Mattapoisett Historical Society Annual Meeting

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The public is invited to join the Mattapoisett Historical Society at its Annual Meeting on Sunday, September 29 at 2:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Museum and Carriage House, 5 Church Street. At this meeting, we are proud to be honoring Seth Mendell, Town Historian, and his 23 years of service to Preserving the Past of the Town of Mattapoisett for the Benefit of the Future. Mendell’s dedication and unique skills will be missed as he moves on to the next chapter of his life. In this last of Seth’s President’s Reports, he will recount the last 23 years at the Historical Society, focusing on the Society’s growth and its contributions to the community of Mattapoisett. The Treasurer and Curator will also give their reports, and Officers and Board members will be elected. Light refreshments will be served. 508-758-2844, mattapoisett.museum@verizon.net.

Brad’s Run Another Blast

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With nothing but true blue skies dotted with puffy white clouds, refreshing soft breezes and dry roadways, this year Brad’s Run had everything in its favor – a great ride for a great cause.

Brad Barrows owned the small bar located on Route 6 in Mattapoisett for many years. And during those years, he helped local athletic events and organizations with financial support. After he passed away and the bar became Rick’s, a group of Brad’s pals got together and established Brad’s Run, a motorcycle ride that continues the support of local sports groups, events and more.

Dick Barrett, Chairman of the event, said, “We have one fundraiser which helps to support things like ORR’s swim team and the Tri-Town Little League.” But extending beyond local need, Barrett said they were also able to send food to the victims of Sandy as well as provide some financial support for the repairs that were recently completed on Center School’s antique clock.

Barrett said that a number of local businesses have thrown their support to Brad’s Run in the form of money and raffle items, all of which is used toward what Brad was all about: helping others, especially kids.

In addition to business sponsors, individual sponsors include Betty Pope, Mich Roderick, the McFee family, Pete and Antonette Collins, Barry and Sharon Barrows, Rick and Jean Cole, Chris and Eleanor Nixon, as well as the board members of Brad’s Run.

As I spoke with some of the riders, one theme rang in their comments as clearly as a revving four-stroke engine – doing something that benefited others. The ride on a motorcycle, especially on a day like September 14 turned out to be, was simply the stencil detailing on the saddle covers. Being able to ride and give to a worthy cause meant everything to this group. Whether the rider was a first timer, or like Rory McFee, in since the beginning, the excitement and joy of participating in an event that raised money for local athletic programs or people in need was the spark that drove their engines.

About 40 riders ranging in age from 10 years old to, well, let’s say well-seasoned, cruising through back roads that would meander through Mattapoisett, Rochester, Wareham, Middleboro and Carver ending at American Legion Hall on Federal Furnace Road in Plymouth before returning to Rick’s for pot luck and drinks. Kevin Medeiros, 10, told me, “I love the way the wind feels on my face – it can even make a stomachache go away.”

By Marilou Newell

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Barstow Street Builds Face Scrutiny

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The former Presto Press property that is situated on Barstow Street and the adjacent defunct commercial garage on the corner of Church Street are slated for two new homes. But not before several issues are resolved to the satisfaction of abutters and the members of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Coming before the board was Bruce Rocha with his representatives, Richard Charon, engineer, and Cary Lablanc, attorney giving the board and the public a full presentation of the proposed structures.

One home would be positioned at the corner of Church and Barstow with a three-car garage facing Barstow. The second home would have a 113-foot driveway leading to the home that would “face” Mechanic Street, presently an empty lot. The two lots make an “L” shape. The proposal has both driveways on the Barstow side alarming some of the abutters.

The Stellatos of 12 Barstow expressed their concern that they would be looking at a parking lot with that amount of footage dedicated to driveway space covered in asphalt. They added that mature trees and other vegetation between their property and #14 gives them privacy, which would be sacrificed with the new home construction and subsequent driveway installation.

Mr. Hudson of 13 Mechanic Street said, “I object to the house being set almost on top of my home.” He felt that the size of the home shown in the presentation was too large for the lot and the scale of other homes in the neighborhood.

