Tri-Town Continues with Clean-up

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Sunday brought the sun back to the area and work continued to dig out and clean up the damage.

Storm related updates for Sunday include:

– Nstar was able to restore power to about 10% of the customers in Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester by Sunday Afternoon, their work continues into the night. The Wanderer is tracking areas that have had power restored on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wanderer – if you have had your power restored please let us know.

– The Town of Marion moved their shelter to the ORR High School for the duration of the emergency. Persons in need of shelter should bring their own bedding materials (cots are available), and any medications they may need.  Pets are accepted, when accompanied by their owners.  Pet owners must supply their own pet food and provide care and maintenance of their pets.

– Tabor Academy opened the Fish Athletic Center for a couple hours for those looking to shower, charge cell phones, or just warm up.

-The Marion Town House will be closed on Monday due to loss of power.

– Schools in the Tri-town will be closed until power can be restored to the region.

– The forecast for Monday calls for higher temperatures but unfortunately that is mixed with rain. Rapid snow melt and clogged drains may cause isolated flooding and the rain may slow efforts to restore power.

After the Storm

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It may be too early to label Nemo the storm of the century, but it’s certain that this storm will be remembered for some time to come. As the Tri-town starts the long task of cleaning up, there’s lots of important things too remember to stay safe.

All three towns have or are working to open shelters for those who are without power and heat. In Rochester the shelter, located at the Senior Center on Dexter Lane, was opened on Friday. In Marion a shelter has been opened at Sippican School The shelter for Marion has been moved to ORR High School, and in Mattapoisett the Police Department is working to open a shelter in Center School as they have been having trouble with the generator at the High School which is the typical site for their storm shelter. In all three instances folks are able to visit the shelter to warm up, charge cell phones and even stay over as needed. All the towns are doing their best to see that people get the help they need. In Marion those in need of transport to the shelter can cal the police department for assistance at 508-748-1212.

All emergency services departments were non stop with calls for assistance during he storm and  emergency officials want to remind people that just because the storm has ended, the danger is not past. Chief Miller of the  Marion Police Department stated  that many wires had been downed in the storm and then buried by snow and urges those cleaning up to be careful. Deputy Chief Walter Morgado of the Mattapoiett Fire Department is concerned about incidents occurrpeppered power is restored and people try and stay warm. He reported that there was a structure fire during the storm on Brandt Island Road and that the potential for more incidents is high with the damage the area sustained.

Nstar electric does not have a good estimate on when power will be fully restored to the area. The initial reports are that power may not be restored for four or five days as the primary feed for the area was damaged by the storm.

Those using generators are urged to make sure they follow the safety guidelines outlined in the owners manuals to be safe. Improperly connected generators can feed power into downed lines and generators which are near enclosed areas can cause a build up of carbon monoxide which is poisonous.

Most roads in the area remain unpassable due to low hanging wires and downed trees and a driving ban is still in effect so that emergency workers can continue thier efforts to clear the damage. Emergency staff are hoping that everyone stays at home unless they are in need of assistance and urge them to check in on their neighbors to make sure they are well.

 

Rochester Opens Storm Shelter

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Due to the incoming storm, the Rochester Senior Center at 76 Dexter Lane has been opened as a shelter and warming station. If you need to utilize shelter services and need assistance please call 508-763-8723.

If you need to go to the shelter please bring essential items including a blanket, pillow and any medications you may need. Unfortunately at this time the shelter  is not able to accommodate pets.

We are anticipating significant and prolonged power outages. We ask that if you experience a NON- EMERGENCY power outage that you call NSTAR customer service direct at 1-800-592-2000. If you experience a power outage that is urgent in nature such as wires down or need power for medical reasons to sustain life, please call 911.

The Governor has declared a state a state of emergency and has banned travel on the roads as of 4pm.

We ask that you please adhere to the Governors request and if you have an emergency, call 911. If you should need any other public safety assistance call the Rochester Police Department at 508-763-5112.

Education Changes, New Curriculums Discussed

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The Rochester School Committee met on Thursday, February 7 to discuss numerous issues, including their preparation for the snowstorm that is expected this coming weekend, as well as potential changes in the state’s educational budget and a new learning curriculums in writing and science that are currently underway.

Director of Facilities Gene Jones assured the School Committee that his staff had taken all the precautions in the last day or so to assure that the Rochester Memorial was ready for the snowstorm.

 “We’re preparing for the storm.  That’s the latest thing we’re doing today.  Making sure that the fuel generator is up and on, that our transfer switch is operational, everything is ready to go to maintain the building for the storm,” said Jones.

He also said that the staff would be working Saturday to clear the fire lanes as well as any other maintenance necessary.

Jones added that an engineer had recently come to the school for a yearly inspection of the 15,000-gallon aboveground fuel service tank at the school, and that everything had checked out all right and paperwork had been filed.

Lastly, Jones said that a heat wheel that was leading to heating issues at new wing of the school had been repaired. Some teachers had voiced complaints regarding the temperature in the wing, but Jones said that this repair should solve the issue.

