Machacam Club December Meeting

on November 22, 2013

The Machacam Club will hold its December meeting on December 4 at the Legion Hall, 3 Depot St. Social time is 5:30 pm, dinner is at 6:00 pm.

Our speaker this month is Mark Mello, through the courtesy of Dave Medeiros. Mark is currently attending Bridgewater State University, pursuing a degree in history. Mark is also a re-enactor, and will cover “A Soldier’s Life” through artifacts, replicas, uniforms, weapons, and more. He will show us how the soldier lived and allow us to sample some food of the time period, including hardtack and hoe cakes. He will offer stories of the average soldier of 150 years ago. Mark has made many presentations over the last three years and has developed a strong reputation for his accuracy and attention to detail.

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 December 2 by email to GPFNR@aol.com or by phone to Mike at 508-758-9311. Members with requests or changes should make them via either contact method no later than 9:00 am on December 3.

Split Opinions on Old Colony Tree Removal

on November 22, 2013

An informational meeting and walkthrough on a planned tree removal on Rochester and Old Colony property turned heated Saturday morning as some neighbors voiced concern over the project.

Forester Phil Benjamin of Benjamin Forestry Services presented a Forest Management Plan, which he said had already been approved by the School Committee as well as the State Forester, and he led those present on a walk around the proposed areas, where trees have already been marked for removal.

“The focus of our business is the long-term management of the property,” said Benjamin, adding that part of the organizers’ plan is to promote age distribution among the trees in the forest. “We’re trying to manage the forest with a long-range horizon.”

Neighbor Ken Pastie, who said his property is close to where some of the trees will be cleared, voiced concern over issues ranging from long-term damage to the forest to noise from heavy machinery to fire hazards, as well as many other issues he has with the project.

“This is a money-making operation for the mill companies,” said Pastie, who added that the 150-foot buffer zone between his property and the project wasn’t enough to satisfy him.

“We’re agents for the landowner, not the saw mill,” said Benjamin, who explained that a total of 44 trees would be removed from the school property and 160 from town property, which would amount to about five truckloads.

The Forest Stewardship plan was funded by a 2010 state grant acquired by the town’s Conservation Commission in partnership with Old Colony, who approved the plan in 2011. Benjamin said that one of the primary goals of the project is to “reestablish the White Pine population” in the forest, which he said is suffering due to overcrowding.

Ben Bailey, who serves on the Planning Board and owns property nearby, supported the project, saying that that he has knowledge of forest management plans and that he’d read through this one.

“This is one of the most beautiful Forest Stewardship plans [that I’ve seen],” Bailey said. “This is not aimed strictly at harvesting for profit. We feel very confident in Mr. Benjamin.”

David Hughes, who serves on the Old Colony School Committee, said that this project isn’t something that should come between the school and abutters.

“The school and the abutters have had a great rapport,” he said. “I don’t think a project like this should change that.”

Some neighbors noted that the project was announced suddenly and that they were surprised to learn of it, although the project has been in the works for three years and discussed in detail at several meetings of the Conservation Commission, which are all televised. Rochester Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon said that she’d gone door to door to neighbors’ homes to provide information on the project.

By Nick Walecka

Joseph H. Corkum

on November 22, 2013

Joseph H. Corkum, age 82, of New Bedford passed away, Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the husband of the late Hilda (Gomes) Corkum.

Born in Vineland, New Jersey, the son of the late Gerard and Helena (Bertrand) Corkum, he resided in New Bedford most of his life.

Joseph worked as a boat builder for Brownell Boat Works in Mattapoisett until his retirement where he assisted in the design and then, the manufacture of the groundbreaking tripod Brownell Boat Stand that went on to become the industry standard for boat storage. His joys were gardening, woodworking and tinkering around the house. Joseph was truly remarkable in that there wasn’t anything that he couldn’t build or fix. He never stopped giving of himself and his love for his family was never ending. He was an amazing man who will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his children Neil J. Corkum and his wife Paula of Rehoboth; Jill H. Hornstein and her husband James of Lincoln, RI; 3 grandchildren, Sam McKay-Corkum, Grace McKay-Corkum, James Hornstein, Jr., 2 brothers, Michael and Leon Corkum, both of FL; a sister, Christina Corkum of FL; several nephews and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law. He was the brother of the late Gerald and Andrew Corkum.

His funeral will be held Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at 8:30 am at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am at St Mary’s Parish, 343 Tarklin Hill Road, New Bedford. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 5-8:30pm.

