Sound System Upgrade Ok’d at Sippican School

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The Marion School Committee approved an upgrade to the sound system at Sippican Elementary School at their meeting on Wednesday, February 6.  The upgrade followed concerns by band director and music teacher, Hannah Moore, who previously told the board that the multipurpose room had a blown amplifier.

Facilities Director, Eugene Jones told the board that he had researched the sound system within the entire school and felt an overall upgrade would save money in the long run.

Jones noted that past use of extension cords for events outside the building could be avoided with an upgraded sound system using battery-operated microphones. He secured several competitive quotes, which were discussed, and suggested the committee approve the upgrade so that it could be tested under warranty during the current school year.

The committee agreed to a purchase price up to $ 5,360 for the upgrade.  The sound system can be used both indoors and outdoors.

“We’ll be under warranty and we will make sure that we are getting what we agreed to purchase,” said Jones.

In other business, the board voted to accept a $5,000 donation to Project Grow from the Ludes Foundation.  The board thanked the Ludes family and voted to accept the donation.

Superintendent White discussed the 2014 state budget proposed by Governor Deval Patrick.  Although not yet approved by the State House and Senate, White presented the proposed amounts currently budgeted in the state budget for education.

The Chapter 70 Increase for the ORR Senior and Junior High School is a 2.17% increase over the fiscal year 2012, representing approximately $593,336.  If approved, Marion would see a 48% increase of approximately $216,400.  Mattapoisett, under the proposed state budget, would have an increase of 32% or $174,439.  Rochester would have a .7% increase, equaling approximately $12,625.

White commented on the change in education and requirements through the years.  He said that he had attended a recent educational seminar and recommended that the public take a look at a web site which recorded the changes in education that have taken place since the 1990’s.  The site can be accessed at http://www.jamievollmer.com/poster.html

Nikki Spencer, representing Project Grow Parents, presented two fundraising opportunities, which were approved by the committee.  Kids Stuff Book Sales, which is similar to the ‘Dinner for Two‘ booklets will be sold.  Another fundraiser is a family day at a local gymnastics center, which will be held on a Sunday afternoon in March.

Diane Hartley, Co-Chair of Volunteers At Sippican School (VASE) asked the board to approve a 5K Race fundraiser to be held in May in Marion.  The route will follow the ‘Turkey Trot’ organized by the Marion Recreational Department.  The board approved the request.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry


MMA Fighter Ready to Step into AFO Cage

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Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. It combines different fighting techniques including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Judo, Karate, Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Taekwondo. What started out five years ago as unfamiliar territory during the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter” program on television has turned into a can’t miss sporting event, gaining viewership rapidly.

But watching and competing in the sport are completely different animals.  It’s one thing to watch an MMA fight from the comfort of your couch, but to actually step into the cage and go head to head in a fight can be quite daunting.

That’s not the case for 35-year-old Marion resident and Old Rochester Regional High School graduate Jim Manning. In just over a week, he will be making his American Fighting Organization (AFO) debut at the Holiday Inn in Boxboro, MA on Saturday, February 16 at 7:00 pm.

“I’m really excited. This is something I’ve always wanted,” said Manning. “I feel prepared, I’ve trained hard, done my homework and I’ve got great coaches. I’m looking forward to fight night.”

Manning began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a few years ago after catching MMA fever. During his training, he met his Coach and friend Marcio Silvia. Silvia owns Xcel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in New Bedford, where Manning both trains and teaches classes.

“When Coach Marcio opened Xcel this summer, we only had three or four students with us,” said Manning. “Today, we often have 20 students at our fundamentals classes. We just added kickboxing on Tuesday and Thursday and our youth classes are packed. It’s pretty amazing.”

For the past eight weeks, Manning has spent six days in “camp,” which is what MMA fighters call training. Between teaching classes and taking classes, there are days during the week where Manning spends almost six hours at the gym. That’s six hours spent in the gym on top of working full-time as a carpenter and spending time with his kids. But Manning doesn’t mind the busy schedule.

“I love waking up every day knowing I’ve got the chance to out-train my opponent,” he said. “I truly believe that if I do that day after day, it will pay off when we meet in the cage. There’s no way I’m being outworked.”

One week after his fight in Boxboro, Manning will fight again in front of a more local crowd in Plymouth. Cage Fighting Extreme (CFX) 22 will take place at the Jungle Plex and doors will open at 6:30 pm.

“The hardest part of the sport is waiting until it’s your turn to fight. I’m not looking forward to that,” said Manning.

In two weeks, Manning will have his first two fights as part of the AFO under his belt. What would be a lofty accomplishment for many is only just the beginning for him.

“Hopefully I’ll get through these next two fights with two wins and injury free,” he said. “Then I’d like one more amateur fight this summer and turn pro by the end of the year.”

For more information on Manning or MMA in general, or for tickets to the upcoming fights, contact Marcio Silvia at 774-202-7260 or marcio@xcelbjj.com. For more information about the AFO, visit www.afomma.com.

