Upper Cape Tech College Fair

on

Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School welcomes all area parents and students in Grades 9 through 11, as well as seniors who have not finalized their plans, to attend a College Fair at Upper Cape Tech. The College Fair will be held on Thursday, March 20 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the gymnasium. Over 50 colleges, universities, technical schools and the Armed Services will be represented.

New this year: On the spot admissions for seniors! Several institutions will be available from 4:00 to 6:00 pm to review applications and issue admissions decisions for seniors.

Visit Upper Cape Tech’s website at www.uppercapetech.com/collegefair for a list of institutions attending and for those offering on the spot admissions! For more information, please contact Jennifer McGuire at 508-759-7711 ext. 247 or jmcguire@uppercapetech.org.

Falmouth Academy’s 26th Annual Science Fair

on

At Falmouth Academy’s 26th annual science fair Thursday, February 13, more than 170 students in grades 7 – 12 presented their projects to three of the nearly 100 volunteer judges, primarily from Woods Hole and Falmouth scientific and engineering communities. The judges based their choices on the students’ research and data as well as their ability to articulate the details, processes, and results of their independent research.

Sophomore Charlotte Van Voorhis and freshmen Oliver Russell and Eliza Van Voorhis earned upper school honorable mentions at Falmouth Academy’s annual science fair.

Charlotte, who investigated invasive plant species and micro-elevation in salt marshes, also earned second place in the upper school for excellence in graphic presentation. Eliza’s project was “The effect of varying CO2 levels on the germination and growth of Pisum satrium and Zea mays.” The girls are the daughters of Rachel and Charlie Van Voorhis of Mattapoisett.

Oliver, whose project asked the question, “Does a pond’s surrounding affect its health?” is the son of Jen and Greg Russell of Mattapoisett.

Seventh grader Emma Keeler, the daughter of Wendy and Russell Keeler of Rochester, won a third prize for her project researching the effect of sugar on the heart rate of Daphnia magna.

Eighth grader Alexei Sudofsky earned a fourth prize for his project “Where is the best place to strike a soccer ball?” Alexei’s parents are Katherine and Michael Sudofsky of Marion.

Eighth graders Megan Iverson and Alissya Silva, both from Marion, earned honorable mentions. Megan, who studied the effect of deicers on ice, is the daughter of Jane Tucker and Matthew Iverson. Alissya, the daughter of Solange and Joelson Silva, researched how different fin configurations affect the performance of a surfboard.

 

FA_AlexeiSudofsky

Alexei Sudofsky, an eighth grader from Marion, who earned a fourth prize in the middle school at Falmouth Academy’s annual all-school science fair (February 13) for his project “Where is the best place to strike a soccer ball?” In this photo Alexei demonstrates his project to one of his judges. He is the son of Katherine and Michael Sudofsky of Marion.

FA_ElizaVanVoorhis

Sophomore Eliza Van Voorhis with her project,“The effect of varying CO2 levels on the germination and growth of Pisum satrium and Zea mays.” The daughter of Rachel and Charlie Van Voorhis of Mattapoisett, Eliza received honorable mention

Board Mulls Snow Budget, Endorses Planner

on

It is what it is, is how Selectman Bradford Morse put it, after hearing that Rochester’s snow and ice removal budget, as it stands now, is about $20,000 to $30,000 over budget.

“And that doesn’t include last week’s expenses at this point,” said Town Administrator Richard LaCamera, “so, hopefully it stops snowing soon.”

LaCamera commented that the Town has to do what it has to do to remove the snow and ice from the streets, to which the selectmen concurred.

Transferring surplus money from different accounts in the budget will likely fund the over-expenditure of the snow and ice budget. If there is not enough money from these areas to cover it, then the Town will likely have to withdraw from the reserve fund.

In other matters, he was two days too late to appear on the ballot for the open seat on the Planning Board, but Lee Carr wrote a letter of interest on February 20 to the Selectmen, asking for their endorsement as a temporary appointee to fill Bob Francis’ empty seat on the board, while running as a write-in candidate for the two-year seat.

Selectmen Chairman Naida Parker said it would be a good way for Carr to “get his feet wet,” and expressed her support for Carr, adding that she will attend the February 25 Planning Board meeting in order to do so.

