ORCTV Free PSA Day

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Old Rochester Community Television (ORCTV) is offering another free public service announcement shoot day for local organizations or groups. We are opening up our studios on April 9 & 10 for you to come in and have a 1-5 minute PSA taped about your organization or group.

ORCTV will cover the technical aspects. You just need to speak about your mission, goals, needs and events. The PSAs will play on the local cable channels and can be seen by thousands of tri town residents. Use this opportunity to raise awareness for your mission and goals or to let residents know who you are.

This is a FREE service to local non profits, organizations, groups and town departments. To schedule call 508-748-1600 or email kim@orctv.org.

Rochester Historical Society

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The March 21 meeting of the Rochester Historical Society will feature a program by Betty Beaulieu entitled Rochester Taverns, Inns and Stagecoach Routes. The meeting is at the East Rochester Church/Museum at 355 County Rd., Rochester at 7 pm. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Still More Issues to Reconcile on Bay Watch

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Bay Watch Realty was hoping that the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals would close the hearing on its modified affordable housing project on March 8, but while progress was made, several outstanding issues led the board to continue it until March 22.

Nevertheless, much ground was covered at the second hearing on Bay Watch’s latest 40B proposal – which would include two buildings with 30 affordable rentals and 36 freestanding homes (96 units total)– located off Route 105. Third-party consultant John Churchill reviewed a lengthy list of engineering concerns, but by the end of the hearing the developers and Churchill indicated that all issues could be resolved.

Some concerns raised at the first hearing on January 26 inched towards reconciliation. In particular, the developers had met with Building Commissioner Scott Shippey and the Fire/Police Departments regarding emergency access to the project – leading to some design changes.

Bay Watch engineer Ed Gless said they had widened pavement at several points in the site, including the main cul de sac, to facilitate the movement of fire apparatus. Also the developer agreed to show documentation that the proposed 75-foot wooden bridge into the project passes the muster of a structural engineer.

Shippey also signaled a need to identify an additional emergency exit route, but Bay Watch would require an easement or other agreement with abutter Sherman Briggs to make that happen.

The biggest wild card in the project is the fate of the main roadway into the project. At the hearing, Selectman Jon Henry spoke of his plans to ask the town to make the roadway public. A two-thirds vote would be required at town meeting for this to happen.

“It won’t fly in town meeting,” cautioned board member Betsy Dunn.

“You may be right, you may not be right. I see it as a necessity so that we can exert control over the road, including the maintenance, sewer, and utilities,” said Henry, noting that the town is in the process of taking over three sewer systems due to poor management.

“We need to embrace the project. I think it would be better for us get our hands around all the utilities, and do so at town meeting,” he said. “As far as a burden on the town, it’s not that big of a deal.”

The logistics of how children at the development would catch the bus would be solved if the roadway went public. Buses typically do not pick up children on private ways, thus the current plan could require them to catch the bus on Route 105. Board members had questioned if buses picking up children along Route 105 would back up traffic and create serious safety problems.

Ken Steen of Bay Watch said they could reach out to the school’s bus contractor to arrange for them to pick up the kids inside the development – but some members on the board felt this would not work.

“If they come inside, it would solve issue in a heartbeat,” Steen said. However, Henry said the town has an “obligation” to maintain the road.

Town Counsel Jon Whitten pointed out that the roadway could not be taken by the town until it is actually built – thus urged Bay Watch to work with the town’s third-party engineer to ensure they meet the town’s roadway specifications as much as possible.

“We tried to design all roads as closely as we could to the town standards given the restrictive nature of site and layout. We’ve done all we can do to get as close to standards as we can. That being said, we’ll take another took at that and see if there are a few things to tweak,” said Steen.

Another major outstanding issue was whether the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development would consider the project as viable affordable housing stock. Bay Watch had originally asked to keep all 36 single-family homes non-affordable, but in recent months the Selectmen expressed the desire for Bay Watch to have at least 25 percent (or eight or nine homes) marked as affordable – which is a typical requirement of the state. All rentals units at the project would be affordable.

