Center School Clock To Ring in Summer

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Residents of Mattapoisett Village soon will measure the day again through the chimes of the Center School Clock. At the Mattapoisett School Committee meeting on Monday, June 11, Ray Andrews reported that the installation of the renovated Seth Thomas 1898 Clock is slated for June 28 – and he proposed to ring the bells for the first time at a public debut event on the following Saturday on June 30.

The efforts to restore the clock are long running. It took more than one year for Andrews to secure the necessary funds – including $27,482 in private fundraising. The town authorized $51,500 for the clock’s restoration at last month’s annual town meeting.

“It’s the first time in 114 years that we’ll see the clock in operation,” said Andrews of the clock mechanisms, which will be viewable from the music room. The clock’s bells will ring from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm and go silent between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am. Andrews said that the Mattapoisett Congressional Church agreed to silence their carillon bells at all times except noon and 6:00 pm.

The $10,000 in funds obtained from the Community Preservation Committee will be set aside exclusively for care and maintenance of the dial face and gears, he said. The revolving fund, managed through Town Administrator Michael Gagne’s office, would ensure the clock’s upkeep, and assist with the anticipated cost to repaint the clock.

The account requires authorization at the Special Town Meeting in the fall. Andrews envisions representatives from the Select Board, Historical Commission, and School Committee overseeing access to the account.

“It’s in the school, but it’s a town responsibility to maintain it… One of most important things is take the responsibility away from school committee,” Andrews said of the clock.

As the Center School Clock will ring in the summer, the committee voted in Jim Higgins to lead the committee next year as Chairman. He is replacing Gracinda Knox, who has served for four years as Chair.  The committee also welcomed newcomer Jim Muse to the table.

Also that evening, Old Hammondtown Student Adjustment Counselor Laura Courage shared with the committee how guidance staff enhances social and emotional learning in Mattapoisett schools. The presentation aimed to inform the committee and community at large about counseling services available to all students.

“Our goal is to help students access education without social and emotional barriers,” Courage said, citing the need to treat anxiety, social skills deficits, and attention deficit disorder. “This impacts learning of all the kids in the classroom.”

She said 5 to 10 percent of children are diagnosed with anxiety disorders, which can result in children exhibiting avoidance behavior towards school. Guidance staff take a proactive approach to identify and refer children with mental health needs to the right place so counselors “get to them before they have 30 absences,” she said

Courage reported that the guidance office is taking more steps to collect data on regular day students, who use the services equally as much as Special Education students. Counseling data on special education students already is routinely collected.

“This is about the getting the word out that assistance is available.  Maybe the student is not in trouble, but there is a lot of stress in their family,” said Teresa Hamm, Director of Student Services.

In other business discussed, Superintendent Doug White is in the process of hiring for two positions in the central district administrative office. He said the search continues to replace Business Administrator Katie Isernio, and he will begin the process to locate a new Technology Director next week.

In other news:

      • the committee welcomed Facilities Director Eugene Jones
      • the committee approved the donations of two U.S. flags
      • the committee acknowledged the retirements of  teacher Ms. Sylvester and custodian Mr. Green as well as Kristin Querim, who successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on a student

By Laura Fedak Pedulli

Plans For New Home Draw Questions

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On Monday, June 11, 2012, the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission held their first meeting of the month.  They heard from Doug Schneider, of Schneider and Associates, on behalf of Dean Withrow, who filed for a Notice of Intent to construct a new home on Grand View Avenue.  Since the home would be so close to sea level, Schneider is proposing constructing it on stilts, and adding fill to the lot to raise the level of the property.  The proposal caught the attention of several abutters, who attended the meeting to speak their concerns, which focused on drainage issues and whether or not it would be legal to build a home there at all.

Russell Bailey, who lives in the neighborhood, was worried that raising the grade of the land would cause rain and hurricane water to change the direction of drainage, threatening his property, as well as others.  “You’re going to do away with the natural flow of water during a hurricane,” he said.

His concerns were echoed by Leslie Henderson, who said she had “a vested interest in property at 19 Bay Road.”  In addition to the issue of flooding, she presented to the Commission with plans from 2007 that illustrated the intent to build a reservoir, catch basin, and swale on the property in question, in order to improve the water drainage of the neighborhood.  “It takes a week to two weeks for rain water to drain from my property,” Henderson said.  She also produced a notarized affidavit, co-signed by Withrow, agreeing that there would be no other development of the land except for the purposes of drainage.  “I don’t understand how we can entertain the notion of putting up another dwelling when they were supposed to build a retention pond and never did,” she said.

