Tri-Town Sisters Receive Braveheart Award

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Local siblings, Arissa Underhill, a junior at Old Rochester Regional High School and her sister, Deianeira Underhill, a freshman at Old Rochester Regional High School, were honored at Wareham Crossing on Saturday, September 15 as “Braveheart” winners alongside great of the likes of former Patriots Joe Andruzzi and Steve Nelson, Olympian Joan Benoit Samuelson, Marathoners Rick and Dick Hoyt and former Celtic player Chris Herron.

The sisters were honored with their awards for their ongoing selfless community service endeavors that have touched local communities and those of surrounding areas as well as global impact.

Arissa and Deianeira have used their own earned monies, birthday and holiday monies for several years to help organizations like the Reach Out and Read Foundation, the We Give Books Foundation, Camp Sunshine, Steve Irwin Foundation, as well as several local food pantries and shelters.

Plumb Library Summer Reading Winners

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This year, Plumb Library in Rochester tried a new type of summer reading program.  It was formatted to include students, families, and teachers, whereas previous programs focused mainly on students.  They also let the students pick the books they wanted to read, rather than from a required list.  The new program also let students and their families log the number of books and hours they read, which were tallied at the end of the summer.  Participants were even encouraged to write reviews for the books they read. 

On Saturday, September 15, program director Lisa Fuller and the Plumb Library staff held a special party to congratulate all the participants and pass out awards to the most diligent readers and writers.  Don’t forget to check out our photo gallery from the party.

Here is the list of top readers for the summer, courtesy of Lisa Fuller.

Most Hours Read:
Adults: Lucille Morris, 335 hours
Kids: Samantha Winters, 204.5 hours
Tween/Teens: Ava DeMaggio, 242 hours

Most Reviews Written:
Adults:  Melissa Weigel
Kids:  Rachel Foye
Tweens/Tweens:  Allie Arnfield

Best Review Written:
Victoria Wheeler

DREAM TEAM Family Winners – Dads, Moms, Kids all participated
Farias Team 305 hours
Cusolito Team 289 hours
DellaCioppa Team 115 hours
Jones Team 115 hours
Crook Family 22 hours

Teacher Winners:
Julie DeSousa, ORRJHS, 185 hours
Stephanie Cyr, RMS, 93 hours
Sarabeth Morrell, ORRHS, 85 hours

Reading Role Models/Teacher Participation Awards: Melissa Farias, Sharon
Cruz, Melissa Weigel, Jamie Alves, Karen DellaCioppa, James DellaCioppa,
Marissa Hughes, Sandy Sollaeur, Scott Huckabee, Holly Ashley, Mrs. M&M,
Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Larkin (Pre-K)

Best Loggers and/or Library Activity Participants:
Kids:  The Cruz Family, The LaPointe Family, The Levasseur Family
Tweens/Teens: The Root Family, The (Karen) Perry Family, The (Heather
Z) Mello Family, The Wheeler Family

Junior High- Most Hours Read:
Gr 8: Michael Morris, Allie Arnfield
Gr.7: Jacob DeMaggio, Katelyn Feeney

High School- Most Hours Read:
9th grade:  Katrina Farias, Ben Bradford
10th grade: Angela Weigel, Victoria Wheeler
11th grade: Troy Rood

Pre-K and Elementary- Most Hours Read (Top Boy and Top Girl)
Pre-K:  Erin Root and Matt Williams
K:  Camden Jeppson and Ella Charron
1:  Allison Root, Euan Fredericka
2: Isabel Friedrichs, Jeff Radek
3: Nicholas Howarth, Emilia Pinhancos
4: Samantha Winters, Aidan Root
5: Ceci Prefontaine, Ethan Prater
6: Ava DeMaggio, Harrison Riley

By Eric Tripoli

Upcoming Marion Art Center Events

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The Marion Art Center will host three “Meet & Critique” nights to provide a chance for area artists to get together to enjoy some conversation and to give and receive feedback on each other’s recent work. Each person is encouraged to bring two or three pieces (any medium) that will be discussed as time permits. The critique discussion will be led by artist and Marion Art Center member, Patty White.   A $5.00 donation to the Marion Art Center is encouraged.  Dates of the critiques are October 19, November 9, and December 14 from 7:00 to 9:00. For more information call the Center at 508-748-1266 or visit the new Marion Art Center website at www.marionartcenter.org.

The Marion Art Center will be offering a course in Watercolor Painting for Beginners starting on October 3rd and will run until November 21st.  The course is 8 weeks long and will be offered on Wednesdays from 9:30am to 11:30am.  Patricia White is the instructor.

This course is designed for adults who would like to try watercolor painting, but do not know where to start. Students will explore different techniques, while working on the landscape, still life, figurative, and/or imaginative painting, in a nurturing environment.   Supplies not included. Fee for the 8 week course is $175 for Marion Art Center members and $190 non-members. (Maximum 10 Students)

To Register:  Stop by the Marion Art Center or visit MAC’s new website and Register and pay on-line at www.marionartcenter.org.