Paul Haverty, counsel for Bay Watch, said that DHCD “has not yet given a definite answer” and that the agency requested 30 days to respond to this policy question.

“After looking at the big picture, and weighing in comments from the Select Board – what we’d like to do is offer two units of the 36 [single-family homes] for sale at 80 percent of the median income, to allow the town to count them towards its 10 percent inventory,” Steen proposed.

“If DHCD makes the decision that more units would be required, we would obviously provide those. We would be willing to accept the decision locally that no less than two units be provided,” he added. The sale price of a single-family home in the project would be $340,000; at the affordable rate the price would be reduced by $140,000 to cost $200,000, he said.

“We do have a certain comfort level. We don’t think they are going to require more than two,” said Steen.

Under the advice of Town Counsel, the board opted to wait until they hear from the DHCD on the matter. Bay Watch had wanted the ZBA to close the hearing that night, but Whitten insisted that the board give the public an opportunity to weigh in on this aspect of the project in an open hearing.

Whitten also urged the ZBA to ensure homeowners’ documents are fully detailed prior to approval. These associations would ensure maintenance and upkeep of the grounds, in particular the roads.

“That is a serious issue … All those documents need to be in place to make sure the bifurcated project has been protected,” he said.       Mr. Steen said that Bay Watch already has a plan to allocate costs, with the 36 homes responsible for 47 percent and the rental units responsible for 53 percent of maintenance costs of the common roadway, sewer pumping station and utilities.

In the end, Chairman Wedge indicated that progress is being made, and told Bay Watch developers that the board is working diligently to complete the process.

“Even though [the Bay Watch 40B proposal] has a history of 11 years, virtually everyone on our board is new, but we’re not going to be dragging any heels at this end,” he said.

By Laura Fedak Pedulli

Students Showcased at ORRHS Talent Show

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On the evening of Wednesday, February 7, the auditorium of Old Rochester Regional High School was filled with students, parents, teachers, and faculty. The community gathered to support some of their brave and talented friends who took the stage with song and dance to raise money for the Class of 2013 spring semi-formal in the form of a Talent Show.

The show was one of the bigger fundraisers organized by the Class of 2013, with most of the work being done directly by the class officers.  Vice President Michaela Riggi of Marion said that keeping everything organized was the most difficult aspect of the planning.  The officers took care of everything, from creating the program to collecting the entry fees paid by the acts.  But despite the work, she remained hopeful for her performing peers and humble about her role.            “I’m really excited. I feel like people will be really impressed with all the acts,” Riggi said.

Class secretary Erin Murphy from Rochester, was very thankful for all the volunteers and donors who made the night possible.

“It’s been fun to see all the people come out and to see the people who had talent.  We’re really glad for everyone, from the parents, our advisors, AMC Dartmouth who donated the popcorn, and [drama director] Paul Sardinha,” Murphy said.

Sardinha assisted the students in organizing equipment and transitioning from act to act.  “It went brilliantly. There was great audience attendance,” he said after the show as he congratulated the students backstage.

About six weeks ago, the class officers were discussing fundraising ideas, and they decided to organize a talent show.  Jeannette Raposa, advisor to the Class of 2013, said she had very little direct involvement with the planning process, but offered her guidance from the sidelines.

“This is their baby,” Raposa said.

Raposa was excited about the idea of a talent show because it offered the students and faculty the opportunity to see their friends and peers in a new context.

“I want the students to be seen in a different light.  We always see them in an academic setting. It’s a good way to showcase the many talented students we have here,” said Raposa.

Talent show judge and chemistry teacher Erin Sullivan was looking forward to seeing a new side of some students whom she did not expect to see in the program.  Fellow judge and English teacher Randy Allain, who graduated from ORRHS, did not see many of his own students on stage, but wanted to help out to support the school.

“I like seeing the kids have success planning an event like this. It’s a big responsibility,” Allain said.

