New Rules in the Senior High School

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The start of the school year always brings bustle and a subtle chaos to all involved, especially those in the junior and senior high schools. New classes, new teachers, class meetings and stacks of school paperwork often mark the first week. Teachers must learn new faces and assess their new class populations for the year. Also with the beginning of the year come scheduling problems. Directed more toward the high school, where students choose their courses, the guidance office is always a zoo.

            As of March 2012, a new rule has been implemented concerning course changes. In an attempt to reduce the disarray the guidance department experiences early in the year, students are not allowed to add, drop or substitute classes. Unless is it an approved level change (dropping down from Honors-level to A-level), students are fixed in the classes and electives they chose for themselves the previous year.

For students, this means that even if you have an elective you really dislike, or a certain class you would rather take the next year, you are pretty much frozen where you are. For teachers, this means that there will be much less shifting your rosters and seating plans around. For guidance, this will mean much less volume of students flooding to their counselors, allowing them to spend more time for their other obligations.

Also concerning scheduling is the new enforcement of study halls. Unless students are taking AP courses, they are not allowed to have more than one study hall per semester, in the hope of pushing students to fill that extra block with another class to further their education.

A third amendment to the rules of scheduling classes is the induction of “auditing” courses. This will generally benefit two types of students, the first being those who want to drop a class but do not have the approval of guidance for the change. This means you can tough it out in the class or perform an “audit.” In an audit, you go to the class as normal but do not receive a number or letter grade for the work you do; you will have an “audit” written on your transcript for that class. This way, should you fall behind on a certain part of the class or fail a test, it does not affect your GPA but you are still obtaining the intellectual benefits of taking the class.

The other type of students that will benefit from auditing are those who want to take a class to enrich their minds or just to learn a little on the subject without the pressure of a definitive grade at the end of the class.

These new rules will hopefully instill better planning on the part of the students and ensure a less hectic beginning of the year for the guidance department and the teachers of the high school.

By Jess Correia

Wilhelmsen Completes Daunting Ironman

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Running a marathon is no easy feat. Tack on a 112-mile bike ride and 2.4-mile swim and most people would call it impossible. But for the few gifted athletes who are able to complete all three, there is the Ironman competition, an event in which Mattapoisett native Shane Wilhelmsen competed on August 19 in Mont Tremblant, Canada.

“I felt very satisfied and relieved,” said Wilhelmsen about completing the Ironman. “I had a very big feeling of accomplishment.”

Wilhelmsen began running in 2009 when he trained for his first 5K with some co-workers. After realizing how much he loved running, he graduated to triathlons and marathons before trying his first half-Ironman competition.

“I never thought I would do anything like this,” he said. “I was never big into running or anything. I biked back in middle school just to get around here and there but never competitively. I did very little running in high school.”

Wilhelmsen has come a long way since his days at Old Rochester Regional High School, where he graduated in 1997. He began preparation for the Ironman competition in February, following an intense 26-week workout regimen and dedicating 10 – 15 hours per week to his exercise. Even with all the training, there’s no doubting the difficulty of the competition.

“The hardest part for me is the bike ride, but I go back and forth with that and swimming,” said Wilhelmsen. “At the start, they fire off a cannon and 2,300 people run into the water at the same time. That is kind of daunting and you have to be prepared for a lot of contact swimming.”

After the race, it took Wilhelmsen nearly two weeks to fully recover. He took the week following the competition off to relax and let his body mend, but he’s back on the pavement running to prepare for a marathon in October. He has his sights on qualifying for the 2013 Boston Marathon in April.

Wilhelmsen is proof that you can do anything you put your mind to, even without an extensive athletic background. He has plenty of advice for those looking to challenge themselves physically.

“Start small and see where you can go,” he said. “After I did the half-Ironman a couple summers ago, I was completely wiped and I was lying down on the grass. After a few minutes I started recovering a little bit and I felt like I could do more.”

By Katy Fitzpatrick

Solar Task Force Coming to Fruition

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The Marion Planning Board and Energy Management Committee voted in favor of creating a Solar Task Force that would discuss matters pertinent to the possible solar panel farms coming to Marion in the near future. The task force was recommended at the Planning Board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, September 4 in the Marion Town House.

The task force will be comprised of two members from both groups. From the Planning Board, Ted North and Sherman Briggs agreed to assume the roles. The Energy Management Committee will discuss potential representatives and appoint them at a later date.

A proposed solar panel farm is in the works in Marion, and according to the Planning Board, the Marion Transfer Station is the most logical and likely place it will be constructed. The farm would be approximately 2 – 2.5 acres in size. The Planning Board worries, however, because there are no bylaws or regulations in place for solar farms.

“It would be a benefit for our town to get some design standards and put them in the bylaws,” said North.

North believes that there should be rules and regulations for residences wishing to use solar panels on their homes. There are two types of installations: pole mounted and ground.  Panels can also be flat or angular. Regulations would keep the town consistent with their panels.

