Rehearsals Begin for “The Seussical”

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Last week, Old Rochester Regional High School’s drama club began rehearsals for their spring production of “The Seussical.” With roles casted and production dates set, the students are excited to get the show underway.

“I’m putting a lot more of the production on their shoulders,” said Director Paul Sardinha. Usually, Sardinha and Costume Designer Helen Blake are in charge of the show’s choreography, set design, lighting, and costumes. Now, after 22 years at ORR, Sardinha is switching things up: “They’re going to be surprised when I say, ‘Ok, start bringing in some stuff so you can put these things together.’”

At last Thursday’s rehearsal, the students brainstormed ideas for set and costume designs. Sardinha is thrilled with the students’ array of ideas. As one group of students presented their sketches, others would offer advice, and the ideas kept building. The cast and crew are looking forward to a great show when production week rolls around.

“Oddly enough, I don’t get excited until the show is done,” said Sardinha, “because then I can relax and remember all the wonderful things that happened.”

Sardinha cited his experiences with “A Christmas Carol” last fall. As he addressed the audience before one of the shows, his mind was racing about other responsibilities.

“I kept thinking to myself, ‘Did I plug in the fog machine?’” Sardinha laughed, “The whole time, I was worried about that. You’re always worrying while the show is going on.”

Still, the director has confidence in his cast and crew for this production. “It’s unilaterally a talented cast,” Sardinha said sincerely, “It’s a talented group of people.”

Even in these early stages of production, Sardinha is looking forward to opening night. “There’s going to be a lot of fun surprises for the audience, and a show like this is a brilliant family show,” he said, predicting kids will be enthralled enough to sit captivated through the whole two hours of the show.

“The kids love these characters because they’re familiar with the characters,” said Sardinha, “and they’re going to see them for life on stage!” he finished, feigning his own childish gasp of joy.

Those interested are invited to see the show on March 27, 28, and 29 at 7:30 pm, or on March 30 at 2:00 pm. Tickets will be $15 for general admission or $12 for students and senior citizens. The raised cost from the fall production is to account for the musical’s need for a hired orchestra, as well as other costs such as the rights to the show, programs, posters, and props.

By Renae Reints

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Girls’ Basketball Notches First Two Wins

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Here is a look at the fifth week of scheduled games for ORR winter athletics.

Girls’ Basketball: After staring off the season with five consecutive losses, the Lady Bulldogs looked to turn their luck around in their two games this week. Thanks to the return of several key players who had missed previous games due to injuries, the girls won their first two games of the season. The girls defeated Dighton-Rehoboth 55-32 thanks to a strong debut by freshman Olivia Labbe, who scored 11 points to lead the Lady Bulldogs. Senior co-captain Isabelle Riley also scored 11 points, with Kaleigh Goulart and Michaela Bouvette each pitching in with 10 points apiece. Later in the week, the girls beat Seekonk 33-30 to earn their second win of the season. Freshman Sophie Church was the lead scorer for the night, scoring 10 points. With these victories under their belts, the girls should have more confidence to compete in the competitive South Coast Conference.

Boys’ Basketball: The boys also had a great week, blowing out all three teams they faced. After a 55-41 win over Pope John Paul, the boys returned to their home court and easily defeated the DR Falcons with a score of 63-43. Raekwon Phillips played excellently, recording 13 points and four rebounds while co-captain Mikey Pruchnik notched seven rebounds to lead the Bulldogs defensively. Jeremy Bare and Jordan Menard also played well, scoring 13 and 14 points respectively. The boys did not stop there, however, as they came back to blow out the Seekonk Warriors 83-42. The boys got out to a quick 17-8 first quarter and outscored the Warriors 48-23 in the second and third quarters to clinch their fourth SCC win of the season.

Swimming: The girls swim team had a good week, notching their second victory of the season against Dighton-Rehoboth, 98-66, thanks to double winner Cate Feldkamp (200-individual medley, 2:38.93; 500-freestyle, 6:18.85) and wins by Julianne Mariner (50-freestyle, 29.5) and Avery Nugent (100-backstroke, 1:14.60). Feldkamp, Mariner, and Nugent teamed up with junior Chloe Riley to win the 200-medley relay with a time of 2:13.75. On the boys’ side, despite wins by Derek Marshall (50-yard freestyle, 26.94) and the 200-medley relay of Marshall, Matt Bourgeois, Nate Wentworth, and Troy Sjahfiedin, the boys still lost to Dighton-Rehoboth by a score of 86-62. The team’s other meet for the week against Apponequet was postponed to an undetermined date.

