Elks Club Student of the Month – December

on

The Elks of Wareham Lodge No. 1548 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 Junior, Renae Reints, Rochester for being selected by the Old Rochester Regional High School faculty and staff.

Renae is an excellent student in class, working hard to understand concepts and helping others.  She will put in lots of extra time to understand difficult concepts and is very meticulous in trying to do a great job. Renae is also very involved in AFS and all of the experiences provided by that club.  She is trustworthy, kind to others, hardworking, exhibits charm and poise and gives of herself on a regular basis.

Holiday Shopping at St. Anthony’s

on

The holiday season officially began in Mattapoisett on Saturday with the annual holiday sale at the church of St. Anthony of Padua on Barstow Street.  Several local vendors were featured and items for sale included custom Christmas ornaments, hand-made jewelry, and an extensive variety of baked confections.

“It kicks off the season for us,” said Megan Pellegrino of St. Anthony’s.  “I have four kids and this starts it all off for our family.”

Pellegrino has been volunteering at the sale for about five years.  This year, she was helping out at a table featuring ornaments, wreaths, and holiday centerpieces made of natural and artificial greens.

“We had about seven people working on these,” Pellegrino said.  “It’s a great opportunity for the community and the parish to come together.”

Along with a myriad of holiday gift ideas, patrons of the sale could take a few minutes away from browsing in order to enjoy the church’s lunch menu.

“We have pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, chowder, and quahogs,” said Jay Kassabian, who was assisting in the kitchen.  “It’s really fun back here.  We have plenty of help and great food.”

Kassabian’s wife, Laurie, was put in charge of the kitchen this year, who was front and center serving the guests as they passed by the window.

“It’s all good.  This has a great tradition and we’ve done pretty well so far today,” she said.

Marion residents June Schultz and her friend Joyce, who declined to give her last name, visited the sale and took time to indulge in some clam chowder.

“It’s a lovely fair.  The food is excellent.  This chowder is excellent!” said Joyce, who managed to find a Christmas-themed valance for her living room.

“You don’t see things like this everywhere,” said Schultz, who bought a wine bottle topper and miniature Christmas stocking.

“We go to a lot of craft fairs and this stuff is just so unique.  We’re definitely coming back again next year,” said Schultz.

By Eric Tripoli

Combo Lot Goes Unsold at Auction

on

Three parcels of land on Maple Lane went unsold on Friday at the public auction held by the Town of Mattapoisett.  The parcels were bundled together and offered as one lot with an assessed value of $234,900, but an opening bid of $20,000 was not met.

The auction, which was held at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, had 13 tax title parcels up for bid, with values ranging between $100 and $234,900.

“Proceeds from the auction will be used for roadway improvements,” said Town Administrator Mike Gagne.  The total collected will be combined with the money that was approved for appropriation at the Annual Town Meeting to help bolster the five-year improvement plan.

Most of the lots were not considered to be buildable but abutters could purchase them to expand their existing properties.

About 40 people gathered in the ground-floor conference room at the library, most of them abutters to the properties for sale.  The Town of Mattapoisett sold 10 of the 13 listings, which included 86 Marion Road, which was considered to be the most buildable lot of them all.  The property, which had an assessed value of $192,100 sold for $81,000.

Another resident purchased two abutting lots on Marina Drive for $24,500.  Combined, the assessed value of the properties is almost $250,000.

A separate low-value land auction was held after, where only three small properties were available.  Two lots on Bowman Road were each sold for the minimum bid while a property on North Street went unsold.

Gagne said there may be more auctions in the future as the town continues to investigate more lots that might be considered buildable properties.

Here are the complete results from today’s public auction:

•0 Centre Drive: Unsold.  Assessed value- $7,200.

•0 Bay View Avenue: Sold for $4,500.  Assessed value- $6,200.

•0 Marina Drive: Sold for $10,000.  Assessed value- $124,700.

•0 Marina Drive: Sold for $14,500.  Assessed value- $124,700.

•0 Parker Street: Unsold.  Assessed value- $78,500.

•0 Cove Street: Sold for $2,000.  Assessed value- $2,200.

•0 Angelica Avenue: Sold for $10,000.  Assessed value- $7,400.

