Easter Seals: Where Hope Springs Eternal

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Out of tragedy blossomed an organization that has served millions since 1919 — Easter Seals. Most of us will be familiar with the organization’s name, but many of us will not know how it originated. Enter Edgar Allen.

In 1907, Allen was a wealthy self-made businessman whose son was killed by a streetcar in Elyria, Ohio. Inadequate medical services contributed to the boy’s death. From his suffering, Allen drew inspiration. He sold his business and put his money into building a hospital to care for the citizens of Elyria. To his dismay, he also learned that children with disabilities were mainly hidden from view, receiving virtually no assistance that could improve their lives. By 1919, Allen had founded the National Society for Crippled Children, the very first organization of its kind.

A campaign to raise funds for the Society in 1934 included donors placing seals on envelopes and letters to demonstrate their support. The Easter lily was first used in 1952 on the seals to signify hope and new life, a hallmark of the Society. By 1967, the organization adopted the Easter lily as its official symbol.

Today, more than 1.4 million men, women and children annually receive multilayered services provided by the Easter Seals. And the Massachusetts Chapter is an exemplary part of that organization, one that assisted a local family.

When Adam Kaner speaks about his mother, Carol, his feelings of pride, awe and love for her are palpable.

“She kept on teaching; she planned vacations; she lived her life,” he shared. Kaner credits the Easter Seals for allowing his mother to continue being a full and productive member of her family and community in spite of a debilitating neurological disorder. Nearly 10 years since Carol’s passing, Kaner has continued his personal involvement with the Easter Seals.

“Easter Seals stepped in and helped my mother with assistive technology,” Kaner said.  “I want more people to be aware of the wonderful work Easter Seals does.”

Kirk Joslin, President and CEO of Easter Seals of Massachusetts, explained that adapted services are “a combination of outreach such as speech, occupational and rehabilitation services.” These services allow persons with disabilities to receive training, therapy and equipment that improve their lives and their ability to live in society.

Joslin detailed that Easter Seals’ assistive technology programs include equipment called augmentative communication devices. Augmentative and alternative communication, known as AAC, describes various methods of communication that helps people who are unable to use verbal speech to communicate. Devices and tools can be low-, medium- or high-tech items. The high-tech systems include complex electronics and computer components with applications geared to the needs of the disabled person. Easter Seals of Massachusetts takes pride of place in this category with a premiere cutting-edge Assistive Technology program. Many recipients now lead full and productive lives, which otherwise would have been compromised had it not been for Easter Seals.

“We go right into peoples’ homes, places of work and schools, assessing their needs,” Joslin said. Easter Seals has a network of trained in-field professionals from speech pathologists, special education, physical and occupational therapists whose goal is to match the needs of a person with the technology available to bridge their functional gaps. Using a combination of computer programs, various types of keyboards, and other integrated digital equipment, people are talking, writing, and communicating and thereby living more complete lives.

Joslin went on to explain that Easter Seal staff liaisons with other local, state and federal program providers to bring services and adaptive equipment to the people in need. This multiagency approach results in the difference between living and just existing for many hundreds of people in Massachusetts.

“Easter Seals worked with my mother to adapt her equipment and programs,” Kaner said, “so she could keep on teaching French and Spanish.” One can imagine how many lives Carol Kaner touched with her determination. It is now exemplified through her son’s commitment.

Today, Kaner is on a regional Easter Seals Board of Young Professionals. This group organizes such fundraising activities as softball, volleyball and basketball games hosted at local venues.

“I love it,” Kaner said. “It’s a blast, and I get to see some of my buddies from ORR!”

“You can take two roads,” Carol Kaner said late in her life. “Be lazy, or get things going.” She got things going, and so has her son Adam.

“I love giving back,” he said.

This year, the Massachusetts Easter Seals chapter is celebrating 25 years of pioneering Assistive Technology programs that have allowed people with disabilities to achieve their full potential.

“We were first in the country, not just Easter Seals, but any organization, pulling together all aspects of technology,” Joslin said. “I’ve seen what it can do.” Joslin cited a local college student who is attending classes and participating just like all the other students because he has been “given a voice.” He uses augmentative equipment secured by the assistance of Easter Seals.

“We provide technology services right in the place where the person needs it,” Joslin said. “Every disability is different, and every person with a disability will be affected differently.” Easter Seals provides a unique and personalized response to those differences via technology.

