Mattapoisett Historical Society

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In the early days of our country’s history, the coastline of our region provided the salt used to preserve beef, fish and other food items. This was especially true during the Revolutionary War, when commerce with England was cut off. Local salt works took the water from our coves and harbors, extracted the impurities and ultimately produced the pure salt needed to cure food.

Return to the shoreline of the past on May 26 at 5:00 pm at the Gazebo in Shipyard Park with Seth Mendell, a Mattapoisett resident and current President of Mattapoisett Historical Society. Seth jumped into this topic 45 years ago when he wrote his Master’s Thesis and created his own salt evaporator. Join us as he shares his expertise on a unique and fascinating aspect of Massachusetts’ history. Program is free; donations welcome. (In case of rain, meet at the Mattapoisett Museum and Carriage House, 5 Church Street.) For more information, call 508-758-2844 or email mattapoisett.museum@verizon.net.

Meanwhile, September 21 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Hurricane of 1938. The Mattapoisett Historical Society, in conjunction with Colin Everett and students at the Old Rochester Regional High School, is looking for volunteers who experienced this natural disaster to participate in an intergenerational oral history project and share their memories of that day with our high school students. The project will culminate in an exhibit at the Mattapoisett Historical Society, interviews archived at the Mattapoisett Historical Society, and educational materials to be used in the Tri-Town schools. For more information, or to volunteer to share your story over a few hours this summer, please contact Elizabeth Hutchison, Curator for the Mattapoisett Historical Society at 508-758-2844 or mattapoisett.museum@verizon.net.

ORRJS Students of the Month

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Kevin Brogioli, Principal of Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, announces the following Students of the Month for April: Sienna Wurl, Christopher Horton, Lily Eilertsen, Kurt Thompson, Morgan Alexander, Joseph Mackay, Courtney Vance, Jake Thompson, Julia Barrett, and Nick Poulin.

Mattapoisett Road Race

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The Mattapoisett Road Race Committee recently met to continue preparations for its 43rd 5-mile run to be held July 4 at 9:00 am. The Race Committee is chaired by Bill Tilden, ORRHS Athletic Director.

Since its conception, the Race Committee has given over $120,000 in awards to graduating seniors from ORR High School who have been involved in running. Highlights for this year’s race are Core Performance Tech T-shirts for the runners, sale of “Future Runner” shirts the day before and day of the race and recognition of the most spirited spectators! Every year spectators have been a huge component of the race with their cheering, decorations, displays of T-shirts and live musical renditions!

Community merchants from the Tri-Town area continue to be most generous in their support with donations and sponsors of T-shirts. The Committee wishes to extend its appreciation to our current supporters:

Barley Family Healthcare & Rehab, Bars Inc., Bartlett Gardens, Bat Club/BCM Country Club, Body in Balance, Colonial Shutterworks, DG Service Co., Dr. David Chesney, Muldoon Family Dentistry, First Citizens Federal Credit Union, G.H. Dunn Insurance, Hiller Fuels, How on Earth, Howard Stillman Bates Foundation, The Inn at Shipyard Park, Jack Conway & Co, Marion dental Health Associates, Nick’s Pizza, On The Go, Panino’s, Peter Briggs, Ins., Robert Paul Properties, Screen Works, State Fruit, Suffolk Construction Co., Tomlinson & O’Neil, Town Wharf General Store, Village Package Store, Village Signs, Ying Dynasty and No Kidding.

This year, online registrations must be completed by June 26, and mail-in registrations must be postmarked by June 24. Runners can also sign up at Shipyard Park on July 3 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm or on July 4 from 7:30 to 8:30 am.

Please go to www.mattapoisettroadrace.com for information regarding mail-in or online registration.

 

Mattapoisett Road Race Reflections

            As the annual Mattapoisett Road Race approaches, participants may be wondering where are Road Race Scholarship recipients now. How did their scholarships impact their futures? For the next few weeks, we will feature past recipients and what they have been doing since graduating from high school. If other recipients are willing to share what they have been doing, information can be sent to me at bamscats@verizon.net.

Megan Flaherty Hall (1998) attended Wheaton College, where she majored in English and Political Science. She continued to run track and was captain her senior year. After getting her MAT at Boston College, Megan taught English and Social Studies in Newton. In 2011, she earned a M.Ed. in Instructional Technology and has been an Instructional Technology Specialist in the Newton school system. She also coached track and soccer and has run in the Boston Marathon. This summer, Megan and her husband will be returning to the Mattapoisett area.

In 2001, Douglas Hickey received a Road Race Scholarship, which he used to attend the University of Virginia, where he majored in Economics and Government. During his time at UVA Doug was a four-year member of the triathlon and cycling teams. Currently, he works for the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Doug continues to participate in road races and triathlons. Now, he is training for his second Ironman Triathlon. It is noteworthy that Doug ran his first Mattapoisett Road Race as a first-grader and ran every year until he graduated from high school.

Annice Correia graduated from high school in 2003 and went on to Providence College. In 2007, she graduated with a major in Social Science and a minor in Public and Community Service Studies. After college, Annice volunteered with AmeriCorps. She served in Denver, where she coordinated an alternative sentencing program for women. Following her volunteer work, Annice went on to NYU, where she received a Masters in Education and Social Policy. Currently, she is program manager for MIT’s School Effectiveness and Inequality Initiative.

