Easement Approved on Aucoot Road

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The one item on the Mattapoisett Planning Board’s April 1 agenda featured the return of applicants interested in garnering a permanent easement through 88 Aucoot Road, Lot 80. If granted, the easement would allow owners of Lots 152 and 153 access through Lot 80 water access into perpetuity.

During the March 18 hearing on this matter, the Board said they would need to confer with Town Counsel, as they were not sure what the consequences might be from a resulting non-conforming lot.

Town Counsel has subsequently assured the Board that the easement would not create a non-conforming buildable lot, but simply a non-buildable parcel.

Having received the necessary information to make an informed decision, the Board moved to approve the application for an easement at this location.

Other business: Minutes were read and approved from March 18.

The Board Members also discussed reviewing the zoning bylaws to ensure their conformity with zoning maps. It was decided that this was necessary and will be completed.

The Planning Board’s next meeting is April 15 at 7pm.

By Marilou Newell

Howard (Sandy) Ripley McPeck, Jr.

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Howard (Sandy) Ripley McPeck, Jr. passed away March 23, 2013 while on vacation in Venice, FL. The cause of death was a previously undiagnosed rare pulmonary inflammatory disease. He was 71 years old.

Sandy was born in New Bedford, MA on May 22, 1941, and had been a Marion, Mass. summer resident since birth, moving there permanently in 1994. He was the son of Howard Ripley McPeck, who was also raised in Marion, and Eleanor (Crain) McPeck. He is survived by his wife of nearly 22 years, Susan (Knopf) McPeck, his sister, Eleanor Morgan McPeck of Cambridge, MA, his three children and five grandchildren: daughter Sarah McPeck Shaw of Westport, CT, her husband John and their children Eliza and Lydia; daughter Alexandra McPeck Beverly of West Hartford, CT, her husband Russell and their children Maren and Walker; son Bennett Mitchell McPeck of Ballard, WA and his daughter Liliana, and by former wife, Deborah (Mitchell) McPeck of Perrysburg, OH.  He also leaves behind four step-children: Christian Kaldes, Nicole Kaldes Goehl, Suzanne Atwill and Andrew Atwill, as well as four loving step-grandchildren with another expected in July. Dearly missed by all his relatives and friends, Sandy was a loving husband, father and grandfather – known for being reliable, charitable, funny, warm and wise.

Sandy attended St Alban’s School for Boys, Washington, DC, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, and Brown University, Providence, RI. He began his teaching career at Metairie Park Country Day School, Metairie, LA. He then spent 27 years teaching English, coaching, mentoring and holding various administrative positions, including Assistant Headmaster, at Maumee Valley Country Day School in Toledo, OH. The last 10 years of his career were spent teaching English at the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. Sandy’s teaching philosophy focused on “a child being a seed which we nurture and watch grow, rather than our trying to mold the child like clay.” Many of his students took the time, years after their graduation, to thank him for his guidance toward their self-discovery.

Sandy took great pleasure attending his grandchildren’s various sporting events by following their team rankings faithfully and proudly cheering them on. Gardening, and making his surroundings beautiful, also occupied much of Sandy’s leisure time. His love of pastoral landscapes translated into his passion for creating impressionistic paintings, a hobby he began at an early age and continued until his death.

At his request, his service will be private. Memorial donations may be made to benefit the Schooner Ernestina in New Bedford, MA. Sandy once had the opportunity to sail on her for several days and was inspired by the experience in ways both educational and spiritual. Donations will provide for the maintenance, equipment, manning, programming and operation of the schooner as a sail training vessel, school ship, and educational enterprise. Sandy McPeck – Schooner Ernestina Fund, c/o Eastern Bank, 340 Front Street, Marion, MA, 02738.

Boards Clash on Solar Bylaw

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During a charged two-hour discussion on Monday night, the Marion Planning Board challenged the Energy Management Committee on an amendment in the Town Meeting Warrant formalizing solar installation guidelines and standards.

Planning Chair Jay Ryder and member Ted North expressed their skepticism about how the controversial Solar Bylaw proposal made its way onto the warrant in the first place, saying that the Planning Board was not properly notified in advance of a public hearing scheduled for April 16.

“Did the Energy Management Committee follow the proper procedures in submitting the bylaws?” Ryder asked, scolding the EMC for its lack of transparency.

“Our duty as members of this board to follow the law,” North followed up. “We have still not received notice from the Board of Selectmen. I question whether we can even have a public hearing at this point.”

EMC member and scientist Jennifer Francis was skeptical in response.

