195 Truck Fire Slows Traffic

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At just after 12:00 pm Thursday, the Marion Fire Department responded to Route 195 for a reported truck fire. What they found was a recycling truck from Waste Management with smoke billowing from the top.

The truck, which was travelling east through Mattapoisett and into Marion had caught fire in the open top storage are in the rear of the vehicle. The driver thought that there may have been something hot in the rear of the truck that might have started some of the paper or cardboard a blaze. He noted that the exhaust from the vehicle is configured in such a way as to not come in contact with the materials in the rear.

During the truck’s travel through Mattapoisett, embers had flown out of the vehicle and started a few small grass fires along the highway. The grass fires were extinguished by Mass Highway crews and State Police officers, and later checked by the Mattapoisett Fire Department.

While extinguishing the fire the Marion Fire Department was assisted by the Mattapoisett Fire Department and one lane on the highway was closed which slowed traffic but didn’t cause too much of a traffic delay.

After putting the fire out the Marion Fire Department made arrangements to have the truck towed to the Marion Landfill where they planned to have the contents dumped so that they could be overhauled to assure that all embers were put out.

By Paul Lopes

ORR Hires New District Facilities Director

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Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 is pleased to announce that Mr. Eugene Jones will be the new District Facilities Director beginning in June of 2012. Mr. Jones is presently the Facilities and Maintenance Manager for the Freetown Elementary School, in Freetown, MA.

Prior to being the Facilities and Maintenance Manager in Freetown, Mr. Jones was the Maintenance Director for the Tiverton Public Schools in Tiverton, RI. In addition, Mr. Jones had a decorated 31 years of service in the United States Navy.

Mr. Jones has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and an Associate of Arts degree in general education from Bristol Community College. Mr. Jones presently lives in Acushnet, MA.

As a Facilities Director, Mr. Jones assisted in the recent restructuring of the regionalizing of the school districts in Freetown and Lakeville in the area of building and grounds. He has expertise in many areas of facilities management: budget preparation, group purchasing of supplies and utilities, supervision and evaluation of personnel, federal, state, and local inspection regulations, and HVAC systems to name a few. Furthermore, he has a collaborative leadership style that will be instrumental as he works with the many stakeholders in the four districts.

Abbott W. Fish, Jr.

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Abbott W. Fish, Jr., 96, of Mattapoisett died May 26, 2012 peacefully at Emeritus Senior Living in Dartmouth.

He was the husband of the late Sylvia H. (Howland) Fish.

Born in Quincy, the son of the late Abbott W. and Esther (Luce), he lived in Walpole while summering in Mattapoisett and Wintering in Sarasota, FL before becoming a permanent resident of Mattapoisett in 1998.

Mr. Fish enjoyed sailing, golfing, painting and gardening.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He participated in the battles of the the Northern Solomons and Guadalcanal and was the recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star and the World War II Victory Medal.

Survivors include several nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Elizabeth Stone and Marion Voltz.

His private Funeral Arrangements are with the the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett.

Short Time, Sweet Goodbye

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It was not quite four years ago that my first school report appeared in the pages of The Wanderer on June 25, 2009.  My term as the school news correspondent began in the summer before my sophomore year at Old Rochester Regional High School.  Now, though, as I prepare to graduate on June 9, it is fitting that I conclude my column and relinquish it to the underclassman that will undoubtedly continue the tradition of bringing school news to the Tri-Town populace with accuracy and alacrity.

Writing the school report has been the most challenging, enjoyable and worthwhile experience of my high school career. Each year was different from the others, both in focus and in stumbling blocks.  During my first two years of writing the school report, I had to combat slow news weeks and plan ahead for the school vacations. This past year has been the exact opposite. I have had to choose between several stories for a given week. Balancing the two extremes has been a thrilling puzzle to solve.

Faithful followers of my school reports may have noticed that the first year was characterized by efforts to familiarize students and parents with the traditions of ORR. One of my goals was to give incoming freshmen an idea of what life at ORR is like; to that end, I often interviewed teachers and focused on different extra-curricular activities. I admit that the school reports also exhibited a trend of senior idolatry.

The second year of school reports was more organized than the first, as I could use my experience to plan ahead for certain school events and operate within a roomy schedule. I reduced the number of interviews with teachers as more of the student body learned about my job and offered me news tips.  Since I was a junior during this second year, the school reports were increasingly college-oriented as I strove to inform my fellow students about the guidance and main office announcements that would help them achieve their post-secondary goals.

My third year, of course, was my senior year. Naturally, the focus of my articles became very defined: I had hoped to remind my classmates about our senior obligations and to inform Tri-Town citizens about the achievements that our class has made.

The school report is a column that grows with the writer; I hope it continues to grow as my successor takes up the mantle.