After the permission slips had been signed, the entrance fees collected, auditions held, programs printed, concessions acquired, the show was ready.  Class photographer Sophia Santos of Marion served as one of the MCs for the evening.

“I’m nervous. I’ve never done this before,” Santos said.

She was not alone in her anxiety.  In the halls and backstage, performers readied themselves by stretching, warming up their voices, rehearsing moves, and practicing lyrics.  Even the more seasoned performers admitted to pre-show jitters.

Nick Mathiue, a junior from Rochester, quickly found his zone once he began singing “Dancing Shoes” by Gavin Degraw.

“It was nerve-wracking,” said Mathiue.  “It was just like the normal jitters, but after I got into it, it was like no one else was there.”

Evan Lacombe, who danced to the song “Bloodstream,” said he was nervous before performing, but he hid it well. He went on to win first place in the talent show.

The evening went off without a hitch. It featured everything from slow, passionate love ballads to fiery, intense choreography.  Each student took the stage with an individual passion, hoping to not only entertain their school, but to offer themselves as ambassadors of the diverse character and culture of the Tri-Town youth.  The audience was vivacious and their cheers and applause seemed to grow louder as each act took a bow, with the excitement often times preempting the end of the performances.

The Class of 2013 had a goal of raising $1,500 from the night, but no matter how much money they collected, the class gave the ORRHS community a way to appreciate the wealth of young talent that thrives here.

By Eric Tripoli

Rochester Police Arrest Man After Three-Month Drug Investigation

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A three month long investigation of illicit drug activities in the tri-town area led to the execution of a search warrant, resulting in the arrest of Michael Amado, age 21 of 8 Mayflower Lane, Rochester.

On 3/7/12 at approximately 7:30 pm, Mattapoisett and Rochester Police Departments executed a search warrant at 8 Mayflower Lane in Rochester. During the investigation undercover narcotic officers facilitated controlled purchases of illegal controlled substances from Amado on several occasions.

While executing the search warrant, narcotics officers seized a half pound of marijuana, Class C substance and other narcotics.  Officers also seized approx $5,000 in cash which was located hidden in a hollowed book. Also located at the residence was a large amount of growing equipment, packaging supplies and scales.

Rochester Police Chief Paul H. Magee stated that Mr. Amado was manufacturing and selling large amounts of Marijuana.

Michael FK Amado, 21, of 8 Mayflower Lane Rochester was arrested at the scene and has been charged with Possession of a class D substance (Marijuana) with intent to distribute, possession of a class D substance (marijuana), possession of a class C substance and the manufacturing of a class D substance.

Amado was released on bail and was scheduled to appear in Wareham District Court this morning. Court records indicate that Mr. Amada has been previously charged with Possession with intent to distribute a Class D substance.

This joint effort between the Rochester and Mattapoisett Police Departments allowed for expanded resources resulting in a thorough and successful investigation. Chief Magee said that the intelligence gathered from the collaborative effort of multiple agencies is an invaluable tool.

Article courtesy of Rochester PD Press Release 

Town To Help Cover Sippican Budget Shortfall

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The Marion School Committee meeting on Wednesday evening, March 7 offered a detailed explanation of how a child qualifies under the federal and state Special Education Enrollment program.

Director of Student Services, Teresa Hamm provided a flow chart, labeled ProjectIDEAL, which illustrated the various phases, from identifying a need, referral, evaluation, eligibility for assistance and determining services needed to assist in student progress. Special education includes children from ages three through 22.

Several attendees asked questions about the process, including Mike Canavan who asked about services at the junior high school. Hamm referred to various handouts and reassured attendees that careful analysis is done on a consistent basis to ensure needs are addressed.

In Marion, 74 out of 477 students, 74 (or about 15.5 percent) require special education services, with 3.1 percent requiring out-of-district educational services, according to Hamm’s handout. The topic was being specifically addressed due to the increase in services shown in the fiscal year 2013 budget.

