SHS Presents: ‘Young Mr. Lincoln’

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Friday, March 2nd will mark the second installment of the Sippican Historical Society’s popular new program: Classic Film Fridays.  One Friday each month, the Society presents a classic film and offers a discussion on its historical context or significance.  March will feature the acclaimed Young Mr. Lincoln, starring Henry Fonda and directed by John Ford.  The film depicts a decade in the early life of Abraham Lincoln, as he moves from a Kentucky cabin to Springfield, Illinois, to begin his law practice. Hosting the evening’s discussion will be Tabor faculty member and classic film buff, David Pierce.  Future presentations will include Sunrise at Campobello on April  13th and Maytime on May 4th.  Classic Film Fridays are held at the Marion Music Hall on Front Street and are offered free of charge to the public.   Films begin at 7:00 p.m., and refreshments are available.  For more information, contact the SHS at (508)748-1116.

Flower Arranging Program At RWC

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The next regular meeting of the Rochester Women’s Club is scheduled for March 1st beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Following a business meeting, Bunny Mogilnicki will demonstrate how to make a basket arrangement of fresh spring flowers.  Members are invited to join in.  If you are interested in making a basket of flowers with Bunny, please RSVP to 508-322-0998. A $15 materials fee will be collected at the meeting.  Refreshments will be served. This should be a fun evening. Bring along a friend!

• Soups for Scholarships – The Rochester Women’s Club will be offering Soups for Scholarships, a fund-raising project, on March 4th from 12:00 – 1:30 at the clubhouse (Marion Rd., Rochester Center).  Take-out orders of  turkey vegetable or kale soups will be available at $4.75/pint or $6.75/quart. To place your order, call Marsha at 508-322-0998. This is a great fund-raiser for a great cause. Please participate and spread the word.  All proceeds will benefit the Rochester Women’s Club Scholarship Fund.

Birds of Coastal Massachusetts

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The Marion Natural History Museum is hosting “Birds of Coastal Massachusetts” with Vernon Laux on Friday March 23 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall.

Vern Laux is a bird expert, butterfly enthusiast, international bird tour leader, columnist and author. Vern has birded extensively all over North America and visited all 7 continents, including over 20 trips to the Antarctic, to observe, birds, and some of the most spectacular wildlife and scenery on the planet. He has written thousands of newspaper columns about birds and the natural world appearing in the New York Times, the Cape Cod Times, the Martha’s Vineyard Times, Vineyard Gazette, and Nantucket’s Inquirer and Mirror, published magazine articles in a variety magazines including Birder’s World and Birding, and is author of the book Bird News-Vagrants And Visitors On A Peculiar Island.

He is on the radio the first Monday of every month as the permanent guest on The Point with Mindy Todd on the Cape and Island National Public Radio stations WCAI, WNAN and WZAI to discuss and take phone calls about birds-it is very popular. He also writes and records for broadcast a weekly commentary called Bird News that airs 2 days a week.

Passionate about wildlife, especially birds and butterflies, his favorite group is shorebirds, fabulous globetrotting migrants that fly to the “ends of the earth” twice annually.

Vern was the ABC News “Person of the Week” with host Peter Jennings, the last Friday in August 2004 after finding the rarest bird in the Americas so far this century a Red-footed Falcon. He lives on Nantucket and is the Resident Naturalist, Land Manager and Education Director for the Linda Loring Nature Foundation.

The program will be held on Friday March 23 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall, located at 164 Front Street in Marion Mass.. Cost is $6.00/person.  To register in advance please contact the Marion Natural History Museum, P.O. Box 644, Marion, MA  02738, ph# 508-748-2098, or go online to www.marionmuseum.org.

Selectmen Approve Aquaculture License

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The Town Hall conference room was tightly packed as resident James O’Dowd was back in front of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen on Wednesday, February 15 to request approval on a license application to construct a two-acre aquaculture farm in Nasketucket Bay.  Mr. O’Dowd originally submitted his application for the oyster farm in December 2009, but was met with considerable opposition by Mattapoisett residents. The process has been so protracted due to the drafting of new regulations by the Marine Advisory Board, which the Board of Selectmen deemed necessary before approving the grant.

