Marion Natural History Museum Programs

on

October 2: Hunting for seashore specimens. Help us fill our saltwater tank for the winter. Although it’s late, let’s see what we can find for the tank. We will be using the seining net to take a look at what animals we can collect. We will be meeting at the Harbormaster’s office at Island Wharf at 3:30 pm. Please plan on getting a little damp!

October 16: Learning About Leaves. Let’s explore the differences in the foliage of our commonly found species of trees and shrubs. We will be collecting examples during our walk and bringing them back to the museum to press. Each student will create their own plant press, so please register in advance so that we may be sure to have enough materials.

November 6: Rockets! Each child will have his/her own rocket with motor to assemble and set off. Warning: These are not the soda bottle rockets. The program is limited to ages 6 and up and is limited to 12, accepted on a first come, first served basis. Parent volunteers are encouraged to help with rocket assembly. Cost for this program is $20/participant. Program usually runs about 1.5 hours. Please submit payment to Marion Natural History Museum to hold your child’s spot.

November 20: What’s in a bog? We will be learning about what a bog is, what goes into building a cranberry bog, and what types of animals might live there. The students will be building and bringing home their own mini-bog, so please plan to get a little messy.

December 4: Preparing for winter: During the winter months much of the woodland, wetland and shoreline animals seem to disappear, and others reappear. Where did our summer friends go? Who are some of these winter residents that have reappeared, and where did they come from? Let’s explore these different adaptation options together.

December 18: Nature Crafts with the Marion Natural History Museum. We will work on projects for gift-giving using materials we find outside our front doors (volunteers to help with crafts would be most welcome). Light refreshments will be served.

All programs will be held from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Cost for each program is $4 for members, $6 for nonmembers. All programs, except the seashore program, will be meeting at the museum, which is located on the second floor of the building we share with the Elizabeth Taber Library, Spring Street, Marion.

Last Tuesday of the Month Free Movie

on

On Tuesday, September 24 at 12:00 pm, the Mattapoisett Friends of the Elderly will host a free showing of 42 at the Council on Aging. Pizza is available for $2. Pizza requests must be pre-paid by Monday, September 23 at 3:00 pm. Please RVSP the Mattapoisett Council on Aging at the Center School, 17 Barstow Street, or call 508-758-4110, even if you’re not having pizza, so we know how many seats to set up.

42 (PG-13, 128 min): Hero is a word we hear often in sports, but heroism is not always about achievements on the field of play. 42 tells the story of two men – the great Jackie Robinson and legendary Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey – whose brave stand against prejudice forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball. In 1946, Branch Rickey broke Major League Baseball’s infamous color line when he signed Jackie Robinson. Both faced unabashed racism from every side. Any incident could destroy both their hopes. Number 42 let his talent on the field do the talking, paving the way for others to follow.

Tri-Town Bike Riding Club

on

A new Tri-Town Bike Riding Cub is being established this fall. The first ride will be Sunday, October 6 beginning at 11:00 am. The ride starts at Washburn Park in Marion (Route 105), and three ride routes are planned for riders of all abilities. Waivers must be signed in order to participate. Helmets are required. Contact the Marion Recreation Committee for more information. 774-217-8355 or email info@marionrecreation.com to get on the list. The future riding schedule will be developed to meet the preferences of the club members.

AFS Club Off to a Busy Start

on

AFS, Old Rochester Regional’s international culture club, has more than 60 participating students this year. These students, under the guidance of advisor Kim Corazzini and parent volunteer Rhonda Reints, are excited to start a year of culturally enriching trips. To fund these trips, AFS has planned a number of fundraisers, including a car wash on September 28 and an afterschool snack shop open on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

In the past, AFS club has held annual international dinners, volunteered at the biannual Manjiro Festival in Fairhaven, visited the Museum of Tolerance, toured the United Nations and much more. Last year, AFS club students held a parade of flags at the senior assembly to honor all of the foreign exchange students that have walked ORR’s halls.