“I don’t have a problem with it,” said Selectman Richard Nunes. “It’s fine.”

The board will recommend Carr to the Planning Board, and then vote during the Planning Board meeting to formally appoint Carr.

Also during the meeting, LaCamera gave a brief overview of the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) fiscal year 2015 budget, saying there was a bit of relief now that revenue is picking up and revenue projections are getting closer to the projected numbers for FY14.

“It’s moving in the right direction,” said LaCamera. He added that they are averaging 20 ambulance transports for projected revenue, which is a conservative number, but better than overestimating.

The Board of Selectmen will meet on March 3 for executive session only. The next public meeting is scheduled for March 24 at 6:30 pm at Town Hall.

By Jean Perry

ROsel_LeeCarr

One Hearing for ZBA – Five Thumbs Up

on

Mattapoisett’s Zoning Board of Appeals members Tony Tranfaglia, Gene DeSlandes, Susan Atkin, Coly Rottler, and Norman Lyonnais heard only one application on February 20th.   The parcel located at 14 Barstow Street is part of Bruce Rocha, Sr.’s plan to re-develop this site and the abutting now vacant site into two single-family dwellings. Rocha’s first application for the lot situated at the corner of Church and Barstow Streets sailed through various boards including the ZBA with no resistance. However, his plans for 14 Barstow met with negative responses from abutting neighbors south of the site on Barstow and north and south of the site on Mechanics Street.

The vacant building in question during this hearing was built in 1912, had been zoned for mixed use commercial enterprises and has been empty for several years. Rocha’s first site plan called for a dwelling that would front on Mechanics Street and have a long driveway on Barstow.  Neighbors voiced their concern that the plans were not only too large for the long narrow plot, but also not aesthetically appealing. ZBA sided with the neighbors during that hearing and sent Rocha back to the drawing board. After reducing the size of the dwelling and re-imaging the garage(s) and driveway options, Rocha returned to the Planning Board where the modified plans were accepted clearing the way for him to return to the zoning board of appeals. The need to receive a special permit given that the site has historically been zoned commercial versus residential also warranted the hearing.

The new plans call for a dwelling that will be 19’ wide (originally designed at 38’) with a 29’ ridgeline. The home will either be concrete slab on grade or a combination of slab on grade and a small crawl space. Taking into consideration that the location is within the flood plain the structures on the site are planned to be 18” above grade (no basement) and all utilities will be situated in the attic spaces of the two garages planned.  One garage will be attached to the dwelling and the other positioned beside it fronting on the Mechanics side of the parcel. Between the garages there is a proposed inner courtyard maximizing the ease of using the parking structures.

During his previous hearing neighbors had come out in force to voice their concern over the scope of the proposed design. On this there was an absence of resistance or pushback.  The board unanimously approved the project as submitted with a stipulation that the structure’s legal address remain 14 Barstow and that no living spaces be allowed in the garages unless vetted by the town’s departments for such use.

By Marilou Newell

MTZBA022714

Marion Council on Aging

on

New Programs:

“Easy Yoga”: Beginning March 7 at 10:45 am. This is seated and standing only. Come try this free 12-week class at 13 Atlantis Drive, Marion.

IKEA: March 26. Pick up begins at 10:00 am. Space is limited.

Free tax assistance for elders who have simple tax returns. Call for appointment.

Ongoing programs:

YMCA: Tuesdays and Thursdays – pick up at 10:00 am and return at 12:30 pm. Scholarships are available.

Step & Stretch: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 – 2:00 pm at the Rochester COA. Transportation provided.

Senior Stretch: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9:30 – 10:30 am at First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall. Sponsored by Friends of Marion Visiting Nurse. 10-week sessions are $45. Try once for free. Sign up for one, two or three days.

Low Impact Aerobics: Mondays and Fridays at Atlantis Drive Facility from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Cardio, strength, flexibility; $4.

Public Health Nurse: Nurse is available for health consultation; blood pressure and glucose monitoring; wound assessment; and routine adult vaccinations on Mondays at Town House from 9:30 – 11:30 am. The nurse is available by appointment Tuesday – Friday.

Meals on Wheels: Delivered daily to home bound elders.

Podiatry Clinic: Call for appointment.

Social Day Program: Monday – Friday at the Fairhaven Social Day Program. Pick up begins at 7:45 am and return is at 2:30 pm.

Medical Equipment: Walkers, bath seats, commodes, etc. Free loan.

Friendship Table: Free meal at St. Gabriel’s Church in Marion, first and third Thursdays at the Congregational Church Community Center at 5:00 pm.

SHINE Counselor (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders): Call the COA for appointment.

Drug Disposal: Drop off at the Police Station. No liquids.

Newsletter on-line: Please send your email address to: sschwager@marionma.gov. You may also access the newsletter on our website.

Transportation: You must call at least 48 hours in advance.

Medical Appointments: Wareham area Monday am and Thursday pm; Dartmouth and New Bedford Monday pm and Thursday am; Plymouth on the fourth Tuesday of the month; Boston on the first and third Tuesday of the month.

Shopping: Every Wednesday, Market Basket – pick up at 12:30 pm. Alternate Fridays to Shaws in Wareham and Fairhaven Marts, pick up 12:30 pm. Please arrange errands with the above schedule. Donations are appreciated.

Outreach Work: Outreach Worker is available to meet in your home or at the COA office at Town House to assist with information, referrals, or assistance with applications. Call for appointment. Emergency Funds for Marion residents in need of emergency services such as food, fuel, utilities, and medications.

Speaker Series: March 5, Sharing the Harvest. Learn how you can help feed our neighbors in need. Noon at the Police Station.

Book Delivery: Free delivery of books to home-bound residents. Please call the library at 508-748-1252.

Legal Assistance: The second Thursday of the month. Basic legal advice. Appointments are needed.

LGBT Supper Club: LGBT Supper Club for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender seniors on the fourth Wednesday of each month, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Suggested donation $3. Call the Fairhaven Senior Center at 508-979-4029, 229 Huttleston Avenue, to sign up.

Movies: Marion Music Hall at 7:00 pm. Free Admission. March 14: Quiet Man; April 4: Easter Parade; May 9: Viva Las Vegas.

One-Man Play

on

Everyone is invited to the one-man play celebrating the Theater of the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s performed by veteran actor, Stephen Collins. Join us on Thursday, March 20 as Mr. Collins performs monologues from playwrights that include Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Eugene O’Neill and others. Met to rave reviews for over a decade, Mr. Collins’ performances deliver not just the poetry and plays, but they bring poets and playwrights to life on the stage. The shows also convey an understanding of the impact and the reactions of the characters to their respective times, giving the audience not just a performance, but an experience. Don’t miss this rare local performance, made possible by a Massachusetts Cultural Council grant. Lunch will be offered at 12:15 pm, followed by the 1:00 pm performance at the Mattapoisett Council on Aging, 17 Barstow St., Mattapoisett. Cost: $5 lunch and show; $2 show only. Call 508-758-4110 to register.

ORYF Bulldogs Scholars

on

Several ORYF Bulldogs were recently selected as 2014 Pop Warner All-American Scholars for the New England Region (RISMA). To be eligible to receive this honor, a student must be a football player or cheerleader with a minimum grade point average of 96%. Team placement is determined by utilizing each scholar’s academic achievements along with their extra-curricular activities and community service. All of the scholars have now moved on to be evaluated at the All-American Scholar National Level. The 2014 ORYF Bulldogs Pop Warner All-American Scholars are:

Alyssa Clancy: Grade 5 – Cheer – 2nd Team

Megan Lajoie: Grade 6 – Cheer -2nd Team

Jake Mourao: Grade 7 – Football – 1st Team

Henry Ucci: Grade 7 – Football – 2nd Team

Michael Kennefick: Grade 8 – Football – 2nd Team

The Scholars are invited to attend a RISMA banquet, a New England Regional banquet (held at the Gillette Stadium Putnam Club in Foxboro), and a National banquet held in Orlando, Florida to celebrate their outstanding accomplishment!

Marion Toastmaster’s Club

on

The Marion Toastmaster’s Club, a public speaking, communications and leadership organization will hold an Open House on Thursday, March 6 from noon to 1:00 pm at the Marion Recreation Center, 13 Atlantis Drive in Marion. The building is located near the Sippican Healthcare campus and Marconi Village.

