Rochester Police to Hold Entrance Exam

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The Rochester Police Department, in conjunction with Police Exam Solutions, has scheduled an Entrance Exam for the Rochester Police Department on February 1, 2014. The Rochester Police Department employs 10 full time officers, five part time officers, and a number of reserve officers serving a population of approximately 5,400 residents. The department will be holding an entrance exam to fill both full and part time openings in the future.

Because of the small size of the department, officers handle many of their own cases from start to finish. This allows officers the opportunity to participate in investigations, write and serve warrants, and make arrests as a result of their own work.

Rochester police officers also have the opportunity to participate on a number of the department’s specialized units such as bike patrol and ATV patrol as well as being able to join specialized units such as the dive team, SWAT team, and search and rescue team attached to the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC).

Details and eligibility requirements are provided on the Police Exam Solutions website, www.policeexamsolutions.com. Any questions are to be directed to the testing company through the “contact us” section of their website. Any calls made directly to the police department or Police Exam Solutions may disqualify you from being hired.

Perhaps you know someone who is thinking of getting involved in law enforcement. This is a great opportunity for them to participate in the entry-level testing process and possibly earn a career in law enforcement.

If you or anyone you know would like further information on this upcoming exam, please visit www.policeexamsolutions.com. All registrations must be done online.

Brian K. Murray

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Brian K. Murray, 48, of New Bedford died Tuesday December 17, 2013 unexpectedly at home.

Born in New Bedford, the son of Benedict Murray of Mattapoisett and the late Margaret (Wydra) Murray and stepson of Jeanne (Harbeck) Murray, he lived in Acushnet for many years and most recently lived in New Bedford.

Brian was formerly employed as a commercial fisherman on several vessels of the New Bedford fleet. He also worked as a truck driver for a number of local businesses.

Brian was a good-hearted person. He was kind and generous to those around him. He loved to help others when he could. Brian knew just how to put a smile on anyone’s face. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, however, was recently unable to due to his declining health. Brian loved music and played the drums for many years.

He leaves behind his father and stepmother; his brother, Kevin Murray, his wife Cathy, and their children, Kendra and Evan, of Acushnet; his stepbrothers, Joseph Boldiga and his children, Makenzie and Maddex, of Palm Harbor, FL, and Michael Boldiga and his companion Lisa of New Bedford; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will be deeply missed by those closest to him.

His private memorial service was held on Saturday morning Dec. 21, 2013 at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Humane Society and Shelter – SouthCoast, 31 Ventura Drive, Dartmouth, MA 02747 or the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Costa Rican Exchange Student Enjoys Snowfall

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Ailina Cervantes Diaz of Costa Rica, an exchange student at Old Rochester Regional High School, enjoyed her first snowfall this past week. “I threw a couple of snowballs, and it was really fun,” said Diaz as she spoke during an American Field Service (AFS) presentation at Wednesday’s ORR District School Committee meeting.

Diaz, along with Louisa Truss of Hannover, Germany, showed a video they made about the exchange program and spoke with school committee members about their experiences this school year.

“It’s really good. I’ve been here four months now and really like it,” said Truss. Truss is on the field hockey team and also runs track. “I’ve made many new friends,” she said.

Truss lives with the Hayden family and shares a bedroom with Kylie Hayden. The family also has a seven year old and a two year old. “My family is so nice and wonderful,” said Truss.

Board member Charles Motta asked the students if they planned to return to the United States and attend college. Diaz said that she has already visited the University of Rhode Island and is ‘doing her best’ to get into college here in the U.S. Diaz hopes to become a veterinarian. She lives with the Henshaw family who owns a farm in Mattapoisett. Diaz is a senior and plays soccer. “That’s my sport,” said Diaz, who told the board that after throwing a few snowballs, she couldn’t feel her fingers anymore.

