Frosty Runners Not So Frosty

on February 5, 2014

Runners of the third annual Frosty Runner Road Race were grateful for the decision last week to postpone the race until February 1 – it was a little too frosty last week for a run, with temperatures just starting to climb up from single digits and a few flakes still falling around the region.

Saturday, however, was the perfect day for a not-so-frosty runner race with the snow melting on the side of the road as runners passed, and the spring-like 40 degree temperature was warm enough to cause a sweat but cool enough to keep runners from overheating.

The flag dropped at 10:00 am sharp, prompting the simultaneous start of two races – the 10-mile run and the 3.1-mile run/walk – that began and ended at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, but which wove separate paths throughout Rochester during the course of the race.

First to cross the finish line for the 3.1-mile was Nathen Brito of New Bedford, age 21, timed at 17 minutes and 51 seconds.

“I won the race last year, too,” said Brito. “I just started running last year. I love running, I run all the time.”

Meg Hughes, 11, a sixth-grade student at Rochester Memorial School, beat all the women across the finish line with an impressive time of 20 minutes and 53 seconds. She also won the race last year, having run it all three years. She ran with her sister, Kate, 14, a student at Old Rochester Regional Junior High, who was the second female to cross the line. The two girls are part of a multi-sports team called “Spark” based out of Westport, sponsored by Spark Bike Run Sports in Taunton.

Richard Cole, another Spark member running the Frosty Runner, said any funds they raise from group participation in sporting events goes to the organization Homes for our Troops.

“[The Frosty Runner] is one of the earlier races of the season, and it’s a nice race,” said Cole. “We like to keep things going throughout the winter.”

It wasn’t long after all the 3.1-mile runners returned that the 10-milers started winding their way back down the long driveway toward the finish line.

Dan Croteau of Acushnet, 24, beat his time from two years ago when he ran the race and won.

I basically knew I was gonna win from the start,” said Croteau, “So I felt pretty comfortable the whole way.”

First for the women’s 10-mile was Lynn Vasconcelos of Fairhaven.

“There must be something about those teachers when they get into school!” yelled someone from the finish line as Vasconcelos arrived back at Old Colony.

“Yeah! It’s called therapy,” replied Vasconcelos, a first-grade teacher at Wood Elementary School in Fairhaven. “Running is therapy!”

Would-be first place woman runner Tarley Sumner was in the lead as she ran the final stretch of the race, only to take a wrong turn at the last minute and nobody manning the street did anything to stop her.

“I was hoping to beat my time,” said Sumner. “I would have, too. It was the last turn of the race.”

Kevin Mullen of Fairhaven and Jeremy Fuller of New Bedford both ran the race barefoot and, despite the wet, gravelly winter roads scattered with mud puddles of melting ice and snow, Mullen beat his personal barefoot record and finished faster than he expected.

“With practice and persistence,” said Mullen, “it’s the style of running I’ve developed over the years … It strengthens your feet and ankles. All running begins and ends with the foot.”

A trio of Old Colony students donned white hazmat suits for the fun of it, and just in case they encountered some asbestos or radioactive waste along the way, or course. Zack Turbesi, Jacob Sol, and Brian Grant from “Team Tyvek” kept pace with each other and crossed the finish line together, hands clasped and arms high in triumph. Grant, who started out the 3.1-mile race with a black featureless nylon mask, said he made it to about one mile before whipping the thing off for some fresh air.

With 170 runners in all, race coordinator Bethany Botelho said the Frosty Runner Road Race is still up and coming and rather small, but she is hoping that local businesses will soon take notice of the growing interest in the race and will sign on next year as sponsors. Botelho is a teacher and the cross-country varsity coach at Old Colony. Any proceeds from race registration will benefit the athletics department at the school.

By Jean Perry

Planning Board Truncates Meeting

on February 5, 2014

With yet another winter storm swirling around the region, Mattapoisett’s Planning Board decided to suspend work on by-laws until their next meeting – scheduled for Monday, March 3 at 7:00 pm – to allow for public input. The snowy weather equated to empty seats on this evening. The board has been editing to improve language and to streamline the by-laws for ease of use by the public. So far, they have worked on by-laws covering signage, commercial parking, screening, common driveways, and trailers.