In a discussion on the Fiscal Year 2013 budget, Superintendent, Doug White reported that he had met with the Marion Finance Committee, Town Administrator Paul Dawson and the Board of Selectmen and found that the town is willing to assist in working out a compromise on the proposed shortfall in the level services budget.

According to Committee Chair Brad Gordon, the details have not been worked out and the budget subcommittee has yet to review all the information, but was “relieved” that the shortfall issue has been greatly reduced.

“We need to see the influence on the budget and prepare and propose a revised FY 2013 budget, which will include a public hearing prior to our vote on it at the April 4 school committee meeting,” said Gordon.

According to White, the primary budget drivers include contractual obligations for current and retired teachers, an increase in the number of students attending Bristol Agricultural School and increased special education costs.

White said that two Marion students attend Bristol County Agricultural High School in Dighton, MA, majoring in animal husbandry, which is not offered at Upper Cape Vocational Technical School, where Marion students go for vocational education.

White said that he continues to target legislators on Beacon Hill to encourage that they support a foundation budget that will increase funding to handle the ever changing special education needs as well as address the increasing health insurance costs that are impacting school budgets.

Principal Lyn Rivet gave her report and said that the fourth grade will complete the MCAS long composition test on March 20. Other MCAS testing will take place on March 27 and March 29.  Ms. Rivet reported that attendance is steady at 97 percent.

The board voted and approved Christine Winters to represent the school committee on the newly formed Special Education Sub-Committee which is looking into changing the way special needs funding is distributed among the district and four elementary schools in the Tri Town.

The proposed idea is to keep special needs costs involving students ages three through sixth grade within the individual towns, and pushing the special needs costs for grades seven through age twenty-two to the district budget. The committee has not met yet, but plan to bring any proposals to be voted upon and implemented for the fiscal year 2014 budget process.

Food Director, Caitlyn Meagher discussed the food service budget and reported slow but steady progress in improving efficiency, lowering costs and increasing lunch participation at Sippican School. Meagher reported that 41 percent of Sippican School students purchased lunch in January of 2012 versus 40 percent in January of 2011.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

Going Once, Going Twice, Sold!

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The third time’s the charm for the auction in the Preserve on the Bay Club in Mattapoisett, or is it?

One model home and 35 lots were originally scheduled to be auctioned on November 15, 2011 but at the very last minute the owner, Abbott Homes, filed bankruptcy which postponed the sale, first to January 18 and then again until March 7.

The property was originally bought by Abbott Homes from the Bay Club in 2007 for $2.45 million. Abbott then started development by subdividing the land into 36 lots, installing roads and utilities. A model home was built at 3 Fieldstone Drive, which was offered at the auction.

The 2,204 square foot model home, which has an assessed value of $535,200, was sold with a high bid of $395,000.

Originally the 35 remaining lots were slated to be sold individually at the November auction, but they were only offered as a package deal at the final auction. The highest bid from the floor for the package was $2.2 million, but the bank, which originally owned the property, opted to buy back the land for $2,304,000.

In the end, of the 20 bidders who were on hand, one bought a new house and the rest went home with only memories.

By Paul Lopes

Bookstores… A Thing of the Past?

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Last weekend during a random excursion with a loved one, I ended up at an old independent bookstore in Yarmouth. Ceiling-high shelves brimmed with books – old and new – telling stories I will never in my lifetime have enough time to read. The experience was all so familiar, breathing in the musty air, nearly tripping over a makeshift stack of books in a narrow aisle, and conversing with the quirky employee behind the desk (who hadn’t completed Customer Service Training 101).

Of course we took it all in, enjoying every moment. But I couldn’t help but ask myself if bookstores will someday be obsolete.

Within the span of two years, locals have noticeably fewer bookstores to patronize. Borders in Wareham closed last spring, Bev Loves Books in Rochester shuttered in August, and last month 23-year old Bakers Books announced it is significantly downsizing its store (moving into a smaller location one-third its previous size).

The culprits of their demise that automatically come to mind are electronic books, savvier public libraries embracing new technology and, of course, a tightening pocketbook. So, in this day and age, what does it take for a bookstore to survive? Do they have a future?

