Mary Margaret (Sullivan) Chadwick

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Mary Margaret (Sullivan) Chadwick of Mattapoisett died peacefully on June 29, 2012 after a period of declining health with her family by her side.

She was married to the late Howard C. Chadwick, Jr. with whom she shared 50 years of marriage.

Mary was the daughter of the late Dennis and Margaret (Coady) Sullivan.

She was born and educated in Fall River and was a graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School and F.G. Allen Secretarial School.

Mary worked as a medical secretary and later as a registered X-ray technician at Union Hospital in Fall River. She was a communicant at St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett and was a member of the parish Women’s Guild.

She enjoyed life at the beach, boating, swimming and all of the summer-time joys of living on the waterfront. Mary was an accomplished cook, always willing to prepare stuffed quahogs, chowder or casseroles when presented with a bounty from Buzzards Bay.

After raising her family, she was involved with the Women’s Propeller Club and enjoyed traveling with her husband to foreign ports including Ireland, England and the Caribbean.

She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Mary Elizabeth Beal and her husband Peter of Newtown, CT and Anne Chadwick Asci and her husband William Asci of Mattapoisett and a son, Howard C. Chadwick III of Mattapoisett; six grandchildren, Peter, Samuel and Michael Asci, all of Mattapoisett and John, Caroline and Christopher Beal, all of Newtown, CT; a brother, Edward J. McGinn of Westport; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late John D. Sullivan and Anne M. Donald.

Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend whose many kindnesses to others set a matchless example for her family to follow. Our sadness and sorrow over her loss will be replaced by precious memories of her life.

Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett Tuesday, July 3rd at 9 AM. Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Visiting hours Monday, July 2nd from 4-8 PM. For full obituary, directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Homecoming in Fairhaven

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This weekend marks the town-wide homecoming celebration in Fairhaven.  On Saturday, June 28, residents enjoyed the annual Homecoming Fair, held in the streets around the Unitarian Memorial Church.  Local businesses, civic groups, and public services lined up and down the road to meet with the public and celebrate the return of friends, family and

Mattapoisett and Fairhaven share many historical bonds.  Students from both towns attended Fairhaven High School together until Old Rochester Regional High School was built in 1961.

“I come every year.  It’s a wonderful craft show.  You see people you haven’t seen in a while,” said Fairhaven resident Denise Hunt.

She was joined by Lynn Novinger, who had never attended the fair before.  “I like being out, listening to the music, watching the people.  I really like the woodworking displays,” she said.

Crafts and woodworking were only the beginning.  Over 160 vendors signed up to participate this year, offering all sorts of goods from jewelry, baby clothes, ceramics, body products, and wine chimes, which are exactly what you are imagining them to be.

The Homecoming Fair is a long-standing tradition for the town, dating back about 140 years.  It has been organized by the Fairhaven Improvement Association since the 1960s.  “It’s a weekend for everyone to come home,” said Angela Dawicki, co-organizer of the fair.

“It’s a great family atmosphere, it’s very safe, very clean.  And this part of town is so Norman Rockwellish,” she said.

The fair is so extensive, that the 30-member FIA has enlisted the help of local students, who volunteer to help venders unload their vehicles, set up their booths, and direct parking.

“This year, we have almost two dozen volunteers.  We’ve run the program for three years and they make things so much quicker and easier,” said Dawicki.

Fairhaven continues its bicentennial celebration on Sunday, July 1, with a firemen’s parade followed by a muster at Livesey Park.  They will also be holding a classic car cruise on Wednesday,July 4, at Fort Phoenix.

By Eric Tripoli

Strike Up The Band!

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On Monday, July 2, 2012, the Marion Concert Band will hold its first show of the 2012 summer season.  The band, which is in its 134th year, will have nine concerts total this year.

Tobias Monte, the ensemble’s conductor and musical director has quite a storied history with the group, himself.  He played trumpet in the band when he was in high school in 1974.  By 1985, he was leading the band and has been at the helm ever since.

“I’ve known most of the people in the group for years and years.  They all come from far and wide to play here because it’s a good group. It’s fun and relaxing,” Monte said.

The concert band is made up of about 40 musicians from students and teachers, amateurs and professionals.  While most are from the greater New Bedford area, some come from as far away as Brockton, Seekonk, and Somerset.  The summer concert series is a long-standing tradition in Marion.

