Final Hurdle for Habitat Home

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After five years of work in planning the first ever Habitat for Humanity home to be built in Marion, Habitat member Jack Beck and architect Will Saltonstall presented the final plans for the home to be built at 185 Wareham Street.

The ‘pork chop’ shaped lot presented many issues, primarily access to the home which is in the rear of the lot with no frontage.  The Planning Board approved the presented plan, which had to be forwarded to the Zoning Board of Appeals for various reasons, including the fact that the site abuts town land which requires that there be public access to it.

Another factor requiring ZBA approval is that the minimum lot size for a single family dwelling is 2 acres and the Habitat lot has 19,509 square feet less than the requirement.

Setbacks were also an issue, with the home being pushed toward the east side of the lot to provide more access to sunlight.  A solar voltaic electric roof system was donated to the project and Beck and Saltonstall asked the board to allow the siting of the home to benefit from the solar panels.

Chairman Eric Pierce asked about the impact of the solar panels on the electric bill.  “We don’t know for sure…I’m guessing that 35 to 50% of the electric bill will be taken care of,” said Saltonstall, “this is a small, compact house with a small roof.”

The board agreed to review the final plans and continued the case until the March 7 meeting.

In other business, the board heard from Clark and Margaret Gee, 73 Allen Street.  The Gees’ applied for a Special Permit to allow reconstruction, extension, alteration and change to a non-conforming single-family structure.  Anthi Frangiadis represented the applicants.  The existing home is a one story, two bedroom home which will become a one story, four bedroom home with a two and a half garage attached.  At issue were setbacks created by a roof overhang.

Chairman Pierce asked about the building to lot ratio. After the renovation, the dwelling would cover 39.8% of the total lot, according to Frangiadis.

Lastly, the board denied the appeal of Dale Briggs, County Road for a solar installation.  The board agreed to uphold the building commissioner’s decision in the matter.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

Machacam Club

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The Machacam Club will hold its March meeting on Wednesday, March 6 at the Legion Hall, 3 Depot Street. Social time is 5:30 pm with dinner to follow at 6:00 pm.

Our speaker this month will be James Sullivan who, due to computer gremlins, was unable to do his presentation last month. Jim, an avid outdoorsman and hunter, will be offering a slide presentation on his recent vacation to Florida. There are two venues that he will address:  fishing off the coast of Lauderdale and a wild boar hunting expedition outside of Ft. Meyers. Apparently, the boars are creating quite a nuisance as they have begun to navigate northward over the years. Jim will not be involved in the current “Python Hunt” which would have been quite current, but he says he doesn’t do snakes!

Callers are asked to bear in mind the importance of call list accuracy. Please report your lists by calling 508-758-4491 or by email at rhmccullough@comcast.net by 9:00 am on March 3. Members may make last-minute changes by calling the same phone number or email NLT by 9:00 am on March 5.

Community Preservation Meeting

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The Mattapoisett Community Preservation Committee is in the process of updating the town’s Community Preservation Act plan to incorporate changes in the Community Preservation Act, as well as to establish new priorities for the use of CPA funds.

A public meeting will be held Thursday, February 28 at Center School from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on the recreational component of the plan. Other components will be tackled in the upcoming months. Please come and give your input as to where your Community Preservation funds are used.

MLT Volunteer Gathering Rescheduled

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Winter storm Nemo forced the postponement of the dinner that was originally scheduled for February 9. The directors still wish to honor the volunteers who help the MLT in many ways, from staffing our booth at Harbor Days, to assisting in cleanups and general maintenance. The MLT would like, once more, to invite its members and the public to join together to honor the current volunteers and to learn more about opportunities for volunteering.

The Land Trust will try again on Saturday, March 9 from 6:00 until 8:30 pm in Reynard Hall of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church Street. A light meal and refreshments will be served, including potluck blueberry desserts contributed by the directors. Entertainment will be provided by the Mike Bliss Quartet from Old Rochester Regional High School. A donation of $15 per person is suggested.