It is obvious the Mattapoisett Road Race Scholarships benefit students in meaningful ways. Those who participate in the Road Race are responsible for helping numerous young people pursue their educational goals. To everyone who runs, thank you.

Henry Back, Briggs Out, Hills and Ferrari In

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In an election that took shape as town policy in Marion took center stage, Selectman John Henry easily won re-election, while Sherman Briggs was bounced from the Planning Board.

With 495 votes, the plain spoken and razor-sharp Henry cruised to victory over challengers Dale Jones (185) and Planning Board member Ted North (149), just days after a Town Meeting that saw the incumbent carrying the flag for the Board of Selectmen on contentious article upon contentious article.

Two of those articles comprised the Solar Bylaws, and they met divergent fates: Article 30 (which sought to formalize the residential solar installation process) failed, and Article 31 (mandating a Municipal Solar Overlay District and allowing for a community solar garden) carried.

Similarly, the Planning Board’s candidates’ fortunes split Friday night: Incumbent Briggs (364 votes), who was against the Solar Bylaws, lost his spot, while Solar Bylaws opponent Tom Magauran did not seek re-election. But Jerry Ferrari (447 votes), a Marion resident who voted against both articles, earned a seat, as did Energy Management Committee member Norm Hills (430 votes), a dogged Solar Bylaws advocate.

Briggs was recently cited in an ethics violation as a Conservation Commission member for a conflict of interest in dealings with Tabor Academy.

Elsewhere on the ballot, Bradford Eames was re-elected to the Board of Assessors unopposed; David Titus, who clashed with North and Magauran during Town Meeting earlier this week, was re-elected as Moderator unopposed; incumbent Albin Johnson beat back challenger Kerry Reynolds to retain his Board of Health seat; Christine Marcolini won re-election to the Marion School Committee with no opposition; and incumbents Randy Parker and John Rockwell were re-elected unopposed to the Open Space Acquisition Commission.

In the other Election Night race of note, Linda Harju outlasted Michelle Ouellette to earn the Old Rochester Regional School Committee’s open seat.

By Shawn Badgley

Guitar Star Rising in Marion

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Ask an eighth-grader where they see themselves in 10 years, and most will give you a blank stare. Many are honing a skill at vocational technical school or planning for college and have some general idea of where they think their future lies.

Ask Marion resident Aaron Norcross, and he will tell you about his hopes to have a signed music contract with a big-name manager by age 24. He is now 14 years old.

“My goal is to play the Melody Tent at age 16,” said Norcross, who spends his afterschool time working on his music career.

“I’ve been playing musical instruments, especially guitar, since I was two years old,” said Norcross, who attended Sippican School and is now at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School.

Influenced by musicians from a young age, Norcross had an Uncle Teddie who played saxophone in a band known as Weather Report and another known as Tower of Power.

“He was an influence, and I will always remember that time,” said Norcross, who confirms that he is Aaron Norcross, Jr. His dad is Aaron Norcross, Sr.

“I saw Pete Townshend from The Who perform on television and was caught up in his showmanship, his guitar tricks and his rhythmics, and that really made me decide to play the guitar,” the teenager said.

Norcross had Hannah Moore as a music teacher at Sippican Elementary School, and she initially encouraged him to play the saxophone in fourth grade.

“In fifth grade, she encouraged me to try the drums and percussion, and it was a perfect match,” he says. “I was a natural.”

In 2008, Norcross began playing local bars and clubs, especially on Cape Cod, and gained a following. He wrote songs, sang, and created several bands that played for pay, not just to play.

Peter Black of WATD Radio 95.9 FM heard Norcross play and was impressed by his youth and ability. Black plays the original tracks of Norcross on his radio program, and it has increased the Norcross notoriety. The Norcross specialty ranges from the blues to rockabilly. His interests run from the Blasters to Gary Moore.

To see and hear Aaron Norcross and the Old Dogs, go to YouTube for videos. The Old Dogs are drummer Richard Buck from Mashpee and bass player Michael Preston from Marston Mills. The band practices two to three times a week.

Norcross’s advice to young musicians hoping to make it big is “keep practicing and dream big, and if you work hard enough, your dreams will come alive.”

Norcross’s next performance will be on May 24, 9:00 pm, at the Duck Inn Pub, Main Street, Hyannis. You can also see him with the Old Rochester Regional High School Concert Band at the High School on May 22. He will be playing drums/percussion.

“I want to make a career out of my music,” Norcross says.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

Two Retirement Projects on Agenda

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With no controversies, no abutters’ objections, and no questions from the public or the board members, the two hearings scheduled for the night took much less than the 15 minutes allotted each.

First up was Susan Nilson of CLE Engineering in Marion and Stephen Kelleher, architect from Mattapoisett. They were presenting a project for William and Jane (Hiller) Farran of Philadelphia for property located at 53 Angelica Ave. The house on the property was built in 1759 and the two-acre site also has several out buildings. The petitioners were requesting permission to make improvements and alternations to the barn for conversion into a guesthouse. It was noted that a member of the family will reside in the guesthouse with the Farrons eventually occupying the home when they retire in Mattapoisett. Without any issues, questions, or concerns about the project, it was unanimously approved.