Mr. O’Dowd presented the Board with a revised location for his intended farm, one that is further out from the coastline of the State Nasketucket Reservation. Selectman Paul Silva began the hearing by reading aloud the cover letter of a recent report by the Marine Advisory Board, which found Mr. O’Dowd to be in compliance with applicable regulations. Similarly, Selectman Jordan Collyer read aloud the letter from Harbormaster Horace Field, III, concurring with Mr. O’Dowd’s adherence to the bylaws.

This continued hearing, which has had its share of contentious moments over the past two years, was well attended but few in the audience asked questions when the floor was opened.

Seeing no conflict with Mr. O’Dowd’s current proposal, the Board of Selectmen voted to accept this plan, pending the outcome of a benthic survey to be conducted by the Department of Marine Fisheries. The survey would determine the best location within the chosen coordinates for the oyster farm.

In other business, Selectmen heard from Allen Decker of the Buzzards Bay Coalition and Gary Johnson of the Mattapoisett Land Trust regarding the preservation of the Old Aucoot area of town. In their plan, the Land Trust would purchase 307 acres for general public use, in particular  light recreation. Development on the land would be extremely limited, but would include boardwalks crossing over very wet areas of the preserve, the installation of a well to revitalize a popular blueberry grove, the construction of unpaved parking, and a 12 by 10 foot storage shed. The plan was approved by the Conservation Commission on Monday night.         The Board of Selectmen voted to accept the plan.

They also heard from Bruce Rocha, Jr. who requested to use 150 acres by the landfill for two motorcycle events this year. Mr. Rocha is a member of the motorcycle club — the Plymouth Sands Trail Riders — a non-profit organization of off-road motorcycle enthusiasts that donates about $12,000 to $15,000 each year to various charities.

Mr. Rocha requested to hold a race in April and November, over a two to three mile stretch of trails near the landfill.  In exchange for the town’s cooperation, he said the club would make a donation to Mattapoisett, to be determined from the parking fees they will collect. The Board unanimously approved the plan.

In addition, they appointed William Hubbard and Walter Reed to the Marine Advisory Board and COA Director Jackie Coucci as a member of the Tax Relief Committee.

The Board also discussed changes to beach rules and parking fees, a request for proposal specifications for a boat launch service, town legal services, expanding handicapped access for town facilities, and the acquisition of a trailer for the Harbormaster’s boat.

The Board also voted to sign the Peg Access Agreement for ORCTV in conjunction with Marion and Rochester. Under the agreement, 30 percent of the money generated from Mattapoisett cable subscriber franchise fees will go to Mattapoisett providing its own local government-related programming to its residents. Both Marion and Rochester use ORCTV to film government meetings.

The next meeting of the Board of Selectmen is Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall.

Home Business Bylaw Hearing Set

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The public will have an opportunity to weigh in on a bylaw proposal that spells out new rules for any trade, professional or other occupation that is carried out in a residential dwelling. The Rochester Planning Board announced at its February 14 meeting that the public hearing for a new “home occupancy bylaw” will take place on February 28 during its 7:00 pm meeting at the Town Hall.

The home business bylaw would remove current rules that essentially list which professions are allowed in private homes, and add new rules that apply across the board to all types of home-run businesses. These rules discuss parking restrictions, setbacks for roadside stands, etc.

A public hearing is required before the Planning Board can submit the bylaw changes as a warrant article. More information is available at the Rochester Planning Department office.

In other business, the board continued its discussion on the formation of a new Village Zoning Overlay which would allow residents near the town center to pursue mixed-use projects. The board currently is working on drawing out an exact map detailing what areas the overlay would encompass.

In the meantime, the board voted to authorize Town Planner John Charbonneau to draft a letter to neighbors asking if they oppose living inside a new Zoning Overlay that would allow limited commercial in their agricultural/residential zone.

“We may get feedback from people who don’t want to see neighbors use their property differently… We’ll see how they respond,” Mr. Charbonneau said.

“They may have ideas we have never dreamed of, and we’ll want to know,” commented board member Susan Teal.

Discussing the issue of how homes in the Overlay would be taxed, Chairman Arnie Johnson said he spoke with John Mello in the Assessor’s Office, who said that Rochester most likely will remain under a unified tax rate during the next several years. However, Mr. Johnson said an Overlay could boost property value, affecting taxes.