Kim Corazzini, also known as Nurse Kim, is the AFS Advisor and meets regularly with visiting students. She has been the advisor of the club for over eight years. The club is very active and holds car washes, sells pies, and hosts an international dinner with AFS students from nearby high schools. Exchange students also volunteer at the Manjiro Festival in Fairhaven and other cultural events.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

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Mattapoisett Lions Club Award Announced

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The Mattapoisett Lions Club, a member of Lions International, consisting of 45,000 clubs and more than 1.3 million members worldwide making this the world’s largest service club organization, is pleased to announce a $5,000 scholarship to be awarded this year to a graduating high school student 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 festival held in Shipyard Park every July and attended by up to 10,000 people.

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 community.

To qualify, a graduating student or home-schooled student shall be enrolled in their first year of a recognized school of higher education, must be a resident of the Tri-Town area, and has demonstrated service to the community. Special consideration will be given to those looking to a career in an eyesight-related field.

Lions also encourage participation in the Lions Youth Speech Contest, sponsored every year by the Mattapoisett Lions Club, which is open to all high school sophomore, juniors and seniors in the Tri Town area.

To obtain an application, learn more about this Award, or to learn how to become a member of the Lions Club, visit our website at www.mattapoisettlionsclub.org. Award applications are also available through the guidance department at your high school. Applications may also be obtained by calling Helene Rose at 508-758-9841. Applications must be received by March 30.

Marion Council on Aging Programs

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New Program at the Marion Council on Aging begins January 6 at 10:45 am at the Atlantis Drive Facility, Marion. “Silver Sneakers” Yoga. This is free for Silver Sneakers members (check with your health care provider) or $4.00 per class. This 45-minute class will improve your strength, balance and endurance. Class will be held on Mondays and Fridays.

            Health & Wellness: 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 $45.00. (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 $4.00.

            Public Health Nurse: Nurse is available for health consultation, blood pressure and glucose monitoring, wound assessment and routine adult vaccinations on Mondays at Town Hall 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: Next clinic is February 24. Call for appointment.

            Social Day Program: Monday – Friday to 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 go to our website and access the newsletter on line.

            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 Worker: Outreach Worker is available to meet in your home or at the COA office at Town Hall to assist with information, referrals, or assistance with applications. Call for appointment. The building is handicap accessible via a ramp located at the rear of the building. Emergency Funds for Marion residents in need of emergency services such as food, fuel, utilities, medications.

            Speaker Series: Tom Joyce will present an overview of what happens when you call 9-1-1. Come learn how to be better prepared before you call. Noon at the Police Station.

            Book Delivery: The COA is collaborating with the Elizabeth Taber Library to offer 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 $3.00. Call the Fairhaven Senior Center, 229 Huttleston Avenue, to sign up at 508-979-4029.

            Movies: Music Hall at 7:00 pm. Free Admission. January 10: All the President’s Men; February 7: How the West Was Won; March 14: Quiet Man

Gateway Youth Hockey Update

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Mites: The Mite Bobcats got back on track with a comeback win, 15-9, against SC Panthers on Saturday. Krystian Pothel, Juni Suarez , and Derek Guavin all had hat tricks. The Bobcats came out flat, but were able to stay in the game thanks to Charlie Carroll’s 47-save performance. The Bobcats were down by three goals as the first period came to a close. After a quick pep talk in between periods, the Bobcat line of Guavin, Suarez and Pothel were too much for the Panthers. Thomas Ledger and Patrick Tripp were solid on defense for the Bobcats.

Squirts: The Gateway Squirt Grizzlies skated to a 3-3 tie with Braintree on Saturday in a Yankee Conference matchup. The offense was provided by Chris Gauvin who scored two goals and RJ Vickery got the third. Ryker King was the goalie. Two hours later, they traveled to Orleans and were defeated by the Lower Cape Coyotes, 10-4, in a Cape league game. Tyler Lovendale scored a hat trick and Luke Mello added a goal. Matt Quinlan was the losing goalie in the game. On Sunday, the Grizzlies tied YD 1-1 in a Cape League game at Hetland. Tyler Lovendale scored, assisted by Chris Gauvin. Ryker King was the goalie in the game.

Martha L. (Salley) Santos

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Martha L. (Salley) Santos, 75, of Rochester died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 at Tobey Hospital. She was the wife of the late Richard A. Santos and the former wife of the late Lawrence Charron, Jr.