Each week will feature a different theme.  The lead off concert will be comprised of all patriotic music, to commemorate Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4.  “We do a classic band-style concerts similar to what John Philip Sousa would have done,” said Monte.  The programs will consist of about 12 pieces each, so this season they will have learned over 100 pieces of music.  Not bad, considering they only rehearse about four times each season.  “We have some very talented musicians who play with us,” Monte said.

He likes to shine the spotlight on many of musicians in the process, showcasing the different sounds and talents of his musicians.  “This summer we will be featuring a recent high school grad playing solo bassoon for a Mozart concerto.  We will also have a flute trio featured sometime during the season,” said Monte.

Some other themes Monte has chosen for the season include film and TV music, Broadway hits, children’s music, Latin music, and American pop.  Under Monte’s direction, they have tackled music by Wagner, Shostakovich, and Percy Grainger.  This year, the band is taking on a medley from “West Side Story” by Leonard Bernstein.

The free summer shows by the Marion Concert will be held every Monday evening during the summer from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

By Eric Tripoli

Susan L. Smith

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Susan L. Smith, 91, Of Mattapoisett Mass. Passed away on May 31, 2012. After a long illness.

She was a well respected and accomplished tennis player and was a member of the Mattapoisett Casino until late in her life. She also loved sailing and photography. She grew up on Beacon Hill in Boston Mass,  and summered in Mattapoisett until she moved here to Mattapoisett permanently after she married her late husband George Watson Hall Smith Jr. of Narragansett RI on Dec 7th 1940. She  was schooled at Beaver Country Day school in Chestnut Hill Boston. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years and in later years she worked for Allen C. Haskell and developed into a great gardener. She loved all things natural, great and small. She was well loved by all who knew her for her sense of humor,  kind nature and her great stories! She will be missed.

She was pre-deceased by her brothers, Thomas Plummer and Johnny Plummer.  She is survived by her sister Alice Davis and all 5 of her children, George W. H. Smith III ( Robin) , Lawri Wason, Kitty Smith, Ollie Smith and Martha Smith. And her eleven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

Services will be held privately.  Donations may be made in her memory to the William E. Mee Youth Sailing Program of Mattapoisett

 

Mosquito Safety Awareness

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Summer in the Tri-Town means a lot of things: games of Frisbee, hours spent gardening, hammocks, cookouts, and countless other outdoor activities.  While fun may be the first thing that comes to your mind as the common bond among all of these pastimes, it must not forgotten that mosquitoes are guaranteed to be joining us wherever we go, whatever we do.

On Thursday, June 28, Daniel Daly, community liaison of the Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project held an information session at the Rochester Senior Center, and spoke about the work he does and how people can protect themselves from potentially deadly diseases.

There are around 50 different species of mosquitoes in Plymouth County.  “But most aren’t interested in biting mammals,” Daly said.

He and his colleagues, among many things,  work to identify mosquito breeding grounds, educate the public on safety precautions, and attempt to eliminate mosquito-based threats in the communities of Plymouth County.

“Everything we do revolves around the life cycle of mosquitoes.  If we have rain, we know we have five to seven days to react,” said Daly.

While bug zappers and swatters have their places on our decks and in our kitchens, the best preventative measures can be taken before young mosquitoes take flight.  “The ideal time is while they are in larval stage because they are so concentrated,” he said.

These days, there are two diseases that scientists are most concerned with: West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE or Triple E).  The latter was first identified in 1938 in Massachusetts and over 60% of the fewer than 100 or so reported cases in that time have been in Plymouth and Norfolk counties.  There is no treatment for either ailment, with young children and older adults being among the highest risk demographics.

 Daly recommends people follow the Three D’s of mosquito prevention.

  • Drain.  Mosquito larva develops in pools of stagnant water in about a week.  By removing anything capable of collecting excess water from around your home, you help mitigate the number of mosquitoes in your neighborhood.  This includes open trash barrels, loose tarps, and tires.
  • Dress.  When possible, dress in long sleeves, pants, and hats to reduce the amount of exposed skin available to mosquitoes.  The bloodsuckers are attracted to darker colors and human body odor, so make sure you and your clothes are clean.
  • Defend.  Using bug repellant is an excellent way to keep mosquitoes off.  Daly recommends DEET, but if you prefer more natural solutions, try oil of lemon eucalyptus.

 You can visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health or the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources for more information.