In light of these concerns and since the project does not yet have a file number from the DEP, the Conservation Commission voted to continue the hearing until their next meeting so they may research the history of the property in order to make a better determination later.

The Commission also welcomed back Stanley Humphries, of LEC Environmental Consultants, Inc. who, on behalf of the DaRosa family, continued to discuss their plans to install coconut fiber envelopes of sand along a coastal bank, and plant various grasses and shrubs in order to prevent erosion of an area on Goodspeed Island. While the Commission seemed to be supportive of the plan, Chairman Peter Newton said that he would prefer the people of Mattapoisett be considered before they approve the plan.  He suggested hiring a third party to determine of the project and proposed materials would be adequate for its intended purpose.

“This is not a trivial project for the town,” said Newton.  “I think that to be fair to the residents of Mattapoisett, we really need an independent review of this proposal.  If it’s going to change the landscape of Goodspeed Island, we need to know for sure.”

“They are looking at an August or September construction, so we have some time,” said Humphries, who readily agreed with the Commissions suggestion.

In other business, the Conservation Commission voted in favor of a Notice of Intent to build some small additions onto property at 20 Water Street, and voted in favor of a conservation restriction on a parcel of land near the Fairhaven town line.  The land would be designated for light public recreation, such as walking, biking, and picnics.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission will be held on Monday, June 25, 2012, at 6:30 pm at the Town Hall.

By Eric Tripoli

By the Beautiful Sea

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The beauty of the Tri-Town is, in a word, idyllic.  In Rochester, cranberry bogs of deep burgundy pave the landscape as you drive down the country roads.  The forests of Marion are lush and pristine, home to endless walking trails and the constant accompaniment of countless birds.

The waterfront of Mattapoisett is by far one of the most popular spots for the people of the area to congregate.  The centerpiece of it all is Shipyard Park, located across the street from the village, near the boat docks.  It’s a place where families bring their kids for a hot dog, where people cast their fishing lines into the deep sapphire sea, or where folks from out of town stop, just to admire the view.

“We went to a car show up in Plymouth, and we’re just taking our time getting back,” said Fall River resident Charles Jacobson.

He and his wife, Gloria, parked their 1928 Ford Phaeton near the docks on Sunday afternoon on their return journey home.  The Phaeton is a four-door convertible.  “And it’s name is Grunt,” he said.

“We love coming here because the harbor is just so beautiful,” said Gloria.

The Jacobsons’ picked a great day for a jaunt through the countryside.  The air was warm, the breeze firm and brisk, with clear blue skies, out-matched only by the rolling ocean, peppered with boats of every sort.

Alan and Gale Hudson, of Mattapoisett, had spent much of their day aboard their 30-foot catboat, the Summer Gale, performing maintenance.

“With a sailboat, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the trip. But having a nice destination at the end isn’t bad, either,” said Alan.

They spend the colder months of the year down in Florida.

“But he always talks about how nice it will be to get back to Mattapoisett when we’re down there,” said Gale.

“I’ve done a lot of traveling and I’ve never found a place on the east coast as pretty as Mattapoisett,” he said.

Back on land, at the gazebo, young children were running around with seemingly boundless energy.  Local arborist Andrew Joseph, brought his kids out for a day of simple fun.      “It was a nice day.  We are going to fly kites at the lighthouse, but decided to stop for ice cream first,” he said as his two-year-old daughter, Zoe, played nearby.

Joseph has been a resident of Mattapoisett for 15 years.

“I like the atmosphere and the people.  It’s a good place to own a business and it’s real easy once you get to know everybody.  And it’s nice being down by the water.”

Shipyard Park will begin its summer band concert series on July 11, 2012.  Each Wednesday, at 7:30 pm, the public can come and enjoy an evening of free music by the water.  This year’s annual Harbor Days celebration will be held at Shipyard Park July 20-22, 2012.

By Eric Tripoli

Meg Mitchell Moore at the Mattapoisett Library

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Novelist Meg Mitchell Moore, of Newburyport, will read from her new novel, “So Far Away” on Wednesday, June 20th at 7 pm at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. Just released in May, Moore’s second novel has earned starred reviews from book industry journals and from her peers. Her first book, “The Arrivals,” also earned rave reviews. Meg Mitchell Moore, a former journalist, is a graduate of Providence College and NYU. Her books will be available for purchase and signing, courtesy of Baker Books, after hear reading. The event is free to the public. The library, which is fully accessible, is located at 7 Barstow Street, in Mattapoisett Village.

