Commending the Highway Department

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I would like to commend the Town of Mattapoisett Highway Department and Engineering Department for their choice of construction companies involved in the drainage and repaving projects on lower North Street and Barstow Street. The work began in mid-May and was completed on September 6. Both construction companies, Gravity Construction & I.W. Harding, were highly professional and genuinely concerned with the welfare of the residents of both streets. The work involved was a massive undertaking and, though sometimes a bit inconvenient for parking, etc., was completed with minimal complications. The end result is obvious in our beautiful new sidewalks, curbs and resurfaced streets. Again, thanks for a job well-planned and beautifully done.

Sincerely,

Patricia W. Cole

The Good at ORR

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To the Editor:

Recent editorials have appeared in The Wanderer, which focus on the alleged failures and shortcomings of the Old Rochester Regional School District. As a group of retired teachers of the Old Rochester Regional High School with over 150 years of teaching invested in the high school, we feel compelled to respond.

Data for the sake of data is ill advised and a waste of time. However, it can be useful for targeting areas of concern and acknowledging areas of strength. Indeed, data supports that Old Rochester is not lowering its standards, but meeting them and even exceeding them in some areas. In 2010, 100 percent of students taking the MCAS state exam passed both the English Language Arts and Science and Technology MCAS exams while 98 percent passed the Mathematics exam. In November of 2011, the College Board named 10 ORR students AP Scholars, having earned a three or better on five Advanced Placement exams. Additionally, the school district was distinguished as one of 367 schools in the nation and Canada for its AP programs, one of 30 cited in the state. These statistics indicate that students of all ability levels are mastering the skills and concepts needed to succeed.

Old Rochester embraces the philosophy that “to teach all students fairly, you have to teach all students differently.” Teachers differentiate instruction by presenting new material in a multi-modal environment, addressing the needs of students with diverse learning styles. Teachers also create a variety of assessment tools allowing and encouraging students to demonstrate their knowledge in different ways.

Old Rochester is one of the few truly inclusive high schools in the state, a result of the collaboration and support of administration, the Special Education Department, classroom teachers, students and parents. Consequently, the majority of Special Need students pass standardized tests, complete graduation requirements and often continue on to higher educational institutions.

There are students, who despite the supports that teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors have put in place, experience the frustration of repeated failure. NovaNet, a computer-based curriculum, is offered to students whose educational needs have not been met in the traditional classroom. Students in danger of failing or dropping out of school are offered the opportunity to complete courses through this program. The courses are not easy to pass; they require work and determination. One recent graduate used this program to become the first in his family to receive a high school diploma. NovaNet also offers students a wide range of courses that are not available at ORR. These include traditional introductory college bound courses as well as advanced placement courses. It is an option that successfully meets the needs of a few students.

The technological world in which we reside is one that requires more and higher education. As a nation, we know that this is fact and that the wide divergence in education across this country must be addressed. In an effort to set minimum educational standards across this nation, standardized tests were developed. They are a fact and they are not going to disappear. The reality is that schools will be judged on AYP and other statistics. Comparison between schools and among states will be made. We cannot escape standardized tests. We have to learn to live with the time that will be invested for the gathering and examination of the data. We may not like it, but “that’s the way it is.”

Good education embraces change. Some of the changes that we (as parents, teachers and administrators) fight the most become very effective learning tools, while others fail and are discarded. It is important that we keep trying new ideas.

There is so much GOOD at Old Rochester. Students are learning skills and mastering concepts. They meet and exceed many state standards. Many matriculate at very competitive colleges and universities. There are always things that we would or should change, or improve. But we should also focus on all of the children who have become responsible, well-educated adults because of the dedication of the teachers, administrators, parents and students of the Old Rochester Regional School District.