In order for the bylaws to be established, the landfill’s zoning status would have to be changed from a residential status to a light industrial status. Zoning statuses can only be changed at Town Meeting. Both committees were torn in rushing to get the proposal drafted before the Fall Town Meeting or waiting to get more information on the project and inform the public.

While the majority of both committees believe the landfill is the perfect location for the project, it is still facing opposition from a few members.

“Why would you pick an environmentally unfriendly setting to build a solar farm on?” asked North.

Both committees agreed more information was necessary before they could decide whether or not the plan would be ready to bring to Town Meeting this fall.

“None of us have enough information,” said Planning Board Member Thomas Magauran. “Until we have a real project, we shouldn’t make a decision.”

The Marion Planning Board will meet again on Monday, September 17 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Town House.

By Katy Fitzpatrick

Marion Considers Town Energy Improvement

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The Marion Energy Management Committee met with the Board of Selectmen to discuss a series of improvements to lighting and energy systems for various town buildings. The two groups met at the Selectmen’s regular meeting on Tuesday, September 4 in the Marion Town House.

The Energy Management Committee presented a report after NSTAR conducted an energy audit examining where the town could save money by improving lighting and energy systems at town facilities. The facilities that were audited include the Town House, Fire Department, Police Department, DPW, Waste Water Treatment Plant, Music Hall, Taber Library, Harbormaster’s building and Sippican School. The Police Department was excluded from any of the upgrades since it is a new facility.

Based on the assessment, the Energy Management Committee made three recommendations for upgrades to the facilities. The first would replace all lights and sensors in all of the facilities with the exception of the Town House. The new lights would cost $169,000 and could save the town up to $65,000 annually.

The second recommendation is to replace the insulation and boiler controls in the Fire Department. The cost of the project is $7,000 with a payback period of seven years. Making the change could save the town $1,000 annually.

The final recommendation is to replace the boilers in the Music Hall and Library. With a payback period of ten years and a project cost of $44,000, the improvement could yield up to $3,000 per year in savings.

No decisions were made with the three proposed recommendations. The Energy Management Committee will be providing more specific details as they become available from NSTAR.

The Board approved a Pavement Management Program that would examine every road in the town. CDM Smith, an engineering firm, will look at the roads and make recommendations for improvements. The project has been approved as a Chapter 90 project by Mass Highway and will be paid for by Chapter 90 funding.

“We need to wrap our arms around the roads in this town because clearly they are not self-healing,” said Selectman John Henry.

Town Administrator Paul Dawson updated the Board of Selectmen on the status of the Sprague Cove situation. Dawson said they obtained all of the necessary documents from the company who performed the maintenance on Sprague Cove to rid it of invasive plant species. By securing the documents, the town was able to put plans in motion to pay for the project.

Friends of Silvershell Beach offered to donate $12,000 to the town to pay for the maintenance work that was completed. Additionally, they will pay for the herbicides for the first year of a three-year maintenance plan while a more permanent solution is drafted.

“Things are on the straight and narrow,” said Dawson about the status of the situation.

Dawson also updated the Board on the status of the Marion General Store parking lot by saying he went and visited the lot to check out the lines. He said the lines were not visible and it was definitely time to repaint them. He is currently in the process of pricing out the project with a contractor and should have a price by the next meeting.

The Board of Selectmen will meet again on Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Town House.

By Katy Fitzpatrick

Con Com OKs Solar Array

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The Rochester Conservation Commission met for their first September meeting on Tuesday, September 4. The first hearing, which was continued from August, was in regards to a Notice of Intent filed by Robert Ferreira of Infinity Landscape Construction Company on behalf of Kurt Noyce. Ferreira is seeking approval for regrading and excavation associated to the construction of an in-ground pool and cabana for property at 38 Gerrish Road. The project would take place within a 100-foot wetland buffer zone.

“We’re proposing a buffer zone project that involves the construction of a pool, a concrete apron around the pool and a cabana [to be used as storage],” said Kevin Forgue of G.A.F. Engineering.

In addition, a chain-link fence is proposed that would run parallel to a nearby wetland area. The project would also require a staging area for building materials.

“There is an existing gravel driveway that goes down to the site where the pool is proposed. If there is any stockpiling of materials, that’s where it would be,” he said.

Forgue said that the location of the cabana has been moved further away from the wetland border, per the request of Rochester conservation agent Laurell Farinon.

The Commission voted in favor of the project, pending a standard order of conditions.

The Commission then heard from engineer Rick Charon on behalf of James Welch and Marguerite Zandrowicz regarding an amended order of conditions for property at 357 Neck Road. The amended order would include the replacement of an existing porch with a new deck, as well as renovations to the cottage on the property.

While the Commission was largely in favor of the project, Farinon requested that erosion control measures be added to the project.

The Commission then voted in favor of the plan.

The Conservation Commission then held a public meeting, continued from August 21, regarding a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by the City of New Bedford for property on North Avenue. The City would like to install a 15,000-panel solar array on 28.5 acres near Little Quittacas Pond. The project would be completed in conjunction with Con Ed Solutions and the Real Goods Solar Company.