I am grateful to many people whose input was critical to the success of this column. Of course, I must thank my co-workers at The Wanderer for welcoming me, as well as the editorial staff for turning me into a legitimate reporter. I am indebted to Kate Ribeiro, who kindly agreed to the interview that became the writing sample for my application. The school report would not have been of any quality without the assistance of the students, teachers, and faculty members who either agreed to interviews or offered me news tips. I must especially thank Principal Michael Devoll, whose responses to my frequent emails were always timely and informative, even regarding the smallest and most insignificant matter. I am grateful to both my mother and my sister, who offered me advice when I was second-guessing myself.

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who has read my school reports, especially those who have read them religiously. I know that I have done my job well when I am told by readers that they look for my school report each week to find out what has most recently happened at ORR.  hese comments are the highest form of praise, and I appreciate the sentiment. I am glad that I have served as a reliable Tri-Town resource.

I might be passing the torch for the school report, but I am not leaving The Wanderer. I am now a staff reporter and have begun some of those duties (you might have noticed my meeting coverage this past month.) In the fall, I will be attending Bridgewater State University in order to study English, Secondary Education, and Philosophy. My intent is to obtain licensure as a high school English teacher, although I suspect I will always freelance.

By Anne Smith

Remembering on Memorial Day

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Marion Parade Honors Veterans

By Laura Fedak Pedulli

            On an overcast and breezy day, Marion residents paid their respects to the men and women who have served the United States in wars past and present. Like every year, the Benjamin D. Cushing VFW Post #2425 hosted its Memorial Day Parade, which included the raising of the colors, ceremonies at the Music Hall’s Civil War Monument and Town House, and the full VFW ritual at Old Landing Cemetery and Old Landing Park.

Rodney Hunt, Post Junior Vice Commander and event Chairman, led the morning-long ceremonies and parade.  Hunt, who joined the VFW in 1982, said the event honors veterans and the VFW, “because they do a lot of good work.”

He noted that the ranks of the VFW are dwindling as many veterans from World War II are passing on. Indeed, the post recognized 20 veterans from Marion and Wareham who have died during the past year.

“These comrades are worthy of far greater recognition than mere words or markers. The sacrifices they made and the deeds they performed shall be written in history, and shall remain in our memories for generations to come,” said Hunt during the Town House portion of the event.

The names of these veterans are: John Bisaillon, Charles Card, John Dickinson, Paul Hoffler, George Jenney, Allen Ladner, Thomas Linzee, Edison Manzer Love, Lawrence Medeiros, Gordon Sherlock Jr., Raymond Tiernan, David Johnson, James Barron, Robert Grant, William Dunn, Robert Earl Harris, Donald Forte, Robert Bent Jr., Paul Sarris and B. Eugene Defreitas.

At the opening of the event, Marion families watched on in respectful silence as the 178-member strong Sippican School Band performed the National Anthem, high school senior Mikayla Florio performed “God Bless America” and John Hewett recited the Gettysburg Address.

John Robarge, who gave the Logan’s address, spoke in poetic terms the meaning of Memorial Day as “stirring up the eternal feelings” from the lives lost in combat.

Selectmen Jon Henry, Stephen Cushing and newcomer Jodi Dickerson led the parade, which included Sippican School Band, the Marion Cub and Boy Scout Pack 32, and the Portuguese American Band under the direction of Dan Ferreira.

Selectman Henry, a longtime resident and Vietnam War veteran, said prior to the parade that the annual event has been ongoing “since I was a Cub Scout in 1951” and beyond. He said before the VFW was formed, the Grand Army of the Republic, which included veterans of the Civil War, participated in this long-running town event.

During a later speech at the Town House, he noted that 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War, which endured from 1962 to 1975. He reflected on the “extractable nature” of conflict – especially as the current war in Afghanistan has soldiers deploying three or four times. He said since the revolution, one million soldiers have died.

“Memorial day is a somber day. It’s a somber reminder of not only [soldiers who have died], but also a tribute to the people who just did their duty,” Henry said. “Think about the people who are serving.”

Mattapoisett Observes Memorial Day

By Eric Tripoli

            Hundreds of people turned out to the Mattapoisett Free Library on Monday, May 28 to celebrate Memorial Day and pay tribute to all the American soldiers who lost their lives fighting in military conflicts. While Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer for many, those in attendance put their celebrating on hold for a while in order to take part in this important annual event, one that encourages solemn reflection and thankfulness for the freedoms we have in this country.

“I’m excited to see this many people here. It’s important for everyone to understand what our veterans did for this country,” said Board of Selectmen member Jordan Collyer, who was also a speaker at today’s remembrance. He recounted the time he was invited to spend a night sleeping aboard the same ship his grandfather served on during World War II and the significance that experience had on him.

“If anyone has the opportunity to join their father or grandfather to see the ship they served on, do it,” he implored, citing the importance for the younger generations to take advantage of opportunities to connect with the history of their families, as well as the United States.

