American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280

on

The monthly meetings of the American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280 will resume Wednesday, September 18 at the Post Hall at 3 Depot Street at 7:00 pm. The monthly meetings will continue through June 2014 on the third Wednesday of each month.

The meeting for September will cover the normal monthly reports and will also review the extremely successful First Annual Clam Boil held at Shipyard Park in July. The boil was strongly supported by the residents of our town and definitely should become an annual event for the post.

Our next event will be the Annual Veteran’s Day observance held at Old Hammondtown School on November 11 of each year. Plans are in place and we hope for the usual strong turnout by our supporters.

The last item will cover the furnace project that, thanks to several donations and the success of the boil, is within $1,000 of our $4,900 goal. A date for the installation, preferably in early October, will also be discussed.

As usual, our hall is available for rental and is perfect for weddings and baby showers, as well as any gathering of up to 75 guests. The meetings are always brief and to the point.  Please make every effort to attend and please bring your caps. Information on the meetings, programs and hall rentals may be obtained by calling 508-758-9311.

Marion Art Center Exhibits

on

“New England Shores” and “Remembrance – the Pink Chair Project,” by Georgetown, Mass. artist Lynne Schulte, will be shown at the Marion Art Center from October 4 to November 15. The Marion Art Center is located at 80 Pleasant (the corner of Pleasant and Main Streets) in Marion. A reception honoring the artist will be hosted by Art Center members and their guests on Friday, October 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

“New England Shores,” showing in the Cecil Clark Davis Gallery, is an exhibition of oil paintings of coastal images from the shores of Massachusetts and Maine. They range from artifacts of the working waterfront or seaside parks to images that show the pure beauty of sea and sky.

“Remembrance – the Pink Chair Project,” which will be installed in the Patsy Francis Gallery, is a love story and celebrates the memory of Lynne Schulte’s mother in moving and beautiful images. Lynne sensed her mother’s presence while painting an Adirondack chair of her mother’s favorite color – bright, knock-your-socks-off pink. After the initial surprise of that experience, Lynne began placing the chair into various locations that had special meaning to the artist or her mother. In this way, the artist has created a cohesive body of work that shines both as individual paintings and as a sensitive and powerful grouping.

Each pink chair painting has a story. As she painted, Lynne understood more about her mother, about her relationship with her mother, and herself. These stories are written and posted with the paintings. Gallery visitors are invited to participate in the project by sitting in the “Pink Chair,” posting a note to a loved one, or by writing a longer excerpt in the Remembrance book.

“Remembrance – The Pink Chair Project” is currently traveling and will have future stops in Marblehead Public Library (Dec 2013/Jan 2014), Provident Bank, Amesbury (March/April 2014), Lark Rising Gallery, Rockport (May 2014), and will have its final showing at the Exeter, New Hampshire Hospital in June/August 2014.

Both plein aire and studio oil paintings of Lynne’s have their beginning in an observed object or setting, either from nature or the built environment, and are concerned with place and narrative. Paintings speak of a one-time experience or coalesce into a series of connected stories. Through all, the artist responds to the transforming power of the light and to the internal energies of nature.

The Marion Art Center, a nonprofit organization, is open to the public and there is no charge for admittance. Gallery Hours:  Tuesday through Friday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information about this exhibition and all MAC events, please visit www.marionartcenter.org or call 508-748-1266.

Technology Upgrades at MPD

on

Police departments around the globe are now armed with a new tool to help them and the communities they serve stay informed and stay safer in a world that seems ever more dangerous. Mattapoisett’s Police Department recently announced the introduction of a mobile application with features to help our residents, as well as an updated new website.

Some of the features the new app includes are department contact information, public notifications, feedback and tips forms, as well as options to retrieve information from FEMA, the National Weather Service and the National Terror Advisory System. Other uses include links for wanted persons, sex offenders and blog postings. The phone application can be downloaded for free. Go to My Police Department or MyPD in the iPhone or Android marketplace. Once downloaded, you simply navigate to the Mattapoisett Police. The app will work on iPhone and Android devices.