I decided to bring this question to local bookstore owners and librarians.

For Deborah Baker of Baker’s books, the answer is yes – bookstores will live on… but in smaller numbers.

“I think there will definitely be fewer independent bookstores,” Baker said. “Those who are able to create communities around their store [will make it]. That cultivation takes a while, but as people pass away, move away, and the new generation comes in, that is when the change will really take place.”

Baker admitted that electronic reading is all the rage, but at the end of the day “there are people adamant about having a real book in their hands.”

Meeting those peoples’ desire for a bookstore is not easy, she said. “It’s a labor of love. It’s been an uphill battle, but I’ve loved every minute,” Baker said.

Gail Roberts of Rochester Plumb Library, however, said in response to the notion that there will be no bookstores in 50 years: “Sad to say, I think you’ll be right.”

She admits that she does not purchase physical books anymore “unless I can’t get it any other way.”

“I don’t buy CDs anymore… it’s the same thing. I can get CDs from the library, or watch movies streaming from Netflix, or get a Nook and not have a physical book,” Roberts said. “As far as physical paper books go, I don’t buy them anymore, which is sad.”

She said old or rare books still intrigue her, including an out-of-print, depression-era tour book of Massachusetts. She said publishers have not completely converted to electronic yet, as she still receives armloads of printed advance reader copies of books at library conferences.

She admits of books, “They smell so nice,” but believes the days of bookstores may be numbered.

Marion Library Director Judith Kleven countered, “The idea that brick and mortar stores are going to disappear is a fallacy.” Like libraries, she said bookstores are a place where patrons receive the personal touch and can talk about what they like and dislike, and get suggestions for new reading

“I’m in favor of smaller book stores as an extra resource for everyone in the community – just going in and talking about books. When you are at home downloading on a Kindle, you aren’t connecting with others,” she said.

Kleven said there is somewhat of a “conflict” with libraries, but firmly believes “there is room for everyone” when it comes to smaller, independent bookstores.

“The feel, look and texture of a book is totally different from holding a Kindle, Nook and iPhone – it’s so much better,” Kleven said.

However, unlike the past, stores cannot provide a livelihood for someone, one local bookstore owner said.

John Ludes, who purchased the Book Stall in Marion with his wife last year, said he purchased it in the spirit of nostalgia.

“It does not make any money. Most stores are not making any money. They branch out to other venues – cards, jewelry, and other types of auxiliary items,” he said. “It’s been around for a long time, and we felt it was too much of an institution to lose.”

“Bookstores are like dinosaurs, they are slowly getting down to very, very few. And when you see places like Borders and the others closing down, it’s just going to take individuals who want to keep them running that supplement them with other ways to keep them going,” he said.

“People probably can get books that are less expensive from Kindle and Amazon, but people will want to keep [bookstores],” Ludes said.

And although I think the jury is out on whether bookstores will be around 20, 40, or 100 years from now – at least the love of reading will persevere for as long as humans are around. Maybe even longer than the musty smells in old independent bookstores.

By Laura Fedak Pedulli

ORR Student Brings Home Debate Award

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Old Rochester Regional Senior Annie Smith (contributing writer for The Wanderer) ranked as the top Varsity Affirmative Speaker at the Eastern Massachusetts Debate League Finals last week in New Bedford.

And there is no debate that her victory was well deserved, according to ORR teacher Colin Everett, who has served as ORR’s debate coach since 2000. Smith was one of 15 ORR students debating at the finals; the league includes about a dozen schools from the South Shore, New Bedford, Somerset and up to Foxboro.

“Most impressive of all, [Smith] and her partners [Senior Julia LaLiberte and Junior Rebecca Johnson] took part in the most prestigious moment in the EMDL season and engaged in a debate before a crowd of hundreds in New Bedford,” Everett said.

The victory came as somewhat of a surprise to Smith, as after finishing eight rounds at the finals, she recalled, “the odds were slim.”