To make a reservation or for more information, you can contact the Land Trust by email at info@mattlandtrust.org or leave a message at 774-377-9191.

Friends of Old Rochester Concerts

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March is soon to arrive and so will the FORM Annual Scholarship Concerts! The Friends of Old Rochester Music are proud to announce that the Instrumental Concert will be held on Thursday, March 7 and the Choral Concert on Thursday, March 14. Both begin at 6:30 pm and will be held in the Old Rochester High School gymnasium.

Both concerts feature choral and band students and their dedicated directors from the Old Hammondtown, Sippican, and Rochester Memorial elementary schools, as well as the Old Rochester Regional Junior and Senior High schools.

These concerts are a Tri-Town tradition and are highly anticipated by both performers and the audience.

100 percent of the proceeds go directly into the scholarship fund for graduating Old Rochester Regional seniors who have participated in the great music programs in the Old Rochester District.

All are welcome. Tickets available at the door only and are good for both concerts. Students and seniors are $4, adults are $6, and a family admission is $20. A 50/50 raffle will also take place.

Looking Ahead: Next Year’s Classes

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Over the course of winter break, students of ORRHS (with the exception of seniors) are encouraged to look through the Program of Studies in preparation for choosing next year’s classes. There are a few additions and adjustments to the program, beginning with a few new classes.

The pre-existing “History of Old Rochester” class has changed from a full year to a half year elective and will be known as “Local History: Our Communities, Our Country and Our Commonwealth.” It is a project-based class where you learn about the history of Southeastern Massachusetts from firsthand accounts. Honors or A Level credit will be given based on the content of projects. The course will be available to juniors and seniors.

The Social Studies Department also has another new addition: “Modern American Politics and Government.” It is a half-year A Level elective for juniors and seniors that will focus on American civics. Students will learn the ins and outs of our government system as well as the current challenges and major events that face modern politics today.

The Mathematics Department also garnered two new half-year electives. Introduction to Statistics, an A Level course for juniors and seniors, will use data samples, experiments and simulations to teach students how to observe and analyze data. There is a prerequisite for the elective, which is completion of Algebra 2.

Finite Mathematics is also an A Level elective offered to juniors and seniors. There is a prerequisite for completing Algebra 2. In Finite Mathematics, students will explore advanced topics in math with some focus on business applications and real world problems.

There have also been changes to the levels in certain courses. Band and Chorus will have an A Level or an Honors Level option depending on participation in events and in class. Art Major 2 and Portfolio Art will be bumped up to Honors Level courses.

There will be a trial period of Algebra 2A being split into two parts, A1 and A2, for junior and senior year.

For the Class of 2016 (freshmen), there will be new graduation requirements. For all students in the Class of 2016 and later, there is an Arts requirement. Students must take at least one of the following courses: Art 1 (full year), Ceramics, (half-year), Drawing and Painting (half-year), Photography (half-year), Graphic Design (half-year), Public and Environmental Art (half-year), Band (full-year), Chorus (full-year), Beginning Guitar (half-year), Intermediate Guitar (half-year), Popular American Music (half-year), Music Technology (half-year), Music Technology 2 (half-year), Music Composition and Theory (half-year), Theater (half-year), Multimedia Design (half-year), Architectural Design (half-year), and Philosophy (half-year).

Students graduating in 2016 or later will also have to complete four full years of mathematics courses instead of the current requirement of only three.

For any questions concerning individual classes, changes in requirements, or which classes would be the best fit, read through the Program of Studies located on the ORRHS website. For more personal help, make an appointment with your guidance counselor.

By Jessica Correia

Community Comes Together

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It started out as a small idea to help raise money for a family devastated by a house fire, but it’s turning into the event of the season. Music teacher Paul Halpainy from Old Hammondtown School wanted to help raise money by hosting a Coffee House-style event but once he got started, dozens of people have come forward to pledge their help. The event is being held on Friday, February 22 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the OHS cafeteria located on Shaw Street in Mattapoisett and the lineup has something for everyone.