Chief Lyons’ official public announcement stated, “This police app is a great addition to our agency … We can now push out notifications and alerts, and the public has a variety of ways to contacts us. The goal of our MyPD app is to give our public a one-stop app option with plenty of features and to open the lines of communication.”

Users can choose not only the Mattapoisett Policeapp but they also have the option to view other police departments on MyPD by choosing a different city or state. The app defaults to the last agency viewed when first opened; this makes it easy to open just the Mattapoisett Police Department information.

The department home screen contains a number of features with more located in the bottom menu that activates upon touch or swipe.

Lyons also stated, “Our app’s crime tips or questions and feedback features allow a user to choose a topic from the form’s dropdown menu that best suits them, and that message will then be routed to the correct officer … Forms can be sent anonymously to the department, but we encourage an email address or phone number if you would like a response. Users also have the availability to upload photos with the app tip and feedback forms.”

The app is not intended to take the place of using 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency. Always use 9-1-1 when reporting a crime or to get immediate assistance. With kids back in school and nearly all who are old enough using mobile cell phones, having this tool on their phones may prove helpful to them, as well. The kids may even be able to help the parents upload the app to their phones.

More app information can be found on the Mattapoisett Police Department’s newly updated website at www.mattapoisettpolice.com and the MyPD police app website at www.MyPDapp.com, 
or by going to the app store on your mobile device.

By Marilou Newell

MPD_photo

ORR Sports Gear Up

on

As the school year starts up, so do the sports teams at Old Rochester. All teams have been in preseason since August 22 (except football, which has been practicing since August 19), and many teams are starting to show signs of potential. Here is a look at a few of the teams that will be competing this fall at Old Rochester.

Football: Football is always the staple of fall sports. No one can resist the Friday night games and the tradition that goes along with it. This year, the Bulldogs look to have one of their most well-rounded and hopeful teams in recent memory. The team only lost 3 members to graduation this year, and only two of the three were starters. Senior Quarterback Nolan Bergeron is returning with varsity experience, and his twin brother Hayden returns as a wide receiver. In fact, the senior class is chalk full of talent, evident in running-back Richie Phillips, who scored 10 touchdowns last season and ran for over 800 yards. Classmate Colin Knapton is also a valuable asset to the offense, while Zach Bowen and Frank Hopkins will lead the defense. Overall, this team looks as if they can make some serious waves in the SCC, and should definitely improve from their 5-6 record from last season.

Field Hockey: The girls’ field hockey team is always a powerhouse in the South Coast Conference. After finishing 12-2-2 last season and getting knocked out of the state tournament from Canton, the Lady Bulldogs look to win back the SCC Championship from league rival Apponequet, who stole the crown from ORR for the first time in 5 years. Although losing several key players to graduation, the team brings back a plethora of talented players, including varsity Goalie Hannah Cormier. Seniors Carly Pelissier, Jess Kocur and Madison Durr look to lead the team this year, with a valuable support system in juniors Darby Nolet and Devyn O’Connor.

Girls’ Soccer: Here is another team that will have a powerful impact on the SCC, and possibly in the state tournament. Senior Captains Morgan DaSilva and Emily Beaulieu hope to lead their team to the SCC Championship that they narrowly missed last season. Although football has a powerful senior class, girls’ soccer is ruled by juniors. Nicole Gifford, Bailey Truesdale, Kaleigh Goulart and Camille Filloramo are extremely strong players that have been playing together since elementary school. Paired with returning Goalie Mikayla Demanche, their team chemistry is unmatched. Sophomore Midfielder Sarah Beaulieu will not be ignored, as she exploded onto the scene last year, scoring 8 goals and notching 4 assists as a freshman. Together, this team has the potential to advance far into the postseason.

Cross Country: The girls’ and boys’ cross country teams differ greatly. The girls’ team is looking to defend their undefeated SCC Championship streak, led by seniors Sammie Barrett, Paige Santos and Hannah Viera. Sophomore Rachel Scheub should also run well, and newcomer Emily Josephson should also have an impact on the Lady Bulldogs. The boys face more of a struggle. While the girls lost few of their top 7 runners, the boys lost 4 out of the 7. Although superstar Mike Wyman is returning, the Bulldogs will have to look for freshmen and sophomores to step up in order for the boys to repeat their second place standing in the SCC last year.

