The Marion Republican Town Committee will conduct its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 1 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street, Marion. The public and new members are welcome.
Mattapoisett’s Dunn Rocks On
He is rather humble about his long musical career, one that has spanned decades. But in between chronicling the years, one hears an artist’s passion.
David Dunn of Mattapoisett has been involved in music his whole life. From playing in school bands, throughout his college years and later forming groups and releasing records that have received warm reception, Dunn’s inner artist has not rested. The beat goes on.
While in college and for some years afterwards, Dunn was in a band that played throughout the greater Boston area, New England and New York City while also working ‘regular’ jobs to help pay the bills. That group, named ‘Machinery Hall’, was honored as the Best Modern Rock Band in Boston in the mid-1990s. The group released several songs, and one titled “Herd” reached number one on the charts – in of all places, Scotland. Dunn chuckled as he shared what he called “ancient history” with me. But success is always sweet, and he seemed to enjoy taking me down memory lane.
He said that by 1996 the band had pretty much run its course. Musing at the time, “I don’t think I’m having fun right now,” he closed that chapter and opened another. Dunn married Diana, whose unfailing support he has always enjoyed, and they returned to Mattapoisett from Boston, settled down and started their family. They have one son, Griffin, who attends ORRHS. Not surprisingly, however, the music – his music – is just as important to him now as it was back in the day.
The group that Dunn is a part of today goes by the name ‘Huxster’ and is comprised of musicians he has known for years. On March 15, Dunn, along with fellow Huxter member Paul Amenta and joined by Dick Derry, performed at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. This fund raising concert was a real treat for those in attendance and demonstrated the wide range of string instruments Dunn deftly handles. They performed original scores and covered a few well known rock tunes to the delight of the audience.
Huxster has released two albums and is finishing up a third that is scheduled to come out in two months. This third effort is yet to be titled, but it is a collaborative work, Dunn said, with all the band members writing songs. He continued that this new collection of songs is “straight on” rock “like the 70s sound.” Dunn said that the music will be mixed by sound engineer Paul Hager, another pal from his Boston days. Hager now lives and works in Los Angeles and is currently completing sessions with Miley Cyrus. Thanks to technology, Dunn’s group will simply upload the locally recorded tracks, and Hager will perform his mixing magic at his west coast studio. Once the album is finished, Dunn said they will use a record promoter to get the album distributed internationally. He hopes to take the music on the road with a few gigs sprinkled here and there for a week or two if the demand warrants it, which, of course, is what every pro hopes for.
While waiting for the release of his new album, Dunn is also looking forward to traveling with fellow church members this coming summer. The church will take books to children in financially improvised areas. The missionary members are heading to northern Georgia in the Appalachian Mountains where books will be delivered to children who otherwise do not have an opportunity to experience the simple pleasure of owning a book. I hope he takes a guitar along with him. If he does, those kids may find inspiration and come to understand that dreams are worth pursuing.
By Marilou Newell
Lions Club Scholarship Deadline
The members of the Mattapoisett Lions Club are please to announce the awarding of a $5,000 scholarship this year to a graduating high school senior residing in Mattapoisett, Marion or Rochester. The funds for this award are raised through fund raisers held by the Mattapoisett Lions Club throughout the year, including Harbor Days, an annual Arts and Craft Festival held in Shipyard Park every third weekend of July.
The Lions’ Club Motto is ‘We Serve’ and one of the largest charitable causes of Lions’ International includes raising funds for eye research in an effort to end preventable blindness throughout the world and providing services for those in need in our communities.
To qualify, a graduating student or home-schooled student shall be enrolled in their first year of an accredited school of higher education, must be a resident of the Tri-Town area, and have demonstrated service to the community. Special consideration will be given to those looking to a career in an eyesight related field.
Applications are available in the guidance office of your local high school or by contacting Helene Rose 508-758-2124. Applications must be received by March 30.
Interested in learning more about the Mattapoisett Lions Club and becoming a member? Contact us at mattlionsclub@gmail.com. New members are welcome.