Boys’ Track: The boys suffered their first loss of the season to DR this week, losing 49-37 in a hard fought loss. Mike Wyman was a double winner for the Bulldogs, claiming both the 1,000 meter run and the two mile, while Kevin Saccone captured the 55-meter-hurdles. Despite the loss, the boys came back the next day to run in the Division 5 State Relays, where they placed second as a team against some of the best teams in the state. Wyman, Kiernan Besse, Ben Dion, and Chris Demers teamed up to take the sprint medley title, setting a new meet record in 3:47. The boys got four second place finishes in the 4×200, the shuttle hurdles, the shot-put relay, and the shuttle dash to earn their second place finish behind winner Newburyport.

Girls’ Track: The girls’ team, unlike the boys, managed to defeat Dighton-Rehoboth in their SCC meet with a score of 63-23, thanks largely in part to double winners Paige Santos (high jump and hurdles) and Morgan DaSilva (dash and 300). Like the boys, the girls also managed to place second in the D5 Relays, an impressive feat for coaches Bill and Cindy Tilden. The girls’ best finish of the night came in the shuttle dash, where DaSilva, Arden Goguen, Lauren Ovian, and Sam Allaire placed second with a time of 26.45 seconds. The girls lost by a mere 6 points to winner North Reading.

Ice Hockey: The boys’ ice hockey team defeated the GNB Voc-Tech Bears this week, 2-1, thanks to quick first period goals by Jeremy Lawton and Shane Matthews. Despite an impressive game by the Bears’ goalie, who made 44 saves, the ORR/Fairhaven offense was able to sneak some shots by to claim their fifth victory of the season and third conference win. Cam Sylvia and Colby Serpa are accredited with assists for the Bulldogs.

Below are the overall winter team records, followed by the conference records in wins, losses, and ties as of January 12.

Boys’ Basketball: (6-2-0) (4-2-0); Girls’ Basketball: (2-5-0) (2-3-0); Boys’ Track (4-1-0) (3-1-0); Girls’ Track (5-0-0) (4-0-0); Boys’ Swimming: (0-2-0) (0-2-0); Girls’ Swimming: (2-0-0) (2-0-0); Hockey: (5-3-0) (3-0-0).

By Michael Kassabian

Tri-Town Kindergarten Registration

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Rochester Memorial Kindergarten Registration

            On Wednesday evening, January 29, a Parent Information Night for new kindergarten families will begin at 5:45 pm with a question and answer period in the RMS cafetorium, and then continue from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in our kindergarten classrooms. Enrollment packets will be available for you to take and complete at home.

Kindergarten registration will take place February 5, 6, and 7 from 9:30 to 11:30 am and from 1:00 to 2:30 pm each day. Completed registration paperwork should be presented at this time.

When registering, parents must bring the child’s birth certificate, a valid driver’s license, two verifications of home address, a record of immunization, and a physician’s examination dated during the current year prior to the beginning of classes. We will accommodate your personal schedules, but if possible, please register your child on the appropriate day shown below.

Last name begins with:             Date of registration:

A-F                                          Wednesday, February 5

G-M                                         Thursday, February 6

N-Z                                          Friday, February 7

If you have an outstanding court order or decree regarding the legal custody of your child, we ask that you bring it at registration time.

 

Sippican School Kindergarten Registration

            Children who reside in Marion and who will be five years of age by August 31, 2014, are eligible to enroll in kindergarten. Kindergarten registration will be held at Sippican School on Wednesday, January 29, from 9:30 – 10:30 am and from 6:30 – 7:30 pm.

During these times, registration forms will be processed, and new parents will have the opportunity to meet with our Principal and Nurse. A copy of each student’s updated immunization record must be submitted at the time of registration. Records should include verification of lead screening, hepatitis B vaccination and other immunizations. An original birth certificate for each student must be presented to be photocopied. Three verifications of proof of residency (e.g. copy of lease or real estate tax bill, cable or gas bill, etc.) must also be provided.

Information and forms will be mailed by Friday, January 17, to the parents of all prospective kindergarteners. Any parent not receiving this information should call Cathy Caramanica at Sippican School at 508-748-0100, ext. 316.

 

Center School Kindergarten Orientation

            A Parent Orientation Meeting for the parents of all children eligible to enter kindergarten has been scheduled on Wednesday, January 29 at 6:30 pm in the Center School cafeteria. All parents of children eligible to attend kindergarten are asked to attend this special informational meeting. This meeting will be for parents only; the children will be invited to visit the school at a later date. Any child born before September 1, 2009 is eligible for enrollment in kindergarten for the 2014-2015 school year. At this meeting, our kindergarten teachers will be present and we will highlight our kindergarten program and curriculum, discuss our Kindergarten Orientation Program on the first day of school, provide you with an opportunity to visit a kindergarten classroom, and share other information regarding your child’s transition to Center School. In addition, school Registration Packets will be available for you to take home to complete. Mattapoisett offers a free full-day kindergarten program. Any questions you may have will be addressed at this meeting.