Boys’ Soccer: Here is a team looking for redemption. Last year, the boys had lost 13 seniors and were not experienced in varsity play. Players like Robby Magee and Alden Truesdale stepped up big, and this initiative should help them to lead the Bulldogs to a winning record this year. Also led by a new head coach (Principal Michael Devoll), the boys hope to have a fresh start. Senior Mikey Pruchnik will help out this season, as will Evan and Will Santos, twin sophomores.

Although a talented senior class has graduated, underclassmen are stepping up to provide skill and leadership for the Old Rochester fall sports teams. In general, it looks as if there should be a talented array of teams this year that succeed on a league and statewide level.

By Michael Kassabian

Facilities Manager Position Discussed

on

Over 30 applicants applied for the newly created position of Facilities Manager for the town of Marion. The Marion Board of Selectmen agreed at their meeting on Tuesday evening to form a subcommittee to review and winnow the applicants to a smaller number for consideration for the position.

“I’m pleased that we’ve had such a great number of applicants,” said Selectman Jody Dickerson.

Dickerson was voted to be on the subcommittee, representing the BOS along with Town Administrator Paul Dawson and Gene Jones, Facility Manager for the ORR School District. The subcommittee will cull through the applicant pool and present less than 10 applicants for discussion with the BOS at a future meeting.

“Hopefully, we’ll get it down to five soon,” said Dawson.

            Pamela Marean, a successful grant writer hired by the town of Marion over a year ago, came before the Marion Board of Selectmen with a request for approval to pursue a grant worth up to $500,000 for a GIS mapping system tied in with surrounding towns. The proposed grant would overlay assessors maps with open space, wetlands, historic districts, zoning, elevation, flood zone information and pretty much tell a resident a great deal about a parcel of land.

Marean discussed the grant and answered questions about it with the Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator Paul Dawson. At issue was getting a spearhead person at Town Hall who could work with Marean on the huge project.

“We’re all busy and out straight,” said Dawson, who intimated that it would be difficult to find someone who had any time to devote to such a large and ongoing project.

After feedback from Dawson regarding ownership of the massive project, the BOS decided to have Marean move slightly forward by attending a SRPEDD meeting scheduled for next week and getting back to them with her findings.

In other business, the Board approved the transfer of an all-alcohol retail package goods license from Marion Country Package Store, Inc. to ICJ Corporation. The new owners are residents of Marion and own another package store in Bedford, Mass. The complex purchased includes tenants Rose & Vicki’s and Marion Re-Con, who plan to remain tenants in the complex.

“We’re glad to see local residents owning this Marion complex,” said Selectman Dickerson.

Two one-day all-alcohol licenses were approved for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2425 for a spaghetti dinner on September 14 from 12:00 to 5:00 pm and a Tri-Town Republican Committee on September 21 from 12:00 to 5:00 pm.

The BOS, who are also the Water and Sewer Commissioners for the town, approved several financial commitments of $700 for New Services, $2,286.61 for Miscellaneous Sewer Issues and $9,777.43 for Final Readings.

Two additional one-day all-alcohol licenses were approved for the Marion Social Club for a steak dinner on September 22 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm and a clambake on October 20 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.

A roof replacement quote for the Perry Hill facility was discussed and approved, with the order to proceed with the work.

A water leak/road repair at 24 Rezendes Terrace was discussed. At issue was a private road, built by a contractor many years ago, with utilities owned by the town. A leak, only assessable by going under a road to find a water turn-off valve, resulted in an excessive water leak and road repair.

Two candidates were proposed for the Marion Cultural Council and the Conservation Committee, and the BOS discussed the applications and wanted to meet the candidates – if possible –before taking a vote to approve the positions.

In final words, Jon Henry spoke in tribute to C.J. Heberd, who passed away last week.