The ceremony featured several speakers, all of whom focused on different aspects of what it means to celebrate, as well as observe, Memorial Day. As per tradition, a student from Old Rochester Regional Junior High School was chosen by the social studies department to read Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and this year, the honor went to Mary Kate McIntire.

“It’s an honor.  My cousin [Sean Deery] did it last year and my grandmother [Katharine McIntire] did it a long time ago. I’m excited and I’ve been practicing a lot,” she said. “I think it’s important. A lot of people get excited to hear it because it’s a really important speech and I’m glad to be part of that.”

During his speech, veteran agent Barry Denham spoke of the deep importance of the tradition of Memorial Day, but warned that the town’s celebration may change as the ranks of the Florence Eastman Post 280 American Legion have been dwindling in recent years.

“We need your help to keep this going. Please, do everything you can to make sure that we can have this celebration,” Denham said.

James Holmes, an associate professor of strategy at Newport Naval War College, delivered the keynote address.

“It is right and fitting that we should honor the fallen,” he said.

Holmes spoke largely about Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, in which the late president insisted that the living must dedicate themselves to the vision of the nation for which the soldiers had laid down their lives.

“Today, we need to reaffirm out commitment. It’s more than a holiday. It’s a part of cultural upkeep, and it takes all of us to make good on this promise,” Holmes said.

Also participating in the ceremony and parade were representatives from the New Bedford High School Junior ROTC program, who performed the rifle salutes at each of the three parade stops. In addition, local Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops marched with the Mattapoisett Fire Department Honor Guard. The Old Hammondtown Band, conducted by Paul Halpainy, provided the music. Mattapoisett residents lined the sidewalks down the main drag as the parade marched passed, waving flags, taking pictures, and saluting the nation’s colors as the Honor Guard carried them high and proudly.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, where people would lay flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers out of respect. Memorial Day was traditionally observed on May 30, but was moved to the final Monday of the month after Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968.

 

Rochester Remembers Fallen Veterans

By Katy Fitzpatrick

            Memorial Day is often times characterized as the start of summer. It’s the beginning of a carefree, relaxed, warm-weather period of time. But amidst all of the cookouts and parties over the long weekend, it’s also important to stop and take a few moments to reflect on the thousands of people who have given their lives to fight for America’s freedom and keep the country safe.

On Sunday, May 27, the town of Rochester honored their fallen veterans with a ceremony that encompassed music, tradition and remembrance. Nearly 100 residents gathered at Town Hall where the festivities kicked off with a blessing from Pastor Leo Christian.

“It was a great turnout,” said Rochester Selectman Richard Nunes. “A lot of the kids and parents came out so it was good. The weather was fantastic. It was a great day to do it.”

After the blessing and a few opening remarks from Selectmen Brad Morse and Nunes, as well as Town Clerk Naida Parker, dozens of children lined up behind the town officials for a parade around the center of town, marching all the way from Town Hall to Daggett Square.

The Rochester Memorial School Band provided the patriotic tunes during the march while a group of ROTC cadets from New Bedford carried the flags. Several local Boy and Girl Scout troops carried their banners alongside the public safety officials dressed in their parade attire.

Upon arrival in Daggett Square at the World War II monument, the town officials each took turns reading the names of fallen soldiers from Rochester from the Civil War through the Korean Conflict. Boy Scouts placed new flags in front of the monument while the ROTC cadets presented a rifle salute and a RMS band member played Taps on the trumpet.

The parade headed back to Town Hall, where the officials honored the rest of the fallen soldiers from Vietnam to present day. Volunteer Veterans Coordinator Gordon Helm read the Gettsburg Address and State Representative William Strauss of Mattapoisett delivered the closing remarks.

The day was a perfect reminder of why it’s important to observe Memorial Day.

“It’s important to pay our respects to those who have served and fallen in the line of duty,” said Nunes. “We also have to remember that freedom isn’t free and we have to fight for it sometimes.

Concern for National Cemeteries

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To the Editor,

Memorial Day is a day our nation takes time to remember the many men and women who make the supreme sacrifice by laying down their lives for the freedoms we so cherish. It is a tribute well deserved; however many of our citizens do not fully appreciate the full measure of their sacrifice.

As I reflect on the many I left behind, I recall the story published last year in the press during Memorial Day observances about a Mr. Monti, whose son, a marine, was killed in the current war approximately five years ago and is interred at Otis National Cemetery in Bourne.  Mr. Monti attempted to place a flag at his sons’ grave and those others interred there. As I recall it took Mr. Monti four years to obtain approval to place the flags on each grave, it was Mr. Monti’s tenacity and perseverance to get the authorities to allow him to place a flag at each grave. What a beautiful sight.

