Pier in Marion Harbor Approved

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A special permit for a pier extending 253 feet into Marion Harbor at 203 Front Street was approved unanimously at the Marion Planning Board’s meeting on Tuesday evening.

A zoning bylaw change approved at the May 2011 Town Meeting led the way for the pier proposal by David and Linda Nielson. David Davignon addressed the Board and said that the design of the 4-foot wide pier required much detail due to an eel grass meadow which requires sunlight to survive.

The pier will begin at the lawn of the home, which currently has a vertical stone sea wall that was built many decades ago. The deck of the pier would allow sufficient sunlight to the eel grass meadow below.

The gangway will consist of two floats which will have chains and pilings at or above the pier itself in order to avoid pulling them out in the winter.

Chairman Jay Ryder asked about the floats, noting that he hadn’t heard about the possibility of leaving the floats in during the winter. Davignon said that the technology is new and gave two local examples of the same type of float that have been installed in other waterfront towns.

The project has undergone extensive review by the Army Corps of Engineers and Conservation Commission and has garnered approvals by the Marion Harbormaster and the Shellfish Officer.

“I called Mike Cormier [Harbormaster] and asked him about the length,” said Ryder. “He is OK with it, that’s what I needed to hear,” said Ryder.

Construction can begin on May 1 and must end by October 15. A barge with a crane on top will be situated in the harbor and can only work two hours prior to high tide and two hours after high tide to avoid stranding issues.

In other business, Pamela Marean, a grant writer hired by the Town of Marion, addressed the Board and asked about their priorities for grants. Marean said that she was asking all boards in the town to give guidance on their needs so that she can research grants available for projects.

A lively discussion followed, with members discussing the ‘master plan’ of the overlay district which starts on Route 6 and angles into the business area of the village along Front Street.

Marean spoke about the funding now available to towns to support the SouthCoast Rail corridor, which would bring commuter train service to New Bedford. Marean implied that Marion could see some growth in population because people tend to want to live near the commuter rail into Boston.

A public hearing was held to discuss the solar bylaw that is being proposed by the Marion Energy Management Committee in conjunction with the Marion Planning Board.

Jennifer Francis and Norm Hills represented the Committee and presented a comprehensive outline of residential solar requirements. Planning Board members spoke about the possibility of a solar garden at the town dump, which prompted much discussion.

Francis noted that as part of Marion becoming a ‘Green Community,’ solar is a vital part of the initiative and a public hearing should take place so residents can learn more about the bylaw and the benefits to the town.

The Board agreed to focus on two bylaws, one on solar and the other to update the current bylaw addressing wind power.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

Think Summer – Think Harbor Days!

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With two feet of snow on the ground and hours spent shoveling in sub-freezing temperatures, it’s difficult to think of summer, but that’s exactly what the members of the Mattapoisett Lions Club have been doing! Members of the Club are hard at work planning another great Harbor Days event. So save the dates! The weeklong festivities kick off on Sunday, July 17 with the Triathlon and culminate on Sunday, July 21 at 4:00 pm with our U-Pick-Em Auction.

This wonderful event is made possible due to all the hard work of our volunteers: high school football players, the Boys Scouts, members of other Lions Clubs and our own, the town departments and the general public.

100 percent of the proceeds from Harbor Days and all of our events go to support local causes such as helping those in need, providing scholarships to local students and supporting eye research.

New members are always welcome! Visit our website at www.mattapoisettlionsclub.org and don’t forget to like us on Facebook!

Seventh Annual Women’s Fund Tiara 5K

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Registration is now open for the Seventh Annual Women’s Fund Tiara 5K. The Tiara is a fun, healthy way to celebrate the women in our lives, while raising money to support the important efforts of the Women’s Fund in their mission to advance the educational attainment and economic security of women and girls in our region. The race takes place on Mother’s Day, May 12 at the Oxford Creamery, 98 County Road, Mattapoisett. There will be a Kids Fun Run (staggered start) at 9:00 am followed by the 5K at 9:30 am. Register online at www.womensfundtiara5k.com.