“He was a friend to a lot of people downtown and a great neighbor to so many,” said Henry.  “He’d fix your lawn mower, your antique car, shovel snow for you and fixed the clock on the tower of the First Congregational Church of Marion … He was a handy guy who could and would fix anything. We lost a true Marion neighbor and we’ll miss him … that’s all I have to say,” Henry concluded.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

MRsel0905

Solar Bylaw Going To Town Meeting

on

A packed house came to a public hearing on Marion’s proposed solar bylaw at the Marion Planning Board’s meeting on Tuesday evening. The bylaw was a proposal hammered out between the Planning Board and the Marion Energy Management Committee. The deadline for putting the proposal on the town warrant for fall town meeting – to be held Monday, October 28 – is October 6, so the Board had to put the various options to the public and then take a vote as a Board.

Chairman Pat McArdle opened the meeting with three options on the solar bylaw discussion.  The first question was whether the town should allow solar farms in residential areas. The second question was whether the town should prepare a Solar Overlay District for solar farms. The third question was whether the town should restrict solar farms in residential areas via a special permit with certain conditions.

“Let’s have the people discuss this bylaw in full and work it out at town meeting, on the floor,” said resident Margie Baldwin. At issue was dragging out the key question of allowing residential properties to have solar farms on their properties.

Energy Management Committee member Bill Saltonstall spoke and said that limiting solar farms to industrial or commercial properties didn’t make sense, as over 90 percent of Marion land is zoned residential, thus limiting the option to utilize the technology and encourage alternate energy options.

Saltonstall stood before a map of Marion and showed a small strip of land on Route 6 and the Lockheed Martin complex and said that if the bylaw restricts solar farms to commercial and industrial areas, that the small strip he pointed out with his finger was the only place where solar farms would be permitted.

“It’s unlikely that any solar farms would be created in this small strip of land,” said Saltonstall. Saltonstall said that the town should approve solar farms in residential zoned areas.

Saltonstall was the only individual at the meeting who has invested in solar panels at his residence, and answered questions about the positive use of solar energy now and in the future.

The Planning Board voted to bring the document, as drafted, to town meeting but then propose to strike the section on solar farms from the bylaw on the floor at town meeting.

Several residents brought up questions regarding the bylaw, including John Rockwell.

“I’ve been a farmer since the 80s and the wording here says ‘farms’… this is a commercial solar installation and perhaps you should reconsider the wording of the document,” said Rockwell. Rockwell also brought up multiple issues which the Board agreed had not been considered in the discussions on the bylaw.

Another issue, raised by Board member Rico Ferrari, was that of evolving technology and how that would play out with the wording of the bylaw.

“In California, they are working on a solar shingle. How will the bylaw keep up with the technology developing in this area?” asked Ferrari.

Much positive discussion moved the Board to come to a vote, three to three with Chairman McArdle breaking the tie, to bring the current document to town meeting. The Board agreed that they would bring up the issue of solar farms in residential areas and let the town decide if the proposed portion of the bylaw will stay or be stricken from the bylaw.

The Board voted in favor of going to town meeting with the document, but continued the public hearing until September 16. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Copies of the proposed solar bylaw can be picked up at the Marion Town House.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

MRplan0903

RPD Baseball/Softball Clinic and Game

on

The Rochester Police Brotherhood will be sponsoring a baseball & softball clinic for area youngsters on September 14 from noon to 1pm. The clinic will be held at the Dexter Lane Ball Field. There is no cost to participate in the clinic.

Immediately following the clinic, The Rochester Police Brotherhood and Friends will face off against former Red Sox stars Sam Horn, Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd, Jim Corsi, Ken Ryan, and others players in a celebrity softball game. This will be a great event for families to watch and enjoy. Admission to the game is free. Questions about the event can be directed to Officer Kevin Flynn at 508-763-5112 extension 158.