•0 Creek Street.  Sold for $2,500.  Assessed value- $100.

•0 Silver Shell Avenue: Sold for $2,000.  Assessed value- $100.

•86 Marion Road: Sold for $81,000.  Assessed value- $192,100.

•0 Maple Lane (3 parcel combination): Unsold.  Assessed value- $234,900

By Eric Tripoli

Jensen Sings, Speaks out Against Bullying

on

For years, she was the victim of cyber-bullying. Now, after relentless tears, ridicule, hate and even a high school transfer, Rochester native Jillian Jensen is turning her pain into something positive by speaking out against bullying.

On Thursday, November 29, Jensen will perform her music and speak at the nation’s largest anti-bullying event in Lowell, MA at the Tsongas Arena. Over 5,000 students from 145 schools in New England will be attending the Stand Up 2012 conference.

“I’m really excited to be involved with this event,” said Jensen. “It’s going to be amazing.”

The bullying started when Jensen was in seventh grade. After speaking out when one of her classmates was doing something wrong, she bore the brunt of both verbal and physical harassment. When she decided to transfer schools, the bullying didn’t stop. She was then harassed electronically on the Internet.

“I made the right decision in a difficult situation,” Jensen said of the initial incident which led to her bullying. “It was really difficult to deal with.”

Still, even through her darkest moments, Jensen found a safe haven in her music.

“I stuck to music like glue,” she said. “I used it as my way out even though people were trying to rip it out of my life. I know music has literally saved my life in so many different ways.”

Jensen, who was a member of the four-member pop group The Varsity Girls, is possibly most well known for her audition on FOX’s “The X Factor” where she sang an emotionally charged rendition of Jessie J’s song “Who You Are.” Her performance evoked tears from the audience and a newfound awareness for bullying.

“When I finally had the chance to sing on national television and stand in front of the judges, I wanted to make sure it was known that for anyone who is going through bullying that there is a way out,” she said. “Honestly, it’s still crazy to even think about. I didn’t picture it being as impacting as it was. It’s absolutely unreal.”

After wowing America during her audition, Jensen spent several weeks on “The X Factor” before she was sent home prior to the live shows starting. Despite the elimination, she has been keeping extremely busy both with her music and with her anti-bullying campaign.

“None of what happened to me was fair, but now I have the opportunity because of the negative experience to turn it into something positive,” said Jensen. “This is something to be thankful for and something I’m proud of. I think anyone can let a negative experience overcome them, but I refuse to let that happen to me.”

On Friday, November 30, the day after attending the Stand Up conference, Jensen’s new music video “Perfect Harmony” will debut on YouTube. Then on Sunday, December 2, she will be performing and speaking at the Boston Music Awards in front of some of the industry’s most important people.

The once bullied girl now stands on stage as a courageous woman.

“When I was being bullied, I felt weak like the caterpillar,” Jensen said. “Now I feel like the butterfly. Now I have this beautiful opportunity to fly, so to speak. I have the ability to touch others and do what I love. It’s the most unbelievable feeling.”

By Katy Fitzpatrick

Mattapoisett Municipal Auction

on

13 residential parcels will be up for bid this afternoon at the Mattapoisett Municipal Auction.  The auction will be held at the Mattapoisett Library.  Registration begins at 11:00 am with the auction following at 12:00 pm.

Here is a list of the parcels up for bid:

  • o Cove St – $2,500 deposit
  • 0 Centre Dr. – $2,500 deposit
  • 86 Marion Rd. – $5,000 deposit
  • 0 Angelica Ave. – $2,500 deposit
  • 0 Creek St. – $2,500 deposit
  • 0 Silver Shell Ave – $2,500 deposit
  • 0 Bay View Ave – CD – $2,500 deposit
  • 0 Maple Ln. – $5,000 deposit
  • 0 Maple Ln. – COMBINED
  • 0 Maple Ln. – PARCEL SALE
  • 0 Marina Dr. – $2,500 deposit
  • 0 Marina Dr. – $2,500 deposit
  • 0 Parker St. – $5,000 deposit

Deposits must be certified or bank checks presented at sale.  Make the certified check payable to yourself.