Some featured performers include the Stan Ellis Jazz Trio, OHS Jazz Band, Mike Bowman, and a sixth grade poetry reading. Many other students have committed to go on stage and perform as well. After the main performances, time left over will be used to allow any members of the community to perform. Whether it is singing, playing an instrument, reading poetry, or telling jokes, all are welcome, youth and adult.

There will be some table games to help families relax and enjoy themselves while there are performers on stage. This is not a talent show, it’s a time to come together and enjoy the company of the community in a positive way.

Admission to the event is $5 per person or $10 per family. Food and beverages (non-alcoholic) will be available for a low-cost donation. All payments are asked to be in cash only as all money raised will go directly to the family.

Other vendors are encouraged to jump on board to donate items for this event, such as concessions or raffle items, and can contact Paul Halpainy at phalpainy@orr.mec.edu.

By Paul Lopes

Raymond E. Lapointe

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Raymond E. Lapointe, formerly of Mattapoisett/New Bedford passed away after a series of illnesses at the age of 82 at the Madonna Manor Nursing Home in North Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Born and raised in New Bedford he worked as a Set Up Mechanic at the Acushnet Company Rubber Division for 37 years until his retirement in 1992 when he continued to work part time jobs and volunteered in his community.

He was a devoted and loving husband to his late wife, Jeannette (Richard) Lapointe for 60 years.

He is survived by his sister, Alice Pease of New Bedford, and 2 brothers, Maurice Lapointe of Florida and Robert Lapointe of New Bedford; daughters, Lydia Kotak and her husband Edwin of North Attleboro; Lauretta Valenti of Mansfield and Jacqueline Stanhope and her husband Rodney of Attleboro; and sons, Richard of Centerville, Ulysse of New Bedford; Jean Pierre of New Bedford and Robert of Fairhaven. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Loving and raising his family hand in hand with the Love of his Life in New Bedford until 1976 through relocating to the tranquility of the seaside Town of Mattapoisett. He was a man who loved nature, long walks and reading. His amazing faith in God kept him unafraid during his illnesses. He truly enjoyed this Life!

His Funeral will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 10 am from the Waring- Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Fairlawn, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. Anthony’s Church, 22 Barstow St., Mattapoisett, Visiting hours Monday 5 – 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Madonna Manor Activites Fund, 85 N. Washington St., North Attleboro, MA 02760. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery of Mattapoisett.

For tribute and directions: www.waring-sullivan.com.

Margaret Weigel Cameron

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Margaret Weigel Cameron, 89, passed away Jan 12, 2013. She was the wife of Malcom Cameron. Born in New Bedford, she lived in Rochester and Largo, Florida most of her life.

Margaret was a teacher at New Bedford Vocational High School for 32 yrs. She was an Assistant Administrator at Old Colony Vocational and Bristol Plymouth High School.

Her passion was teaching, sewing, golfing and she loved the Lord.

Survivors include Clara Hathaway and Betty Thomson and 26 nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held March 3rd 1:00 at the 1st Congregational Church of Rochester.

Marion Recreation Adult Courses

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Marion Recreation is offering Adult Courses beginning in February. All classes will be held at the Town of Marion Atlantis Drive Facility at 13 Atlantis Drive, Marion. The following courses are now accepting registrations: Knitting, Jewelry Making, Acrylic & Oil Painting, Making Monoprints, The Artist’s Book, Instruction in Origami, Drawing, Re-Upholstery, Watercolors, Groovercise and Calm Body, Clear Mind. Deadline for registration has been extended until February 22. All classes begin the week of February 25 and run for six weeks except for Re-Upholstery, which runs for 10 weeks. For details, please visit the website at www.marionrecreation.com or the Facebook page, Marion Recreation. You may also call Marion Recreation at 774-217-8355 or email info@marionrecreation.com.