Gateway Youth Hockey
Squirt Grizzlies: The Gateway Squirt Grizzlies traveled to Canton and beat Braintree1 with a score of 3-2 for their second playoff win in the Yankee Conference. The Grizzlies faced off against Braintree 1 who they had beaten once and tied once. After a scoreless first period, Braintree struck first to take the 1-0 lead into the third period. Braintree then extended their lead to 2-0 early in the third. With eight minutes left in the game, Chris Gauvin got the Grizzlies on the board to cut the lead to 2-1. He later tied it and scored his third with 1:35 seconds left to complete his hat trick and secure the Grizzlies victory. Ryker King was outstanding in goal for the Grizzlies who face Braintree 2 next week at Hobomock.
Pee Wee Predators: The Gateway Predators completed their 2013-14 season this weekend participating in the Lakers Tournament in Worcester. The Predators were playing up a division, but played well enough to win two of the three games they played and finished third in the tournament.
In the first game, the Predators played against the Lady Crusaders of Worcester and were able to defeat them, 6-0. It was a one-sided game for the most part, with the Predators showing a little class by only winning 6-0. Scoring goals on the day were Quirino doCanto with two, and Robert Maloney, Coleby Paling, Tyler and Zack Lovendale with a goal a piece. Alex DeMarco was solid in net, stopping all the shots that came his way.
In the second game, Saturday afternoon, the Predators faced off against a tough Echo team from Connecticut. The Predators held their own in the first and most of the second periods until some mistakes proved costly. The final score was 4-1, with Quirino doCanto scoring the lone goal, assisted by Tyler Lovendale. Alex DeMarco kept the game close with a number of amazing saves, including one blocker save that had everyone in the crowd cheering, the opposing team as well.
In the Bronze Medal Game, the Predators faced the Lady Crusaders again, but this time the Lady Crusaders brought a few of their older more experienced girls. The game was definitely a little more exciting than the first matchup. The game was evenly matched through two periods with the Predators holding on to a 1-0 lead going into the third period. The Predators finally got their game going in the third, finishing the game with a 5-0 victory and the Bronze Medal. Scoring goals on the day were Zack Lovendale, who notched his team leading 30th goal, while Tyler Lovendale and Quirino doCanto each added two apiece. Kaleb Riggle chipped in with two assists as well. Alex DeMarco had another shutout making multiple saves along the way.
The Gateway Predators finished their season with an overall record of 14-9-3. It was an up-and-down season, but the Predators made some great strides throughout.
Pee Wee Warriors: The Gateway Warriors turned a lackluster team effort into a 2-1 victory over the Southeast Cyclones in Game 2 of their preliminary playoffs. Centermen Robert Ramsay and Jake Demoranville were the goal scorers, as both players truly exemplified their team’s namesake, in all three zones, each and every shift. With just over two minutes remaining, Jackson St. Don (assist) was able to free Demoranville for the game-winner. Once again, Steven Strachan and Zachary Pateakos effectively shared the net-minding duties, allowing their team the opportunity to compete. The Warriors will now have two weeks to rest and prepare for Yankee Conference rival, the North Devils.
The Vote is in on Dual Enrollment
A decision was finally made regarding dual enrollment courses and GPA credit, and some students and parents will not be pleased.
ORRHS Principal Michael Devoll acknowledged on March 12 the push from some parents in the community to allow dual enrollment to impact the students’ GPAs; however, it was determined that dual enrollment is not the same thing as taking an Advanced Placement class, and therefore should not be given the same weight.
Part of this decision comes from the fact that AP classes require 120 hours of class time, while dual enrollment college courses require 40 hours and are 15 weeks long.
“We’re not trying to discourage anyone from taking dual enrollment courses,” stated Devoll, despite the decision.
Also during the meeting, Superintendent Doug White discussed school choice in the budget, to which he proposed that school choice be in its own separate account, with whatever remainder left over then used to offset accounts.
By changing how school choice is included in the budget by eliminating it from the appropriation, the FY15 budget was reduced from $17,060,868 to $16,567,868. A motion was made to approve this amount, and the committee approved the FY15 budget.
“It’s been a busy month,” said White.
He continued by naming the various events he has attended recently, including the Oxfam banquet on world hunger coordinated by the junior high school, the early childhood fair held at the high school, and both an ice hockey and a basketball game.
“The rest of my time has been spent on getting the budget to a place where it can be approved,” said White.
Food Service Director Caitlin Meagher gave the committee a quick report on the lunch program. “[This has been] the year for freezer repairs. That was a really big job,” stated Meagher. Chairperson James O’Brien asked if the restrictions on lunch food options make it difficult to be creative with the menu, to which Meagher replied that it is a challenge.