Superintendent Doug White spoke about Governor Deval Patrick’s presentation on January 23 of a new state budget, which includes a new $550 million investment in education for fiscal year 2014.

According to a report from the superintendent, the new investment in education “would provide universal access to high quality early education for children across the state, from birth to age five; fully fund K-12 education and allow for extended school days in high-need schools; make college more affordable and accessible for high school graduates; and allow community colleges to expand their efforts to provide students with the knowledge and skill training needed to succeed in the workplace.”

White added that if the governor’s plan were approved, it would mean a potential $593,336 for Old Rochester Regional (an increase of 2.17% over fiscal year 13) and $12,625 for Rochester Memorial (an increase of .7%).

“He’s put an emphasis on high quality education for all children in the state,” said White.  “The $593,336 would be a welcomed increase that will help us balance the local budget.”

He added that the proposal included $25 in funding per student in all districts within the state.

Assistant Superintendent Elise Frangos discussed the implementation of several new initiatives and a new curriculum within the school system, including two new programs—a new English and Language Arts (ELA) program and a new science program—that they hope will benefit in the student’s learning processes.

“Lot’s of initiatives have been placed on our shoulders, and as we swim through the sea of change, we’re entering, as far as our district, the implementation phase where we’re putting together our new unfolding ELA curriculum,” said Frangos.  “Teachers have worked very hard to create that curriculum.”

She added that teachers have been working in teams to look at student’s writing samples for the purpose of building the new ELA curriculum.

As far as the new science curriculum goes, she said that teachers have also been working to perfect what they hope will result in the strengthening of what she already considers to be a strong program.

“We are on the cusp of having those (new) standards approved,” said Frangos.  “I think we are (already) ahead of the curve with science.”

She added that the state currently has a shortage of approximately 100,000 workers in scientific fields.

“We don’t have the workforce to fill these jobs.  We hope our students will fill those voids.  My personal hope is that our children are excited about science,” said Frangos.

She added that students from grades 3-6 have recently undergone testing that they will use as a “dipstick into where our children are.  It’s very helpful to teachers.”

By Nick Walecka

Activities Program on the Rise

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From magicians dropping bowling balls out of thin air, to peers simulating Family Feud, and the experience of going to a casino without worrying about how it may affect them in the long run, Tabor has it all on the weekends.

It’s events like these that make people wonder how some students become homesick.

This has been a year where weekends have become the highlight of one’s Tabor experience. It has involved the clever combination of traditional events and new events that separate Tabor from other schools.

“I think the activities have gone well,” said Chris Millette, Director of Student Activities. “We’ve added a few things and reinvented some things. We’ve also done popular things like trips to Wareham Crossing, Open Mic night and trips to Boston more consistently.”

Millette has come through with activities that bring people together in different ways.    This year has included past traditions like the Hypnotist show, two Open Mic Nights, and dances with themes based on when it took place (i.e. Halloween, beginning of the school year and Winter/Christmas).

Students have also gone on off-campus trips to Boston, Providence and nearby restaurants, like Turks and Tokyo.

There have also been new events such as the Norman Ng Magic Show, an extravaganza where Norman combines jaw-dropping magic with hysterical humor, and Tabor Fight Night, which gave students the opportunity to fight a friend or faculty member.

Millette claims that Fight Night greatly benefited Tabor, and not just because of its popularity.

“I think Fight Night was the biggest winner this year,” he said. “It was new, fun, and it raised a lot of money for the senior class. I think we can make a few tweaks to it and have it be a great tradition for years to come.”

This upcoming Saturday features an event that has occurred at Tabor the past couple of Februarys and has drawn a large crowd each time.

Events in the past have included a roulette wheel, a “dice” table, and five poker and blackjack tables. At the end of the night, students could choose from over 25 different prizes.

However, Millette is planning to make it bigger and better than ever.

“It was so popular and crowded last year,” he said. “We are adding some more table games so that more kids can sit down and play.”

On February 14, there will be an Asian Dinner, which is a popular meal consisting of food from eight different Asian countries (Bahrain, Russia, China, South Korea, Japan, India, Thailand and Vietnam). In the past, lines have gone outside the Lillard dorm main entrance.

As the diverse array of activities continues to pile up and gain popularity, we are looking forward to more amazing nights at Casino Nights and Asian Dinner.

By Nicholas Veronesi

Schools Closed on Friday

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Due to the impeding snowstorm, public schools in Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester and Old Rochester will be closed on Friday.

Maria M. “Sadie” Monteiro

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Maria M. “Sadie” Monteiro, 94, of Marion, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, February 6, 2013.  She was the wife of the late Manuel D. Monteiro, Sr.

Maria was born in Havana, Cuba, but Marion is where she has called home since the early 1950’s. What mattered most to Maria was her family, friends and her community. Despite the many hats she wore, it was her role as a mother that mattered most to her.