As Easter Seals founder Edgar Allen said, “Your life and mine shall be valued not by what we take … but by what we give.” If you or someone you know might benefit from the services of the Easter Seals, visit www.ma.easterseals.com.

By Marilou Newell

Dance Team Showcase

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This past Friday, the ORR High School auditorium held the 4th Annual Bulldog Rhythm Showcase. The high school’s dance team worked with their new head coach, previous Bulldog Rhythm member Bethanie Bassett, to present 18 dance numbers to a crowd of peers, friends and family members.

            The night opened at 7:00 pm with a group number titled “Dance.” Next, juniors McKenzie Snow and Katrina Carmichael did a duet titled “Sail.” Following was a 12-dancer group number called “Throwback Mix.”

            Two freshmen danced a heartfelt duet to Taylor Swift’s “Safe and Sound” before five girls danced to an upbeat number called “Heads Will Roll.”

            The sophomore girls of the team performed a group number named “Pon De Replay” before senior Alex Pickering danced a solo to Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble.” Junior Becca Myers performed a saucy solo tap dance number to the song “Show Me How You Burlesque.”

            A large group number to a Beyoncé mash-up wrapped up the first half of the showcase before the dancers came out into the crowd to sell concessions and 50/50 raffle tickets during the intermission.

            After intermission, three of the seniors danced another saucy number to “Fever.” The juniors of the team performed an upbeat dance which they called “Pop Mash-Up.”

            Senior Melissa Bassett performed an emotional duet with her sister to “I Won’t Let Go” followed by a solo cameo dance by sophomore Angela Weigel. Another group number followed Weigel’s solo, called “As Long As You Love Me.” Sophomore Korryn Pinard delighted the crowd with another solo called “Hurt.” Juniors Alison and Becca performed a duet in matching school-girl uniforms to the song titled “Schoolin’ Life.”

            The seniors of the team wore matching orange dresses for their dance to “Lean on Me” before the night wrapped up with the entire team dancing to “Celebrate.”

            At the end of the night, the seniors were brought rose bouquets and were given a tearful goodbye speech by the junior members of the team. Other expressions of gratitude included Coach Bethanie Bassett, Jackie Bassett and Paul Sardinha for their help in making the night a success.

By Jessica Correia

Gilbert P. Champagne

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Gilbert P. Champagne, 73, of Rochester, died March 20, 2013 at home after a long illness.

He was the husband of Jane M. (Doran) Champagne.

Born and raised in New Bedford, the son of the late Antonio and Henrietta (Lemaire) Champagne, he lived in Rochester since 1973.

He was a communicant of St. John Neumann Church, East Freetown.

Mr. Champagne was formerly employed by Verizon for many years until his retirement. He was a member and past president of I.B.E.W. Local# 2322 and a member of the Telephone Pioneers.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Mark D. Champagne and his wife Kelly McLaughlin of South Royalton, VT; a daughter, Nicole J. Champagne and her spouse Daryl Isles of Woburn; 2 brothers, Paul Champagne of Rochester and Charles Champagne of Randolph; a sister, Marcia Champagne of Rochester; and 3 grandchildren, Anshel, Cecelia and Andrew.

He was the father of the late Christopher Champagne.

Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Friday, March 22nd at 7:45 AM. Funeral Mass at St. John Neumann Church at 9 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, March 21st from 4-8. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Southcoast Hospice, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719.

Willis H. Collyer

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Willis H. Collyer, age 91 of Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at Our Lady?s Haven in Fairhaven, MA after a long illness.

He was the husband of the late Barbara R. “Bobi” (Walker) Collyer.

Born and raised in Marblehead, MA, Willis was the son of the late Ernest L. and Corinne (Lindsey) Collyer. He had resided in Mattapoisett since 1956.

He was a member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church.

He graduated from Marblehead High School and later went on to receive an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University.

Growing up in Marblehead, loving anything marine and water related, he began work at Graves Yacht Yard, and crewed on the classic one-designs of the day, including “J”, “Q”, and “S” boats, as well as 110’s and 210’s. He later worked at the Marblehead Transportation Co., and served as waterfront Steward of both the Eastern Yacht Club and Boston Yacht Club.