Around 45 percent of the students at ORR regularly buy school lunches.
White spoke about a proposal from the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative to rent space in the high school for an autism program.
Devoll added that there are four empty classrooms at the high school, along with some empty office space, which SMEC representatives, after viewing the space, have expressed would suits their needs.
SMEC would only use the space during regular school hours, and the program would include high school students from the surrounding districts as well as the ORR District.
Students in the SMEC program would be able to collaborate and integrate into the high school, and it would not be entirely self-contained. A motion was made to accept the proposal to rent the space and passed.
Principal Devoll continued by saying that he is excited about the new GPA scale the committee approved last month. A 4.0 GPA scale will now be in effect with a bonus .5 for honors courses and a full point for AP courses.
The results of a school climate survey were given, with ratings from students, staff and parents. High rankings were given on questions such as the quality of the school’s learning environment and attitude towards independent thinking.
By Sarah Taylor
Community Service at Tabor Academy
Participation in the Community Service Program at Tabor Academy has been expanding in recent years. While all Tabor students must complete a minimum of five hours of service each year, many go above and beyond this requirement.
Lauren Boucher, Director of Community Service, is in touch with many local organizations and informs the Tabor community when assistance is needed at a particular event. Students work with organizations such as the Holiday Hope Project and Gifts to Give. Volunteers also help to clear trails for the Sippican Lands Trust or are sometimes given a chance to donate blood. Many volunteer on Sundays to work with these programs among others, often exceeding their five hour requirement.
In addition to the events organized by Boucher, other members of the Tabor community initiate philanthropic efforts on their own. These efforts are often launched by teams or clubs on campus.
Recently, 24 members of the girls’ soccer and basketball teams ran or volunteered together in the Special Olympics Jolly Jaunt in order to support the sister of teammate and Tabor sophomore, Molly Bent.
Tabor Girls’ Cross Country Coach Kelli McSweeny also organized community service for her team to do as a group. Along with other Tabor students, members of the team went to Dartmouth YMCA Haunted Barn and Hayrides to dress up and be characters in the haunted house. McSweeny hoped to bond her team through this fun activity, and according to Junior Co-Captain Gwen McCain, the event achieved just that. “It was a great opportunity for our team to help out the community while also bonding by dressing up and acting in a haunted house,” said McCain.
Some members of the Tabor community consistently give back through extra-curricular activities. All Tabor students are required to do an afternoon activity each season and some opt to tutor students at Sippican Elementary School four days a week.
In addition, 11 students participate in The Big Brothers Big Sisters Program of Greater New Bedford. These students go every Thursday night to spend time with kids in need of mentors. Junior Matthew McFaul is involved in the program and says, “I look forward to the chance to hang out with the kids each week. We always have a lot of fun.” The Tabor students play games or do crafts with the children for an hour each Thursday night.
History teacher and Cross Country Coach Gary Sousa organizes a lap-a-thon each year to raise money for Dana-Farber cancer research. This fundraiser takes place each spring and consistently raises money and awareness on campus.
On campus, there are many community service initiatives taking place. The Elizabeth Taber Foundation is a group of juniors and seniors who support philanthropic activities in the Tabor community. In order to achieve this, the organization gives matching grants to allow students and faculty the funds to kick-start a charitable activity or club. The group has assisted both the Boys’ Hockey Team in their annual fundraiser for the Travis Roy Foundation and history teacher Conor Bozzi, who raised money for Movember, an organization whose goal is to raise money to fight Prostate and Testicular Cancer. This foundation helps to emphasize the importance of charity both inside and outside the Tabor Community.
On April 9, students and faculty will participate in the bi-annual day of service and all students and faculty will work in small groups to contribute to many different programs.
Tabor Academy has made a strong philanthropic impact internally and externally but is always looking for more organizations with which to work. If you are searching for volunteer assistance, please email lboucher@taboracademy.org.