“All along, we’ve been working very openly,” she said. “No one has ever said we needed to do anything differently. I really don’t know what to say. What has changed? I felt like we were very close. We wouldn’t have put this much effort into the Town Meeting if we didn’t think we could do it.”
Ryder at one point called the procedural conflict a “fatal flaw.” Signaling uncertainty for the bylaw’s fate, he used the same phrase in bemoaning the lack of a special permit process for ground-mounted solar installations on residential lots, citing aesthetics and potential land devaluation. Both of these concerns were dismissed as alarmist speculation by EMC members in attendance, who wondered whether solar panels would be more unsightly than junk cars, lobster traps, boats, and RVs.

“Delay is the deadliest form of denial, and that’s what I feel like I’m listening to here,” member Norman Hills said. “There are no surprises or secrets here. We’re not trying to ramrod anything. We’re not talking about paving the town in solar panels. I don’t think we’re ever going to agree on everything.”

“My response to that, Norm,” Ryder shot back, “is we had a deal, and you didn’t stand by the deal. It’s the 11th hour , and you’re trying to put something forth for the Town Meeting that the Energy Management Committee and Planning Board don’t agree on. I am a proponent of solar energy, but I don’t think we should have a bylaw just because we don’t have a bylaw.”

While North was stringent in his opposition to the Solar Bylaw, arguing that it be thrown out and replaced with one authored by the Planning Board, Ryder would ultimately soften his stance.

“We have to let this play out one way or the other,” Ryder said. “Let’s have the public meeting and see where we stand. We might hear recommendations that your side hasn’t come up with and recommendations that our side hasn’t come up with.”

The first public hearing of what could potentially be several on the issue will take place on April 16 at 5pm in the Marion Town Hall Conference Room. Should the bylaw survive intact on the Town Meeting Warrant, it will need a two-thirds majority on May 13 to pass. If it falls short, it cannot be reconsidered for two years.

“Implementing a fast track and encouraging public input: I think that would be the best thing to do,” member Stephen Gonsalves said. “Both sides’ noses are a little out of joint. There might be a lot of agreeing to disagree, and that’s the beautiful thing about America. We’re here now, so let’s move forward.”

By Shawn Badgley

Theresa M. (Travis) Counsell

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Theresa M. (Travis) Counsell, 87, of New Bedford died March 31, 2013 at Sippican Healthcare Center after a brief illness.

She was the wife of Alden W. Counsell.

Born in Fall River, the daughter of the late Henry and Theresa (Silvia) Travis, she lived in New Bedford and Mattapoisett most of her life.

Mrs. Counsell was a communicant of St. Julie Billiart Church.

She enjoyed cooking, crafts and travel.

Survivors include her husband; 2 sons, John A. Counsell and his wife Pat of East Wareham and Joseph M. Counsell of New Bedford; a daughter, Ann C. Peardon and her husband John of Buzzards Bay; a sister, Helen Pullman of Concord, NH; 2 nieces, Bettye Finger of South Dartmouth and Barbara Scofield of New Hampshire; and a great-niece, Abigail Finger of South Dartmouth.

She was the mother of the late David K. Counsell.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 AM in St. Julie Billiart Church. Burial will follow in Acushnet Cemetery. Visiting hours Wednesday from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Mattapoisett Field Full of Incumbents

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The final day for submitting nomination papers for the upcoming elections found Mattapoisett’s ballot featuring mostly incumbents running unopposed.

Only two races on the ballot have competition: Two contenders are vying for Water/Sewer Commissioner: Christopher Jaskolka and William F. Hubbard. On the Planning Board, Mary Crain, who was appointed by the board after a resignation left a vacancy, will be running against Paul Osenkowski.

Selectman and Board Chairman Jordan Collyer is seeking reelection unopposed, as are the following: Trustees for the Library James Dildine and Mary Magee; Moderator, John Eklund; Mattapoisett Housing Authority, Margaret DeMello; Constables Paul Magee and Kenneth Pacheco; Herring Inspector, Robert Martin; Tree Warden, Roland Cote; Community Preservation Committee’s William Hall and Michelle Hughes; and, finally, Board of Health member Daniel Lee.

No one has stepped forward to fill an empty seat at the Old Rochester Regional District School Committee table, leaving that slot vacant at this time.

Cary LeBlanc has submitted papers for an opening on the Board of Assessors, which is presently vacant.

And lastly, Charles Motta is an incumbent seeking re-lection on the Mattapoisett School Committee, while the other slot is being vied for by Patrick LeClair. Last day to register to vote is May 1, and Election Day is May 21.

By Marilou Newell 

Elks Student of the Month

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The Elks of Wareham Lodge No. 1648 sponsors the Elks Student of the Month and Student of the Year Awards for students enrolled in local area high schools.  The criteria used in nominating a student includes a student who excels in scholarship, citizenship, performing arts, fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry and farming.