Shining Tides Preschool Holds Graduation

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The Shining Tides Preschool Graduation was held on Thursday evening, June 7 at the Mattapoisett YMCA which overlooks the scenic seaside beach and harbor.

“We are proud to host the 2012 Preschool Graduation after a great year.  The kids have been awesome,” said YMCA Child Care Director Tricia Weaver.

A slide show presentation and Preschooler Music Performance were followed by the Graduation Ceremony and an Ice Cream Social.

Smiling, playful children captured everyone’s attention as cameras flashed and videos filmed this special event. The students decorated their own graduation caps with an array of colorful pom poms, stickers, drawings and sparkles.

Parents and loved ones watched in amazement as each small child walked up to receive a diploma.

“This was very emotional for me, especially the slide show.  It has been a wonderful experience and my son Logan is now ready to go on to kindergarten next year,” said Tracey Maher, a proud mother of a graduate.

Teacher Liz Mulroy smiled as she received a bright yellow flowering plant from her student Jack who she referred to as “the engineer.”

“The families are extraordinary and this is such a great learning environment that is filled with fun and exploration, like getting shells from the beach.  I am so proud of them,” Mulroy said.

Near the end of the event, cloudy, rainy skies turned into sunshine.  Everyone gathered outside to look at a brilliant rainbow gleaming over the harbor. What a perfect way to end a milestone celebration.

By Deb Burdock

ORRHS Graduates 50th Class

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On Saturday, June 9, Old Rochester Regional High School graduated its 50th class. Students, faculty and staff, friends and family all gathered on the football field on a picturesque day to celebrate the occasion. Congratulations Class of 2012! Photos by Katy Fitzpatrick

 

Nancy (Mellor) Wickenden

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Nancy (Mellor) Wickenden, age 97, died at Sippican Health Care on June 9, 2012, after a brief illness. She was the widow of James William Wickenden and the daughter of Albert Lincoln Mellor and his wife, Marion Alden (Mason) Mellor.

Mrs. Wickenden was born January 29, 1915 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. She was a graduate of Plymouth High School and in 1936, of Wellesley College. She taught seventh and eighth grade English and Mathematics in Plymouth.

In 1937 she married James William Wickenden. They lived for five years in Deerfield, Massachusetts, where Mr. Wickenden taught at Deerfield Academy. In 1942 Nancy and Jim moved to Marion, Massachusetts, where Jim served as Headmaster of Tabor Academy for 34 years. During those years, Nancy served in the library and in innumerable ways within the life of the school and its students, faculty, and staff. In her family memoir she wrote, “I loved my life at Tabor. It was a wonderful place to raise a family and mingle with an ever-changing population of young people and their parents. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the athletic events, attending concerts – even Sunday night vespers. My days were full, caring for my children, working in the library and hosting receptions and Sunday night suppers as well as frequent gatherings for the Board of Trustees. 1976 – and our retirement came all too quickly.”

Both while at Tabor and in retirement years Nancy has been very active in the community of Marion. She was a founding member of the Penny Pinchers Exchange volunteers at the First Congregational Church Chapel. She served on the diaconate of the Church and held offices in the Sippican Woman’s Club. She was also a member of the Marion Garden Discussion Club. She regularly played bridge, and was a fervid participant in a vast array of board and other party games with friends and family. She remained a gracious hostess throughout her life. She really enjoyed entertaining, insisting she was a better host that a guest! In the best and fullest sense of the term, she has been a matriarch to her family, her academy, and her community of friends.

Nancy was preceded in death by two sisters, Barbara (Mellor) Yates and her husband Allan Yates and Margaret (Mellor) Hall; a brother, Mason Mellor; and a daughter, Barbara Wickenden. Her surviving children are James William Wickenden and his wife, Martha (Titus) Wickenden of Skillmann, New Jersey: Jeanne Wickenden Lake and her husband Charles David Lake, Sr.; and Meredith Wickenden Ryder and her husband Frank J. “Jay” Ryder, all of Marion. Nancy is further survived by eleven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way, as well as many nieces, nephews, and their children.