Holly Nadeau of 30 Church Street had questions about the setbacks allowed since from the presentation it appeared as if the house would be too close to her garage.There was also considerable discussion about house numbers and legal addresses for these two new homes because both are planned to have front doors not on Barstow. The home scheduled for #16 Barstow will have a side entrance on Barstow but the appearance of a main entrance on Church Street. A similar situation is present for the home planned for #14 Barstow. That home will be set deep into the lot and actually face Mechanic but have an address of Barstow. Charon asked if the Town Clerk had legal jurisdiction over street address. Building Inspector Andy Bobola indicated that she did and she was not predisposed to adding new street numbers or changing the legal addresses of lots historical recorded.

After a lengthy public hearing and board deliberation it was decided that Rocha could move ahead with plans for #16 Barstow with the following conditions: 1) crushed stone or other aesthetically pleasing materials would be used for the driveway versus asphalt, 2) Barstow Street address would be maintained, 3) curb cut out would not exceed 15 feet.

Regarding the proposed home for #14 Barstow, things did not go as smoothly. The Board determined that the size of the home was too large for the space and would negatively impact the abutters. They asked the applicant to return with a modified plan that would include a smaller home.

Also coming before the Board was Richard and Debra Cantwell of 41 Acushnet Rd. requesting a special permit to rebuild and expand a garage. They questioned Cantwell as to whether or not there would be a room above the garage as seemed to be noted in the plans. Bobola stated that such a space could not be used as a bedroom unless he came before the Board requesting a “guest house” permit. Cantwell seemed surprised that no one would be allowed to sleep in the space even though he could have a full bathroom there as well as lounge furnishings. After making it clear to the applicant that the space could be used as a family room but not as a sleeping area his request was approved with that condition.

Finally John and Elaine Malcolm came before the Board to request a special permit to continue the operation of a boat repair business at 22 Ocean View Avenue in Brandt Island Beach. The business has been in operation since 1961 but in recent years had received a cease and desist order. With pending litigation in Superior Court, Malcolm’s attorney, David Perry, pleaded his case for the special permit. Noting the length of time the business has been in operation, the service it provides to the boating community in the beach area, and the residents overall desire to have these services readily available to them was provided in defense of the petition.

After hearing directly from some of the abutting neighbors who threw their support behind Malcolm and after reviewing improvements Malcolm had made to screening maintenance activities that took place on his property, the board approved the special permit. This approval will now negate the need for Malcolm to move forward with the court case.

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Frugality, Fun and Friendship in a Travel Club

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Looking to save money on future vacations? Three Tri-Town residents, including myself, have figured out how to do it. We all joined the Affordable Travel Club (ATC).

Based in Gig Harbor, Washington and run by owner and founder Suzanne Miller, the club specializes in hospitality. Hospitality means a club member can stay in your home or you can stay in someone else’s home for up to four days for $15 per night as a single or $20 per night as a couple/double. An extra person costs $10 per night. Breakfast is included in the per night cost.

This week, member Diane Bondi-Pickles hosted Gene and Sally Wilson of Green Valley, Ariz., for two nights. The couple has relatives in Lakeville and Fitchburg and flew in from Arizona, rented a car, and drove to Marion. Gene Wilson grew up in Stoughton. The couple love to travel and joined the ATC two years ago.

I joined the couple for appetizers and a glass of wine, hosted by the Pickles family.

“It’s a true adventure,” Gene Wilson said. “We’ve been to many places and enjoy meeting new people.”

The Wilsons recently had ATC members visit their Arizona home because the visiting ATC couple was house hunting in the area.

“We went with them and gave some advice on different neighborhoods and areas. Believe it or not, they plan to purchase fairly close to where we live,” said Wilson.

“It’s like instant friends,” said Sally Wilson.

The club requires little to join. You need a spare bedroom and a desire to spend a little time with visitors to welcome them, as well give them ideas of what to see and where to go in your area. Some hosts spend more time with guests than others.

