Big Turnout for Holiday in Park

on

It was only fitting that the biggest Christmas tree that has ever graced Mattapoisett’s Shipyard Park should also see the largest Holiday celebration the town has ever held.

“It was spectacular,” said Melody Pacheco, administrative assistant to the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen. Each year, Ms. Pacheco is instrumental to organizing the Holiday in the Park, which kicks off the town tree lighting with a visit from Santa on a fire engine, ornament making, music from the Old Hammondtown School band and chorus, and food donated from local establishments. “We couldn’t have done it without the help of a lot of generous people,” said Ms. Pacheco. “It was the biggest one yet. There must have been a thousand people out there.”

Prior to the Holiday in the Park, Ms. Pacheco’s husband Kenny and stepson Todd Pacheco adorned the Holiday tree with lights.

“I think my son did a good job,” Mr. Pacheco smiled. “The lights look really even!” Mr. Pacheco worked at the event as emcee, which was considerable given the level of activity and noise.

An unexpected twist this year came in the form of two marriage proposals. Matthew Arguin proposed to girlfriend Carolyn Costa, and couple Ashley White and Jon Sweatland announced their very recent engagement at the Holiday event.

While romance was in the air, a thread of philanthropy wove residents together, as a pile of toys and canned food grew throughout the night. At the donation table, Mattapoisett Lions Club members Teri Nelson and Mariann DeCosta reported an “excellent turnout” for toys and food, despite, or perhaps because of, the economy.

“This is as good as last year,” said Ms. Nelson. “All the food goes to St. Anthony’s pantry and helps people in the Tri-Town.”

As he does every year, Santa Claus himself made a rock star appearance on a fire engine, along with his good friends Rudolph and Frosty. Children waited in line patiently to tell Santa all their wishes, as parents chattered among themselves and enjoyed music from the Occasion Singers, who regaled the crowd with old-fashioned renditions of Christmas carols in four-part harmony.

By Anne Kakley

Marion Selectmen OK Single Tax Rate

on

The Marion Board of Selectmen (BOS) agreed to retain the Single Tax Rate classification for the town for fiscal year 2012, bucking the trend of SouthCoast towns that have voted for a split tax rate between residential and commercial property.

The BOS heard from the Board of Assessors, who presented a detailed estimate of how a “split” tax rate would have played out, if adopted. The burden, on a random sample of three town businesses, showed a major difference in tax revenue, with a local boat yard, a food store and a manufacturer carrying a substantial burden if a split tax rate between commercial and residential were adopted.

“We all know that if that happened, the consumer would pay the difference, in passing along those costs,” said Selectman Steven Cushing.

Ray Pickles, speaking for the Board of Assessors, said that the board had done extensive research on the impact of a split rate and agreed that a town of Marions’ size didn’t warrant it.

“The residential sector uses most of the town’s services… the schools, roads, library, fire and police… that’s where the tax dollars go,” said Selectman Jonathan Henry, agreeing to a single tax rate.

In 2012, Marion will have an approximate tax rate of $9.62 per $1000 of property value representing a slight increase from the $9.40 rate of 2011.
 According to Pat DeCosta, Town Assessor, the average increase per taxpayer would be in the area of $100, which is based on the medium home value of $ 450,000.
 In the discussion, Ms. DeCosta said that, in general, waterfront property in Marion sold approximately 3 percent above assessed value while other properties were selling slightly below assessed value.

“As a whole, town properties sold are down about 1 percent, which isn’t significant (to the tax base),” said Ms. DeCosta.

The Board also discussed correspondence  from Thomas Stemberg regarding an Appeal of Base Flood Elevations for Property located at 112-1114 Point Road and Surrounding Area. The board reviewed the correspondence and said that they were given the information so that the town was aware of the appeal which would play out in state court.

The last issue was a Notice from the Town of Rochester regarding a public hearing to be held on December 5 by the Rochester Board of Selectmen on the petition of Used Tire Warehouse, Inc., a Massachusetts Corporation doing business as Bob’s Tire at 35 County Road, who is applying for a Class III license. The Board discussed the issue but took no action.
 Town Administrator, Paul Dawson, said that all towns bordering Rochester needed to be notified of the public hearing. The board agreed that the town of Rochester and their residents were the ones to address the issues in the case.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

50th Tri-County Symphonic Band Season

on

The 2011/2012 concert season, the Tri-County Symphonic Band’s 50th, brings the organization back to its roots with all three former Music Directors returning to the stage. Great music, superb musicians and a wonderfully supportive audience is the right combination for this celebratory year. Please come and share in the “Tri-County experience” that has thrilled audiences for over 50 years.