Class Warfare: Powderpuff

on

After the senior’s crushing disqualification during this year’s Homecoming skits, a power struggle emerged between juniors and seniors. During this year’s annual junior vs. senior Powderpuff game, there was a twinge of revenge exuding from the senior girls’ side. A win for the seniors would mean two undefeated Powderpuff years, avenging the lost skit competition, and regaining dominance as a senior class. A win for the juniors would mean maintaining the throne the junior class obtained during the skit competition and defeating last year’s winners of the Powderpuff game.

The seniors did reclaim their throne during the game, in a 44-0 shut out against the juniors. Senior Breannon Muse expressed the feeling amongst most of the senior class.

“After losing the skit, the seniors were more determined to beat the juniors,” she said.

Senior Erin Murphy was thrilled with their determination and win.

“It was very rewarding. A lot of heart involved in the coaching,” said Murphy.

Senior Abby Hiller looked to the big picture.

“Both teams put up a lot of effort. It was obvious that a lot of effort went into the coaching of both teams,” said Hiller.

The juniors felt the seniors’ determination helped their win. Junior Evelyn Murdock expressed the class’s view.

“I felt like the seniors had a better turn-out then the juniors. They had more girls who wanted to do it than we did,” said Murdock.

Luckily for the juniors, there is always next year. We will have to see whether the 2013 game delivers the throne to the class of 2014 or if they will be defeated by the class of 2015.

By Jessica Correia

Football Loses in Thanksgiving Heartbreaker

on

Being the final fall sports team left in play, the football team had a lot of pressure on their shoulders. Would they win the Thanksgiving match-up against rival Apponequet? Would they complete the season with a winning record for the first time in four years? Unfortunately, these questions were answered with no’s, as the Bulldogs lost to Apponequet 23-16 last Thursday.

Coming into the game, the football team’s record was 5-5, meaning that a win would end a four-year overall losing streak. With a playoff berth already out of reach, the Bulldogs had nothing to lose, and they came out playing hard. Running Back Richie Phillips had an incredible 62-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, but the extra point missed, resulting in a 7-6 lead for Apponequet going into the second quarter.

Freshman Kicker Corey Dias proved himself late in the second quarter, kicking a 32-yard field goal to momentarily lift the Bulldogs. However, Apponequet had two quick scores, one off of fumble, and the Lakers took a 16-9 lead at the half.

After an uneventful third quarter, the Lakers expanded their lead to 23-9 midway through the fourth quarter. Junior Quarterback Nolan Bergeron had a nice run with two minutes remaining, and with the extra point by Dias, ORR lessened the Laker lead. The final two minutes were scoreless, and the Lakers ended up winning the Thanksgiving game, 23-16.

Although the boys finished with a losing record of 5-6, things look hopeful for next season, as ORR is only losing three seniors. With the conclusion of the football season, all fall sports seasons are complete, and winter sports have begun.

By Michael Kassabian

Tri-Town Selectmen Discuss Grants, Budgets

on

A new grant could give senior citizens in the Tri-Town money to help make their homes handicap accessible if the district applies for it and it is approved.  Mattapoisett Town Administrator Michael Gagne proposed the idea at a Tri-Town Selectmen meeting on Thursday, November 29 at Old Rochester Regional High School.

The grant is part of the Regional Housing Rehab Grant Application program which is a statewide initiative to help senior citizens make their homes more handicap accessible so they would not have to move into assisted living facilities.

“It’s a great program,” said Gagne.

The money awarded to residents could be used for a multitude of projects such as constructing wheelchair ramps, replacing roofs and making electrical repairs.  Because many senior citizens are dependent upon social security, they are lacking the funds to be able to make these upgrades to their homes, forcing them to move out.

Gagne suggested the Tri-Town apply together as the majority of the grant money is issued on a regional basis. Applications for the grant are due in the summer in July and August.

‘We’re all too small to run for this by ourselves, but the benefits are great,” said Gagne.

In other news, Rochester Town Administrator Richard LaCamera warned the Selectmen of the possibility for more 9C statewide cuts that could come as soon as January in the middle of the Fiscal Year.

‘We have extreme concerns for Fiscal Year 2014,” said LaCamera.