Kindergarten registration dates are Wednesday, February 12 from 3:00 – 5:30 pm or on Thursday, February 13 from 8:45 – 11:00 am in the Center School cafeteria. Registration is for parents only. On these dates, parents will meet individually with the school secretary, nurse and principal. In order to have the registration process proceed in a timely manner, we are asking parents to bring completed registration packets with them when they attend registration.

The Old Rochester Regional School District’s policy states that children must turn five years old on or before August 31 of the year they enroll in kindergarten. Parents should bring a birth certificate or a notarized memorandum of birth with them on registration day.

A doctor’s memorandum showing the following immunizations is required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for school entrance into kindergarten: three doses of Hep B; five doses of DTaP/DTP; four doses of Polio; two doses of MMR; two doses of Varicella. Lead testing must be done at the discretion of the child’s pediatrician prior to entrance into kindergarten.

If the required immunizations are incomplete for medical and/or religious reasons, a statement from a doctor or church official stating the reasons for exemption should be presented at the time of registration. All required immunizations must be completed prior to the start of school. A physical examination is required for entrance to school and must be completed by December 31, 2014. Vision and hearing screenings for all children entering kindergarten will be conducted during the school year.

In addition, we request that if you have an outstanding court order or decree regarding the legal custody of your child, you furnish us with a copy of this at registration time. This is necessary in order to assist us in the release of educational records and information, as well as the dismissal of children, to the appropriate parent/adult.

If you have a child who was born before August 31, 2009 and who is eligible to enter kindergarten, but will not be entering kindergarten and/or will be attending a private kindergarten, please call the office at Center School (508-758-2521) to notify us of your decision not to enter your child in Center School for the 2014-2015 school year. This will enable us to keep an accurate count of the number of students who will be entering Center School. If you know of a parent whose child is eligible to enter kindergarten and who did not receive this information about our orientation/registration in the mail, please have them contact Center School so that a registration packet can be forwarded to them.

We look forward to seeing you on January 29 and welcoming you to the Center School community!

Marion Democratic Town Committee

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The Marion Democratic Town Committee will hold a meeting at the Music Hall, 164 Front Street, Saturday, January 25, at 10:00 am. Guest speakers will be Don Berwick, candidate for Governor, and Steve Kerrigan, candidate for Lt. Governor.

Come and learn more about the candidates and their positions on issues that are important to the citizens of Southeastern Massachusetts.

All Democrats and Independents are welcome. For more information, contact Chairman Eileen Marum at 508-748-1282.

Mattapoisett Free Public Library News

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Winter Story Times Series: The eight-week winter story time sessions begin the week of January 14. Children must be registered by visiting the children’s room or calling the staff at 508-758-4171. Story time for toddlers is held Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:00 am. Story times for preschoolers are held on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30 to 11:15 am.

Chess Club: Are you an adult or a high school student with a command of the elements of chess who would like to share what you know with other chess players? Chess Club meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. All ages can play and learn with the help of one another and a chess coach.

Chess Instruction: On Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, chess instructor Jim Kegle works with beginning chess players who would like to learn and join in the fun of playing chess. All children are welcome.

Legos: All Lego enthusiasts are welcome to imagine, build and play with library Legos on Saturdays at 1:30 pm. Stop in and have some fun!

Writers’ Group: The library writers’ group continues to meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. All genres are shared in constructive and supportive group discussion.

Young Adult Lounge: Relax in the new teen space, enjoy hot cocoa, and the cereal bar! Lounge furniture, new series books, video and board games, graphic novels, homework help. Come in, read, socialize, and enjoy.

Marion Fire Fighters Spaghetti Dinner

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Marion Fire Fighters Association is holding a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, January 18 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Station 1, located at 50 Spring Street. Tickets will be available at the door. Adults $8.00 and children under twelve $4.00. Dinner includes spaghetti with meat sauce or vegetarian sauce, a salad, roll and a dessert.

Joseph L. Oliveira

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Joseph L. Oliveira, 90, of New Bedford died Sunday, January 12, 2014 at Forestview Nursing Home following a lengthy illness. He was the husband of the late Anna E. (Grover) Oliveira and the son of the late Abel P. Oliveira and Beatriz L. Cabral Oliveira.