• December 11, 2011, “Annual Children’s Christmas Concert” – The Tri-County Symphonic Band celebrates the festive holiday season with its annual Children’s Christmas Concert, Sunday, December 11, 2011, 1:30 pm at the Sippican School, 16 Spring St. Marion MA, in the Multi-Purpose Room.

The concert is a wonderful family experience designed for all ages and is free of charge.

The Tri-County Symphonic Band, under the direction of Philip Sanborn, will perform seasonal favorites including “Holiday Emblem”, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, “Midnight Sleighride”, “March of the Toys” and “Frosty the Snowman”.

A special part of this year’s concert will feature the Sippican School Concert Choir, under the direction of Patricia Richard performing a lovely setting of “Moonlight Sleigh Ride” and a colorful arrangement of “The Christmas Song.”
Also, the youngsters in the audience will enter a drawing with the winners playing the sleigh bells with the Tri-County Symphonic Band in its rendition of Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride”.
The concert will conclude with a “Christmas Sing-a-long” featuring the Sippican School Concert Choir and special guests, followed by a volunteer community band called the “Cottage Street Jam Band”, under the direction of Patricia Richard, leading a march from the Sippican School to Island Wharf to greet Santa as he arrives via “water sleigh”.

• February 5, 2012, “Suites and Sweets” – Former Music Director Daniel Lasdow will conduct a concert of suites and other pieces for concert band. Current Music Director and euphonium player Philip Sanborn will be the featured soloist.

• March 18, 2012, “German Gems” – Original compositions for band by former Music Director George Dietzler will be framed by transcriptions from the German masters. Violinist Jesse Holstein will be the featured soloist.

• June 17, 2012, “Three Generations of Disney” – The 10th Annual Benefit Pops Concert will be held at Tabor Academy, in a grand tent, and highlight the three generations of music from the world of Walt Disney. Ice cream, cupcakes and cappuccino will highlight this festive event.

For more detailed information, please visit: TriCountySymphonicBand.org.

ORCTV Holiday Greetings

on

Old Rochester Community TV is opening up their studio to the public to have holiday greetings videotaped. This is free and open to all. Come in and sing a song, read a story, do a skit or simply say Happy Holidays. All tapings will be played on the local access channels throughout the holidays. Tapings will take place until December 9 at ORCTV 345 Front St. Marion. You must reserve a time by calling 508-748-1600 or email kim@orctv.org. This is great for businesses, families, youth, town departments and organizations.

Mattapoisett Tax Collector News

on

The Town of Mattapoisett is pleased to offer the option of paying for water/sewer bills and property and excise taxes with a credit card at the Collector’s Office counter. The new credit card reader service is being offered in conjunction with the Town’s third-party vendor for online eBill payment services. Bill payers who use the new secure in-office credit card swiper service will be charged a convenience fee of approximately three percent of the total bill, and will be informed of the exact amount before the transaction is completed. The “Swiper” can be used for paying with Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards. The Town is looking to expand this service, as well as the online bill payment service, to include other town departmental bills in the future.

Marion COA News

on

COA Speaker Series – The first Wednesday of every month the Marion COA sponsors a different speaker. All talks are held at 1:00 pm at the Marion Police Station. Pre-registration is not needed and this is a free event. Topics are:

• January 4 – How to protect your nest egg.
• February 1 – When Love is Not Enough – Dos and don’ts when communicating with Alzheimer’s patients.

Mattapoisett COA News

on

• Exercise: Mondays at 10:00 am, QiGong ($2.50); Mondays and Wednesdays at noon, Strength and Balance ($2.50); Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:45 am, Yoga ($2.50); Wednesdays at 10:00 am, CardioDance Fit ($4).

• Crafts: Mondays at 10:00 am, Knitting Group (free); Coming soon – Watercolor Painting.

• Social: Mondays at 1:00 pm, Scrabble (free); Wednesdays at 1:00 pm, Bingo (per card); Thursdays at 9:00 am, Bridge (free).