“We had over 28 flags representing countries that all AFS exchange students have come from,” said Corazzini, delighted with the club’s proud display last year.

One of the AFS club’s main purposes is to welcome ORR’s exchange students each year. This year, ORR welcomed Louisa Truss from Germany and Ailina Cervantes Diaz from Costa Rica. As they learn the American culture, the exchange students will also share the culture of their countries with AFS club and the ORR community.

“Our students become more conscious of what’s going on in the world and world affairs,” Corazzini said, ”as a result of having personal relationships with some kids from foreign countries.”

As well as welcoming the foreign exchange students, AFS club also makes a yearly trip to other high schools in the United States.

“When we do our exchanges to different parts of the United States, it introduces our kids to what our country is like and the differences within our country,” explained Corazzini, recalling the club’s past trips to Illinois, Wisconsin, New York, Kansas and California.

During these short-term exchanges, students in AFS club live with host families consisting of students from the other state’s AFS club. Within the three- to four-day trip, the visiting AFS students experience a day in the high school, learn the area’s culture and make new friendships across America. The following month, the ORR AFS club reciprocates the exchange experience for that high school’s club.

“It exposes our students to people outside of the perimeters of Old Rochester’s Tri-Town,” said Corazzini, recognizing the value of the club’s trips.

This year, AFS club hopes to again visit Illinois. The students will also be attending Fairhaven’s Manjiro festival this year, which celebrates Japanese-American culture. Despite the busy schedule, AFS students are always looking for more educational opportunities. Corazzini noted, “The Zeiterion is offering some really nice cultural performances, and I would like to bring our kids to a couple of those. … The Cape Cod community has an international festival the first week in March that I’m hoping to get to this year.”

To fund these amazing trips, AFS has opened an afterschool store at ORR. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students can buy ORR sweatshirts, sweatpants, hats, blankets, and bags – all kindly provided on consignment from Shirt Shack. There are also plenty of healthy snacks available for hungry students staying for afterschool activities.

“We saw a need – a way to make some money but also to provide something to give the kids some good nutritional snacks,” Corazzini said. She also noted that the school store will make ORR paraphernalia more accessible to the exchange students visiting our school.

“We’ve had a really good reception from the students,” parent volunteer Rhonda Reints said. Running the store twice a week, Reints has seen the positive reaction from the ORR community.

As well as the school store, AFS club will be holding a car wash fundraiser on September 28 at the Mattapoisett firehouse from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. AFS club members have volunteered to participate and raise money for the club. Each car wash will cost $5. Donations will be accepted.

With such a busy year ahead of them, AFS club is off to a great start. Corazzini is looking forward to another year with this “outstanding bunch of kids.”

By Renae Reints

ORRUpdatePic

SouthCoast Children’s Chorus Events

on

Singing the National Anthem at center ice for the Providence Bruins?! This is only one of the exciting upcoming events for the SouthCoast Children’s Chorus! Auditions for the chorus are ongoing through the month of September, which meets at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, 124 Front Street in Marion. Rehearsals for the three divisions (Prep Chorus, K-2; Concert Chorus, Grades 3-6; Touring Chorus, Grades 6-12) are weekly on Sunday afternoons, with concerts in December with the Sippican Choral Society, and the Holiday Pops with the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra. For more information or to schedule an audition, contact Director Leslie Piper at lesliepiper@msn.com.

Mattapoisett Historical Society Annual Meeting

on

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

on

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

BARROWS_0800 BARROWS_0801 BARROWS_0802 BARROWS_0803 BARROWS_0804 BARROWS_0805 BARROWS_0806 BARROWS_0807 BARROWS_0808 BARROWS_0809 BARROWS_0810

Barstow Street Builds Face Scrutiny

on

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.

mtzba

 

 

Frugality, Fun and Friendship in a Travel Club

on

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

travelclub

 

Gateway Youth Hockey Update

on

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.