Steinberg and Jon Henry (representing the BOS). It was noted that Henry had over four decades of experience in the building industry, including a major stint as a member of the Army Corps of Engineers. The board thanked all the applicants for their interest in serving the town.

The board discussed a recommendation by Council on Aging Director Susan Schwager regarding guidelines in awarding the Boston Post Cane, which is awarded annually to the town’s oldest resident. Schwager listed three requirements for the award including: 1) the individual must be a year-round resident of Marion; 2) he/she must have lived in Marion for at least five years; and 3) if in a nursing facility, the individual must have the ability to move back into the Marion community.

The board discussed the request and, after much dialog concerning those in the local nursing facility who often come from other towns, agreed to the guidelines suggested by Schwager.

Various credit memorandums, bond anticipation notes and agreements with the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust were also discussed and approved.

Cumberland Farms (North), formerly known as Christy’s, applied for a common victualler permit to offer food on a seasonal basis at the now vacant store/gas station at the intersection of Spring Street and Route 6. The facility is across the street from the Cumberland Farms next to Eastern Bank on the other side of Route 6. No gas will be available at the facility.

The BOS approved the victualler permit with the condition that all permits are fully compliant, as verified with the Marion Fire Chief.

Dawson gave an update on the Roadway Improvement Project and said that construction had begun at the intersection of Water and South Streets and that the work in that area should be done by or before Memorial Day. After that project is completed, Ryder Lane will follow.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

Elks Student of the Month

on April 15, 2014

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, industry and farming.

We congratulate Senior Haakon Perkins from Mattapoisett for being selected by the Old Rochester Regional High School faculty and staff as Student of the Month for April. Haakon is a senior who contributes with enthusiasm to the technology department assisting whenever and wherever needed. He is a very responsible and trustworthy individual and a very personable young man. He is a good role model for ORR.

We congratulate Sophomore Moira Flynn from Rochester for being selected by the Old Rochester Regional High School faculty and staff as Student of the Month for May. Moira is on the Honor Roll in Honors classes. Moira assists students of all grade levels in the Guidance Office. She is very thoughtful and giving of her time. Moira was working on her History Research paper and was assisting others in writing math, photocopying and senior projects. She would be a great asset to the ORR community.

Destination Imagination Global Finals

on April 15, 2014

After winning honors for creativity, teamwork and problem solving in regional and state tournaments, ‘Saphistikashun’ and ‘Unknown Error’ have both earned the right to travel to Destination Imagination’s Global Finals, the largest creative thinking and problem solving competition in the world, to be held May 21-24 in Knoxville, TN.

Team members for Saphistikashun – representing Massachusetts for “Laugh Art Loud” senior level (sophomores) – are Rikard Bodin, Kyle Rood, Sara Lafrance, Ed Krawczyk, Maddie Meyers, and Will Lynch. The members of Unknown Error – representing Massachusetts for “Laugh Art Loud” Middle School Level (7th and 8th Grade) – are Ben Lafrance, Brett Rood, Michael Stack, Kelsea Kidney, Pat O’Neil, Maggie Farrell and Matthew Carvalho. The Team Managers for both teams are Tina Rood and Kerry Bulman.

Unknown Error and Saphistikashun are among more than 8,000 students representing more than 1,250 teams that will advance to Global Finals. Both teams competed at the Cape Cod Regional Tournament on March 16 and each team received a Renaissance Award for creativity, design and engineering, within their solution. They competed and won at the state tournament held on March 29 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Destination Imagination is an educational program where student teams are immersed in the creative process needed to solve open-ended challenges, and then present their solutions at regional and state tournaments. Teams choose one of seven, open-ended challenges that require young people to apply science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), in addition to improvisation, theater arts, writing, project management, communication, innovation, teamwork, and community service.

These Tri-Town teams are working together over the next six weeks to raise the money towards the $15,000 it will cost the 13 team members and their managers to compete at Global Finals. They are raising funds online at www.youcaring.com and search ORR Destination Imagination.

We thank Uncle Jon’s in Marion, Lloyd’s in Rochester, and Stop & Shop in Fairhaven for allowing the kids to stand out front and ask customers for their support.

Scheduled fundraising events include:

–April 26 and May 10: Car Washes at the Mattapoisett Fire House; and

-Letter writing campaign: If you would like to support the team, you can send a check to Tina Rood or Kerry Bulman at 101 Williams Way, Rochester, MA 02770.

Mattapoisett Rail Trail

on April 15, 2014

To the Editor:

I would like to thank The Wanderer for its detailed reporting of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail’s progress and Town Administrator Michael Gagne for his kind words at Finance Committee meeting regarding the work of Steve Kelleher and myself. Across the state and the country, promoting bike path construction is a time-consuming job; but the ultimate payoff is well worth the effort. Research shows that bike path investments return much more than expected to the communities where they are located. After the Outer Banks in South Carolina invested 6.7 million dollars in bike paths, people began returning to that area specifically for its bike-friendly environment. Now, cyclists annually contribute $60 million to the Outer Banks’ economy. In a similar scenario, the state of Oregon attributes $400 million of its tourism industry to bicycling. These days, our South Coast’s economy could use all the help it can get. South Coast can and should be a premier bicycling destination. By supporting the Mattapoisett Rail Trail, residents also support the completion of the South Coast Bikeway and the economic well being of our Town. And upon completion of the trail, residents will experience improved options for exercise, fun, and transportation around town. Please come to the Mattapoisett Town Meeting on Monday, May 12 and support the Mattapoisett Rail Trail.

Sincerely,

Bonne DeSousa

President, Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path