• Mattapoisett Mah Jongg – The Mattapoisett Social and Wellness Center in Center School, 17 Barstow Street is offering Mah Jongg every Wednesday at 1:30 pm.

Learn to play Mah Jongg or add the Wednesday afternoon session to your weekly Mah Jongg schedule. Reserve your place by calling the Center at 508-758-4110.

The Mattapoisett COA is located in the Center School at 17 Barstow Street. The phone number is 508-758-4110.

Friends of the Elderly News

on

• Holiday Luncheon – Mark December 15 for the annual Holiday Luncheon hosted by the Mattapoisett Friends of the Elderly. This event is free and takes place on Thursday, December 15 at noon. As in previous years, it is being held at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Route 6. Enjoy the special holiday festivities with lots of fun and singing, and door prizes for all.

Free tickets can be picked up at the Mattapoisett Council on Aging’s Social and Wellness Center, located in Center School, 17 Barstow St. Transportation can be reserved through the Center – call 508-758-4110.

Marion Art Center News

on

On Saturday, December 10, Timothy Wade, local sand and ice sculptor and painter, will give an ice carving demonstration starting at 10:00 am in Bicentennial Park across from the Art Center. Visitors are invited to come and watch as he transforms blocks of ice into beautiful sculpture, take a few pictures with the finished product, or stop by on their way along the Sippican Women’s Club House Tour.

The Bicentennial Park is located at the corner of Spring and Main Streets in Marion. For more information call 508-748-1266.

Tri-Town Library News

on

Mattapoisett Free Public Library

• Holiday Fun – Ring in some holiday cheer at the Mattapoisett Library on Tuesday, December 13 at 6:00 pm. There will be music, refreshments and the lighting of a tree decorated with your homemade ornaments. Adults and children can join us in closing out the year’s “go green” theme by making ornaments at home from recycled materials and decorating the tree in the Reading Room. Questions can be directed to Jessica Noblet at MFPLFriends@gmail.com.

• Monthly Sale – The Friends of the Mattapoisett Library’s monthly book sale will be December 10, from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm in the Meeting Room at the library. Now is a great time to shop our growing collection of cookbooks, current fiction and mysteries, self-help, audiobooks and children’s books. For the holidays, pick up one of our canvas tote bags and fill it with gifts for book-lovers. You can purchase a copy of the new Friends cookbook, a compilation of favorite recipes including a selection from the library’s “Cooks and Books” chefs. As always, donations of your gently-used books are welcome at the library during business hours.

• Junior Friends Can and Bottle Drive – Bring your redeemables to the library on Saturday, December 10 from 9:00 to 10:00 am and support the Junior Friends of the Library.

• Winter Storytimes – Registration will begin for the Winter Storytime series on December 27. New this session will be the addition of a Thursday afternoon preschool session instead of the Thursday morning session. For more information, call the Children’s Department at 508-758-4171.

• Community Cafe – Your library is a comfortable community center. Thanks to the Friends, you can drop by and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea for a small donation. Visit the reading room to relax and converse with friends. What a great way to spend a winter afternoon!

• Family Storytime – Families with children of all ages are welcome to enjoy some favorite stories together. If you have a favorite story, please bring it to share in this casual and fun storytime. Family Storytime is held on the first Saturday of each month, from 10:30 to 11:00 am. No registration required.

• Movie Day – Everyone is welcome to attend Movie Days, sponsored by the library’s Junior Friends, who have raised money for a movie license. Bring your children and relax at the movies in the library’s Meeting Room. Wednesday, December 28 will be Polar Express at 1:00 pm and at 3:30 pm, Elf will be shown. The Junior Friends ask that you bring a canned good for donation to Damien’s Pantry.

• Winter Activities in the Children’s Room – Saturday, December 17 features Ornament Making from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. There will be fun for all ages. On Saturday, January 21, 2012 there will be Snow Globe making from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Come explore how science and art can blend together to create a lasting memory. Participants will sculpt their own winter scene and preserve it in individual hand-made globes.

• Second Cup of Coffee Job Club – The next meeting of the Job Club will be Wednesday, December 14 from 10:00 to 11:30 am. Please note the meeting change due to the holiday schedule. Everyone is welcome for networking, job search and career change discussion.