The two agenda items were then quickly dispatched. The first item was a discussion regarding questions posed by the Conservation Commission with respect to a driveway located off Nantucket Drive on property developed by D & P Builders. The Conservation Commission questioned the ‘as built plans’ which show the driveway passing through Lot #1 versus Lot #2 that had been the original plan. The board discussed that this was merely an easement to allow for emergency vehicles. They asked Planning Board Secretary Tammy Ferreira to let the Conservation Commission know that the plans are acceptable as submitted.

The second item was a hearing with John Folino of 65 Mattapoisett Neck Road. Folino was seeking approval of his request to have lots 13, 14, and 15 joined as one parcel. He plans to either build a new home on the newly reconfigured property or renovate the existing home. Folino has discussed the matter with Andy Bobola, Inspectional Services Director, who concurred that by joining the parcels as one unit Folino would have sufficient space to build a new home if he decided to do so in the future. The board members approved his request. He was advised to submit the revised property map with the registry of deeds within 60 days.

Due to the upcoming President’s Day holiday, the next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, March 3 at 7:00 pm.

Sippican Woman’s Club Meeting

on February 5, 2014

The Sippican Woman’s Club will hold its monthly meeting in the evening on Wednesday, February 12 at 7:00 pm at Harriet’s Outback, 9 Cottage Street, Marion.

Local Marion resident and nationally recognized author, educator and inspirational speaker Nancy Hunter Denney will share “pages of wisdom” from her recent book, Wisdom Along the Way: A Path to Happiness. Some of the best lessons we learn we teach ourselves. Strategies, stories and straight talk about achieving happiness though small adjustments will be presented “one page at a time.” For example, “Do something nice for the person who deserves it the least” is an example of wisdom learned along the way. Opportunities to share your own stories will also be given. Please join us for what promises to be an upbeat and inspirational program. Park at Island Wharf Lot across from the Marion Music Hall on Front Street. The public is invited to attend for wine and cheese, followed by a brief business meeting and speaker. A book signing will follow the program. For membership information, contact, Jeanne Lake at 508-748-0619, or visit our website at www.sippicanwomansclub.org.

At Work Protecting Properties in Rochester

on February 4, 2014

Expect some joint events between the Rochester Land Trust and the town of Rochester at their open space properties in the near future.

At a meeting of the Conservation Commission Tuesday evening, Rochester Land Trust President Halima Tiffany was on hand to discuss future events to celebrate the opening of several properties that are currently either in the process of opening or that have recently opened.

Tiffany mentioned potential events at both Doggett’s Brook and Leonard’s Pond, which are currently being worked on, as well as possible events at Mary’s Pond. She hinted at potentially having some sort of kayak/canoe events at the ponds and said she hoped the events would help create awareness about some of the joint projects between the trust and the town.

“[The events] would be something nice to have,” said Tiffany. “We were just thinking with partnership with the town, we’d like to host some of these activities.”

“The next step is town participation,” she later added.

Town Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon said that there’s still some work to be done at both Doggett’s Brook and Leonard’s Pond, and she was looking forward to any future events that may be in the works.

“I think it’s exciting,” said Farinon. “It’s just building upon what we’ve already been working on.”

In other news, the board voted unanimously to have a peer engineer review 25 amendments to an Order of Conditions for a proposed addition by Shawmut Associates at their recycling facility at 50 Cranberry Hwy. in Rochester.

Even though Shawmut Associates already have an Order of Conditions approved by both the Rochester Planning Board and the Conservation Commission, they want to make some changes to the plans, and the Conservation Commission would like to see the changes reviewed by a consultant before issuing a final approval.

Farinon said that it would cost $1,000 for the engineer’s review and that the work would be done upon payment from Shawmut Associates. According to associates from Green Seal Environmental on behalf of Shawmut, the changes mostly involve storm water retention at the site.

Also, the Commission discussed the current first phase of the town forest/Old Colony forest management project, which started Monday. Farinon said that she hadn’t heard many complaints from abutters, and that weather permitting, that phase should be done within the next few weeks.

“Things are moving along really nicely,” she said. “We haven’t had much as far as complaints at all.”