He was an avid musician for all his life and played clarinet in the Bay State Band, the Tri-County Symphonic Band as well as the town bands of Dartmouth, Marion, Mattapoisett, and Falmouth.

Mr. Oliveira was a veteran of World War II who served in Europe and North Africa and received the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Victory Medal before being honorably discharged.

He spent 30 years in civil engineering of the 102nd at Otis AFB and Otis ANG where he recieved honors, promotions and recognition for a job well done.

After retirement, he traveled with his wife, Anna and their dog Aquita all over the southeast US and continued to pursue his love of music.

He is survived by his brother, Antone L. Oliveira and his longtime companion, Joan Rebello; His daughter, Jo-Anna Medeiros and her husband Garry, and grandchildren Matthew and his wife Ann, Joshua and his wife Stephanie, Lauren Lima and her husband Raymond and Nathan and his wife Sandy. As well as 10 great grandchildren, Alexandra, Maddison, Tayber,Abigail, Payton, Jayden, Zachary, Averi, Koral and Presley.

His daughter, Leslie Anderson and grandson, Michael and fiancee Shonna Neitz and granddaughter Vicki and her boyfriend, Brenden Allain.

He enjoyed life, always had a smile, a joke and excellent advice.

He was our Dad, our Papa, our Pops, our Friend and our Teacher. We will miss you.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter, 480 PLeasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.

Visiting hours will be Friday, January 17, 2014 from 4:00-8:00. His funeral will be conducted Saturday morning 7:45 at the funeral home with a  funeral Mass to be held at Mt. Carmel Church, Saturday January 18, 2014 at 8:45 a.m. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Aubertine-Lopes Funeral Home, 129 Allen St., New Bedford, MA.

For online guestbook, please visit www.aubertine-lopes.com.

Friends Annual Meeting

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All members of the Friends of the Elderly of Mattapoisett, Inc. and all citizens of Mattapoisett are invited to the Annual Meeting of its membership. This meeting will be held on Saturday, January 25, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon in the meeting room of the Mattapoisett Public Library on Barstow St.

The business to come before the membership at this Annual Meeting is to elect any nominated directors – presented by the Nominating Committee – and to vote on a proposed name change to Friends of the Mattapoisett Council on Aging, Inc. Currently, there are 18 directors out of a maximum of 21.

An informal mixer with cider and donuts will precede the formal meeting. Meet the Board of Directors and find out about our various activities. Come prepared to brainstorm about future activities and fundraising events. Of course, you are encouraged to volunteer to help out.

Note that the fiscal year was changed to the calendar year at the last Annual Meeting in September, so that makes this a transition year. The Board of Directors and the Officers will serve until the next Annual Meeting in January 2015.

Please come to this important meeting, and bring a friend or two!

Mattapoisett is Special

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A Thank You to My Neighbors,

I was on my way to attend the YOGA class at the Mattapoisett Senior Center today. The van driver did not pick me up. I live out on the Mattapoisett Neck in Mattapoisett Shores. Much too far to walk.

Evidently the van driver called in sick but no one bothered to notify me.

My neighbor George Block stopped. I asked him to call the Mattapoisett Senior Center for me on his cell phone. He called numerous times but kept getting a recorded message because someone was on the phone.

Finally he had to leave as he had an appointment.

I kept walking and eventually Karen Almeida, another neighbor, came along. She was on her way to work but offered to give me a ride to the Senior Center. She had a 9:00 am appointment at work but still was willing to give me a ride.

I have lived in Mattapoisett for 43 years. I have always known how special it was. But today, it really showed me that there are still people out there that care.

Sincerely,

Ilona G. Langhoff

 

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.

Not Seeking Re-election

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To the Editor,

As many of you are already aware, I will not be seeking re-election this May. The decision was not an easy one and long in the making. I find that it is now time to move on to new adventures. This new found freedom will give me the time to visit with family that is out of state and to catch up on the little things that have been put on back burner waiting for “Tomorrow”. Well tomorrow has come, and I am looking forward to spending time with both my husband and my family who have been most supportive over the past 12 years.

I will miss my “Town Hall” family, and that is exactly what they have become. We see one another in the good times and bad, we cry and laugh together, and we get angry with one another as any real family would do.

With this all said, I would like to thank the voters that have supported me and to everyone that I have dealt with over the years. It has been both my honor and pleasure to serve the Town of Mattapoisett for the past 12 years as Town Clerk and to work with and for the town for the last 24 years.

May you all have a Wonderful, Happy and Healthy New Year.

Barbara A. Sullivan CMC/CMMC

Mattapoisett Town Clerk

 

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.