“It was one of those situations you can’t predict what’ll happen,” she said, but soon enough by Round 9 she ascended to the top as a Varsity Affirmative Speaker (debater who speaks in favor of a resolution). She did not win the final debate (against the resolution).

“She lost on one stock issue,” said Everett.

The debate finals had explored the topic: “The United States federal government should substantially increase its exploration and/or development of space beyond the Earth’s mesosphere.” According to Smith, she had dug up evidence on the topic since October, looking for quotes and other research to substantiate her arguments. As opposed to using a debate book, she said a lot of the material presented came from the ORR students’ own research.

The debate club meets weekly although members spend additional time delving into topics on their own, she said.

In the end, her victory as Affirmative Speaker stemmed from a complex plan she developed about anti-matter fuel as a source for space travel.

“[Smith] is a natural leader on the team who is excellent at simplifying complex ideas and presenting them concisely,” Everett said.

“At the debate finals she riveted the large crowd of debaters while simultaneously presenting her constructive and launching a fierce attack on her opponents. It was clear to everyone why she was the league’s top Varsity Affirmative Speaker,” he added.

Smith, who has been debating since her sophomore year, said the ability to speak before an audience plays a limited role in becoming a good debater.

“I never liked public speaking,” she admitted. “You don’t have to be skilled at speaking well. You can learn how to frame an argument. Anyone can learn.”

“We were having so much fun. [Everett] teaches how to debate in a well-mannered way,” she said, describing one of the reasons her team came out on top. “I was very pleased.”

By Laura Fedak Pedulli

Marion Welcomes New Special Police Officer

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The Marion Police Department will welcome a new special police officer to its force as the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint Derryl Lawrence to the position at their Tuesday, March 6 meeting in the Marion Town House.

“Welcome aboard,” said Selectman Chairman Jonathan Henry. “You come from a good place and we’re very glad to have you.”

Marion Police Chief Lincoln Miller said Lawrence will start field training immediately and will serve as a special officer for a probationary period of one year.  He comes to Marion from Plymouth where he served as the Harbormaster. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice.

The Marion Town House Advisory Committee also met before the board to request both more time and permission to broaden the horizons of their research that was originally drafted in their contract when the committee formed a few months ago.

“We have a job to do as a committee, and that job may take more time than we imagine preliminarily,” said Committee Member Jay Ryder.

The committee was originally formed with the intention of overseeing the planning of renovations to the Marion Town House. In conducting their preliminary studies, the committee found that there are several other alternatives that could also suit the Town House needs instead of just using it for town offices. These include relocating other organizations in the town that are looking to expand and moving the town offices to an asset that currently exists. Ryder believes that more time and a more in-depth analysis will help committee find the best solution possible.

Henry said he could not approve these requests because they could possibly be violating the Designer Selection Law. However, Henry did agree to sit down with the committee and a lawyer prior to their next meeting on Wednesday, March 14 to explore possibilities.

Town Administrator Paul Dawson gave an update on the fiscal year 2013 school budget. According to Dawson, the town will see level funding in state aid and minor adjustments in local assessments. Dawson explained that across the state, towns are seeing a slight increase in state aid, and here in Marion, there were no large increases except a small increase in Special Education funding.

“Overall, it was a very successful budget season,” said Dawson.  “There were no big surprises.”

The town’s bond rating was recently upgraded from AA status to AA-plus on February 17. Dawson said that this is good news because it will present a lower cost to the town when it puts bonds on the market, and it also shows that Marion’s financial standing is strong.

The Marion Department of Public Works will begin their hydrant flushing program on Thursday, March 15 between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. It will take approximately eight weeks to complete. Dawson said residents could experience discolored water or decreased water pressure during this time, but assured that this is completely normal.

The Board approved a one-day all liquor license for the VFW Post #2425 for their Ham and Bean Supper and Penny Sale on March 10.

The Marion Board of Selectmen will meet again on Tuesday, March 20 at 7:00 pm.

By Katy Fitzpatrick