Irene M. (South) Hutchings

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Irene M. (South) Hutchings, 96, formerly of Mattapoisett died after a long illness at Emeritus of Dartmouth Village on September 14, 2012. She was the widow of the late Dr. Charles E. Hutchings.

Irene was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Parish of Mattapoisett.

Born in Braidwood, New South Wales, Australia, Irene was the daughter of the late Herbert and Irene (McGrath) South. She moved to the United States in 1946 to marry her beloved American GI whom she had met during WWII. In 1963 Irene became a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Before moving to the U.S. Irene worked as a governess, nurse, and midwife in Australia. She became a registered nurse in the U.S. and worked at Taber Street Nursing Home in New Bedford for more than 30 years. In her earlier years Irene enjoyed sewing, knitting, reading, gardening, playing tennis, and horseback riding.

She is survived by two daughters: Joan L. Hutchings of Mattapoisett, Rose L. D’Arezzo and her husband Robert of South Kingstown, RI; three sons: Charles S. Hutchings and his wife Carolyn of Lansdale, PA; Jon R. Hutchings and his companion Kathryn Pohlmeyer of Beltsville, MD; and David E. Hutchings and his companion Susan Cronin of Lakeville, MA. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Nicole Anthony and Brandon D’Arezzo of RI; Stephen, William, Ian, Marie, and Jon Hutchings of PA; Sarah Donovan and Eric Hutchings of MA; Peter Hutchings of Hawaii and one Great Grand-Child, Cormac Ryan of RI. Irene was the sister of the late Robert, Charles, and Frank South and Peg Bowen.

Irene’s final years were enriched by the loving and caring staff of Elm Cottage.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett on Monday, September 17, 2012 at 12 Noon. Private burial will follow in the Old North Cemetery, North Truro, MA. Visiting hours are omitted. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. For on-line guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Cell Tower Balloon Test

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For the last few months, Industrial Wireless has been applying to construct a new cellular phone tower off the end of Jane Lane in Mattapoisett.  The tower, which will measure 145 feet in height, would improve wireless communications around town, especially for the police and fire departments.

As part of the application process, the company is required to run a balloon test, where they fly a balloon at the same height as the tower, so residents can get an idea of the visual impact of a cell tower.  The test is being conducted this weekend, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on Friday, September 14 and Saturday, September 15.  The balloon was most visible from Route 6 near Turk’s, but was not visible from Jane Lane.  Shown below is a photos to help illustrate the location and height of the proposed tower.

 By Eric Tripoli

Mattapoisett Resident Heading to Afghanistan

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We all remember where we were that ill-fated Tuesday morning on September 11, 2001.  It seems like it was yesterday, yet here we are 11 years later still fighting a war that began when those four pre-meditated terrorist attacks changed our country forever. For some, it was a day that instilled fear and sadness inside many Americans. But for others, it brought out their bravery and motivated them to fight for their country.

That’s exactly what happened for Mattapoisett resident Edward Sweeney, Jr. When 9/11 happened, he wanted to join the Army to help protect his country, but he thought he was too old. Three years ago, however, at the age of 38, Sweeney enlisted in the Army National Guard. Now, he is getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan.

“He lives and breathes the Army National Guard,” said Sweeney’s wife Cheryl. “He’s very passionate about the military.”

Sweeney, now 41, is one of 147 soldiers who comprise the 181st unit based out of Camp Edwards. The group is an engineering unit and is made up of plumbers, electricians and carpenters. Sweeney is a master plumber of 25 years. His unit is the first of its kind to deploy to Afghanistan. They will not only be performing typical military duties, but they will also be helping to rebuild Afghanistan.

The unit is currently training in El Paso, Texas. At an undisclosed date over the next 3 – 6 weeks, they will deploy to Afghanistan for 10 months and will not be able to come home in the meantime. Back here in the Tri-Town, Cheryl and their two children Alexis and Michael will be awaiting his return.

“The Army National Guard has made me as prepared as I could possibly be,” said Cheryl. “I have a lot of support from my military family as well as my friends and family.”

Back here on the home front, 20-year-old Michael is stepping up to the plate to fill the fatherly duties around the house. From mowing the lawn and doing laundry to chipping in and driving Alexis to various afterschool activities, the family is working hard to stay strong while Edward is away.

“My son is my rock,” said Cheryl. “It is very important to have him here. He is being such a good role model for my daughter.”

Cheryl said it’s her daughter who has had the hardest time coping with Edward’s deployment, but thanks to several programs made possible by the Army National Guard, she has received grant money to participate in different activities to keep her occupied for the next 10 months. She is currently taking voice lessons.

“The Army National Guard is very good to us. I feel like we have a lot of support,” said Cheryl.

It might be hard to say goodbye to a loved one for an extended period of time, especially when they are shipping off to a dangerous place, but for the Sweeney family, they know that Edward is exactly where he is supposed to be.

“It has changed him. The last few years have been the best of our lives,” said Cheryl. “It is his passion. It is his niche. It’s what he was missing. He feels so passionately about his country.”