Susan Chlebus

Nancy Duggan

Richard Ellis

Claire Flynn

Judith Johnson

Nancy O’Brien

 

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

Friends of the Mattapoisett Library

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Thank you for making August 24 to 25 very special. The Friends of the Mattapoisett Library’s first Jewelry and Accessory sale was just plain fun. How delightful it was to watch so many customers pleased with their finds – from the young girl who came back for the domino pin to the women who took home the black feather evening purse. The money we earned supports the library’s programs, the Children’s Program, the Junior Friends and the many museum passes. We couldn’t have done this without the help of the Friends, the guidance of Director Susan Pizzolato, the kindness of Patty Catoe and the generosity of the many donors who sifted through the jewelry, scarves and purses that made the sale. We are grateful. And, since we’ve heard such good things about the sale, we’ll keep you posted in time for the next one.

Rayna Caplan,

Friends of the Mattapoisett Library

Thank You

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To the Editor:

Just wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude and thanks to everyone for your prayers, comforting words and many acts of kindness given to our family at this very difficult time. A special thank you to friends at the First Congregational Church of Rochester for everything you did to help us after the service. Your hard work is much appreciated. It is easy to understand why Steph so deeply loved her hometown of Rochester and her church family. The staggering pain that comes with losing a loved one has been lessened by the care and compassion you have shown us. Thank you so much.

The family of Stephanie (Lawrence) Meservey

Low Turnout for Ascertainment Hearing

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Only two residents showed up to ask questions for the Ascertainment Hearing at the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen’s regular meeting on Tuesday, September 11 in the Mattapoisett Library. The hearing was held to hear resident’s concerns regarding the upcoming five-year contract that the town will be signing with Comcast regarding cable television access.

Both residents expressed a desire to inquire the possibility of getting basic cable while also getting some cable channels a la carte. They are not interested in paying for the 15 – 20 channels that they do not use.

“Is there any way we can unbundle some of the channels a la carte instead of paying an exorbitant fee?” asked Mattapoisett resident Herb Webb.

There were no Comcast representatives on site to answer questions; however, a stenographer recorded the questions to bring back to the company so they can keep them in mind during contract negotiations. Mattapoisett signed a contract with Comcast in 2008 for five years. In 2013, they will need to renew their contract.

In other news, the Board approved a motocross event to be held on October 28, 2012 at the Mattapoisett Landfill. After a successful event last spring, Bruce Rocha, Jr. is hoping to repeat the event in the fall and potentially again in April 2013.

“It was all positive feedback,” said Selectman Jordan Collyer. “Everybody was pleased. The conditions were good. There was no damage reported.”

The Board also approved a 5K that is tentatively planned for next October. The 3.2-mile race will benefit the Healing Little Hearts Organization. The organization raises money for pediatric cardiac research for the Children’s Hospital in Boston. Kelly Weglowski and her husband Marc started the organization in 2007 when their son Brady was born with a rare heart defect. Kelly will team up with Kathleen McArdle to coordinate the event

“I think it would be great event for the town,” said Weglowski.

Recreation Department Chairman Jeremy Collier met with the Board to give an update on Fall/Winter programs for the town of Mattapoisett. Residents can look forward to adult yoga and cooking classes this coming winter. Also, gymnastics, Irish step dancing, hip-hop dance and Special Olympics will be available for children starting this fall.

“We’ve been very hard at work. We’ve got a refreshed board. We want to know what the town wants,” he said.

Collier also mentioned that the Recreation Department is seeking two members to fill vacancies.

On Sunday, October 14 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, a Scallop Fest will be held in Shipyard Park. A variety of seafood will be available for purchase and entertainment will be provided. All proceeds raised will benefit the Town Tree Lighting.

The Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen will meet again on Tuesday, September 25 at 7:00 pm in Mattapoisett Town Hall.

By Katy Fitzpatrick

EEE Risk Increased to Critical

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The risk for infection of the deadly EEE Virus was increased from High to Critical this week after pools of mosquitoes carrying the illness turned up in both Rochester and Mattapoisett.  The summer of 2012 has brought one of the highest concentrations of harmful mosquitoes to the state in history.