Will was a proud Coast Guard veteran of World War II, enlisting in 1939. He first served as a gunner in North Atlantic convoy duty aboard the 125’ cutter TRAVIS. Later in the war he served in the Pacific Theater aboard the cutter TANEY. He was Chief Gunner’s Mate when he participated in the invasions of Okinawa and Tokyo. He remained very active in TANEY reunion activities, visiting the ship enshrined in Baltimore on many recent Pearl Harbor Days.

He was a member of the Florence Eastman American Legion and member and immediate past president of the Machacam Club.

Will began his career as a National Resource Officer and patrol boat captain in 1955, retiring as supervisor of Massachusetts marine environmental law enforcement in 1986. On his early “off duty” days, he was employed by Brownell Boat Yard, Edwin L. Perkins Co. and Joseph Luiz Contractors at various times, instilling a much respected strong work ethic in his three sons.

Willis was very active, independent and “sharp as a tack” throughout his later years, kept busy maintaining his own home, furniture making and of course following the activities of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Regular drive-throughs of the Mattapoisett Boatyard, the town wharf and visits with his friends for coffee filled his days.

He is survived by his sons Michael L. Collyer and his wife Jacqueline, and Craig W. Collyer and his wife Joanne, both of Mattapoisett, and his daughter in law Jennifer M. Collyer of Fairhaven; his grandchildren Dana P. Collyer and his wife Tena, of Fairhaven, Lindsey W. Thompson and her husband Scott of New Bedford, Jordan C. Collyer and his wife Jessica of Mattapoisett, Hillary J. Collyer of Somerset, Evan J. Collyer of Fairhaven; step-grandchildren Daniel F. Canastra of Arlington and Carolyn A. Canastra of Mattapoisett; and his beloved great-grandchildren William, Jack and Lillian.

Willis was the father of his much beloved youngest son, the late Karl M. Collyer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Karl M. Collyer Memorial Fund, PO Box 947, Mattapoisett, MA 02739, which affords the opportunity for all youths, regardless of ability to pay, to learn the fine art of sailing (mattsail.org).

The family extends its sincere appreciation to the staff at Our Lady’s Haven for the skilled, loving and compassionate care of Willis in his declining months.

Boys’ and Girls’ Lacrosse Preview

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The ORR lacrosse teams are fairly new; this coming season will mark the third year since the program’s development in 2010. However, there has been no shortage of victories for either team despite the young program, due in part to good coaches and talented players. The boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams look to continue their successes from last year in this upcoming spring season.

The boys’ team, led by Coach Erich Carroll, went 12-4 last season and advanced to the state tournament, where they lost to Blue Hills in the opening round. Despite losing several players to graduation, the team brings back several outstanding players, including last year’s top-scorer, senior Cam Severino. The team also brings back senior Midfielders Chris Marchisio, Max Houck, and Peter Krause, along with sophomore Defender Hunter Cooney. Coach Carroll also says that “swing-players” like sophomore Gerald Lanagan and juniors Chad Santello and Mikey Pruchnik will also make a difference on the team.

Although the boys easily advanced to the state tournament last year, Carroll is not focused on making it to the postseason. His goal for the team is to simply play better game by game and to improve from wherever they start out.

“I think going into the season with the goal of making the state tournament is a little wrong,” he stated. “You should come in and try to improve every game, and the tournament will take care of itself.”

The girls’ lacrosse team has a similar stance on the tournament. Head Coach Jeff Lombard wants the team to make the tournament, but he also wants to “better our team attack, transitional play and team defense.” The girls went 5-12 last season, which did not qualify them for the tournament. However, they bring back 14 varsity players, and that experience may be enough to get them into the postseason.

Some of these players include Alison Francis and Bailey Truesdale, both who were named to the All-SCC team last year. Seniors Erika Boulay, Brianna Thomson and Kara Sylvia along with junior Tori Saltmarsh will also add valuable experience to the team.

“We have a lot of very athletic players with speed, aggressiveness, and a willingness to work at their skills,” said Lombard. “The key to our success this year is taking what we learned last year against a better team to help us in becoming a better lacrosse team.”

Lombard also hopes that the third-year team will be able to be more competitive with the more established programs in the area.

Both lacrosse teams begin captain’s practices this week. The boys’ first game is on April 1 at 4:00 pm at Old Rochester, where they will face off against Bishop Connolly. The girls’ first game is March 30at 10:00 am at Bishop Stang High School.