By Julia O’Rourke
Mattapoisett Library Celebrates a Birthday
“Say Triskaidekaphobia!” the Cat in the Hat told the children, posing for a photo at the Mattapoisett Free Library on Saturday, March 22. What the heck is that, the children asked the Cat in the Hat. “Google it!” he told the children laughing at his silliness. The library knows how to throw a party, celebrating five years since the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library funded the expansion of the library. “They even bought a cake,” said Children’s Services Librarian Sandra Burke. “Shall we say ‘thank you’ to the friends?” The Cat in the Hat read two stories to the children before ushering them over to the cake table. Some kids were a little afraid of the Cat, reluctantly entering the room and clinging to Mom’s leg, but eventually joined the others in the fun. By Jean Perry
Mattapoisett Bike Path
Over the past months, Mattapoisett Bike Path Committee, Friends of the Bike Path and the Town have been hard at work moving the Bike Path project along. There are many upcoming opportunities to support the project, to learn about what’s happening, and to meet with other people who support the bike path. On March 27, there will be a wide-ranging presentation called “Building the South Coast Bikeway” sponsored by the South Coast Bikeway Alliance. This will be a fun and informative evening featuring inspirational author, photographer and radio host Willy Weir, who has ridden 60,000 miles across the globe. Representative Bill Straus will speak at the event about recent developments at the State House, and East Coast Greenway Alliance will unveil a new regional touring route. The presentation is at Fort Tabor Community Center in New Bedford. Reception is at 5:00 pm with presentations to follow from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Go to Southcoastbikeway.com to reserve your seat.
April 12 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm is “Bike Night” at How on Earth where we will learn about the building, rebuilding and ultimate demise of Mattapoisett’s iconic wooden bridge in Eel Pond. The most recent updates in Mattapoisett Bike Path Planning and our plans for a Tri-Town Bike Riding Map will be discussed. Also in April, at a time and place to be announced, we will start-up the Tri-Town Bike Riding Club again. Last fall, riders met Sunday mornings for casual riding and broke into groups according to abilities and distances of 10, 15 and 20-plus miles. You can join by sending an email to info@marionrecreation.com.
Senior Victory at Class Olympics
Last Tuesday, ORR’s student council held a Class Olympics after school in the gymnasium. Events included athletic games – like speedball and watusi – and amusing games – like pie eating and Pictionary. The senior class swept the gold, winning first place in every event. The junior class came in second, the sophomore class in third, and the freshman class in fourth.
“A lot of people came, even though there was short notice,” said student council President Kelly Merlo, “I was really happy with that.” After just a week of getting the word out to their peers, student council did indeed have a sizable number of students attend the event to represent their respective classes.
This great turnout was without a monetary bribe as no prize was given to the winning class, since similar challenges and monetary prizes were awarded at the pep rally last January. The Class Olympics was planned to simply raise school spirit and “just to have a good time,” as Merlo said. Their plan was successful, as many students attended just to be spectators and support their class.
Student council chose to put on a wide variety of events, including Mario Kart. The video game was projected onto a screen in the gym, so that the young at heart could show their speedy skills.
“We wanted to include everyone, not just athletics,” Merlo explained.
Along with the Pictionary, pie eating, and video games, student council had planned other non-athletic games, such as speed math and chess. Unfortunately, they ran out of time before implementing these last two. Many students had to take the late bus home, so the Class Olympics wrapped up at around 4:00 pm.
For next year, Merlo encourages the underclassmen in student council to get the word out about Class Olympics sooner, in order to entice a larger crowd, and to try to fit more games onto the agenda.
“I’m hoping now, after this being the third year in a row that we’ve done Class Olympics, it will continue for years to come,” said Merlo happily.
In other news, the junior class held a bake sale in the high school’s lobby last Wednesday, the half day of school. Their class raised around $500 through selling delicious baked goods made by the students. These funds will partially go towards this year’s Junior Semi dance, but the majority will be saved for reducing costs of the Class of 2015’s senior year. The junior class is thinking ahead, already saving for senior prom and yearbooks.
The Community Service Learning club has also been busy recently, planning their second annual Top Shelf Food Drive. CSL asks that students and community members bring non-perishable food items to the collection box in the high school’s lobby. Items can include cake mixes, canned goods, cereal, granola bars, crackers, cookies, chips, etc. All donations will be given to a local food pantry.
By Renae Reints
Elks Student of the Month
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 Samantha Allaire of Mattapoisett for being selected by the Old Rochester Regional High School faculty and staff. Samantha is an outstanding student. She does everything the right way. Samantha participates in cross country and winter track. Samantha would be a wonderful asset to the ORR community.