Initially, several neighbors had voiced concern about the project, but after some consideration, the Commission and the forest management consultant, Phil Benjamin, decided to do the work in small phases so as not to upset abutters.

Farinon also announced that the Commission would be keeping a “level-funded budget” for fiscal year 2015 per request of Town Administrator Richard LaCamera.

By Nick Walecka

Concrete vs. Fiberglass on Marion Water Tank

on February 4, 2014

A full agenda Tuesday evening for the Marion Board of Selectmen included a discussion of the bids for replacement of an existing water tank at Great Hill off Point Road in Marion.

Options include a pre-stressed concrete tower or a fiberglass one. The height, number of gallons contained, and other details are yet to be determined.

At a prior BOS meeting, the board signed a contract with Tata and Howard for the design phase to replace the Great Hill Water Tank. The tank will be reduced in size by one half and will be used for fire hydrant pressure. The town meeting of 2011 approved the design phase. At the meeting, the proposal for design was at $93,000, according to Town Administrator Paul Dawson. At issue is whether the tank will be replaced by a pre-stressed concrete structure or a fiberglass tank. The water committee, along with the Board of Selectmen and the Town Administrator, will determine the outcome.

Next up was a discussion of the Roadway Improvement Program. Dawson said that Phase 1A will begin in the spring with letters going out to residents in the impacted areas – including Ryder, Spring and Front Streets – noting that some disturbances will occur in driveway entries and asking residents for the ‘ok’ to disturb those areas.

“We plan to have a public meeting for all abutters in the area so they know what is coming,” said Paul Dawson, Town Administrator.

Next up was a discussion of the FEMA flood maps. “Marion and Mattapoisett have adopted the maps as presented,” said Dawson. “Other areas in the state asked for a delay of implementation, and that issue is ongoing.”

In other news, the main reading room of the Marion Music Hall is being painted.

Selectmen Steven Cushing announced that he will seek re-election as a town selectman.

“My interest, among many, is to see that the town hall use issue is resolved,” said Cushing.

The board issued a one-day alcohol license to VFW Post 2425 for a ham and bean supper to be held from 6:00 to 10:00 pm on February 15. Also, another one-day all-alcohol license was approved for VFW Post 2425 to hold a spaghetti dinner on February 22 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

Lastly, the board appealed to the public for volunteers to sit on town boards, noting that they meet twice a month and that they need people to stand up and come forward to help the town. To apply to serve on a board, contact the Board of Selectmen at the Marion Town House.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

Special Ed Slashed, No New Teacher

on February 4, 2014

Superintendent Doug White has significantly whittled down Mattapoisett’s school draft budget, paring off a huge chunk from special education spending, which is now $43,000 less than fiscal year 2014, as opposed to the $236,000 SpEd budget increase requested just two weeks ago. The overall FY15 budget requested is now at $6,201,946, down from $6,625,733 – a difference of $423,787.

Also scrapped from the first draft budget was an additional teacher for Center School, which Mattapoisett School Committee Chairman Jim Higgins was pushing for in anticipation of a large second grade class size. Hiring another teacher is not a lost cause, though, and once springtime comes and committee members have a firmer grasp on FY14 expenditures and FY15 projections come more into focus, they will revisit the matter.

“I’ll continue to bang the drum for an extra second grade teacher,” said Higgins. Four first grade classes will be moving into three second grade classes next year, which has been a concern for Higgins since budget talks began.

White also pulled requested funding for new reading and math curricula from the budget after deciding that it would be wiser to put the $49,000 under Capital in an article on the Town Meeting warrant.

White said on January 31 that he conducted a student-to-student analysis and determined that student needs were different than originally estimated; however, in a follow up interview White said he could not go into specifics, fearing he would inadvertently identify individual SpEd students by describing specific services that were analyzed.

Subcommittee members, along with White, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Elise Frangos, and Technology Director Ryan McGee engaged in a lengthy discussion about the viability of purchasing book-based curricula in the future and if eliminating books all together to move toward electronic texts was the way to go instead.

But can the district afford the electronic devices, how would they be phased in, and at what point should they stop spending money on books?

“Today’s not the day,” said School Committee Member Jim Muse. “But we can’t wait too long.”