Cheryl said it’s her husband’s common sense and compassion paired with his skills as a master plumber that make him a good soldier. His qualities have not gone unnoticed, either, especially in their extended family.

“He wanted to show our son and nephews that at his age, he could do it,” said Cheryl. “Since then, one of our nephews went into the army full time and will be in Afghanistan full time in November. Another 19-year-old nephew of ours enlisted and left for basic training today. He’s been a role model to them.”

The Sweeney family is currently relocating from their house in Mattapoisett to Rochester, where they will be staying until Alexis graduates from high school. From there, Edward hopes to join the military full time.

By Katy Fitzpatrick

Vote Shortage Stalls Main Street Garage

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The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday night and issued their decision on the future of a controversial project to build a garage at 5 Main Street.  They took the issue under advisement at their meeting on August 9, 2012.

                  Property owner Russell Sanford, Jr. has presented his plan to multiple town committees for the last few months and was met at each meeting with opposition from neighborhood abutters.

                  Sanford and his engineers have met individually with many of the neighbors in order to directly address their concerns.  Some abutters felt the structure was too high and would obstruct ocean views from certain vantage points in the neighborhood.  Others were worried about the possible negative impact to local drainage during rain.

                  As a result, several features of the garage were adjusted in consideration to much of the input from the neighbors.  The height has been reduced, the location has been moved, the drainage plan has been redesigned, and the garage door style has been changed.

                  Neither Sanford nor his representative was present at the meeting.

                  “The second iteration the architect came back with made the lot less non-conforming and they tried to address in many ways the concerns of the abutters,” said ZBA Chairman Bob Wedge.  “Generally speaking, when it comes to abutters, it comes down to the view.  You can’t please everybody all the time but they did their best to mitigate the concerns of their neighbors.”

                  He said that there was a valid argument as far as the visual impact of the garage is concerned.  There is currently a canopied carport at the property.

                  “So they’re going to take that [the carport] down and build a building?” said member Eric Pierce.  “We’re essentially giving a building permit for a new building.”

                  “He maintained the non-conforming line on one side and another on the other side.  When he brought it back to us, he maintained that extension of the non-conforming line, but by making the size of the structure smaller, he eliminated that other non-conformity,” Wedge said.

                  “It lessens the view. At least you can see through the carport now,” said member Betsy Dunn.

                  Wedge said the main issue was whether or not the new structure was more or less non-conforming than the carport.

                  “I’ve been by there a few times and given the architecture and design, I do not feel that it’s more of a detriment to the neighborhood,” said Wedge.  “Our job is to determine whether this is more substantially detrimental to the neighborhood.”

                  “I think when you look at the whole situation on that corner, it’s clustered as it is. It’s tight in there, no matter if it stays the way it is or of this gets built.  In my opinion, there’s really no change to that idea.  There’s trees, there’s fences, there’s large houses,” said ZBA member Tom Cooper.

                  “I think the building is much better than what’s there now.  I also think it’s going to close in that area a lot.  At least with the carport, there’s air flowing.  That’s a big building to put there,” said Dunn.

                  Wedge then introduced a motion to approve of the project, but there were only four voting members of the Board present: three voted in favor with Dunn voting against.  In order to pass, at least four in-favor votes must be counted.

                  The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals will be on Thursday, September 27, at 7:30 pm at the Town House.

By Eric Tripoli


ORRHS Football Times Changed Due to EEE

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Two Old Rochester Regional High School Football games have changed times due to the increased threat of EEE-carrying mosquitoes in the Tri-Town.  The risk was recently bumped from “High” to “Critical” in the area as a result of several pools of mosquitoes carrying the disease being found this past week.

Tomorrow’s Home Opener against Bishop Stang will kickoff at 4:30 pm as opposed to 7:00 pm.  Next Friday’s match up against Greater New Bedford Vocational Tech will start at 5:00 pm instead of 7:00 pm.

All those attending the games are encouraged to wear long pants and sleeves as well as a strong insect repellant while outdoors.

Marion Board of Health Flu Clinic

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The Marion Board of Health is pleased to announce that they will sponsor a flu clinic on Wednesday, September 26.

The clinic will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Sippican School, 16 Spring Street. Parking is available at rear of school in the Park Street lot. Please do not park in the traffic circle. Enter the school via the bus loop entrance on Park Street.

Home visits for homebound residents may be scheduled by appointment. Please call the Marion Board of Health at 508-748-3530 to schedule a home visit.

Please note: Please wear a short-sleeved shirt to the clinic and remember to bring your insurance cards. Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend! Sponsored by the Marion Board of Health.

Nasketucket Bird Club Meeting

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The Nasketucket Bird Club’s first meeting of the season will be on Thursday, September 27 at 7:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Public Library, 7 Barstow Street.

This meeting is open to all who are interested in South Coast birds, from beginners to advanced birders. We will be discussing summer sightings and planning for the fall and winter field trips. For more information, contact Justin Barrett at 774-207-8515 or jmbarrett426@gmail.com. Check our website for updates: www.massbird.org/Nasketucket.index.htm.