Sippican Woman’s Club Meeting

on

The Sippican Woman’s Club starts its club year out with a possible visit to the Other Side….our first meeting “Messages from Heaven” is on Friday, September 13 at 12:30 pm, with a finger-food luncheon, followed by a business meeting at 1:00 and program at 1:30.  The meeting will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church, Parish Hall, 124 South Street, Marion.  The public is welcome at 1:20 pm, following the membership meeting but must pre-register as space is limited.  Contact Deborah Bush to register (debush2@verison.net or call (508) 748-1262). There will be a $5 pp charge for guests and the public.

Our speaker is Gayle Kirk, an amazing and compassionate Psychic and Medium. She appears on TV, radio, and in newspapers. Join Gayle as she offers an uplifting, healing, and informative program, “Messages from Heaven”. Gayle will provide loving, healing connections with family, friends, and pets in Heaven and psychic guidance from Spirit for the majority of the program for as many people as possible. However, please realize your attendance does not guarantee you will receive a message.  You will feel the energy produced by Gayle’s program. Learn how your loved ones may communicate with you from the Other Side. Gayle will also answer your general questions about this amazing field.  Recorders and cameras are not allowed. Pre-registration is encouraged as Gayle’s programs often fill.

 

Roy William Smith

on

Senior Chief Petty Officer (US Navy Retired) Roy William Smith (also affectionately known as “Pa” and “Chief”, 84, passed gently across old naval waters on Thursday, August 22, 2013.

Chief Smith was born in Green Creek, NC to the late Roy Mischer and Bessie Toney Smith and widower of Inza Harris Smith.  He was a member of Cannon’s Campground United Methodist Church.

Chief Smith faithfully served in the US Navy for 30 years. His love was for the PT Boats, of which he was one of the last surviving members who served on PT Boats at the end of WWII. He assisted in the decommissioning of the PT Boats at the end of the war. He also served in the Vietnam and Korean Wars.  In the last seven years of his career, he was the Chief Naval Recruiter in the Upstate of South Carolina. Throughout his career, he received many commendations, medals and awards for meritorious service to his country. He traveled the world and enjoyed sharing stories of his Navy life with others. He was quite a historian when it came to the military and the United States.

Upon his retirement from the US Navy, he served as the Fleet Manager at the Spartanburg Main Post Office for eleven years. He retired once again to spend time caring for his wife and family, gardening, tinkering with old cars, and rebuilding starters and alternators through his garage “Smitty’s Auto-Electric”. Chief Smith was an avid fan of John’s Cafe, eating there daily, several times a day! If one were to ask him about his greatest legacy, he would tell you that it is his children, grandchildren and great grandchild.

He is survived by a son, Tim (Betty) Smith of Mattapoisett, MA; daughter, Rev. Traci Smith-Bennett (Wally) of Spartanburg; son, Jeff (Melissa) Smith of Williamston; grandchildren, Holly (Patrick) Maloof of MA, Stephanie Bennett of Rock Hill, Jennifer Bennett of Gaffney, Adam Bennett of Spartanburg, Elizabeth Smith and Dillon Smith both of Williamston a great grandson, Timothy Martin Maloof of MA; a brother, Carl Smith of Green Creek, NC; a sister, Vivian Smith of Green Creek, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by four sisters, Margaret Culbreth, Mildred Smith, Ann Carter and Kathryn Dula.

The family received friends on Sunday, August 25, 2013 at Petty Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Life followed at the funeral home chapel conducted by Rev. Mac Kinnett, Rev. Jim Johnson and Rev. David Ervin. Burial with full military honors was in in Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Food Pantry, Cannon’s Campground UMC, 3450 Cannons Campground Road, Spartanburg, SC  29307.

Amy Johannessen Memorial Blood Drive

on

There will be a blood drive in memory of Amy Johannessen on Saturday, September 14th from 9am to 2pm. The Rhode Island Blood Center will have their mobile van on the premises at 154 Huttlteston Ave, Rt 6, Fairhaven.

Blood donation is considered the Gift of Life and since Amy received hundreds of units of this life giving gift during her four and a half years battle with leukemia, we thought it appropriate to host a blood drive to honor her life and celebrate her September birthday.   Blood donation helps many people.   It helps those suffering from catastrophic illnesses, medical surgeries and life threatening accidents.   Please consider giving this life-giving gift!