BBQ Steak Dinner

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The Marion Social Club is hosting a BBQ Steak Dinner on Sunday, March 3. Doors open at 12:00 pm. Dinner will be served at serve at 1:00 pm. Donations are $15 and takeout is available. The cut-off date to call for tickets is February 24. Contact club member Brenda at 508-291-4062 for tickets and more information.

L. Meiling Yen

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L. Meiling Yen affectionately known as Grandma Yen passed away at her Mattapoisett home. She was 97 yrs old. Mrs. Yen came to the US at the age of seven from Canton China where upon she settled in Attleboro MA. Meiling graduated from Attleboro High then attended Sargent College at Boston University.  She was the daughter of the late SluHu Moon Shang and Yee Shee Shang and of Attleboro, MA and the wife of the late George Yen of Mattapoisett MA. In 1950 they opened up the five star popular Meiling’s Restaurant in Mattapoisett then closed in 1979. She liked to note that they were the first to bring the Chinese style buffet to this area. Meiling has enjoyed a good life. Much of it is attributed to living each day to the fullness. When asked what her secret for a long life is, Mrs. Yen is quick to say “eat right, as you eat to live, exercise everyday and help at least one person every day!” Her philosophy on life is simple, treat people with respect, kindness and try to make at least one person happy everyday. She will be quick to tell you that education is the key to a successful life, without it you will have a hard time succeeding.  Meiling enjoyed in the later years gardening, reading, swimming, shopping, eating out and visiting friends. Her favorite book was the Good Earth by Pearl Buck. Mrs. Yen would be seen delivering fortune cookies to the police dept, town officials, doctors, neighbors and their children. She called it good clean fun. She always said, never say good-by, say “Enjoy Life!” Meiling is survived by her three daughters Gloria Besthoff of Greenwich Conn, Victoria Williams of Chantilly VA, and Ameia Yen-Patton of Mattapoisett MA., five grandchildren, Barton Chin, Eric Chin, C.J. Williams, Keri Williams, Peter Yen Patton and four great grand children. She is also survived by seven sisters Mai Shang Woo of Elmhurst NY, Mary Shang Chin of Dedham MA, Lily Shang Mooncai of Fort Meyers, FL, Olive Shang Manoli of Las Vegas NV, Nancy Shang Hsi of Estero, FL, Evelyn Shang of Mililani, HI, and Joan Shang Wong of Woodbridge VA. She was predeceased by brothers Kai Q Seeto, Kai Pak Seeto, Kai Ong Shang, former mayor of Attleboro MA and sister Virginia Shang Chang of Hawaii. A memorial service will be held at the cemetery site in North Attleboro, MA.

Boys’ Track Comes in Close Second

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It was so close, but the Old Rochester boys’ track team came in second place at the Division 4 state track meet, just getting edged out by Newburyport by a mere 2 points. Several athletes had fantastic runs, but it would not be entirely enough to give the Bulldogs their first ever indoor-track state championship.

Sophomore hurdler Kevin Saccone started things off strong for the Bulldogs, where he exceeded his projected seed by two places to take fourth in the 55-meter hurdles in 8.44 seconds. Senior shot-putter Aaron Holick also surpassed his projected seed, taking fifth place with a massive heave of 47 feet, 4 inches.

Next came senior Nick Pacheco, who placed sixth in the mile with a 4:38, three seconds off of his personal best. Junior standout Mike Wyman won the 1000 meter run, blowing away the field with a time of 2:36. Dan Donohue came in a close second in the 300 meter dash, where he ran a 36.1. Since both Donohue and Wyman placed in the top 3 in their respective events, they will advance to the All-State meet next Saturday, where the best athletes in the state will be competing.

At the conclusion of the last individual event, the 2 mile, the Bulldogs had a slight lead over the Newburyport Clippers and the projected winners, Weston High School. The meet was so close that the relays would determine the champions.