By Michael Kassabian

ORRHS Drama Club Presents “Oklahoma!”

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Starting this Thursday night, students from the Old Rochester Regional High School Drama Club will stage “Oklahoma!,” a classic American musical based on the play “Green Grown the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs and set to the music and production of Rodgers and Hammerstein.

The action-packed, fun-filled performance is directed by Paul Sardinha and will take place at the Gilbert D. Bristol Auditorium at Old Rochester Regional High School from March 21 – 23 at 7:30 pm and March 24 at 2:00 pm. The show features a cast of 62 students, including senior Max Houck, senior Madelyn Pellegrino, senior Sophia-Lynn Ellis, senior Alex Milde, senior Sophia Santos, junior Samuel Resendes, and senior Daniel Donohue, as well as 45 students on the technical crew.

Helen Blake handled costumes, John Farrell engineered the sound, and Michael Barnicle led the orchestra.

The cast and crew have been working on the performance three times a week since early January, and they are eager for Thursday’s opening.

“The kids are really excited and always a bit nervous before opening night,” said Andrea Patisteas, the parent of two students in the play and the publicist for the ORRHS Drama Club. “They have worked tirelessly since the beginning of January and feel ready to perform for the general public.”

Sardinha added that “Rogers and Hammerstein’s groundbreaking production of “Oklahoma!” has stood the test of time for many reasons. It’s beautifully written with many memorable songs. It has a lush musical score and includes at least eight well-known songs. Most of you coming to see it will probably find yourself singing along with the students.”

Tickets are $12 for students and senior citizens and $15 for the general public, and are available at the door and also at the Pen and Pendulum in Mattapoisett, Plumb Corner Market in Rochester and the Marion General Store in Marion. For ticket reservations, please phone Lisa Cardoza at 508-758-6762.

Pastisteas said that it took hard work from the entire cast and crew to prepare for the performance.

“It’s important to realize that aside from the stage cast, which includes 62 kids, there are 45 students working on the tech crew,” she said. “The show couldn’t go on without everyone, and sometimes the backstage crew, sound and light crews don’t get the recognition they deserve. Everyone counts in the ORRHS Drama Club!”

By Nick Walecka

2014 Budget Draft Discussed in Marion

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Alan Minard of the Marion Finance Committee presented a draft of the 2014 budget at the Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday evening. The proposed budget has a projected 2.46 percent increase over the existing budget.

“This is pretty much a balanced budget, which is fairly flat from last year,” Minard said. The Finance Committee will continue to work with the budget and present a final proposal within the coming weeks.

A review of the proposed budget shows the addition of a town facilities position, which would fund an experienced individual who could keep ahead of maintenance issues with town-owned buildings. The Board, along with Town Administrator Paul Dawson, agreed that Marion has to anticipate capital needs before they arise.

The 2013 fiscal year appropriation is $18,797,635. The 2014 fiscal year proposed appropriation is $19,260,256.

Pamela Marean, a grant writer hired by the town in 2012, reported on the research and work she has completed during her tenure.

Marean has addressed the majority of the boards in town, along with the library and other town departments, in a search to match needs with grants. Marean said that there are local, state and federal grants that are available which Marion could seek for funding.

A priority is a Geographical Information System digital mapping system, which would benefit multiple town departments, including the emergency medical technicians, police and housing departments, assessors’ office and the historical landmarking in town.

“The purpose of my report is to show how I’ve spent my time,” Marean said. A highlight of her success is a $1 million grant awarded by MassWorks.

Selectman John Henry congratulated Marean on her success, and noted that she grew up in Marion.

“Let’s give credit where credit is due,” Henry said. “Former Selectman Roger Blanchette pushed us to hire a grant writer, and here we are.”

In other business, the Board approved a contract with Tata & Howard for engineering services for the preparation of specifications, bidding, and contract award services for the replacement of a roof at the Perry Hill Station in the amount of $12,500. Dawson noted that the funding was approved last year.

The Board approved a $45,014.14 contract to Integration Partners of Lexington for a new phone system at the Town House. The new system will tie into the new system installed at the police station.

“When we lost power, it really affected our ability to operate, and that’s the time when people are really looking to us,” Dawson said. “This is the very product we’ve been looking for. With a few keystrokes during an outage, we’ll have the components necessary to run a seamless system.” He noted that the bid will save the town at least $4,500 from the one previously considered.