Membership costs $75 for the printed directory of members, $65 for the online directory or $80 for both the online access and the printed directory. Members live in the United States, Canada and Australia.

I host more than I visit. I’ve had visitors from Spain, France, Australia, New York City, Texas, North Carolina and many other places. I’ve given them the walking tour of Marion and driven through beautiful Rochester. I’ve taken visitors through EastOver Farms and to Ned’s Point and all around our Tri-Town area.

Of all the places I’ve taken visitors, I find that the Cape Cod Canal is almost always their favorite spot. We forget that the canal is something that many in the United States have never seen or experienced.

Lorraine Charest, a Rochester resident, joined the club a few years ago because she wanted to do an “on the road” trip. She and her friend spent over 40 days driving throughout New England spending time at ATC members’ homes, with an occasional hotel or bed and breakfast stay, but only when an ATC member wasn’t nearby or available to host.

“I’d recommend it to anyone,” said Charest, who plans on making additional trips in the future now that she is retired from her position as a French teacher at Bishop Stang High School in Dartmouth.

New member Diane Bondi-Pickles is now hosting, but looks forward to venturing out and visiting other members’ homes.

“I look forward to using the club as it offers the opportunity to travel and meet new people and stay in affordable places in different locations, especially in places you wouldn’t tend to stay,” she said. Pickles made the point of saying that Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester are not towns that are on a map as places to visit. Most who come here do so because of relatives, growing up here, or other reasons, but the Tri-Town isn’t a destination.

Still, ATC visitors are amazed, charmed and delighted by their stays here, and that is what hospitality and travel clubs are all about.

To learn more about the club, go to the club’s website at www.affordabletravelclub.net.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

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Gateway Youth Hockey Update

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Squirts: The Gateway Grizzlies won a tight contest over Duxbury at Lorusso Arena in Hyannis. The final score was 3-1. Luke Mello, Matt Quinlan and Thomas Galavotti each had one goal. RJ Vickery had two assists. The defense was led by Ryker King, Ben Martins, Tyler Kelly and Mello. Chris Gauvin made some nice saves and got the win.

Pee Wee Warriors: The Gateway Warriors won their second game of the season, defeating the Hanover Pee Wee team 4-1 at Hobomock Arena. Alex DeMarco and Zachary Pateakos shared goaltending duties, facing a total of 11 Hanover shots. The Warriors played excellent two-way hockey throughout all three periods, countering with an amazing 41 shots on goal! Scoring was a true team effort. Ben Demoranville netted his first of the season, assisted by brother Jake and linemate Dan Flynn. Jared Westgate stickhandled through traffic to score his first of the season, unassisted. Bethany Davis got some help from linemates Zachary Barris and Robert Ramsay, to score her first goal as a Warrior. Ramsay would go on to finish the scoring assault with the prettiest goal of the day, as Westgate took the puck wide and set him up for a sweet backhand that was simply too much for the Hanover goalie to handle.

Middle School: The Wareham Vikings Middle School 1 team suffered a loss in their season opener at Foxboro to Canton, 3-2. The Vikings started off well with good control of the puck and nice passing. They took the lead at the end of the first period with a goal by Vittorio Consoletti, assisted by Zack Lovendale. Canton responded with several attempts on goal that were deflected by the Vikings’ defense and goalie Steven Strachan, but Canton managed to squeak one by to tie it up at the end of the first. Wareham kept up their assault on the Canton goalie, with attempts made by Vyper Latulippe, Kaitlin Kelley, and Consoletti. The Vikings regained a 2-1 lead when Cameron DeMarco hit the back of the net to end the second period. Canton quickly responded with a goal in the third period, scoring on goalie Teaghin Andre. The Vikings kept fighting, but ultimately lost the battle as Canton scored again with only a few minutes left.

Together We’re Ready Campaign

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The Marion Rochester Regional Health District and the Mattapoisett Board of Health announce the DPH Campaign for Emergency Preparedness “Together We’re Ready – Massachusetts Prepared.”