Born in Middleboro, the daughter of the late Erving E. & Ruth (Henshaw) Salley, she lived in Rochester for many years.

Mrs. Santos most recently worked as a cashier at Wal-Mart in Wareham. She was active in the Rochester Senior Center where she enjoyed playing bingo. Mrs. Santos also enjoyed playing cards at the Rochester Congregational Church, and mostly enjoyed the time spent with her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Taylor and Stacy Sol both of Rochester, and Cindy Medeiros of New Bedford; her sons, Lawrence Charron, III of FL and Daniel Charron of Freetown; her sisters, Harriett Sherman of Rochester, Ruth Taylor of Lakeville and Lillian Gross of Raynham; her brother, Ernest Davoll of Rochester; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her children, the late Michael and Pamela Charron; a brother, the late Arnold Sally and her sisters, the late Ellen Thayer, Verna Young and Millicent Henley.

Her funeral service will be held on Mon., Dec. 23, 2013 at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Rt. 28), Wareham at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Rochester Center Cemetery, Rochester. Visiting hours will be Sunday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 PM at the funeral home.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Rochester Senior Center, 67 Dexter Ln., Rochester, MA 02770.

Winter Solstice Celebration

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The Rochester Women’s Club would like to invite the public to a Winter Solstice Celebration on Saturday, December 21, at 5:00 pm at 37 Marion Road, Rochester. Naomi Arenberg of WBUR-FM will lead a community sing-along ‘Songs of the Season’. This is a free event. Families are encouraged to come. Refreshments will be served. A rain/snow date will be Sunday December 22.

Plumb Corner Toy Drive

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The Plumb Corner Mall is currently hosting a Dick Meloni Toy Drive. The drop off is at Rockland Trust Bank in Plumb Corner Mall, and we are looking for new unwrapped toys. Don’t forget the older kids too.

Holiday Concert Brings Holiday Cheer

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On December 12, the band and chorus students of Old Rochester Regional High School proudly presented their annual Holiday Concert. Held in the school’s auditorium, the free event brought holiday cheer to all who attended. The concert included numbers by the chorus, jazz combo, jazz band, and concert band. Michael Barnicle, the ORRHS music teacher, hosted and directed the event.

            “They worked hard,” said Barnicle of his students, “They did a great job.”

            The students in the music department had been preparing for this concert since the start of the school year. Along with their regular class during the day, the band had evening rehearsals once a month, then a three-hour rehearsal the night before the big show. Their practice paid off in last week’s performance.

            “There are always challenges, depending on the music, the ability level of the students,” admitted Barnicle, “With the band, I definitely pushed them to do more challenging music than maybe they were comfortable with.” However, Barnicle sounded proud of his students’ work, saying the performances are his favorite part of being a music teacher at ORR.

            When it comes to the chorus, Barnicle said he tries to select some music that they’re comfortable with, and “some that’s also outside their comfort zone too, to try to challenge them as well.”

            Some of chorus’s songs this year included “Jingle Bells,” with a solo by Justin Smilan and jazz band accompaniment, and “Betelehemu,” a Nigerian carol.

            Paige Santos, a senior at ORR, has been in chorus for all four years. “The best part is when we’re all singing a song that we really like and we all get into it,” said Santos, “I like when we get that note perfectly right and we all sound really good.”

             “We definitely have some talented students in all the groups,” commented Barnicle, “Although we have a couple standouts, this year we’ve got a fairly even level – more than in past years.”

            Since the Holiday Concert was the students’ first major performance of the year, there is still much more to come. Small ensembles of students have been playing on the weekends at Kenny’s farm stand in Fairhaven, creating a musical air while people shop for Christmas trees. The music department’s annual trip to Faneuil Hall in Boston was on Wednesday, December 18. Band and chorus perform there to delight the holiday shoppers each year.

            “After Christmas break, we’ll come back and we’ll start working on new music for some festivals in the spring, the jazz concert, and the big spring concert at the end of the year,” said Barnicle.

            As the holiday season peaks, the students in ORR’s band and chorus remain busy, bringing their musical talent to the community.

By Renae Reints

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