Three Hearings, Three OK’d Projects

on November 21, 2013

Calling all three projects before them good for the town, the members of the Zoning Board of Appeals, with Building Inspector Andy Bobola on hand providing his expert opinion, moved swiftly through the public hearings on Thursday night’s agenda.

First up were Jordan and Jessica Collyer, of 5 Hillside Ave., coming before the board requesting approval for a 700-foot change to their home, which will include a new garage and living space. The home was built in 1955. The Collyers are looking to gain more living space for their family’s need and to a more useable garage. Bobola advised the board that the requested modifications would fit with the neighborhood. Collyer received approval.

The second project was for property owned by Kevin and Lisa Geraghty for their 1843 home located at 24 Pine Island Rd. This project was also to expand living space needs of the homeowner along with a new pool, patio areas, and the evaluation of the garage. Some of the work planned will help improve drainage that is currently a problem due to storm water runoff. By increasing the evaluation of the garage and pitching the grade away from the structure, that problem would be solved. The kitchen area will be expanded with a lounge area to increase the overall useable space. David Davignon of Schneider & Associates represented the applicants detailing the planned alternations and noting that he had been before the Conservation Commission and received approval with conditions. The project was approved.

Last up were James and Kelly Hoye of Dighton regarding their property located at 7 Ripple St. This significant project came about out of necessity. The existing structure could not be converted to meet FEMA regulations. The applicants propose to demolish the existing home and replace it with a new conforming structure. They too had been through the Conservation Commission hearing process and worked with them for the best use of a difficult lot. The parcel spans two different types of controlled spaces, a flood plain and wetlands. After review of the plans, Bobola told the board it would be a nice addition to the area replacing a less than appealing structure. The project was approved.

The Zoning Board of Appeals will not meet again until January of 2014.

By Marilou Newell

Journey to Myanmar with the Rosbes

on November 21, 2013

Earlier this year, Bob and Judy Rosbe traveled to Myanmar, an enigmatic country in Southeast Asia, formerly known as Burma. Until the British invaded the country in 1885 and re-named it Burma, little was known about the classical civilization located there. As a British colony, the country gained recognition in literary works by George Orwell (Burmese Days) and Rudyard Kipling (“Mandalay”). In World War II, it was overrun by the Japanese who in turn were driven out by combined American, British, and Chinese forces. The famed U.S. “Merrill’s Marauders” spearheaded the effort. After WWII, the British granted total independence to Burma. The country was thereafter ruled by a military government and isolated from the world for more than 60 years. Finally in 2011, in order to secure a relaxation of economic sanctions against the country and to encourage foreign investment, Myanmar started down a path toward democracy and was formally opened to tourists in 2011. As the poorest state in Southeast Asia, Myanmar has a long way to go to become a modern country. But tourists can now enjoy an exotic culture of golden stupas, red-robed monks, and elaborately carved teak palaces.

Join us on Wednesday evening, December 11, at 7:00 pm at the Music Hall, as the Rosbes talk about their travels to Myanmar and show slides of their journey.

This lecture is in partnership with the Sippican Historical Society; it is free and open to the public.

Budget Transfers and Assessment Top Agenda

on November 21, 2013

While Fall Town Meeting was under way down the street, the Mattapoisett School Committee conducted a brisk meeting highlighted by community improvements, a revamped kindergarten assessment program, and budget transfers.

Among the four transfers presented by Old Rochester Regional School District Superintendent Doug White and approved by the Mattapoisett School Committee were $43,171 for an additional sixth-grade teacher and $27,815 for the reading program, taken from such accounts as transportation and supplies.

Center School Principal Rose Bowman told the committee during her report that kindergarteners will receive two progress reports and two report cards this year. As a participant in the Massachusetts Kindergarten Entry Assessment pilot program, Center School is “looking at all of the indicators,” Bowman said, noting that the new assessments will more than double the areas of growth and development.

“It’s quite an extensive process,” Bowman said. “It’s quite intense, but we’re honored to be a part of the pilot program to figure out the best assessment system for kindergarteners, how this information can be shared in the most logical way so that parents can see what their children have accomplished.”

Elsewhere on the agenda, the committee approved an Eagle Scout project to repair a shed at Old Hammondtown School, as well as a MATTREC proposal to refurbish the softball fields there. In addition, Facilities Director Gene Jones updated the committee on a new lawn tractor purchased by the town for grounds keeping. He also told members that a heating component at Center School had been repaired, while an air quality test at OHS came back with “extremely excellent results.”

The next Mattapoisett School Committee meeting is scheduled for December 8.