Finance Committee Director Pat Donahue seemed pleased with the budget, and once the School Committee reviews it during their next meeting on February 10, they will take the proposed FY15 budget before FinCom.

By Jean Perry

Rochester Country Fair Dance

on February 3, 2014

The Rochester Country Fair will be hosting a “Team Spirit” Theme Dinner Dance Fundraiser on Saturday, March 1 at the Redmen Hall located at 758 Main Street in Wareham.

Guests are encouraged, but not required, to dress for the occasion. Dig out your high school or college gear from year’s past (if it still fits) or come dressed as your favorite team sport. There are lots of possibilities.

The Dinner Dance Fundraiser will kick off the night with a Stuffed Chicken Breast Dinner, prepared by Matt’s Blackboard, which will be served at 7pm. Music by “The Relics” will begin at 8pm.

Tickets to attend are $20 each, while supplies last, and must be purchased in advance at either Matt’s Blackboard Café, The Hair & Body Solution, both located in Rochester’s Plumb Corner Mall, or at The Ponderosa located on Rt. 105 Acushnet / Rochester Line. You may also reach any of the Fair Committee Members.

Donations of raffle items are needed and will help support the Rochester Country Fair. Visit our website www.rochesterma.com for additional event information or support.

Machacam Club Rescheduled

on February 3, 2014

The Machacam Club was postponed to February 12 due to the storm threat. Please call your lists and so advise. The Machacam Club will hold its February meeting on February 12 at the Legion Hall, 3 depot street. Social time is 5:30 pm; dinner at 6:00 pm.

Our speaker this month will be Mark Mello, who is returning in order to conclude his December presentation of “a soldier’s life,” a very interesting review of what the civil war was all about for the soldiers who fought the battles of this bloody conflict. all members present were quite outspoken with a desire to have Mark return ASAP to finish it up. We all look forward to this young historian’s wrap up.

Callers and members are asked to bear in mind the importance of call list accuracy. Caller lists should be done and reported no later than 9:00 am on February 3; email to gpfnr@aol.com or by phone to Mike at 508-758-9311. Members with requests or changes should contact either no later than 9:00 am on February 4.

Special Day at the Library

on February 3, 2014

The Mattapoisett Public Library celebrated National Take Your Child to the Library Day this Saturday, February 1, with an entire day filled with special activities for children. All day long, a steady stream of kids enjoyed activities such as a library scavenger hunt, playing chess, watching the movie “Up,” and face painting. Photos by Jean Perry & Felix Perez

From The Mattapoisett Town Clerk

on February 2, 2014

Annual Town Census: 2014 Census has been mailed. Please make changes where necessary, sign and return as soon as possible. There is a dog license renewal form on the back with directions. If you did not receive a form or have any questions, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-758-4103 ext. 2

Mooring Inspections: If your mooring number is 500 or above you will need to file a new or updated mooring inspection form with this office before payment will be accepted for the 2014 season. Be sure you have filled in the boat description also before returning the form. A letter was sent out the beginning of August to allow you sufficient time to have your mooring inspected and upgraded if necessary before the 2014 billing season. Any questions regarding this process should be directed to the Town Clerk’s office at 508-758-4103 ext. 2.

Please Note- Per The Harbormaster: Beginning this year, we will no longer accept “self-inspection” of moorings. Mooring inspections must be done by inspectors that have been accepted as qualified by the Mattapoisett Harbormaster’s Office. The list of qualified inspectors will be available on the Harbormaster’s portion of the town website.

Annual Town Election: Mattapoisett’s Annual Town Election is Tuesday, May 20, 2014. Nomination papers are available in the Clerk’s Office for the following positions: Selectman – three years; Town Clerk – three years; Assessor – three years; Mattapoisett School Committee – three years and Mattapoisett School Committee to fill a one-year vacancy; Old Rochester Regional District School Committee – three years and Old Rochester Regional District School Committee to fill a two-year vacancy; Trustee of Public Library – three years; Moderator – one year; Water/Sewer Commissioner – three years; Board of Health – three years; Planning Board – five years; Mattapoisett Housing Authority – five years and Mattapoisett Housing Authority to fill a one-year vacancy; Community Preservation Committee – two years. Please address any questions or concerns to the Clerk’s Office.