“This is the worst it has been because it’s not only concentrated in our area, but it’s populated throughout the state,” said Marion and Rochester Health Officer Karen Walega. “It’s an historic year for the mosquitoes.”

The first positive sample of EEE mosquitoes turned up on Friday, September 7 in Mattapoisett. The Massachusetts Department of Health sampled several pools of mosquitoes in town when they found mosquitoes carrying the illness. The second positive sample of EEE was found in a horse stable in Rochester on Monday, September 10.

“Having a confirmed horse with EEE really kicks everything up a few notches,” said Walega. “Having EEE in the horse population makes it very easy for it to be transferred to humans.”

EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The illness can affect people of all ages, but those under the age of 15 and over the age of 50 are at the greatest risk.

So far this summer, there have been three human cases of EEE detected. Most recently, a girl under the age of 18 was hospitalized last week and is fighting the illness. A Worcester man in his 70s died from EEE in August.

In order to prevent mosquito bites, residents are urged to stay indoors and curtail all outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours from dusk until dawn. Additionally, strong repellants as well as long pants and sleeves should be worn while outdoors. Any standing water on any property should be drained and all screens should be repaired if there are holes.

The Plymouth County Mosquito Control will be conducting a ground spraying from the hours of 3:00 am to 6:00 am in Rochester and in Mattapoisett on Friday, September 14, weather permitting. Both towns will be sprayed in their entirety, school included.

Residents should continue taking precautions until the first hard frost of the season when a large majority of the mosquitoes will be killed off. That frost usually occurs in late October or early November.

For the latest information on the mosquito situation across the state of Massachusetts, log on to www.mass.gov/dph.

By Katy Fitzpatrick

Solar Array Approved for Lawrence Way

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There was one public hearing scheduled for the first Rochester Planning Board meeting on Tuesday, September 11. Bob Lawrence of 15 Lawrence Way was seeking approval for a modification to a subdivision.

“What Mr. Lawrence would like to do is, in the location where the grass island was supposed to be, he is proposing to put an array of solar panels,” said Planning Board Chairman Arnold Johnson.

There were five conditions placed on the land from a Planning Board decision dating back to the mid-1990s for other proposed work on the site. The array would not be located on the same parcel as Lawrence’s home. The piece of land proposed for the panels, which is less than two acres, is located on a private, unpaved roadway.

“If someone comes in and wants to make a modification of a plan that was previously created, we have to have a discussion about it and figure out if we need to have a modification hearing,” Johnson said.

The previous Planning Board did not approve the construction of a solar panel array. The site of the panels was originally approved to remain a grass circle.

“I don’t want to change anything, I just want to use the grass circle to place the solar array,” said Bob Lawrence.

Planning Board member Gary Florindo said that since the array wasn’t included in the original plans, the Board would need to review whether or not Lawrence needs to have a modification hearing.

“I’m fine with whatever we need to do,” Lawrence said.

“I’m fine with you putting up the solar panels, I just need to make sure we get the paperwork right,” said Johnson.

Town Administrator John Charbonneau suggested that Lawrence apply for approval to have the array be considered to be a minor modification, which would streamline the amount of paperwork and simplify the process for construction of the array. Since the roadway is private and unpaved, it is unlikely major developments would be implemented in the future.

The Planning Board voted in favor of the project, to be considered as a minor modification to the previously approved proposal. The Board also ruled that, should the array come into disrepair or disuse, the panels are to be removed at the landowner’s expense.

In other business, Johnson said that the Rochester Conservation Commission saw conflict with allowing the storage of concrete materials on Cranberry Highway. The Planning Board is waiting for a report from the highway surveyor before issuing a decision.

John Charbonneau noted that TRC Environmental, the company looking to install a 15,000-panel solar array near Little Quittacas Pond, has not provided a solid landscaping plan for the project. He also said that they have not provided a required traffic study in order to determine the vehicular activity of the area before construction begins.