We congratulate senior, Alyssa Seifert, Rochester for being selected by the Old Rochester Regional High School faculty and staff.  Alyssa has been an incredible mentor and tutor this entire year in guidance.   She invests her time, patience and energy weekly tutoring physics lessons with skill and consistent support, She is a natural teacher.   Always dependable, always positive!  Alyssa is a leader and teacher in her local church also.  This aspiring teacher is enrolled in 3 AP courses, 2 Honors courses and Art.  She has truly made a difference for the young students around her. She has a wonderful class and school spirit.

 

ORCTV Offers Candidates Air Time

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ORCTV is offering all Marion and Rochester candidates for public office in the upcoming elections an opportunity to deliver a message to the public on ORCTV.

Each candidate can videotape a five-minute statement about themselves and the office they are seeking. Statements will then be aired on ORCTV?s public and government channels until the day before each  town?s election. This offer is being made available to all candidates.  Contact Don Cuddy at ORCTV to schedule an appointment. Phone 508 748-1600 or e-mail  doncuddy@orctv.org

YMCA Welcomes New Executive Director

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YMCA Southcoast is proud to announce and welcome Joseph Marciszyn as its new Executive Director at the Mattapoisett YMCA in Mattapoisett, MA.

Mr. Marciszyn brings with him over ten years of experience working with several Ys in New Jersey.  He has served many roles from Youth and Teen Director developing and nurturing young minds, to Senior Program Director, engaging and fostering healthy living.  Joe’s role as the Executive Director will be to oversee and manage the day to day operations of the Mattapoisett YMCA including the summer day camp at camp Massassoit, in addition to developing and maintaining programming that will engage in youth development, develop healthy living and foster social responsibility for our community.

“We are pleased to have Joe join our Y family and welcome the positive energy he brings to the Mattapoisett YMCA and YMCA SOUTHCOAST, states Nancy Bonell, COO and Vice President of Operations at YMCA SOUTHCOAST.   We’re confident our members will be well served by Joe’s enthusiasm.”  Joe has strong ties to YMCA Southcoast as he was a camper at Camp Massasoit when he was in grade school.

“I’m excited to be back in New England and to be an integral part of the future of Camp Massasoit and the Mattapoisett YMCA,” states Mr. Marciszyn.  “I look forward to becoming a role model for our camp counselors and staff and working to strengthen community across the south coast.”

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  With five branch sites serving more than 37,000 people, YMCA SOUTHCOAST has been working to meet the needs of our community for over 150 years.  The Y engages people of all ages – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.  Everyone is welcome at the Y and financial assistance is available.  For more information about YMCA SOUTHCOAST, visit one of the branches in Dartmouth, Fall River, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, and Wareham or online at ymcasouthcoast.org.

6th Grader’s Ranks First in the Nation

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The results are in! Carly O’Connell, a sixth grade student at Old Hammondtown School, MA is the first place winner of the SIFMA Foundation’s InvestWrite® student essay competition, sponsored by the SIFMA Foundation and SIFMA member firms. O’Connell claims top prize for the middle school division of the Fall 2012 national competition.

As a culminating activity for the country’s 600,000 annual Stock Market Game™ participants, InvestWrite® challenges 4th-12th graders to analyze an investment scenario and write an essay offering investment advice. Students consider real-world economic events and trends, conduct research online, develop investment recommendations and, in the process, gain the skills to prepare for their own financial future. Carly O’Connell is one of 20,000 students each year across the nation who take the InvestWrite challenge.

In her essay, O’Connell wrote an imaginary blog about the end of the Hostess Twinkie. She commented on what would happen to the stock price of the company in the market to buy Hostess. Due to the massive media coverage of the loss of America’s beloved dessert, O’Connell  wrote, “I invested in Flowers Foods because beyond the fact that it seemed to be financially wise, it is a company that I had personal interest in owning. Through the Stock Market Game, I learned to trust my instincts and invest in things I liked.”

The Fall 2012 winning InvestWrite essay composed by O’Connell was chosen through rigorous judging by thousands of teachers and industry professionals who evaluate students’ analysis of asset allocation, the investment potential of various publicly traded stocks, the students’ overall understanding of the stock market, and the manner in which they express their investment ideas in essay form.

“InvestWrite and the Stock Market Game program require students like Carly to monitor daily global market activity, business trends and economic factors that drive investments to determine the short and long-term growth potential of industries, companies, asset classes and specific stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.” said Melanie Mortimer, Executive Director of the SIFMA Foundation. “They are then asked to make sophisticated, thoughtful recommendations that reflect what is expected of college and career-ready students”

The SIFMA Foundation’s InvestWrite competition bridges classroom learning in mathematics, social studies, language arts, business and economics, with the practical research and knowledge required for long-term personal financial planning. Students are, in fact, building on what they have learned through their participation in the Stock Market Game, which has reached more than 14 million students since its inception in 1977. Participants master the fundamentals of personal finance, investing and economics as early as fourth grade and become active and engaged learners, seeking out new information, applications, and connections in their daily lives.