The 4×200 meter relay was a thrilling race to watch. The Old Rochester squad of Kevin Saccone, Dan Donohue, Colin Knapton, and Kevin Noone won a tight race against Weston with a phenomenal time of 1:34.54. This time not only qualified the team for the All-State meet, but it also set a new school record for the event. The 4×800 meter relay was equally exciting, but Old Rochester’s Fred Murolo, Connor Medeiros-Sweet, Nick Pacheco, and Michael Kassabian could only muster an 8:51, good enough for 7th place.

Going into the final event, the 4×400 meter relay, Old Rochester and Newburyport were tied with 42 points apiece, with Weston in third place, trailing by 5 points. Each of the top three teams were in different heats, which made it hard for the teams to judge where they had to be to clinch the win for their team. Fred Murolo, Kevin Noone, Peter Krause, and Chris Demers each ran phenomenal times, but would lose to Newburyport’s relay team by a mere 2 seconds, giving the Clippers a fifth place to the Bulldogs seventh place. With this decisive race, the Newburyport Clippers clinched their second consecutive Division 4 title.

Despite the oh-so-close ending, the Bulldogs had a fantastic day, full of school records, All-State qualifications, personal bests, and a 2nd place overall finish.

By Michael Kassabian

Phoenix Crew Club Trivia Night

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On Thursday, February 28 at 6:30 pm, the Phoenix Crew Club will hold a Trivia Night at the Celtic Restaurant and Pub at 42 North Water Street in Downtown New Bedford. All money raised will benefit the team. All are welcome to join the fun and to form a team! The cost is $10 per person and teams of six or less can participate. Please come out and support this amazing group of kids and compete for prizes and bragging rights! For more information, contact Janice Foley at 617-823-5555 or janifoley@verizon.net.

Cat and Dog Rabies Clinic

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A Cat and Dog Rabies Clinic will be held on Sunday, March 3 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Fire State on Route 6. The clinic is open to residents in all towns. The fee is $12 per animal. Licensing will also be available for Mattapoisett residents at a price of $12 per animal and $9 per animal that is spayed or neutered. All dogs must be properly restrained. All dogs must be leashed and all cats in carriers. For more information, call the Mattapoisett Board of Health at 508-758-4100, ext. 8.

David Kane to Perform at K of C

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Join the Knights of Columbus for dinner and a special evening of entertainment on Saturday, February 23 from 5:30 to 9:30 pm featuring the comedy of local radio Rhode Island personality, David Kane. Doors at the K of C Hall in Mattapoisett will open at 5:30 pm for a community social hour and cash bar followed by a Chicken Parmesan dinner at 6:30 pm and show to follow. Dinner includes chicken parmesan, salad, garlic bread, coffee and dessert.

Kane, who describes his humor as “schticky stuff,” is promising lots of fun in a show that mixes stand-up comedy with interactive games with audience members. “We try to make it a good time and have everyone leave with a good feeling,” he says.

Kane has been a radio personality as well as performer in the Rhode Island area for most of his life. He lives in Johnston. Kane is well-known regionally for creating the character of Father Misgivings, an Irish Catholic priest. In this one man play, which Kane describes as featuring “blessings, Blarney, belly laughs and Bingo,” the character of Father Misgivings tells stories and relates his views about the idiosyncrasies of growing up and living life as a Roman Catholic.

Tickets are $20 each and can be reserved by calling Clay King at 508-758-6401 or Jim Alfres at 508-863-3496.  The proceeds are to benefit Knights of Columbus local charities.

One Person Caucus in Rochester

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Carol St. Don, the Chairman for the Democratic Committee for the town of Rochester, was the only person to register at the Democratic Caucus held at the Rochester Town Hall Saturday morning.

The purpose of the caucus was to elect two delegates and one alternate to represent the town at the 2013 Massachusetts Democratic Convention.  The caucus was open to all registered Democrats in the town of Rochester.

“You get a chance to vote and represent the town,” said St. Don, who has attended past conventions.  “You vote on who you want to run for office.”

The Democratic Convention will be held on July 13 in Lowell.

By Nick Walecka