Come and experience what happens at our meetings! We have a vocabulary word of the day, two 5 – 7 minute prepared speeches, two minute extemporaneous speaking sessions and evaluations of what just happened. Get over your jitters and gain more confidence in your presentation skills. Food and refreshments will be served. Bring a friend. For more information, call 508-292-6706 or visit our website at www.Marion.ToastmastersClubs.org

Academic Achievements

on

The following local residents were named to the fall 2013 Dean’s List at Saint Michael’s College, a liberal arts and sciences, residential Catholic college located in Burlington, Vermont, one of the top 10 college towns in America:

Claire Martin, daughter of Beth and Louis Martin of Mattapoisett, a Senior Media Studies & Digital Arts major, who graduated from Bishop Stang High School before coming to Saint Michael’s.

Allison L. Medina, daughter of Sara Dickson and Darryl Medina of Marion, a Sophomore Pre-Pharmacy major, who graduated from Bishop Stang High School before coming to Saint Michael’s.

Students who complete a minimum of 12 credits and achieve a grade point average of at least 3.4 at the end of a semester are recognized for their scholarship by inclusion on the Dean’s List.

The New England School of Communications has announced the Fall 2013 Honors List. Ezekiel Soule, a resident of Rochester, earned the distinction of being named to the Honors List for the fall semester.

Edward Costa, of Mattapoisett, has been named to the Dean’s List at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for the Fall 2013 semester. The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students who maintain grade-point averages of a minimum of 3.0 out of a possible 4.0 and have no grades below “C.” Costa studies Chemical Engineering.

Join the PMC Mission to Fight Cancer

on

To know someone who has been affected by cancer is a scary and heart-wrenching experience for an adult, let alone a child. By starting a Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) Kids Ride in your area, you can provide children, ages 2 to 15, with the opportunity to join the PMC mission.

PMC Kids Rides are spokes in the wheel for the PMC. The PMC is an annual bike-a-thon that raises money to support adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. From a short obstacle course for tykes on tricycles to a 26-mile trek, PMC Kids Rides vary in course, mileage and set-up. Some have music, games and food. Others have silent auctions, character appearances and face painting. All PMC Kids Rides offer a way for children to participate as young philanthropists by actively working to help others and engaging in exercise.

The PMC is looking for volunteer coordinators to start PMC Kids Rides in Mattapoisett. PMC Kids Rides can be held in a school parking lot, a park, or anywhere there are safe roads. A PMC staff member will be there to support coordinators throughout the planning process with regard to logistics, signage, rider recruitment, promotion and fundraising. Coordinators are able to choose the date of their ride and make their own event a fun and unique experience for families, volunteers and supporters alike. They can involve local businesses to provide food and entertainment and to help spread the PMC’s mission by word-of-mouth and through social media.

“Planning a PMC Kids Ride has proven to be such a rewarding experience for all those involved,” says Denise Singleton, coordinator of the PMC Westwood Kids Ride. “With so many families in town affected by cancer in some way, I realized that there is a real need for people to come together and show their support. The PMC is an amazing organization and I feel good knowing that I am playing an important role by providing an outlet where kids can feel empowered when they might otherwise feel helpless.”

The original PMC Kids Ride sprouted as a grassroots effort in 1998 when 13 children rode around their Medfield neighborhood 25 times and raised $1,600 for the PMC. During the past 14 years, PMC Kids Rides have continued to form throughout New England and beyond as parents and children invite neighbors with tricycles, training wheels and two-wheelers to get involved. Since the program’s inception, young cyclists have raised more than $5.5 million. This year’s goal is to raise $900,000.

Cyclists of varying experience levels can ride as individuals or as part of a team. Many cyclists ride in honor of a family member or friend who is fighting or has lost his or her life to cancer. Help children in your town honor loved ones and make an impact in the community by starting a PMC Kids Ride.

For more information about the PMC Kids Rides program, to start a ride in your area, or participate in an existing ride, visit www.kids.pmc.org or call Justine Darmanian at 781-449-5300 for spring 2014 rides.