By Eric Tripoli

Mattapoisett Museum Opens Summer Exhibit

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The Mattapoisett Historical Society unveiled its new summer exhibit on Thursday, June 28.  “Mattapoisett: A Place of Rest,” is a display that focuses on the historical working and leisure classes of the town.

“It starts with information on the Native Americans, who were here 1000 years or more before the white man,” said Historical Society president Seth Mendell.

From there, the display features objects from the town’s ship building days, including a miniature model of a seaweed fort, which were constructed as hidden protection against enemies who may be approaching from the ocean.

“For a long time, the British navy was trying to destroy the shipyards of Mattapoisett,” Mendell said.  There are several antique tools and model ships on display in the museum, including a replica of the final whaling ship constructed in Mattapoisett, The Wanderer.

Part of the exhibit is dedicated to the beach communities that helped build Mattapoisett’s reputation as a vacation spot.  Old photographs and period bathing suits constitute part of the display, as well as histories on local hangouts like Pico Beach and Grand Beach.  Other artifacts include old furniture and beach accessories, like ladies’ fans.

The final part of the display commemorates modern-day Mattapoisett by highlighting some of the trendy activities of today’s outdoor enthusiasts.  “Of course, we wind surf today, so we have a board here.  And the harbor is always full of sailing cruisers when it’s nice out,” Mendell said.

The exhibit at the Mattapoisett Historical Museum on Church Street runs until August 30, 2012.  The museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and viewings are held by appointment only.

By Eric Tripoli

Bay Watch 40B Gets the Green Light

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It took 11 years for Bay Watch Realty to snag the approval needed to pursue its long-contentious 40B affordable housing project off Route 105. However, the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals’ final decision at its Thursday, June 28 meeting clocked under five minutes – an anticlimactic ending to a long journey.

“It was really in 25 words or less that we solved the final issues,” Marion ZBA Chairman Robert Wedge said that night.

The final matter that needed attention was easement language to allow emergency access way to the proposed site through abutter Sherman Briggs’ property. After some delay, Briggs signed off on the language, allowing the project to proceed.

The Briggs property, and the entryway situated behind The Wave Restaurant, will be the two access points to the 40B, Wedge said. The issue of ingress/egress on the proposed bike path “is still up in the air,” he added.

But these final issues were just a small part of Bay Watch’s decade-long effort to build an affordable housing project in Marion.

When its quest to construct 40B housing complex began, the developer proposed a 192-unit 40B project, and received an approval conditioned that it did not exceed 96 units. Bay Watch appealed that decision, and since then many court battles have occurred between the town and developer over various manifestations of the project – with the courts favoring Bay Watch Realty.

However, Bay Watch Realty’s proposal last fall to scale the project down to 96 units and its willingness to set aside 12 acres for conservation – purchased by the Sippican Lands Trust thanks to $300,000 in Community Preservation Funds– helped create a mood of cooperation that sealed the deal. The project includes 96 units: 60 rentals in two large apartment buildings and 36 single family homes.

It took six months for the Marion ZBA to OK the revised project – as issues regarding emergency access, the safety of the 75-foot proposed wooden bridge that traverses wetlands to the project, and general engineering questions all came up.

Most importantly, how Bay Watch wanted to break up affordable and market rate units raised issues. Bay Watch originally asked to put 100 percent of the 60 rentals as affordable, with the developer to sell 36 residences at market rate. In general affordable housing projects allocate 25 percent of units as affordable across the board, thus both Marion Selectmen and the board were reluctant to agree to such a scenario.

In the end, an agreement was reached to designate 100 percent of the 60 rentals as affordable – with all but six of the single-family homes to be sold at market value. Two of the six homes will be affordable, two will be sold at 120 percent of the town’s median income, and two of the lots would be available for purchase by the town for $125,000 apiece.

Wedge expressed some relief that the long case has finally drawn to a close.

“I’ve been involved all 11 years, so I’m glad it’s done,” he said.

In another matter that night, the ZBA approved applicant Frederic Rosiak’s request to replace the front porch and carport on his property at 294 Front St.

Rosiak originally presented his application to the board on May 17, and again on June 14, but they needed plans from a certified engineer to proceed.

The final decision allowed the porch, but only if it follows the existing line of the house. The plans before the board that night had some points of encroachment not presented before.

At a previous hearing, Wedge said Police Chief Lincoln Miller requested the removal of a tree on the property due to visibility concerns – with Rosiak strongly objecting and offering to prune it. In the final decision, the board agreed to preserve the tree if he cuts it back two feet from its current growth and maintains it that way.