“Together We’re Ready – Massachusetts Prepared” is a statewide public health campaign developed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Emergency Preparedness Bureau, in partnership with state and local agencies.

The campaign serves to promote emergency preparedness and to encourage Bay State residents, families and communities to make plans for severe weather, natural disasters or other emergency events.

“Emergencies can happen at any time. Taking a few simple steps now to prepare yourself, your family, your pets and your community makes the entire community more resilient and better able to respond to and recover from any emergency event.”

For more information and guidance, please call your local board of health or visit www.mass.gov/dph/ready.

Patricia Ann (McCrodden) Burns

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Patricia Ann (McCrodden) Burns, 72, of Marion, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2013 at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. She was the wife of John W. Burns with whom she shared 54 years of marriage.

Born in Manhattan, New York, the daughter of the late John and Kathleen (Green) McCrodden, she had resided in Marion for the past 40 years.

Mrs. Burns had been employed as a Registered Nurse for many years until her retirement.

Surviving in addition to her husband is her son, Greg Burns and his husband Robert Jett of Fairhaven; and her brothers, Mark McCrodden and his wife Patricia of Ridgewood, NJ and Brian McCrodden and his wife MC of Queens, NY.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 10-11:30am in the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Fairlawn, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven followed by a graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery in Marion.

Ruth Tate Musser

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Ruth Tate Musser, 83, of Fairhaven, passed away peacefully September 10, 2013 at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Born April 1, 1930 in Montclair, N. J. to the late William John and Ivy (Jones) Tate, she was raised in Camp Hill, Pa, where she graduated from Camp Hill High School, after starring in basketball and winning the Spanish Prize. She moved around the country with her family to Massachusetts, Kentucky, Illinois, and Connecticut before settling in Fairhaven 20 years ago.

Survivors include her children John Musser (wife Camille), Barbara Musser, David Musser, and Laura Montgomery (husband Bob); her sisters Marjorie Schleyer, Dorothy Troutman, and Nancy Young; 7 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth was a woman of numerous talents, and loved gardening, creating art and craft making. She was a voracious reader, and a gold life master bridge player. Her wicked sense of humor and love of life will be missed by all. Ruthie was the original “Hot Ticket”.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 28, 2013 in the meeting room of the Mattapoisett Library, 7 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

Flu Clinics for Marion and Rochester

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The Marion Rochester Health District, the Marion Board of Health and the Rochester Board of Health are pleased to announce seasonal flu clinics for the residents of Marion and Rochester. The flu vaccine will be available as nasal mist for residents between the ages of 2 and 49 years of age and is also available in the injectable form for all residents over the age of 6 months. A limited supply of Pneumonia vaccine will also be available to interested residents.

Those attending the flu clinics are reminded to wear a short sleeve shirt and to bring all insurance and Medicare cards. Vaccinations will be given to all regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Transportation to the clinics can be arranged with the Council on Aging in each town: Wednesday, October 2, 4:00-7:00 pm, Sippican School; Thursday, October 10, 3:00-6:00 pm, Rochester Senior Center; Tuesday, October 22, 5:00-7:00 pm, Marion Town House; Thursday, October 24, 9:00-11:00 am, Rochester Senior Center; Wednesday, November 20, 4:30-6:00 pm, Marion Town House.

Throughout the flu season, clinics will be held on Mondays from 1:00 to 2:00 pm in the Marion Town House, and on Fridays from 10:00 to 11:00 am in the Rochester Town Hall Annex.

For information, call the Marion Board of Health at 508-748-3530 or the Rochester board of Health at 508-763-5421.

Old Colony Craft & Vendor Fair

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Come shop on Saturday, October 19 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and then go support the Old Colony Cougars in the Homecoming Football game at 2:00 pm vs. Nantucket. There will be more than 25 crafters and vendors: cosmetics, wood, candles, origami, raffles, cookware, home goods, food, quilted items, scents, jewelry, spa products, tarot readings and more. Anyone interested in buying a spot, email Heather Darcy at hdarcy@oldcolony.us. All proceeds go to the Class of 2014.