By Katy Fitzpatrick

Tabor Academy Presents “Damn Yankees!”

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On February 21, 22, 23 at 7:30 pm in the Fireman Auditorium, Hoyt Hall on the Tabor campus, the curtain will rise on Tabor Academy’s production of “Damn Yankees!”

“Damn Yankees!” has been one of the best-selling Broadway musicals of all time and is a clever retelling of the age-old Dr. Faustus story.

Middle-aged baseball fanatic Joe Boyd trades his soul to the Devil, also known as Mr. Applegate, for a chance to lead his favorite team to victory in the pennant race against the New York Yankees. As young baseball sensation Joe Hardy, he transforms the hapless Boston Red Sox into a winning team, only to realize the true worth of the life he’s left behind with his loyal wife, Meg. Joe ultimately outsmarts Applegate and the seductive Lola, returns to his former self, and shepherds the Red Sox to the World Series.

Light, fast-paced, and devilishly clever, “Damn Yankees!” is a home-run hit featuring all-American subject matter and an irreverent sense of humor. The show also has a terrific song list (“Heart” and “Whatever Lola Wants”) with dynamic, athletic choreography supported by student-designed and built sets and lights. The cast is lead by veteran senior performers: Oliver Palmer as Joe Hardy; Joe Coffey as the older Joe Boyd and the manager, Van Buren; Chapman Hyatt as Applegate, the devil; Clare Knowlton as Lola, his seductive assistant; Claire Chatinover as Meg Boyd; and junior Xan Marsella as Gloria Thorpe. “Damn Yankees!” is directed by John Heavey with musical direction by David Horne, technical direction by Richard Van Voris, choreography by Danielle LaTulippe, lighting design by junior James Barton-Souza and set design by senior Greta Wilsterman.

To order tickets, email wintermusicaltix@taboracademy.org. Preordered tickets are $9 while tickets at the door are $10.

Sippican Women’s Club Meeting

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The Sippican Women’s Club will present “Cuttyhunk and the Elizabeth Islands” on Friday, February 8. Mattapoisett resident and historian Seth Mendell will present. Following Bartholomew Gosnold’s arrival on Cuttyhunk in 1602, the center of activity shifted to Nauson, the largest of the Elizabeth Islands. Mendell will trace the colorful history of the island, including the pirates of Tarpaulin Cove, the American Revolution and the arrival of John Murray Forbes.

This presentation will follow the finger lunch at 12:30 pm in Handy’s Tavern. The Sippican Women’s Club meets on the second Friday of the month, and new members are always welcomed. For more information, see the website at www.sippicanwomansclub.org.

Classic Film Fridays

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On Friday, February 15, the public is invited to enjoy another installment of the Sippican Historical Society’s popular program, Classic Film Friday. Now co-sponsoring the film series is the Marion Council on Aging. One Friday each month, the organizations present a classic movie and offer a discussion on its historical context or significance. This month’s selection is To Kill a Mockingbird, the 1962 film starring Gregory Peck.

An adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, the film also features Robert Duvall and Alice Ghostley in their film debuts. To Kill a Mockingbird is counted among the greatest American movies of all time, and its protagonist, Atticus Finch, is widely considered the greatest movie hero of the 20th century. The story follows Finch, an idealistic small-town Southern lawyer, as he defends an accused rapist in a racially-charged trial, while trying to instill in his two children principles of fairness and tolerance.

Classic Film Friday presentations are held at the Marion Music Hall (164 Front Street) and are offered free of charge to the public.  Films begin at 7:00 pm and refreshments are available. For more information, contact the SHS at 508-748-1116.

Plumb Library February Events

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• Kathleen Brunelle, author of Bellamy’s Bride: The Search for Maria Hallett of Cape Cod, will talk about and read from her book on Saturday, February 9 at 1:00 pm. Brunelle is a teacher at Old Rochester Regional High School and is a local author. The book is about the life and legend of Maria Hallett, Sam Bellamy the pirate, and the sinking of the Whydah. Copies of the book will be available for sale and for signing by the author.

• Just the Facts, the nonfiction book discussion group, will be reading Elizabeth and Hazel: Two Women of Little Rock, by David Margolick. This book is about the lives of women who appear in an iconic photograph of the Civil Rights era that was taken on the first day of integration at Little Rock High School. The book traces the separate but similar worlds of Elizabeth Eckford and Hazel Bryan, how the photograph influenced their lives, and their ultimate friendship. We will be discussing this book on Thursday, February 21 at 6:30 pm. Copies are available at the desk.

• Café Parlez’s selection for February is The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, by Rachel Joyce. Harold Fry is recently retired and lives in a small English village. Everything he does seems to irritate his wife, Maureen, until he receives one day a letter addressed to him from a woman he has not seen or heard from in twenty years. She is in hospice and is writing to say goodbye. After writing a reply, he decides that he must deliver it in person. Thus begins a 600-mile walk to the hospice because he believes that, as long as he walks, his friend will live. We will be discussing it on Thursday, February 28 at 6:30 pm. Books are available at the desk, or bring your own copy. Café Parlez is sponsored by the Friends of Plumb Library.

• The Plumb Library Knitting and Crocheting group meets Mondays at 6:30 pm. Bring your project and meet other crafters. Cocoa, tea and coffee are available. Beginners are welcome.

• Mad Science will once again visit Plumb Library, this time with their “Eco-Systems Exploration” program on Friday, February 22 at 4:00 pm. Children at least five years old will learn about the connections between all living things and will get to make their own mini-ecosystem. Pre-registration is required for this program. Many thanks to the Friends of Plumb Library for supporting this program!

Florence Eastman Post 280 Monthly Meeting

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The monthly meetings of the American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280 will be held on Wednesday, February 20 at the Post Hall at 3 Depot Street at 7:00 pm.

The meeting for February will be for normal business with an eye to the results of our final Ham & Bean supper. All members are encouraged to attend, as we will also review our post finances and our new membership initiative prior to the visit of the Commander of District 10 in March.

As usual, our hall is available for rental and is perfect for weddings and baby showers, as well as any gathering of up to 75 guests. The meetings are always brief and to the point. Please make every effort to attend. Information on the meetings, programs and hall rentals may be obtained by calling 508-758-9311.

The Florence Eastman Post 280 will also hold a Ham & Bean Supper at the Legion Hall, 3 Depot Street in Mattapoisett on Saturday, February 16. Supper will be served from 5:00 to 6:30 pm.

Tickets will be available at the door: $10 for adults, $25 for family (parents or grandparents and young children). Please join us for a great meal with good fun and conversation. For information or reservations, please call Mike at 508-758-9311. See you there!

February Vacation Family Nature Walks

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Want to get the family outside during February vacation? Join the Buzzards Bay Coalition for a series of nature walks around the Buzzards Bay watershed. Our nature walks are a great way to get your whole family outside: learning, being active and having fun!

• Tuesday, February 19: East Beach, New Bedford

• Wednesday, February 20: Nasketucket Bay State Reservation, Mattapoisett

• Thursday, February 21: West Island Town Beach, Fairhaven

The February Vacation Family Nature Walks are free and open to families with children of all ages. Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather. All walks will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 am.

Selectmen Appoint New Assistant Harbormaster

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The Marion Board of Selectmen appointed a new Assistant Harbormaster and Shellfish Officer upon request of Harbormaster Mike Cormier. The decision to hire Adam Murphy was made at the Board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, February 5 in the Marion Town House.

“I’ve known him for 20 years,” said Cormier. “I feel as though he’s an excellent boat operator and his emergency response capabilities would be an asset to my department.”

The position is both part-time and seasonal. It would last from May through early September and would be from 5:00 to 9:00 pm during the week. In addition to working alongside Cormier, Murphy would also be working at the Fire Department. Selectman Jonathan Henry voiced concerns about possible scheduling problems.

“I wouldn’t want there to be a conflict,” said Henry. “You wouldn’t leave your post to go to a fire, would you?”

Cormier assured the Board that he has firefighters who have worked with him before and the rule is that when on duty on the water, they are not allowed to respond to fire calls. The Board unanimously appointed Murphy.

In other news, Town Administrator Paul Dawson updated the Board on several ongoing projects about town.

First, the Financial Committee has begun their work reviewing the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2014. A copy has been submitted to the Board and will be reviewed over the coming months to make sure everything is precise.

“It’s a complicated process that is by no means complete, but the process has begun and they are well on their way,” Dawson said.

Dawson also informed the Board that the Marion Music Hall lighting project is still ongoing. The building is awaiting the last set of fixtures to arrive so they can be installed. The fixtures are currently on back order.

The project to remove the mold from the basement of the Town House is making progress, according to Dawson. Several town records and documents have been cleared out of the basement to make room for the remediation process. The documents will be sorted through and redistributed to other storage locations.

The deadline for businesses to bid on the remediation project was Tuesday, February 5. Five figures were submitted from five companies. Dawson said by the Board’s next meeting they should have a recommendation on a company to get the project going.

Lastly, Dawson said he is still exploring the possibility of bringing on board a full-time Facilities Manager to help upkeep the 41 buildings around town that need maintenance. He will continue to study job descriptions from neighboring towns to further outline the specification for the job in Marion.

The Marion Board of Selectmen will meet again on Tuesday, February 19 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Town House.

By Katy Fitzpatrick

Commissioners to Attend MACC

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In a brief discussion, members of the Rochester Conservation Commission decided to potentially send up to three commissioners to the annual MACC environmental conference on March 2.

In other business, the Conservation Commission issued a Certificate of Compliance for Steven and Suzanne Melloni, regarding the construction of a deck and three-season porch on their home at 40 Nathaniel’s Drive.  The project was issued an order of conditions because construction occurred within 100 feet of the local wetland.

“The construction was done according to the plans and it looks great,” said Rochester conservation agent Laurell Farinon, who recommended the commissioners issue the certificate.

The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall.

By Eric Tripoli