“This has been like pulling teeth with these guys,” Johnson said.

The Planning Board will not approve the solar panel project unless their application is complete.

The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board will be on Tuesday, September 25 at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall.

By Eric Tripoli

Recount Scheduled in Marion

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On Wednesday, September 12, the Marion Board of Selectmen held an emergency meeting to appoint two registrars to conduct a recount from the recent election.  Katrina Saltonstall (Democrat) and Matthew Meyer (Republican) were appointed.  The recount will be held on Friday, September 14 from 12:oo to 5:00 pm.

A recount petition was received in Marion from Raquel MacFarlane, a registered voter in the town of Marion. The petition concerns the Republican Representative in Congress race, which was on the ballot on September 6, 2012. In this race Adam G. Chaprales received 57 votes and Christopher Sheldon received 151 in Marion, which isn’t a very close race, but overall with all the votes counted in the other towns Chaprales lead the race with less than 40 votes of the almost 22,000 votes cast.

School Committee Welcomes New Faces

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The Rochester School Committee met for their first meeting of the 2012-2013 school year on the evening of Monday, September 10 at the Rochester Memorial School. Three weeks into the new school year, the Committee was eager to get back to work.

“It’s an exciting start to the new year,” said School Committee Chairperson Tina Rood. “It’s the third week and things are going very smoothly.”

Three new faces to the school district introduced themselves to the committee: Rochester Memorial School Principal Dr. Moira Rodgers, District Technology Director Ryan McGee and District Facilities Director Gene Jones.

Jones and McGee discussed the implementation of new computer software called “School Dude” that will help all the schools in the district keep track of repairs and inventory of equipment in the classrooms electronically. Instead of teachers and staff tracking down maintenance workers in the hallway, all requests for repairs will be submitted via email, that way the workers can respond in a timely manner in the order that the requests are received.

“It’s going to be a great system,” said Jones.

School Dude won’t be the only new electronic addition in the Rochester School System. Dr. Rodgers introduced the concept of the Backpack Express — an online notification system for parents to get important school notices electronically via email. The program will be optional and is still in development stages.

McGee also discussed the addition of a Technology Integration Specialist — a new position that was created to help teachers integrate technology into their classrooms. The district is currently interviewing candidates for the position.

“We’re going to come through as a team and offer an added layer of support,” said McGee.

Superintendent Doug White announced that the 2012 School Budget ended with a $2,072 surplus from a $5 million budget. The surplus is less than 0.5 percent of the total budget. The surplus, although small in terms of percent, marked a huge accomplishment for the town as it was certain they would end up in a deficit heading into the 2013 Fiscal Year.

“Kudos to everybody,” said White. “I’m very proud.”

The Rochester Memorial School’s Food Budget also saw a large decrease in its deficit thanks to an increase in lunch prices and reimbursement and a decrease in spending. According to District Food Manager Caitlin Meagher, the reimbursements came from an increased number of children enrolling in the reduced lunch program. The school is in a shortfall of $1,275 as compared to the near $14,000 it was facing last year.

“That was a lot of hard work,” said Rood. “You’ve given a great effort.”

The Rochester School Committee will meet again on Thursday, October 4 at 6:30 pm in Rochester Town Hall.

By Katy Fitzpatrick

Gun Scare in Rochester

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On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, the Rochester Police Departments received two reports of a man walking down Hartley Road carrying a gun at approximately 10:39 am.

Rochester Memorial School was notified and put in lock down as a precaution.  Rochester, Marion and Mattapoisett Police all responded and conducted an area search and investigation.

Police found a Hartley Road resident had been walking from the Wildlife and Fisheries reserve on Hartley Road and was carrying a BB gun that he had been target shooting with.

After interviewing the suspect, police determined there was no safety threat to the school or residents.  The lock down at the school was lifted shortly after.