By Laura Fedak Pedulli

 

Marion Art Center Summer Musical

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The Marion Art Center is now accepting reservations for its summer musical:  “I Love You You’re Perfect, Now Change!” This is an augmented version of last summer’s hit musical brought back by popular demand. If you missed it last summer, now’s your chance! The Show opens on Friday, July 27 with performances on Saturday, July 28, Thursday, August 2, Friday, August 3 and Saturday, August 4.  All shows are at 7:30 pm.

With book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music by Jimmy Roberts this revue style musical is a satirical serenade to the dating world. During a series of fun-filled and humorous vignettes interspersed with songs, all the aspects of love and relationships are explored. The dancing, acting, and singing will inspire audiences to reflect, laugh and perhaps cry a bit, but overall this show is a feel good evening of fun! The show can be upbeat as in “He Called Me” but can be quite sentimental as in “I Will Be Loved Tonight,” or sarcastic as in “Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride”.

The show features the Marion Art Center Players: Sheila Furtado, Mary and Brad Cardwell, Nicole Schaub, Ric and Kim Teves, and Holly and John Ashley. Michael Amaral is directing, doing scenic design, stage direction, and selected choreography. The stellar cast will be under the musical direction of the talented Nancy Sparklin.

Tickets are $12.50 for Marion Art Center members and $15 for general admission. Tables are available for reserved parties of four or more. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 508-748-1266.

2012 Keel Award Winners

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            The Wanderer is once again pleased to announce the 2012 recipients of our nineteenth annual “Wanderer Keel Awards.” This annual community service honor is presented to one resident from each town: Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester. It is given to those who have contributed in some way to the overall benefit of the community, either directly to town residents, or indirectly through efforts in promoting town activities, or working to keep the wheels of local government well-oiled.

In doing this each year, we hope to applaud those who are rarely recognized for their countless hours of service and focus on the many people “behind the scenes” who remain otherwise anonymous but provide crucial support to many town functions. Like the keel of a ship, which keeps the vessel from capsizing, the recipients of the Annual Wanderer Keel Award are recognized for their stalwart efforts in keeping their respective community on an “even keel.” We hope you will join us in congratulating this year’s recipients and celebrate their contributions to the Tri-Town communities.

• Mattapoisett Keel Award 2012 – 

Howard C. Tinkham, during his lifetime, has played a large role in the community of Mattapoisett.  In his youth, he and his family harvested timber, ran a sawmill, raised vegetable crops and built a cranberry bog. During the 1960’s, Howard served on the Finance Committee and on the Planning Board.

In 2008, Howard donated the land with rights of way that now comprise the Mattapoisett River Valley Treatment Plant. Earlier, he granted the use of the land to the Boy Scout Troop #53 for what is known as “Camp Tinkham.” He has been a steward of the lands and water resources in the Mattapoisett Village area known as Tinkham Town.

In 2008, he received citations from the Governor, the State Legislature and the Board of Selectmen for his contributions to the Water District and his stewardship of the land.

Each year since 1949, Howard has overseen the activities of the Tinkham Town Chapel, the Tinkham Town Helping Hand Society Meeting House and the Ellis Cemetery. Annually, he has stocked the wood fire stove, lit the kerosene lamps, maintained the foot pump organ and seen to the maintenance of the two buildings, all for the use of the community.

These days, he still checks up on the Water Department and the Highway Department, keeps the Chapel and Meeting House going and manages to mow his hayfield, produce a garden of asparagus, beans, cabbage, squash and tomatoes. In addition, he continues to monitor the operation of a three-acre cranberry bog.

Howard C. Tinkham joins other past Mattapoisett Keel Award Winners: Maurice “Mudgie” Tavares (1994); Priscilla Alden Hathaway (1995); Norma Holt (1996); Gale Hudson (1997); Kenneth Stickney (1998); Clara Morgan (1999); Betty and Bert Theriault (2000); John N. “Jack” DeCosta (2001); Jo Pannell (2002); Stan Ellis (2003); Evelyn Pursley (2004); Luice Moncevitch (2005); Seth Mendell (2006); Bradford A. Hathaway (2007); Kim Field (2008), Dr. David Spencer Jenny (2009), Stephen L. Kelleher (2010), Bento Martin (2011)

• Marion Keel Award 2012 –

Nancy Braitmayer served as the President of the League of Women Voters for nearly a decade before turning over the reigns to Chris Eastman earlier this year. During her time, she was instrumental in the publishing of the Blue Book, the league’s biggest fundraiser and an important resource for the Tri-Town. She also coordinated several political forums in order to further the Tri-Town’s education on politics. She still volunteers her time to the League of Women Voters.