A family interment of her ashes will be held prior to a memorial service in Tabor’s Wickenden Chapel, named for James and Nancy, Spring St. in Marion on Sunday, July 8th at 12 Noon, with a collation following, by Tabor Academy in the Fireman Performing Arts Center Foyer. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the following endowed funds at Tabor Academy: James W. Wickenden Fund, Nancy Wickenden Library Fund; Barbara Wickenden Faculty Professional Development Fund: or The First Congregational Church of Marion, P.O. Box 326, Marion, Massachusetts 02738.

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.

ORR Hosts Annual Relay For Life

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Residents of the Tri-Town were invited to participate in the annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life at the ORRHS track, from Friday, June 8 to Saturday, June 9.  The popular fundraiser for cancer research attracted over 100 local people, organized into several teams that walked the track from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning.

“It’s supposed to signify someone going through treatment,” said Heather M. Ruel.  She is the chair of the relay and a breast cancer survivor, who was diagnosed when she was 38 years old.

The idea is that you start off with a great amount of energy and enthusiasm, similar to many cancer patients upon beginning treatment, but as you walk laps all night, you begin to feel tired and sore, but must keep on the journey, remaining resolute in the face of the hardship.

Among the teams was one comprised of members of the Mattapoisett Firefighters Association, who also had a booth with information for guests and grilled up burgers and fries for the participants.  This was their first year participating in the Relay for Life.

“Last year we lost a member to cancer, and we have another member now who is now a survivor,” said Mattapoisett Firefighters Association president Jordan Collyer.  “It’s touched every body on our team.  We started trying to figure out everybody we knew who had had cancer and we stopped counting at a certain point.”

There was plenty to do for those who were there in support but not walking the track.  The Relay for Life had a DJ, offered face painting, and had someone performing reiki massage.  Camping tents were scattered around the center grass of the track, for those participants who may need a power nap here and there.  On one end of the turf, several kids threw a Frisbee and played catch.

On another part of the field was the home tent of Team “Close the Book on Cancer.”  Former Sippican School librarian Marie Pimental was the head of that team.

“[Our team] is a group of educators from the district. Many of us are survivors. I, myself, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 16 years ago.  On our team of 18, seven of us are survivors.  We have been very involved in fundraising for the last 16 years, knowing how critical it is to amass funds for research.  And that’s the reason why we’re here,” she said.

The Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s single biggest fundraiser and has always been a success in the Tri-Town.  Last year, they raised $83,535, exceeding their goal of $67,000.  About eighty-four cents of every dollar raised goes directly to fund cutting edge cancer research.

By Eric Tripoli 

 

Opening Night at the Marion Art Center

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David Edgar, Recycled Plastics Sculptor and Stan Godwin, Photographer

June 8th – July 18th

 

 

The Marion Art Center, located at 80 Pleasant Street in Marion, MA is pleased to announce the opening of two exhibitions on Friday, June 8th.  An opening reception will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

 

Recycled plastics artist, David Edgar will be exhibiting his “Plastiquarium” sculptures in the Cecil Clark Davis Gallery and Stan Godwin, photographer, will be exhibiting in the Patsy Francis Gallery.  The two exhibitions will run from June 8th to July 18th.

Of his work David Edgar says: “As a sculptor, my work has always been strongly informed by the 20th century tradition of found object assembly. Perhaps, in the context of a mid-life catharsis, I recently interrupted over 25 years of working in steel, and began making decorative artworks from recyclable detergent bottles. With quality of craft as an important issue for me, I find that making recycled plastic art truly energizes my creative spirit. One of the results is the marine creatures of the Plastiquarium.”

“. . . . there are a number of recognizable influences that place the work into the context of a larger continuum. The Plastiquarium certainly fits within the genre of collage and found-object assembly. The American Pop Art movement, particularly the work of Andy Warhol, validates the use of commercial packaging images as symbolic elements characterizing our producer/consumer society.  More recently, a folk art tradition of crafting toys and collectable decorative objects out of aluminum beverage cans has emerged in Africa and Asia.”

“Working with these consumer-based recycled materials results in expressive, uniquely crafted and affordable artworks that are accessible to the public. The material aspects of the media include pieces that are colorful, lightweight and durable. Although my previous studio work is entrenched in academic intellect, this new work embraces a festive aesthetic with lighthearted imagery that I hope resonates in contrast with our increasingly stressful society.”  In other words, David’s sculptures are a feast for the eyes and the soul.