9C cuts are conducted by the Governor and they only affect employees of the state. The towns are worried that due to the economic crisis and the hiring freeze on state employees, more 9C cuts could be on the horizon.  Additionally, the investigation in the state’s drug lab scandal is costing the state more money than originally anticipated.

Still, despite the fear of cuts, the Selectmen are satisfied with the open communication that Superintendent Doug White has had with the towns regarding this issue.

“His open style of communication is something I have found to be refreshing and important,” said Marion Town Administrator Paul Dawson.  “We all have a reality to face but this communication is so important.”

Mattapoisett Selectman Paul Silva was appointed to represent the ORR Regional School District Collective Bargaining Team.

Don Cuddy, the new Executive Director of Old Rochester Community Television, introduced him to the Selectmen from each of the three towns.  Cuddy, who wrote for the New Bedford Standard-Times for ten years, replaces Kim Miot in that role.

“I regard this as a great opportunity and challenge,” said Cuddy.  “I want to make local cable relevant to the people.  Local news is what people really crave.”

By Katy Fitzpatrick

 

 

No Variance for Cottage Street Addition

on

An application for a variance that came before the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals at their regular meeting on Thursday was withdrawn without prejudice because the proposed project did not meet the proper requirements.

John Van Voorhis and Susan Davies had filed for a variance to allow the reconstruction and extension of part of a dwelling at 6 Cottage Street.

“This is a pretty straight-forward project.  It’s a small addition to the ground floor off the left side of the building,” said engineer Peter Turowski who represented Van Voorhis and Davies at the meeting.

The project would fill in space next to a covered porch that extends from one side of the dwelling but slightly decreases the existing conformity of the structure.

“Essentially you’re raising the back wall, but the footprint is going to be the same,” said ZBA member Eric Pierce.  “So the only line you’re connecting is the east wall to the north wall?  The reason I’m asking is because a variance is a very difficult thing to give [due to changes in regulations.]”

Pierce explained that variances can be granted if a hardship can be proved on the part of the applicant, but Pierce said the project only seemed to alleviate space issues within the house.  If the owner cannot show that there is a material or financial hardship imposed by the project not being completed, a variance cannot be granted.

A hardship could be proven if the property was deemed to be unique to the neighborhood, but the home is located close to downtown.

“There’s no uniqueness about it,” said ZBA member Betsy Dunn.  “Legally, it has to meet all the criteria but we can’t do it.”

Dunn then suggested that Turowski request to withdraw the application without prejudice and resubmit for a special permit rather than a variance.

“It’s a reconstruction and an alteration.  We can do this under a special permit,” she said.

Turowski agreed with the assessment of the ZBA, which granted his request to withdraw the variance application.

The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals with be on Thursday, December 13, at 7:30 pm at the Town Hall.

By Eric Tripoli

Robert E. Johnson

on

Robert E. Johnson, 82, of Rochester, died Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at Tremont Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in Wareham.  He was the husband of the late Rosanne A. (Leconte) Johnson.

Born in West Barnstable, he was the son of the late Vaner & Ina (Kumpunen) Johnson.  A longtime resident of Rochester, Mr. Johnson owned R & R Cranberries and was a grower for Ocean Spray.  Mr. Johnson was a Korean War veteran and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He is survived by his daughter, Melinda Johnson-Roach of Rochester, his sons, Daniel Johnson of W. Wareham and Dana Johnson of Rochester; his brothers, Henry Johnson of Saratoga Springs, NY and Charles Johnson of Carver; his sister, Joan Peltola of Carver; his grandchildren, Nathan Johnson, Seth Johnson, Timothy Roach, Christopher Roach, Nicholas Johnson, Robert Johnson and Hannah Rose Johnson and his great granddaughter, Katie Rose Johnson.

A graveside service will be held on Sun., Dec. 2, 2012 at Union Cemetery, Carver at 1:00 PM.  Visiting hours will be at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Rt. 28), Wareham on Sat., Dec. 1st from 6 – 8 PM.

Donations in his memory may be made to National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018 or Mass General Hospital Development Office, (Write: Parkinson’s Research in memo field) Attn: Shawn Fitzgibbons, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114.  For directions and on-line guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com