The planning board had considered incorporating the land at the Old Airport on Marion Road in the Overlay, but some members felt it is more appropriate to look at that land in a separate warrant article. Mr. Johnson said previously that the lot may soon be open for development.

“That is a big chunk of land, it is sizeable enough for someone to do something,” said board member Gary Florindo, noting that the property is on a state road and has access to town water.

However, Mr. Charbonneau cautioned that the wrong kind of development could come at the detriment to the town center.

“It’s still close enough to the town center that if you get the wrong kind of development in there, it could spoil the town center,” he said.

Chairman Johnson said a Zoning Overlay proposal “could potentially be ready to go for the fall town meeting.” The board would host forums, then public hearings, before finalizing the bylaw and submitting it on the warrant.

In other matters, the board is working on an additional agricultural enterprise overlay bylaw, which it intends to show to the newly formed Rochester Agricultural Commission in March. The board agreed that any subdivisions with 10 or more homes would be excluded from such an overlay.

Lastly, the board noted that board member Peter Geldmacher is not seeking re-election, thus anyone interested in running for the Planning Board opening should contact the Town Hall.

By Laura Fedak Pedulli

The Show Must Go On!

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On Sunday, Old Rochester Community Television (ORCTV) held its annual fundraising telethon with the help of local youth musical group, the Showstoppers. The four-hour variety show featured dozens of musical and dance numbers performed by members of the community in an effort to raise money to support the Showstoppers and ORCTV’s special youth programs.

The TV studio located on Front Street was bursting at the seams with young performers, all eager to share their talents for their communities. While the purpose of the show is to raise money for the station and the Showstoppers, Kim Miot, executive director of ORCTV who started the telethon four years ago, said she likes the focus to stay on the performers and their love of music.

“It’s something that’s really amazing for the community. People around here love seeing the kids on TV,” she said.

While Ms. Miot is in charge of running the show from behind-the-scenes, the founder of the Showstoppers, Kelly Zucco, supplies the talent in front of the camera. The singing group has been active in the community for ten years, performing often for people in hospitals, nursing homes, and community events. Many of the performers at the telethon are current or former members of the ensemble and many of the volunteers who helped bring it together are parents of members or close friends and family of Ms. Zucco.

Denise Bertrand has volunteered for the Showstoppers for ten years. “This production is really a team effort among all the Showstopper parents,” she said.

Any great variety show is nothing without its host. The ORCTV telethon was proudly MC’ed by Paul Sardinha, drama director at Old Rochester Regional High School. He has hosted the program all four years.

“It’s for the kids, you know? It’s a great program to do for them,” Mr. Sardinha said.

The Showstoppers has offered many young people the opportunity to learn and perform music they may not have known. Aside from singing in a group setting, the children come to appreciate music on a deeper level, one that has inspired many to want to continue performing well past their days with the Showstoppers.

Abby Rego, 12, from Dartmouth, is a four-year veteran of the Showstoppers. She sang “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan because she thought the song was beautiful, but was also extremely moved by its use ASPCA advertisements.

“In the future, I think I want to be a famous singer or maybe a vocal coach. And I definitely want to go to Julliard,” she said.

Samantha Couto, 14, of Dartmouth, sang Nat “King” Cole’s “Orang Colored Sky,” a song that predates the teen by almost 50 years. “I wanted to sing this song because it’s really upbeat and jazzy,” the five-year Showstoppers veteran said.  She, too, has aspirations of attending Julliard following high school.

The telethon itself is about fundraising, but the message is all about giving back. Dartmouth native Alyssa Maitoza, 12, and member of the Showstoppers for the past five years, sang “It’s My Party (And I’ll Cry If I Want To).” She said she wants to pursue dancing and music at either Berklee or Julliard, but ultimately, wants to bring her skills back home.

“I want to open a dancing and singing studio somewhere in the New Bedford area because I think New Bedford could be as good as New York or Boston,” she said.

While the telethon featured mostly local performers, the program featured two songs by the a cappella ensemble Hawkward, comprised of students from Roger Williams University.  Erin Morrissette, who sang the lead on their rendition of Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep”, was a member of Showstoppers for nine years. She was also the recipient of a musical scholarship from the group.

“I love music and I love singing with this group, so I wanted to come back for the telethon to perform so I could show them my appreciation for what they did for me and so they could see how I’m making music now that I’m in college,” she said.