• Cookbooks For Sale – The Friends’ new community cookbook is available for sale at the library. It includes delicious recipes submitted by local chefs and cookbook authors as well as members of the Friends and library patrons. These will make great gifts while also supporting the work of the Friends. The books are $10 each.

• Technology Workshops – Confused about whether to buy a Nook or a Kindle? Wondering what all the hype about e-readers means to you? Do you have an iPad and want to learn how to download books form the library? Join the library staff at one of our informal technology workshops and get your questions answered. E-readers will be available to try and staff will show you how to download books and audiobooks. Workshops will be held every Tuesday at 6:30 pm and on Thursdays at 3:00 pm through the months of December and January. For an individual appointment with technology questions please call Liz Sherry at 508-758-4171 or email her at esherry@sailsinc.org.

• Canned Goods for the Food Pantry – The library is accepting non-perishables to help stock local food pantries. Feel free to bring you items to the library throughout the year. Also welcome are hats and gloves and new socks to be distributed to area shelters. Many thanks in advance for your thoughtfulness.

Plumb Library Events

• Cafe Parlez – Café Parlez selection for December is The Princess Bride, by William Goldman. Nearly everyone has seen the movie; now read the book! They’re all here: Princess Buttercup, Westley, Fezzik, Miracle Max Vizzini, Prince Humpderdinck, Inigo Montoya –the whole gang. The Princess Bride is about good against evil, country against country, strange beasts, and love, true love. Fans of the movie will be delighted to read more back story and those new to the film will find a lot to like. The group will be discussing this book on Thursday, December 29 at 6:30 pm. Books are available at the desk, or bring your own copy. Café Parlez is sponsored by the Friends of Plumb Library. Continue the discussion on Goodreads – www.GoodReads.com.

The schedule for 2012 is available at the library. Selections will include: Bel Canto, Room, Three Junes, A Visit from the Goon Squad, The Last Child, The Tiger’s Wife, Mrs. Kimble, and The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.

• Non-Fiction Book Group – The Nonfiction book discussion group will meet Thursday, December 15 at 6:30 pm to discuss Hidden Persuaders by Vance Packard. Written in the late 1950s, this book is at times a quaint look back, and an eerie look into the future of advertising and its influence on us, both economically and politically. Packard was one of the first to recognize how advertisers were controlling the minds of the consumer, and how market research plays a big part in what we purchase. Books are available at the desk or bring your own copy.

The non-fiction schedule for 2012 is: January 20: The Other Wes Moore, by Wes Moore; February 16: Cod, by Mark Kurlansky; March 15: In the Garden of the Beasts, by Erik Larsen; April 19: Columbine, by Dave Cullen; May 17: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, by Amy Chua.

• Food for Fines – During the month of December, Plumb Library patrons can have their late fees and fines waived if they donate non-perishable items for local food pantries, or pet food for local animal shelters. “Food for Fines” will start December 1 and end December 23. Donations cannot cover lost book fees, or lost card fees. Call the library for more information. Start the New Year with a clean slate and help local food pantries.

• Busy Knitters – The Knitters at Plumb Library have done it again. Last year, they donated 185 scarves for soldiers. This year, they knitted items for children. The busy knitters in Rochester donated 46 caps for preemies, donated to Charlton Hospital; 19 pairs of mittens, 40 hats, 23 scarves, one sweater, and one pair of socks were made and donated to “Gifts to Give” in New Bedford.

• Storytime Schedules – Preschool storytimes are for children ages 3-5 and meet on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 am. Bookaroos for Twos, a storytime for children ages 2-3 and their parents or caregivers, meets every Friday at 10:30 am. Both story times are on holiday hiatus. Registration for the winter session will end Saturday, December 17. Winter session of storytime will start Wednesday, January 4.

Elizabeth Taber Library

• Women Sharing Words – The Elizabeth Taber Library has carved out a space for writing women. “Traditionally, women have been listeners and readers but not speakers and writers.” This is changing.

Once a month, typically the fourth Friday of the month, women are invited to bring their writing, or something that has inspired them, to the Elizabeth Taber Library to read and discuss. (Due to the upcoming holidays, the group will be meeting the third Friday of the month: December 16).

Plans for the New Year are to have a special event with refreshments and a movie. The group would like it to feature mothers dialoging with their daughters about the advances women have made as a result of the Second Wave of the Women’s Liberation Movement. The teapot is on!