She is survived by her son, Manuel Monteiro and his wife Jane of Marion; her grandchildren, Marcus and his wife Deborah of Fall River, Vanessa Monteiro and her partner Darren King and Alexander Monteiro and his partner Meaghan Crook all of Brooklyn, NY; her great grandson, Xavier as well as many “adopted” children and grandchildren.

Her funeral was held from the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Rt. 28), Wareham on Mon., February 11, 2013 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Rita’s Church, Front St., Marion. Interment was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wareham. Visiting hours were held on Sun.

For on-line guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com

Valery R. (Hiller) Torres

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Valery R. (Hiller) Torres, 53, of New Bedford died February 6, 2013 unexpectedly at St. Luke’s Hospital.

She was the wife of the late Frank Torres.

Born in Boston, the daughter of the late Russell L. and Sheila (Collins) Hiller, she was raised in Marion and lived in Fairhaven and New Bedford for many years.

Valery was formerly employed by Aerovox.

She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and reading.

Survivors include her daughter, Megan Hunt of Orlando, FL; 2 sons, Matthew Torres and Christopher Hunt, both of New Bedford; 3 sisters, Brigette Burke of Wisconsin, Stephany Hiller of California and Rebecca Hiller of New Bedford; 4 grandchildren, Raedell London, Lathan Ambrose, Joaquim Ambrose and Julien Hunt; 3 nieces and a nephew.

Her arrangements are incomplete.

Cutting Club Fees: Winter Homecoming

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This week at ORR is the first spirit week and pep rally of recent memory. The event centers on the Friday night basketball game against Bishop Stang. It is essentially a mid-year Homecoming, complete with the spirit days all through the week, a pep rally the last half of the day on Friday, and a dance on Saturday night.

The spirit days are as follows: Monday is Favorite Color Day, Tuesday is Ugly Sweater Day, Wednesday is Mismatch Day, Thursday is Fancy Day, and Friday is White-Out Day. All students are encouraged to dress up to show their school spirit.

The pep rally will be on Friday at 12:45 pm. In straying from the usual Homecoming pep rally tradition, there will not be any class skit competition. Instead, there will be different games and activities to get the school pumped up for the big game. These activities have yet to be disclosed.

The varsity basketball game will be at 6:30 pm in the ORR gymnasium against Bishop Stang on Friday, February 8. All students are encouraged to go support their classmates on the court.

On Saturday, February 9, there will be the Snowball Dance. Just like a second Homecoming, it is open to all grades and will be held in the high school’s cafeteria. Unlike Homecoming, all proceeds from the dance, including ticket and concession sales, will go towards lowering the Club and Activities Fee for all students. As of this year, the fee for participating in a non-athletic club is $100. That includes every club from Drama Club to Sci-Fi Club to Film Club and more. In previous years, the Bulldog Dash was the fundraiser to lower the club fees, but as it makes more sense for that to be a fundraiser for the athletic teams, Student Council and Class Officers created the Snowball Dance as the clubs’ way of offsetting the fee.

If the turnout of the dance is high, the $100 fee will be cut to a much more preferable amount. However, should turnout to the dance be lousy, the fee will not be cut as much as hoped. Attendance of as many students as possible will directly result in a greater lowering of the fee. Tickets will be sold at lunches all this week.

By Jessica Correia

ORR Hockey Can’t Get Past Bourne

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It was a hard-hitting hockey game on both sides at the Tabor rink last Wednesday, but the ORR boys’ ice hockey team couldn’t hold on as they suffered a 2-1 South Coast Conference loss to rival team Bourne.

The game was a decisive one, as it determined whom the SCC championship would go to. The ORR/Fairhaven combo team played well, but a few unlucky plays would give Bourne the win. The Bulldogs started off strong; Jeremy Lawton scored the lone goal for the Bulldogs early in the first period. A physical first period set the tone for the entire game, as there would be countless checks into the boards. Freshman Goalie Chris Nadeau played fairly well, and he provided a key save in the final minute of the first period to preserve the temporary Bulldog lead.

The Canalmen took over in the second period, scoring two goals in the span of about six minutes to take control of the game. The Bulldogs were not as aggressive in the second period, and the lack of tenacity was a key factor for the Canalmen’s quick goals.

The third period was scoreless but exciting. The Bulldogs had several opportunities to score, but could never capitalize and tie the game. However, Old Rochester’s Cam O’Connor and Zack Matthews each played well in the loss. The tough loss puts the Bulldogs in second place for the SCC.

Several of Old Rochester’s freshmen and sophomore track athletes had their time to shine in the 25th Annual Janiak Freshman Sophomore Meet. The meet provides some of the younger athletes the opportunity to compete in races without the dominant presence of upperclassmen. That being said, several excellent performances occurred last Saturday. Sophomore Bailey Truesdale won the 55-meter hurdles in a time of 9.77, and teammate Kevin Saccone won the boys’ 55-meter hurdles in a meet record time of 8.45 seconds. Also, freshman Emily Josephson placed second in the girls’ mile with a time of 6:13, and Arden Goguen placed second in the 55-meter dash in 7.99 seconds.

By Michael Kassabian