Solar Task Force Coming to Fruition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Katy Fitzpatrick

Marion Considers Town Energy Improvement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Katy Fitzpatrick

Con Com OKs Solar Array

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Commission then voted in favor of the plan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Conservation Commission voted in favor of the solar project.

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

By Eric Tripoli

Dead Seal Prompts Close of Mattapoisett Beach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Eric Tripoli

Rochester Police Department to Hold Child Seat Check

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

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

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

Patricia R. (Rebello) Roach

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett.

Mattapoisett Shares Rich Shipbuilding History

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

 

Joseph A. Smith

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

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

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

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

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

Unconfirmed Shark Sighting in Fairhaven

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Residents of Fairhaven reported seeing sharks around West Island State Reservation on Saturday, September 1, 2012.  The town erected warning signs near the beaches as a result.

“The sightings are unconfirmed, but were reported by trustworthy people,” said Fairhaven Harbormaster David Darmofal.  “We decided to err on the side of caution and put up some signs.”

Mattapoisett Assistant Harbormaster Bob Ketchel said that there have been no reported shark sightings around the town waters.

In the last few weeks, West Island has seen a rise in seal colonies, which beach themselves on the shores of the reservation.  According to the Department of Marine Fisheries, more seals can mean more sharks lurking in the waters of the South Coast.

This summer there have been numerous shark sightings off the beaches of the Cape around Orleans and Chatham, though no reports of attacks on swimmers.  But with Labor Day weekend upon us, there are sure to be more beachgoers enjoying the final unofficial days of summer.

Here are some tips to stay safe this weekend, in the unlikely event of a shark sighting.

•If you see a suspicious animal, don’t go into the water.  Report it immediately to a lifeguard or local Harbormaster.

•If you see a shark from the beach, call your Harbormaster.  If possible, take a photograph.

•If you see a shark while you’re in the water, move slowly and deliberately.  Splashing around can draw the unwanted attention of a shark.

•Use common sense.  Do not approach a shark or try to catch it.  Do your best to stay as far away as possible.

By Eric Tripoli

Local Foster Family Offers Hope

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Imagine what it must be like to raise six children. Now imagine raising six biological children and adding 20 foster kids into the mix.

For the last decade, Amy and Mark Shaw of Rochester have been doing just that.

“We got into foster care because we wanted to give kids the opportunity to have an environment where they can grow,” Amy said.

“When you take someone into your home, they are a part of your family. It’s just one of those things that we’re about,” said Mark.

Most of the children the Shaws have cared for have been teenagers, which is a demographic that many foster families shy away from. Some kids have stayed with them for only a few months and some for years. The situation for each child is unique and the Shaws understand that it may not always work out.

“Sometimes kids come into the home and it’s not a good fit. Sometimes there’s personality conflicts,” Mark said.

“It’s been good and bad. I’ve been close to a lot of them and I’ve been distant from some of them,” said Megan Shaw, one of the younger members of the biological children in the house.

“It’s hard when you get used to them when they have to leave,” she said.

Personality conflicts are but a small part of the foster family experience. As much as foster parents do their best to help the children for whom they are charged to care, often times there are internal wounds that love and encouragement cannot easily heal.

A few years ago, the Shaws were the foster parents of a teenage boy from Fall River. He lived with the Shaws during the week, but returned home on weekends. One day, it was discovered that he had brought a weapon to school. He was expelled and then removed from the house.

At another time, they were caring for a five-year-old girl with serious behavioral and emotional issues who proved to be too much to handle.

“She was being traumatized from the age of two,” Mark said.

The young child was also on medication and was the victim of hallucinations. She was sent to a respite home during weekday afternoons because she would try to stab her foster siblings with pencils as they did homework. In the end, she was not a good fit for the Shaw household.

A teenage boy named Chris called their house on Hiller Street home for over five years.  He was in high school when he met the Shaw family but suffered the burdens of addiction and an alcoholic father. But they took him in as they had all the other kids. The Shaws even saw that he got into college.

“We encouraged him to live at our house for a bit more structure,” she said.

Chris decided to live at school but he soon began to act out. One night only six weeks into the semester, Chris and his friends were drinking heavily and huffing chemical fumes. They piled into a car and eventually hit a tree at over 100 miles per hour. Chris died that night from his injuries.

“We had him for five years. He was a member of our family,” Mark said.

Being a foster parent doesn’t always end in tragedy or the removal of a child from a home. The Shaws are foster parents because they love kids, no matter where they come from or what they’ve been through.

“Part of what foster care is about is that you hear about all these kids who get pushed through the system and go from house to house. We wanted to help give them a better opportunity and more stability,” he said.

The Shaw family is registered with Dare Family Services, a group that serves much of southern New England. As part of the process, all families are required to go through intensive training to prepare them for the experience.

“Fostering isn’t about providing a bed or a home for a child. It’s about creating life-long connections,” said Pamela Camara, executive director of the East Taunton Dare office.

“There’s always a need. Nobody in our field would ever say there’s not. The need is in finding people who can truly rise to the occasion in helping these kids. They’re presented with more significant challenges as the years pass,” she said.

In addition, Dare provides weekly visits to check in on their families and to keep tabs on problematic behavior and positive progress of the foster children.

Today, Amy and Mark Shaw are foster parents to two teenagers, Patty and Isaac. Patty, who has been to previous foster homes, is 16, and has been living with them for two years. At a young age, Patty was known for acting out and disappearing.

“As an 11-year-old, she felt she had the privileges of an 18-year-old,” Mark said.

“When I was younger I didn’t really like following the rules,” Patty said. According to Mark, she has a good relationship with her biological mother and her ties to her father are improving.

“I’ve gotten better, but I’m still working on it,” she said.

Now, Patty has goals of going to college to study child development. This summer, Megan helped get Patty a job at a local country club.

“The prospects for Patty today are looking a lot better than they were two years ago,” said Mark.

The newest addition to the household is Isaac, a 15-year-old boy from Fall River. The Shaws are his first foster family and he has only been living there for about two weeks. Before arriving in Rochester, Isaac had served a month in the Department of Youth Services lock-up. He had a penchant to skip school and do drugs.

“I had to go to detox. I was smoking weed, doing ‘shrooms, coke and dope,” he said. “I’ve been sober now three months. My head feels a lot clearer.”

After Isaac found out that the state was looking for him, he decided to run, and along the way picked up his heroin habit.

“I started doing heroin when I was on the run. But when I think about it now, I think it’s disgusting that I would ever do that.”

He was eventually turned in after a friend informed on him to authorities.

“I came to find that they were going to put me in a foster home anyway, so I made it worse for myself,” he said. “This was the first summer I ever missed out on. I’ll never make that mistake again.”

Right now, Isaac is not enrolled in school because he hasn’t had a physical exam in years; he has a doctor’s appointment scheduled for early this month. In the meantime, he is already formulating plans for his future.

“I want to open up a salon with my sister. I want to be a barber,” he said. “If you had asked me three months ago, I wouldn’t have wanted to go to college. But it’s better to have a future.”

That future may not have been possible without the aid of people like the Shaw family.

 “I’ve known a lot of them and I share the stories with other foster kids,” said Megan. “‘You can go this way or that.’ They can get free college from the state. They have choices.”

“It’s a lot like raising your own kids,” Mark said. “We deal with a lot of teenagers, so we’re focused on their futures.”

By Eric Tripoli