Town resident Carol Sanz spoke to the Board and expressed her disappointment at the newly-installed lighting system outside the Marion Music Hall.

“It’s too modern and takes away from the facade,” Sanz said. Selectman Henry said that outdoor lighting codes have changed, including issues with light pollution. Dawson responded that the lighting was handled by the Music Hall Committee, which came up with the design and put it out to bid. The project cost approximately $77,000.

“I just feel that it could have been done much simpler for much less,” Sanz said.

The Board held off approving the warrant for Town Meeting and is awaiting a final approval of the article wording from Town Counsel Jon Witten.

Other items approved included a one-day all alcohol license for the Marion Social Club for a chicken barbecue from 12:00 to 4:00 pm on April 21; Susan Connor was approved as the Inspector of Animals for the town.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

 

Recycling Facility Moves Forward

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A site review has been planned for April 2 on a property owned by Shawmut Associates, LLC of 1245 Cranberry Highway, on which construction of a recycling and processing facility for municipal solid waste and other materials is scheduled to take place. The plan is to expand the pre-existing structure, and the facility would be the first of its kind in Massachusetts, according to testimony at the Rochester Conservation Commission meeting on Tuesday night.

The Commission also approved a request for a Certificate of Compliance for Steven Grenier on his property at 57 Old Schoolhouse Road. The applicant submitted the request because he was issued an Order of Conditions for work that was done by the previous owner on the garage and breezeway in 2001.

“We’ve been contacting that particular owner to let them know that there was a lien on the property,” said Laurell Farinon, the town’s Conservation Agent. She said that she had visited the property and that “everything looked great.”

In other news, Commissioner John Teal’s term has expired, but the Commission nominated him to return for another term, and he will serve another. Farinon said that she would send a letter to the Board of Selectmen announcing the decision.

Finally, Rosemary Smith of the Commission added that the town of Rochester and the Commission could utilize a free workshop from the Massachusetts Audubon Society. According to Smith, the workshops discuss things like protecting water resources, saving money and promoting agriculture. She said that they have assisted various towns with community preservation and open space plans.

“It seems like it’s a great asset that we could bring here,” Smith said. “We could have it be an open town meeting, or we could include other commissions. I’d like you guys to think about it and see if there are things you’d like.”

By Nick Walecka

Solar Array Proposed

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With a full quorum on hand, Mattapoisett’s Planning Board confronted a few weighty items on their March 19 agenda.

First up was the issue of whether the Board would or could allow an easement through lots situated on 88 Aucoot Road. GAF Engineering submitted site plans which gave members the opportunity to visually review the matter. Property owners were requesting that an easement through lot 80A be permitted so that surrounding lots would have permanent access to the cove area. This easement request is in anticipation of the lot being sold. The current owner wants assurance that new owners would be legally bound to the easement rights in the future. GAF Engineering pointed out that throughout the area, other “common easements” were in place and this request should, therefore, be similarly acceptable. However, it became apparent during the dialogue that such an easement had the potential for creating a nonconforming lot at 80B. Chairman Tom Tucker expressed concern about the Board creating a nonconforming lot by allowing the easement as requested.

“I think we need to consult our legal counsel,” Tucker said. The Board agreed, and the request was tabled until the April 1 meeting, giving the Board sufficient time to prepare their response.

Next, the Board engaged in an informal discussion with Rick Charon of Charon Associates representing Blue Wave Capital, LLC. The development company’s website notes: “BlueWave Capital, LLC is a renewable energy project development and management company with a focus on solar photovoltaic development in New England, South Africa and the Caribbean.”

They proposed a solar installation at Tinkham Hill Road on property owned by the Mahoney family that would cover approximately 22 acres. Construction of the photovoltaic array would require tree removal, land grading and other environmental changes, noted Charon. Such changes are within the scope of work allowed on such property without Planning Board oversight. Charon said that the developers would be going through local Zoning Board of Appeals requirements, as well as state guidelines that oversee alternative energy generation projects.

Some discussion about increased water runoff once natural woodlands are modified took place. Charon said all of those issues and considerations would be addressed, including the planting of new grasses.

Board member Karen Field questioned Charon about who would benefit from the energy once it is produced and how it will help the town. Charon was not prepared to fully respond to this question. Regarding the users of the power, Charon said the arrangement is to be determined.