Nancy and her husband John are avid volunteers for both the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the New Bedford Symphony. They have established their own charity, the Braitmayer Foundation, which provides grants to help make changes in local schools. She also helped to establish the volunteer program in the Sippican School.

Described by her friends as competent, capable and willing, Braitmayer is a community-oriented woman who is willing to help out wherever necessary.

Nancy Braitmayer joins other past Marion Keel Award Winners: Claire Russell (1994); Ralph and Phyllis Washburn (1995); Annie Giberti (1996); Jay Crowley (1997); Tyler Blethen (1998); Olive E. Harris (1999, posthumously); Kathleen P. “Kay” Reis (2000); Loretta B. “Lori” Schaefer (2001); Ann and Warren Washburn (2002); Andrew Santos Sr. (2003); Eunice Manduca (2004); Annie Giberti (2005); A. Lee Hayes (2006); Horace “Hod” Kenney (2007); Margie Baldwin (2008), Jack Beck (2009), Dr. John Russell (2010), Jane McCarthy (2011)

• Rochester Keel Award 2012 –

A lifelong resident of Rochester, Thomas Gayoski Jr. worked at the helm of the tax department as Tax Collector for 42 years before retiring in 2011. His service to the town of Rochester as Tax Collector is the longest in the state of Massachusetts.

In 2004, Rochester had 100% collection in real estate taxes thanks to Gayoski, making it the only town in Massachusetts to do so that year. Gayoski is known by all town officials and keeps its best interest in mind. He will address issues to Selectmen and other committees without hesitation.

An avid cranberry farmer, Gayoski is always on top of his harvest, making sure everything is taken care of in the middle of the night.

Also known as a dear friend, Gayoski is known for dropping in and checking in on his friends when they need him. In addition to working as Tax Collector, Gayoski has been very involved with various youth and adult sports programs such as hockey and softball, where he volunteered as both a coach and an umpire. He has also been a participant in the annual Rochester Boat Race.

Thomas Gayoski Jr. joins other past Rochester Keel Award Winners: Joseph McCarthy (1994); Jean Fennell (1995); Katherine Hartley Church (1996); Chris Byron (1997); Albert Alderson (1998); Arthur and Aline Lionberger (1999); Kenneth E. Daggett (2000); Georgia D. Chamberlain (2001); Mary P. Wynne (2002); Evelyn F. Benner (2003); Mike Meunier Sr. (2004); Arthur F. Benner (2005); Pamela J. Robinson (2006); Anna E. White (2007); John E. Lafreniere (2008), Cathy Mendoza (2009), Kate Tartleton (2010), John Cobb (2011).

Edited by Katy Fitzpatrick

Washburn Park Road Getting a Makeover

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The Marion Conservation Commission met on Wednesday night. The Commission voted to approve an Request of Determination of Applicability to improve a dirt roadway at Washburn Park Road by adding a layer of road scrapings.

“Washburn Park is one of those little gems in town and we really want to take care of it,” said Jonathan Dickerson of the Marion Recreation Department, which applied for the RDA.

Next, the Commission heard from Bob Rogers of Tibbetts Engineering, regarding an RDA to construct some additions to the property on 90 Moorings Road.

“Within the garden property on an existing foundation, they’d like to put a shed. And over by the guest house they would like a small, paved basketball court,” Rogers said.

The court would be far smaller than a regulation court, with the furthest distance from the basket equivalent to that of a three-point line.  The Commission voted in favor of the RDA, with the condition that the shed be anchored because it lies in a velocity zone.

The Commission also heard from Alan Harris, on behalf of the Sippican Land Trust, regarding an RDA to maintain the stonewall, remove knotweed, and plant native species on Front Street at Holmes Brook.  The plan is to remove the majority of the plants with a weed whacker and then dig out the root systems of the invasive species.

“I can tell you from experience it’s not going to be easy to get those roots out,” warned Norman Hills, the Commission’s Clerk.

The wall maintenance would be minimal, as it was redone only a few years ago.  “But sometimes stones fall off and need to be replaced,” said Harris.  They voted to approve the RDA.

The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission will be on Wednesday, July 11, at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.

By Eric Tripoli