The other applicant to come before the board was Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hoines of Fairhaven regarding 150 North St. The property currently sports a mobile home trailer and several out buildings. The Hoineses, having received approvals from the Board of Health and Conservation Commission, want to tear down the existing structures and erect a new larger modular home (currently under construction at a factory located in the Carolinas) with a full basement. Neighbor Robert Sylvia spoke in favor of the project, saying, “It will bring up property values.” The Hoineses told the Board once the home is completed they, too, plan on retiring in Mattapoisett. This request also easily received approval.

The Board then adjourned and went in to executive session.

By Marilou Newell

William K. Thomas

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William K. Thomas, 87, of Marion, passed away at home on October 30, 2012.  He was the husband of Shirlee L. (Long) Thomas.

Born in Waterbury, Nebraska, he was the son of Edith D. Leeper (Sigmon) and William M. Thomas.   He graduated from Wheatland High School, Wheatland, Iowa, and the Naval V-12 program at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana.  He served in U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War and was a reservist for 22 years.

Mr. Thomas was a registered professional engineer.  His volunteer accomplishments included: member and chairman of several published standards and specifications with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, member and past president of Associated Air Balance Council, Inc., and testing and balancing organization.  He founded and was president of Thomas-Young Associates, Inc. for 45 years and was involved with many projects worldwide.  Bill had a real passion for the newest and most recent gadgets and technologies.  Love of family was of utmost importance to William.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirlee and 8 children; Richard and his wife Susan, Ronald and his wife Denise, Diana Lynn and her husband Lewis Booker, Jr., Hilary and her husband Marshall Sadeck, William, Jr. and his wife Donna, Nancy and her husband Alexander Robles, Charles and his wife Allison.  He was predeceased by his daughter Heather.  He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

A memorial service to honor his life will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, 124 Front Street, Marion at 11:00 am.  His ashes were scattered at sea.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be given to St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, 124 Front Street, Marion, MA 02738.  Arrangements by Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Wareham.  For directions and to leave a message of condolence, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com

Mary Zuraida Corliss

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Mary Zuraida Corliss, age 70, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2013 at her cottage in Marion surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of Richard Corliss with whom she shared 30 years of marriage. Born in Faial, Azores, she is the daughter of Mariana (Correia) and the late Hernani de Lencastre. She, along with her family moved to this country in 1959. Zuraida worked as a Seamstress, raised her family and worked at the family business. She was a woman of great faith who was dedicated to Christ until the end and was actively involved in the choir at St. Julie Billiart Parish. Mrs. Corliss was a woman of many talents and hobbies such as gardening, sewing and cooking. She very much enjoyed being the hostess and catering to her loving family during their many family gatherings. Zuraida was known for her kindness, generosity and selflessness. She lived for her grandchildren.

Her survivors include her husband, Richard; her mother Mariana; 5 children: Randall Medeiros and his wife Anna of Dartmouth; Timothy Medeiros and his wife Lisa of Dartmouth, Kevin Medeiros of Dartmouth, Shawn Corliss and his wife Jennifer of Raynham and Antonio Teixeira and his wife Maria of Taunton; stepchildren: Rick Corliss and his wife Shirley of Titusville, Fl, Karen Garza and her husband Paul of Kannapolis, NC; siblings: Fatima Oliver, Elsa Uekerus and Fernanda DeLima, all of Spring Hill, Fl, Natalie Vaz of Dartmouth, Felipa Lencastre Coelho,Joana Constança Lencastre, Isabel Maria Lencastre Prates, all of Lisbon Portugal. She is also survived by her stepfather Rogerio DaRosa of New Bedford as well as her beloved grandchildren.

Zuraida is predeceased by her first husband Louis Medeiros and her brother Carlos DeRosa.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Southcoast VNA and Southcoast Cancer Center in Fairhaven for the individual and extraordinary care they give to Zuraida during her illness.

Her funeral will be Friday, May 17 at 8:45 A.M. at Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St. in New Bedford with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at St. Julie Billiart Church at 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Thursday evening in the funeral home from 5 – 8 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Lung Cancer Alliance. Please visit www.lungcanceralliance.org for more information

Barking Up a Tree!

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Join the Rochester Land Trust and use our trail guides to discover more about nature at our Church’s Field property. Free! Enjoy the spring flowers and match their pictures to their names. See how many trees you can identify by their bark. Try out one or more of our new photo trail guides and get a prize. Fun for the whole family, especially school-aged children. Where: Church’s Field, Mattapoisett Road, When: May 18, noon-2:00 pm. For more information: info@rochesterlandtrust.org or 508-763-8032.

ORRJS Student in Miss Jr. Teen USA

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Fourteen-year-old ORR eighth-grade student Brooke Sweet will be heading to Washington, D.C. in July to compete for Miss Jr. Teen USA pageant. She recently took the crown on April 14 for the Miss Jr. Teen Massachusetts U.S. title.