Other issues raised by the Board included the town’s responsibility to provide emergency response in case of a fire; the necessity, if any, for special fire suppression materials; and whether the power generation system would disrupt the peaceful environment which the abutters now enjoy. Charon responded that solar installations were innately resident-friendly projects not unlike overhead electrical power transmission and transformers presently used by the community. Access roads would allow fire trucks free movement around the site.

Charon will next go before the Zoning Board of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over the project. Board member Ron Merlo was in favor of the project, and the general consensus of the Board was favorable.

A final informal discussion involved the issue of a private roadway at the Appaloosa Lane development area. Brian Grady of GAF Engineering came before the Board to discuss the road in its current and future state plans. Also on hand was Barry Denham to share his expert insights.

The road is currently a “mud hole. It doesn’t work,” Denham said. Unfortunately for the two residences originally built there, the absence of further development work over the years means that the road has languished and is now in total disrepair.

Board member John Mathieu said that it is a private road and not the town’s responsibility. He insisted that the developers be required to state in their contracts with new buyers that the road will not be public.

“If the owner is going to fix it, let him fix it,” Mathieu said. “The town isn’t going to plow it or maintain it — it is a private road.”

Grady said it is the intent of the owner and developer to fix the road. Such repairs would make the remaining lots more attractive to potential buyers. Denham said he needed to be kept informed as work progressed on the road to insure it met basic standards and would work well for the current and future residents.

Merlo said that a letter would be drafted to the owner and developer mandating oversight of the road redesign and construction. The Board will prepare the letter stipulating various necessities clearly to Appaloosa’s owner and developer.

Minutes from previous meeting were approved, and Merlo wrapped up the evening by reminding the Board about the Open Space Committee meeting and public hearing on Wednesday, March 27.

By Marilou Newell

Officials Approve 2014 Budget

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The Mattapoisett School Committee passed its $6.09 million budget for 2014 with little discussion after presentations from Old Rochester Regional School District Superintendent Doug White, Center School Principal Rose Bowman and Old Hammondtown Principal Matt D’Andrea on Monday night.

The $6,092,177 budget projection exceeds Mattapoisett’s 2013 spending on education by $339,452, or 5.9 percent, which White attributed to contractual obligations, staffing shifts and a spike in special education service needs. He also said the increased cost to the district could be nullified by state funding depending on the fate of Governor Deval Patrick’s budget in the Legislature and additional Chapter 70 aid.

“Those funds would allow us to continue providing education at the level we are at currently, with the impact to the budget being minimal,” White said.

According to figures provided by White, the allotment for professional staff salaries will increase by 171,488, or 5.42 percent, while expenditures on transportation for special education students will bump up the budget by another $80,980.

“When you think about the budget, you have to keep in mind that we’re not only providing for services for students at Center School and Old Hammondtown, but we’re also providing for any student in Mattapoisett who is outside the district but who might need support,” White said. “Everything they need to be successful, that’s in the budget, and we have to keep that in mind when considering these figures.”

White added that 2014 will be the last year of the district’s extended bussing contract, and Chairman James Higgins pointed out that the district will have to bid out services starting in 2015, as the maximum three-year agreement plus two-year extension will have been reached. Mattapoisett’s current deal maintains a Fiscal Year 2011 rate, offsetting higher costs elsewhere and meaning “tremendous savings” for local schools.

“It has allowed us to keep our resources inside the classroom,” White said.

Marion is scheduled to vote on its $5.58 million budget on April 3, while Rochester’s public hearing on its $5.56 million budget takes place on April 4. Meanwhile, White informed the Mattapoisett School Committee that Strategic Plan discussions involving all stakeholders in the Old Rochester Regional School District will be postponed from this spring to the autumn in the hopes of attracting more community participation.

Monday’s agenda also included recognition of outgoing Center School Adjustment Counselor Susan Bellevue, who served on the district’s Anti-Bullying Committee. Higgins praised Bellevue’s “dedicated years of service to the children of Mattapoisett.” Kathleen McManamon succeeded Bellevue in late February.

During his Chairman’s report, Higgins highlighted the Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser taking place on Friday, March 22 at 4:30 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The fundraiser benefits the Mooney family, who lost their home to a fire during the February blizzard. For ticket information, contact Suzanne DeCosta-Barrows at 508-758-4035 or Teresa Choquette at 508-758-8318.

By Shawn Badgley