By Shawn Badgley

James Francis Ryan Jr.

on November 21, 2013

James Francis Ryan Jr., 89, of Marion, MA died peacefully on November 19, 2013 at Sippican Healthcare Center. Jim was born in New Bedford, MA, the son of the late James Francis Ryan Sr. and Margaret (Murdoch) Ryan. He was the loving husband of Julie Race, devoted father to his three children, and proud grandfather (“Papa Ryan”). Jim was a man of faith and raised his family in the Catholic Church. He was known as a gentle, kind and patient soul.

Although Jim was a world traveler, having visited dozens of countries, he found his greatest happiness in the simple things of life. He loved everything associated with the water whether it was fishing, boating or swimming. He enjoyed all types of music and spent many years on the dance floor. Jim was an avid sports fan especially of the world series champion Red Sox. He spent countless hours reading and was an enthusiastic card player of cribbage and poker. He enjoyed the simple pleasure of a long walk with one of his various dogs.

Jim was formerly employed by the Massachusetts Division of Employment Security as a job counselor and Berkshire Hathaway as an accountant. In his later years, Jim worked with his wife, Julie, in her real estate business.

He was a graduate of New Bedford High School and Becker Junior College, and served in the Navy during World War II aboard the USS Callisto in the Philippines.

Jim is survived by his wife, Julie Race of Marion; son Robert Ryan and partner Marjorie Valm of Dartmouth; daughter Jo-Ann Ryan and husband Mike Couto of Wareham; daughter Pat Ryan-Blanchard and husband Bryon Blanchard of Harwich as well as his grandchildren Paige Ryan-Katsoules and husband Peter Katsoules of South Dartmouth; Turner Ryan and partner Rebecca Tiedemann of New Bedford; Nathan Blanchard of Harwich; stepson Roger Race and wife Margo Race-Moore; stepson Alexander W. Race; stepson John W. Race and wife Susan Race; and step grandchildren Kara Race, Julian Race, Eleanor Race, Elizabeth Race, Meredith Race, Rebecca Race and Skylar Race.

Jim and his family have been very grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff at Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 8th at 1:00 PM at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Marion.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 2091, New Bedford, MA 02741.

If you would like to leave a message for the family, visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com

Old Colony Student of the Month

on November 21, 2013

Jonathan Hathaway of Rochester, an automotive student in Grade 12, was recognized as a School Council “Student of the Month” for December 2013 at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School.

Soapbox Derby Time!

on November 20, 2013

The Marion Cub Scout and Boy Scout Pack 32 held a Soap Box Derby and Service Project Spectacular on Saturday with scouts showcasing their rides down Holmes Street. Photos by Felix Perez.

Medical Marijuana Zoning Bylaw Discussed

on November 20, 2013

Betsy Dunn and Albin Johnson of the Marion Board of Health came before the Marion Planning Board to discuss the issue of a medical marijuana zoning bylaw in Marion.

The consensus was to let the state regulations prevail rather than fight the facilities, in the process saving the town hours of regulation and possible litigation, which might prove futile on the issue.

“The annual fee for running a medical marijuana practice requires a $500,000 bond and a $50,000 license per year to be in business,” Dunn said. “That will dominate the issue and have the state regulations prevail.”

Dunn presented information and statistics and noted that only those diagnosed with medical conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, AIDS, HIV, Hepatitis C, ALC, Crohn’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis and others would qualify one for use of medical marijuana.

A patient must obtain written certification from a physician with whom the patient has a “bona fide” physician-patient relationship. That relationship would qualify the individual for a “60-day supply” of ten ounces for a period of one year.

The board agreed to put the issue to Town Counsel Jon Witten for an opinion.

Next up was a healthy discussion about the Master Plan for the town. Much discussion ensued, with each board member giving input.

“When you look at the matrix, this is more than we can deal with over our time on the board over the next two to three years,” said board member Rico Ferrari, comparing the 2015 Master Plan with those of 1996, 1988, and 1974. “We need to prioritize, as a Planning Board, to find out what we can accomplish and put a target end date on those items.”

Board member Jay Ryder chimed in and noted that “most of the people who live here don’t want the town to change … they want it to stay the same.” The board agreed to Ryder’s sentiments, but also agreed that young people in town don’t vote or attend town meetings.

“How do we tap these young people?” asked board member Steve Gonsalves.

The board agreed to move the Master Plan forward with input from town residents.

“They won’t vote against it if they had input,” Ryder said.

The board agreed to revisit the Master Plan for the town and come up with a survey and possible weekend for young and old to come together to form a plan for Marion’s future.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry