Classic Film Friday

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On Friday, November 9, the public is invited to enjoy another installment of the Sippican Historical Society’s popular program, Classic Film Friday. One Friday each month, the Society presents a classic movie and offers a discussion on its historical context or significance.

November’s film is Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, a 1939 drama starring Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur and Claude Rains. The film centers on a naive, small-town senator who heads to the nation’s capitol and finds himself pitted against ruthless politicians out to ruin him. Directed by Frank Capra, the film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and is included in the United States National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.”

Classic Film Fridays 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.

Mattapoisett Teacher Earns Prestigious Award

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Center and Old Hammondtown Schools are extremely proud and honored to announce that Mrs. Greta Anderson, Art Educator at both town elementary schools, has been selected as the 2013 Massachusetts Art Education Association’s Elementary Art Educator of the Year.

Each year, the association recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the field of Art Education in Massachusetts. This award honors distinguished Art Educators for their outstanding personal and professional accomplishments and achievements in their classrooms and districts, as well as on a state level.

This is not only a personal honor for her, but reflects highly on the entire Old Rochester Regional School District and its Arts program, as well. She will be receiving her award during an awards luncheon at this year’s MAEA Conference at Salem State College on Saturday, November 10. Congratulations, Greta for a well-deserved honor!

ORRHS Swim Team Hires Head Coach

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Old Rochester Regional High School is pleased to announce the hiring of a Head Coach for the new ORRHS Varsity Co-ed Swim team and a home pool for this upcoming season’s practices and meets.  Thanks to an amazingly supportive community, FORS (Friends of Old Rochester Swimming) was able to secure the needed funds set forth by the Old Rochester Regional School Committee through fundraising this summer in order to support a team for the 2012-2013 winter season.

Carly Suzanne will be the head coach for the team. Carly grew up in Mattapoisett and swam for Bishop Stang High School. Most recently, Carly has been an Assistant Swim Coach at UMASS Dartmouth.

“We are so excited to have not only an experienced coach but someone who comes from this community to lead us in our first season,” said Chrissi Feldkamp-Gelson, parent and FORS Secretary.      The Bulldog Swim Team’s home pool will be UMASS Dartmouth.

“It is an incredibly nice facility already set up for competitive swimming so the team will be starting out in a great environment,” said Kristin Johnson, parent and FORS President.

With over 33 ORR High School students already expressing interest in joining the team, it is sure to be an exciting season. For more information on how you can assist FORS, please email orrbulldogswimming@gmail.com.

Mattapoisett Women’s Club Luncheon

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At our November 15 luncheon, Sharon and Woody Hartley, owners of the Hartley-Rhodes Bogs in Rochester, will talk about the history of local cranberry farming and how they and their family created modern cranberry bogs. Don’t miss this chance to learn about how cranberries grow, compare antique and modern cranberry tools, and see slides of the 2012 cranberry growth cycle and harvest!

The Mattapoisett Women’s Club will meet at the Congregational Church, 27 Church Street, Mattapoisett at 12:00 pm. Feel free to come and enjoy a delightful program at our luncheon. We welcome new members. For further information, contact Myra Hart at 508-758-4703.

Marion Art Center Holiday Events

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The Art Center will start the holidays with a gala opening of its Annual Holiday Shop on Friday, November 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Both galleries will feature one of a kind and limited edition gifts in ceramics, fiber, photographs, wood, jewelry, paintings, glass, scrimshaw, collage, toys, painted furniture and more. Truman Terrell will entertain on piano while shoppers enjoy food and wine at the opening. Over 30 artisans will be selling their fine arts and crafts through December 20. Holiday Shop hours:  Tuesday – Friday, 1:00 to 5:00 pm and Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Admission is free.

The Marion Art Center Players will open their production of “It’s A Wonderful Life – The Radio Show Version” on Friday, November 30, with shows on Saturday, December 1, Friday, December 7, Saturday, December 8 (all at 8:00 pm) and a 4:00 pm matinee on Sunday, December 9. This beloved tale, written by Frank Capra, has been adapted by Tony Palermo as a 1940s-style radio-on-stage production complete with a live audience and live sound effects. Rex McGraw is directing a stellar cast who will be put through their paces playing several roles each. This show is a perfect way to enjoy the season with family and friends. Tickets are $12.50 for Marion Art Center Members and $15 for non-members. Reservations are highly recommended: 508-748-3984.

On Saturday, December 8, Timothy Wade, local sand and ice sculptor and painter, will give an ice carving demonstration starting at 10:00 am on the patio outside the Art Center. Visitors are invited to come and watch as he transforms ice into beautiful sculpture, take a few pictures with the finished product or stop by on their way along the Sippican Women’s Club House Tour. The Marion Art Center is located at 80 Pleasant Street, Marion, MA 02738.  For more information, visit MAC’s website at www.marionartcenter.org or call 508-748-1266.

Girls’ Soccer Advances to State Tournament

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The girls’ soccer team had a tall task facing them coming into this season. After losing 8 seniors, the girls’ success would be based off of if they repeated their SCC championship and earned a playoff berth, similar to last year. Unfortunately, the girls did not win the SCC title; however, they weren’t discouraged and were able to earn a playoff spot with a key win over Bourne last week.

The girls beat the Lady Canalmen 1-0, with senior Alison Francis scoring the only goal of the game. Sophomore Defender Nicole Gifford is credited with the assist that launched the Lady Bulldogs to their second straight playoff appearance.

The girls, having already clinched a playoff spot, could have sat back and lost their last three games. Instead, they came out strong against GNB Voc-Tech only two days later and won 2-1, thanks to goals from sophomore Kaleigh Goulart and senior Midfielder Hannah Walsh. In their second to last game of the season, the girls tied 1-1 to Hanover High School, thanks to a goal from Walsh and an assist from Goulart. Goalie Mikayla Demanche had great performances over the final three games, particularly in the tie against Hanover, as she had 7 key saves.

The golf team competed in their state competition last week, also. The Bulldogs finished fifth with 343 points, with good performances on the windy course by Cam Severino (89), Ben Coucci (93), and Jackson Mitchell (85). The standout of the day was senior Andrew Augustine, who was a medalist for the golf match after he shot an impressive 5-over-par (76). Augustine will now advance to the state finals as an individual for the second straight year.

By Michael Kassabian

Rescheduling for Sandy

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While Old Rochester Students had a small break due to Sandy, the following weeks up to Thanksgiving are pretty packed for students.

On Wednesday, November 7, The Danversport Yacht Club in Danvers, MA will hold the Annual Service Academy Information Night. This is for all students and parents interested in any of the different service academies. Academy cadets, midshipmen and congressional staff will be at the event to talk to parents and students about the entire process and answer any questions they might have. For more information, seek the guidance office.

On Thursday, November 15, a MEFA representative will hold a seminar for college-bound students and their parents on paying for college. This will take place at 6:30 pm in the Junior and Senior High School’s media room.

On Saturday, November 17, the Universal Technical Institute will hold its annual Powerpalooza event from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The event is free and students will receive a free lunch. Attendees will get to see what it is like to be a student at UTI and there will be several different seminars, including automotive workshops and diesel workshops.

For sophomore and junior girls interested in writing, there is a poetry contest called the Smith College Poetry Prize. This contest is only for New England residents and has a $500 prize for the winner. Submissions must be one poem per student and can be no more than 25 lines. The deadline is December 1st: for more information or for the entry form, go to www.smithcollege.edu/poetrycenter/highschoolpirze.html. There is no entry fee.

Also coming up is one of the Norwich University Youth Leadership Conference Weekends. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and a $75 entry fee can secure a spot in the conference. It will allow you to meet new people and to challenge yourself mentally and physically. Entries must be submitted at least three weeks before the program starts to get a spot. Upcoming dates are December 7 – 9, February 1 – 3, March 1 – 3, and March 29 – 31. For more information, go to www.norwich.edu/admission/visiting.

For more information on any of these events or any events that will be coming up in the future, see the guidance office.

By Jessica Correia

Dirt Bikes Scramble around Mattapoisett

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The air was thick with the smell of exhaust and the sound of dozens of dirt bikes as the Pilgrim Sands Trail Riders Club held a hare scramble race in the woods around the Mattapoisett transfer station.

“We have about 300 members or so,” said Bruce Rocha, Jr., who helped organize the event. The Riders can be found living all over New England and over 100 rode in Sunday’s races.

The 2.5-mile track snaked from the sand pits to the wooded trails near the bulging hill of the town landfill, now green and dormant. The riders came in all ages, from teens to seniors, in several heats that blasted off from the starting line throughout the afternoon.

These sorts of races are family events, too. Most of the riders come from generations of dirt bike enthusiasts, like Rocha.

“There goes my oldest son, the one who just sped by us,” he said as the brightly colored rider gunned the engine down a straightaway.

“This is one of several races that we do every year, but this location is still new for us,” said Rocha. “We have another race coming up on November 18. We try to do as many as possible because they’re so fun and these guys really love doing it.”

He said there’s the possibility of another scramble coming to Mattapoisett in April of 2013.

Proceeds from the race will be part of an annual donation the Pilgrim Sands Trail Riders make to the fight against cystic fibrosis.

For more information, visit pilgrimsandstrailriders.org.

By Eric Tripoli

Claire L. (Burke) Spinney

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Claire L. (Burke) Spinney of Tampa, FL and Mattapoisett, formerly of Needham, passed away on Sunday, October 28th at the age of 69. She was the beloved wife of Nicholas Spinney for 50 years.

Claire was born in Brighton to the late Patrick and Margaret (Madigan) Burke. She graduated from St. Columbkille High School and Newton College nursing program. She loved helping people and was a registered nurse in the public and private sector for many years.

Claire enjoyed the ocean, reading, and solving crossword puzzles.

In addition to her husband Nicholas, she is survived by her children, Donna Etchings and her husband Ted of Westwood, Nicholas Spinney and his wife Nancy of Wilmington, and David Spinney of Tampa; her loving grandchildren, Cameron Etchings, Jared Spinney, Eric Spinney, and Kyle Spinney; her siblings, Barbara Hickey, Kathryn Keane, Patricia Menjin, Peggy Ropple, Gerald Burke, Thomas Burke, William Burke and John Burke.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Mary T. Burke, Sr. Rosemary Burke, James Burke, and Joseph Burke.

There will be no calling hours and memorial services will be private. Donations to Fidelis Hospice & Pallative Care, 25 Railroad Square Suite 501, Haverhill MA 01832 are appreciated. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Robert W. Heuberger

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Robert W. Heuberger, 69, of Fairhaven died October 30, 2012 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a long illness.

He was the husband of Carol A. (Caruso) Heuberger.

Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Milton H. and Bernice L. (Knight) Heuberger, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life before moving to Fairhaven 10 years ago.

Mr. Heuberger attended the Mattapoisett Congregational Church.

He was formerly employed by Heuberger’s Meats, Mr. Meat, Mahoney’s Hardware, Plumbers Supply, an insurance salesman with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and was a retired Deputy Chief with the Mattapoisett Fire Department. Mr. Heuberger also served on the Board of Fire Engineers.

He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, spending time traveling in his RV and was an avid New England sports fan.

Survivors include his wife; 3 daughters, Karen A. Henderson and her husband John of Smithfield, RI, Heather J. Gonsalves and her husband James of East Wareham and Kristen L. Peters and her husband Chad of Mattapoisett; a brother, Milton H. Heuberger of Mattapoisett; 3 sisters, Lois Knight Ennis, Catherine J. West and Eleanor L. Poirier, all of Mattapoisett; 6 grandchildren, a great-granddaughter and several nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late David R. Heuberger.

His Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, November 7th at 11 AM in Cushing Cemetery. Visiting hours Tuesday, November 6th from 4-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, P.O. Box 284, Mattapoisett, MA 02739 or Hawthorn Cancer Center, 537 Faunce Corner Rd., Dartmouth, MA 02747.