An independent study by Learning Point Associates found that students who participated in the Stock Market Game scored significantly higher on mathematics and financial literacy tests than their peers who did not participate. They also found that teachers who taught the Stock Market Game reported the program motivated them to better plan for their future and to engage in financial planning, research, and use of investment products and services. The Stock Market Game has been named the only program that successfully increased scores on the Jumpstart Coalition’s test of high school students’ financial literacy.

O’Connell’s teacher, Tara Boening, says, “Carly is a conscientious student with a shining personality. Her effort and determination are admirable, and she is a true leader in the classroom.” O’Connell loves basketball and enjoys participating in the drama club. Boening has taught sixth grade at Old Hammondtown since 2004. The number of students participating in the Stock Market Club has grown due to the excitement of her students and she is “looking forward to continuing the program, which is an excellent enrichment opportunity.”

Boening and O’Connell will be recognized at an assembly to be held at Old Hammondtown School on March 28, 2013 at 12:45 PM. The event will be attended by students and faculty along with Melanie Mortimer, Executive Director of the SIFMA Foundation.

 

Text of O’Connell Winning Essay:
BOSTON FOR REAL

Your number one stock advice blog! This blog is written by an average person with a pulse on what people like and need.  The information published on this site has made investors into believers. Stock growth starts with the consumer. If you want to stay in touch with consumer trends, follow this intuitive young woman to find out what’s hot in the stock world.

Today’s Post: RING DING, ANYONE?

You must have been living under a rock this past month if you have not heard that the great Twinkies, Ho-Ho’s, Devil Dogs, Snowballs, and many more are off the market. As Hostess filed for bankruptcy, people have gone crazy for the yellow sponge cakes with frosting in the middle. Not surprising to this blogger, people are buying Twinkies on E-bay for $200.  Humorists may say the reason that they are in such demand is because they never go bad, and these sweets can be passed down through generations. The masses have outpoured that a piece of their childhood will be lost if the snacks are no longer produced. Regardless, the Hostess brand is getting phenomenal free advertising on their products. The media circuit has been swarmed with commentaries. Late-night talk show hosts, major newspapers and magazines, and practically every local and national news channel have covered the bakery’s shut-down, though the coverage is less about the operations of a poorly run company, and more about the loss of a beloved snack cake. Nevertheless, the company is getting more advertising to drive up sales when the cakes eventually go on sale again. Consequently, the stock prices of whoever purchases this bankrupt company will jump.

Beyond the positive, initial short-term growth from this recent media blitz, the future of the product is looking good. Flowers Foods Inc. (FLO) is rumored to be a potential buyer. They already have a Tastykake brand, so the manufacturing capabilities are there. I invested in Flowers Foods because beyond the fact that it seemed to be financially wise, it is a company that I had personal interest in owning. Through the Stock Market Game, I learned to trust my instincts and invest in things I liked.

If Flowers Foods buys Hostess, they will show great growth.  If they don’t, they are still a stable company that has shown moderate growth over the past year. As a potential investor, you need to trust your instincts. If after you read this, you have a craving for a “Ring Ding,” invest. 

My mother told me a story of when Coca-Cola changed their soda formula, and the world was outraged. They sold only “New Coke.” That’s when the name Coca-Cola Classic was born, and it blew away the “Pepsi Challenge.”  If Flowers Foods buys Hostess, this is the Hostess brand’s big chance to be reborn.

COMMENTS

From, Serena02567 3 hours ago
These are great tips! Just put 100 shares in the company— hope you’re right!

From, Laurajam045 2 hours and 30 minutes ago
You better be right on these tips. Just invested a lot of money in FLO!

From, Mark4567 2 hours ago
I’m a stockbroker and invest a lot of my money and other people’s money in this company. Hope you’re right!

From, Carly’s Advice 1hour ago
You won’t be disappointed.

From, TaraB4567 40 minutes ago
This will have a positive effect on the company. Their future looks good!

From, carol23 20 minutes ago
My granddaughter wants a Twinkie for Christmas!

From, Carly’s Advice 5 minutes ago
We will see what happens tomorrow. Good luck to anyone who invested!

Mattapoisett Fire Department Receives Grant

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The Mattapoisett Fire Department has been awarded a $1,939.29 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Application for this grant was filed in May of 2012, to seek funding for the purchase of forestry / brush firefighting gear and equipment. Funding for this program is provided by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and is administered by the Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry.

Successful grantees were on hand for a check presentation ceremony held at Plympton Fire Department in Plympton on March 30. Accepting the grant was Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray and Lieutenant Patrick Saltmarsh.

Pictured, left to right: Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray, Edward Lambert Jr., Commissioner DCR, Lieutenant Patrick Saltmarsh