My purpose of this letter is to draw attention to a system of rules and regulations governing our National Cemeteries that do not allow headstones or plantings to mark the graves of our fallen soldiers or veterans who so diligently served this nation. Each grave is uniformly marked with a bronze plaque laid flat on the surface; unlike the Arlington National cemetery in our nation’s capital and many others throughout the country that preceded the one at Otis. The reason that headstones are not allowed is ease of maintenance. The caretakers just roll over the graves with a lawnmower.

We as nation cannot bear the inconvenience of maintaining the final resting place of those who gave so much. As we go further in time, I am afraid we will pay less and less attention to those who have given so much defending our freedoms. I hope not.

Hopefully, through a grassroots effort this thoughtless procedure can be reversed to allow head stones to be placed on the graves of our veterans interred at Otis National Cemetery and all other National Cemeteries throughout the Country; the same as those at Arlington National Cemetery and Central Massachusetts. It is the least we as a nation can do.

Joseph F. Napoli

Delano Road, Marion

Appreciation Luncheon Thank You

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To The Editor:

I would like to thank all the parents who participated and contributed towards the Staff Appreciation Luncheon for the ORR Junior and Senior High School. Thank you to all the parents who contributed their time in setting up, serving and cleanup; without their help the event would not have been possible. Thank you to all the parents who sent food – it was all delicious and there was plenty of variety.

Thanks to the parents who made phone calls coordinating the monetary and food donations, and work crew for the day. To the parents who contributed money for the event, it was well spent on paper products, decorations, beverages, and plants for the table (which were distributed to the staff). With the generous donations, I was able to order food from local businesses. There was plenty of food and we were able to distribute leftover drinks and food to the teachers’ lounge.

I also would like to pass on the numerous “thank you” comments we received from the teachers and staff. I estimate was served over 150 staff members; all of whom commented on the delicious food, yummy desserts, and how much they appreciate and look forward to this luncheon every year.

This has been my 6th year participating with this event and every year I am always in awe with the generosity and support of the parent community. Once again, thank you for the support and participation for the event.

Judy Belliveau

Rochester

Old Rochester Farmer’s Market

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Excitement is in the air. Our farmers’ have been diligently working in their greenhouses and fields getting ready to bring you superb, fresh, and vibrant vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers.  Soil quality has been tested, amendments have been added, and seeds planted and sprouted–all to bring you the wide array of wonderful local produce you have come to expect each Tuesday at the Old Rochester Farmers’ Market.

This year we celebrate the bounty of the summer with many familiar faces as well as some new faces. This year, we welcome Hilltop Farm of Westport. While Allison and Earl began farming at Hilltop in 2009, this property has been farmed since 1750. Allison and Earl will bring to us a large variety of vegetables and herbs grown using organic methods.  Also participating this year are market favorites Engelnook Farm and Cervelli Farm. We are also lucky to be one of the Farmers’ Markets on the SouthCoast that is able to offer locally raised meats, as Joe Beaulieu of Fairhaven will join us again this year.

So, go on and mark you calendars that the market opens Tuesday, June 5, 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the Old Rochester Regional Junior High School in Mattapoisett. Tell your neighbors and friends all about it.  Let’s get out there and support our local farmers. They help us keep our local landscape beautiful by keeping their land agricultural and provide us with food that’s nutritional quality surpasses all others.

Mattapoisett Town Clerk News

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•Dog Licensing – 2012 Dog Licenses are available during regular office hours. The dog’s rabies vaccination must be up to date and the certificate on file before a license will be issued, you can do this through the mail if you wish with a check made out to Town of Mattapoisett. The fee for a spayed or neutered dog is $9 and male or female is $12. If the owner of the dog is 70 or older there is not a charge for the license, but current rabies must be on file.  A late fee of $10 is in effect as of June 1, 2012.

•Mooring, Wharf, Skiff Late Bills – Bills were mailed April 2, 2012 with a late fee of $50. Payments are due and payable by June 4, 2012. Privileges may be revoked if fees are not paid by that date.

•Annual Street Lists – The 2012 Annual Street Lists are now available. The fee is $10. They are on a first come, first serve basis. Last year they sold out very quickly so if you wish to have one please come into the office soon.

Mattapoisett Road Race

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Enjoy Independence Day by running the 42nd Annual Mattapoisett Road Race! This five-mile race has been enjoyed by runners, families, residents of New England and more. The race begins at 9:00 am on Wednesday, July 4.

The race has been continually chosen as one of New England’s Top 75 Races by New England Runner. The mostly shaded course winds through the picturesque village of Mattapoisett.

Registration is $15.00 on or before June 25; $20 by July 3 and $25 the day of the race. T-shirts will be given to the first 750 runners.

All proceeds from the race are awarded to graduating seniors from ORRHS who are involved with running. Over the past 11 years, the Race Committee has given over $100,000 in awards to Tri-Town students.  For more information or to register, log on to www.mattapoisettroadrace.com.