The project, which would be built on land owned by the City of New Bedford, would generate electricity to be used by the New Bedford municipal water department. No electricity would be sold by the city.

The project has been met with a lot of questions and concerns from the community, though there were few residents present for this meeting. The current proposal reflects a reduction in the size of the project and includes a redesigned drainage plan that would relegate all precipitation on the site.

Sam Moffett of TRC Environmental was back before the Commission to answer more questions. Moffett had spoken to the Commission two weeks ago and has met with the Planning Board.

“I have little to add to my presentation from our meeting two weeks ago,” Moffett said.

Commission member Laurene Gerrior asked who would be in charge of maintenance of the site.

“The City of New Bedford would lease the land to Con Ed Solutions, who would maintain the array,” Moffett said.

“I’ve been out to the site a couple times to review the wetland delineation. As you can see from the plans, the City has deliberately kept the majority of the work away from the wetlands,” said Farinon.

She said that she found no significant conflict regarding encroachment of the wetlands due to the construction of the array.

The Conservation Commission voted in favor of the solar project.

The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission will be on Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall.

By Eric Tripoli

Dead Seal Prompts Close of Mattapoisett Beach

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A dead seal washed up on the Mattapoisett Public Beach Tuesday morning, causing the town to close the beach until Wednesday.

“[Selectmen Chairman] Jordan Collyer requested that we close the beaches until Wednesday.  It’s just for precautionary measures,” said Mel Pacheco, assistant to the Town Administrator.  “Everything will be removed in the morning.”

According to Mattapoisett Natural Resources officer, Kathleen Massey, a neighbor living near the beach spotted the carcass around 10:00 am Tuesday morning and called the police.

The animal had been dead for a long time, but there was no clear indication as to the cause of death, whether from a boat or natural predator.  The seal was missing its head, parts of its flippers, and several pieces from the torso.  She estimated its weight at about 200 pounds.

“I can’t guess what happened.  I’ve seen seals with big chunks taken out of them before.  I even saw one with a spear sticking out of its side,” Massey said.

While it’s not atypical of a dead seal to wash up on a local beach, it isn’t a regular occurrence.  Colonies of harp and harbor seals beach themselves in several locations around the South Coast, but Massey wasn’t sure which specific species washed up on shore Tuesday.

“I’ve never seen one that looks like a leopard with spots all over it,” Massey said. She also said that she was unable to determine where the seal came from.

The Mattapoisett Public Beach will re-open on Wednesday, September 5.

By Eric Tripoli

Rochester Police Department to Hold Child Seat Check

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On Friday, September 14, the Rochester Police Department will be conducting a child seat check up event at Plumb Corner Plaza in the center of Rochester.   The purpose of the event is to educate parents on proper installation of their existing child car seat. We will show parents the proper way to install the seat and make sure the child is in the seat correctly. We will also make sure that the seat is up to date and safe.

New seats will be available to those who currently have seats that are out of date or that are deemed unsafe. The check up event will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. We invite you to come out for this free event.

Questions can be directed to Officer Robert Nordahl at 508-763-5112 extension 162 or by email at rnordahl@townofrochester.com

Patricia R. (Rebello) Roach

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Patricia R. (Rebello) Roach, 71, of Mattapoisett died August 31, 2012 at Alden Court Nursing Home.

She was the wife of the late Benjamin B. Roach.

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Albert A. and Ruth C. (Holmes) Rebello, she lived in Mattapoisett all of her life.

She was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett.

Survivors include 2 sisters, Nancy Vickery and her husband Richard of Marion and Ruth Rebello of Mattapoisett; her good friend, Judy Anthony of Mattapoisett; and nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 8th at 9 AM in St. Anthony’s Church. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett. For on-line guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett.

Mattapoisett Shares Rich Shipbuilding History

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Mattapoisett Historical Society President Seth Mendell held a lecture on Sunday, September 2, where he educated local residents on the rich shipbuilding and whaling history of the town.  The event was held in Shipyard Park overlooking the water on a picturesque evening.  Photos by Deb Burdock.

 

Joseph A. Smith

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Joseph A. Smith formerly of Rochester, MA. passed away on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at New Bedford Health Care Center, surrounded by family.

Born in Acushnet, a son of Alexander J. and Marjorie (Alexander) Smith. He was raised in Rochester and resided in New Bedford.

Surviving is his mother Marjorie (Alexander) Smith of New Bedford, his daughters SueAnn Lebeau of New Bedford and Alycia Smith of Florida and a son Joseph Smith II of New Bedford. Sisters, Cecelia (Smith) Hall, husband Rick of Rochester, Eleanor(Smith) Galligan of New Bedford, Marjoire (Smith) Higginbothem of Acushnet and Laura (Smith) Lebeau of Fall River. Several grandchildren, nieces and nephews in MA, FL,TN,CA,VA, & NC.

He was employed by A.J. Smith Cesspool Service of Rochester and Burr Brothers Boat Yard of Marion.

Cremation by Rock Funeral Home. Private graveside service at a future date.