David Edgar lives in Tryon, South Carolina where he is retired from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte as an Associate Professor of Art. Previously Edgar served for three years as the chair of the Art Department and was Associate Professor of Sculpture at Ashland University in Ohio. He is also the former Executive Director for The Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach, Florida where he served for 12 years. David is a graduate of Tabor Academy in Marion and will be celebrating his 40th Reunion with fellow Tabor alumni over the June 15th weekend, along with Stan Godwin, his classmate and fellow artist.

Stan Godwin grew up on the Cape and graduated from Tabor Academy in 1972.  After graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology he moved to Commerce, TX and started working in the Photography Division of East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University-Commerce).  He taught a large variety of courses including Basic B&W, Color, Nature and Wildlife, Visual Perception, Digital Imaging, and was the lead for one of the first 5 digital photography programs in a US university. 30 years later he retired as the Interim Head of Art, Coordinator of Photography.

In 2005 Stan received the “Star of Texas” award for his lengthy contribution to photographic education. His photographic work has been published in hundreds of magazines, newspapers and books over the last four decades. Stan’s former students work in all areas of photography from studio to fine art. His work continues to be shown in galleries and on the web. He is a past President of the Photo Imaging Education Association and also served as Consultant to that group.

After a 30-year hiatus Stan moved back to his childhood home on Cape Cod, a 250 year old antique, where he lives with his wife, daughter Camra and Tiger the cat!

Of his photographs, Stan says:  “These images represent an exploration of the inner and outer landscapes we see each day from a limited point of view. Rather than portray the whole environment they are an attempt to tunnel our vision on a fleeting scene never to be quite the same again. We are often taken in by the panoramic vistas of the Cape, or the interior architecture of a room and fail to see the smaller areas of beauty, design and tone. These images attempt to render these intimate areas visually for the viewer to enjoy.”

The Marion Art Center Gallery is open on Tuesday through Friday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and on Saturdays from 10:00am until 2:00pm.  Admission is free and open to the public.

ORR Seniors Recognized At Awards Night

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Hundreds of parents and friends turned out to recognize the Old Rochester Regional High School Class of 2012 on Thursday, June 7, in the ORR gymnasium.  The senior class was presented with scores of awards and accolades for academics, citizenship, athleticism, and art.

The Class of 2012, dressed in their red and white caps and gowns, celebrated their countless accomplishments with several prominent members of the Tri-Town community, including representatives from the School Committee and Marion Fire Department’ the latter gave out two $600 awards near the end of the ceremony.

Principal Mike Devoll, during his opening remarks, commented on how much of a positive impact this class has had on the ORR community.  He said he hoped that they would continue making waves in their endeavors after high school.  The chances of this happening are pretty high. The Class of 2012 takes with it more than100 decorated athletes, over 60 actors, and almost 50 members of the National Honor Society into the bigger world, whether the students have decided to attend college or join the work force.

For the faculty and administration, nights like these are bittersweet.  After four years of education and guidance, they now must turn yet another class of young adult students out into the world, hoping that they have equipped them with the tools needed to make it.

“It makes you proud because they are going to be successful,” said Assistant Principal Michael Parker after the ceremony.  “Some are going on to do great things, and they’re all really good people.  That’s what we try to do for them while they’re here.”

Massachusetts Representative, Mattapoisett resident, and ORR grad dad, William Straus also took the podium to deliver a message to the seniors.

“Though you are young and have so much to accomplish ahead, you’ve already accomplished a lot,” he told them.  Straus also read an official citation of praise and thanks to the graduating students from the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Devoll and Parker handed out most of the academic awards, from excellence in Latin to exceptional ability in high-level chemistry.  ORR Athletic Director Bill Tilden presented awards and praise upon the athletes of the class, including the Athletic Booster Club senior plaques.  Drama Club Director Paul Sardinha was on hand to award the outstanding thespians in the school.

After the ceremony, the students gathered with their families out in the lobby near the auditorium, for photos, stories, thanks, and some tears.

“It’s really nice to have all my work be honored. I loved sharing the experience of being up there with my friends.  I’m so proud of them.  A night like this makes me feel ready for my future,” said outgoing senior Rachael Reints of Rochester.  Reints received a number of awards and will be attending Endicott College in the fall for business.

On Friday morning, at 9:15 am, the school will be holding another ceremony, followed by a cookout on the athletic fields. All parents and friends are invited to attend and celebrate with the graduating seniors.

By Eric Tripoli