The telethon, which ran from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, suffered from no shortage of performers. In fact, they had far more people signed up than they had time to feature. Though the program itself was available only in the Tri-Town area, it’s clear by the strong show of support through volunteerism and eager young performers and tamed veterans that the effects of the Showstoppers reach far beyond Front Street. The success of Showstoppers stands as a symbol of the power of music in the lives of young people and how they can work together to bring communities together.

By Eric Tripoli

Board Approves NOI for Crestfield Home

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The Mattapoisett Conservation Commission meeting on Monday, February 13 drew a room full of residents who mostly came out to voice concerns on a Notice Of Intent application for a single-family house to be built on Crestfield Street.

Dave Davignon, from Schneider and Associates – representing the applicant of the project – presented plans to the Commission for the construction of a home on the 1.4 acre parcel of land, with 120 feet of frontage along Crestfield Street. They were proposing the construction of a driveway, to cross the wetlands, measuring 12 by 68 feet. In the original plans, the driveway was to be paved with gravel, but the revision stated that it would be paved with asphalt.

Another revision of the plan was to lower the base grade of the replication area in order to hold the volume of two inches of rainfall for the area of the rooftop. In addition, during construction, Mr. Davignon said that they would take care of cleaning up an intermittent stream that runs through the neighborhood to help the flow of water toward the local wetlands nearby.

Though only a few residents commented during the hearing, the main concerns were about possible flooding of other properties near the site. One abutter said he was worried that the flat, impermeable surfaces of the home, such as the roof and paved driveway, may hinder more efficient drainage of water. Mr. Davignon said that historically the area did not have a big issue with flooding, and that by maintaining the intermittent stream properly, the neighborhood should have no flooding issues.

Despite the concerns of the public, the Commission found that the plans were in compliance with the necessary laws and regulations.

Commission Chairman Peter Newton suggested to the abutting neighbors that they create a plan for maintenance of the stream and bring it before the Commission. They voted in favor of the revised plans, but issued a standard order of conditions regarding the diameter of drainage pipes.

The Commission also heard from John Cannell of Field Engineering, regarding a Notice Of Intent for roadway and drainage improvements on North Street. Mr. Cannell explained that they would reconstruct the roadway from Church Street to Water Street, including the addition of more catch basins, a water quality inlet with a bypass and filtration system, and the lengthening of the sidewalk. Commission member Tom Copps offered only one question about the frequency of maintenance. Mr. Connell said that it would be required up to twice per year.The Commission voted to approve the project as submitted.

Next, they heard from Doug Schneider, on behalf of Christine

Gibbons, who requested to build a retaining wall on the south side of her property. Commission member Bob Rogers said he had visited the site and does not believe the wall would negatively impact abutters.

Neighbor Ira Hill voiced concern that his property may experience heavier flooding, but Chairman Newton said the drainage would not run in the same direction as Mr. Hill’s property. The Commission then voted in favor of the new plans.

Then they heard from Rick Voci, regarding a Notice Of Intent for the construction of an industrial tower and wireless telecom compound on Marion Road. He was presenting revised plans for the site that included more detailed description of location of the access road, sedimentation control, and drainage. The Commission voted in favor of the plans, but issued a condition that construction may not occur within 15 feet of bordering vegetative wetland.

The Commission then heard from Dean Whitla and his Notice Of Intent to install a new septic system at 68 Fairhaven Road. The current septic system is located well below the water table.  Mr. Whitla wanted to replace the old system with a new one that sits higher than the local water table, so as to avoid any potential health hazards. He also wanted to raise the overall grade of the area to prevent flooding. There was no vote on this issue.

Next, they heard from Rick Sharon of Sharon and Associates, on behalf of Fadi Heneine. He filed a Notice Of Intent to construct a new single-family home on Fairhaven Road. Mr. Sharon said there were plans to build a home on the site in 2002, by the prior owner, who died a few years ago.

They are proposing a smaller house than the original plans outlined. The Commission’s main issue with the site was with the septic system, part of which is exposed about 18 inches above grade. Mr. Newton was concerned that if they could not cover the remaining area of the septic, the whole system would need to be removed and replaced.

The Commission voted to accept the project, pending their approval of updated plans that would reflect the height of the septic system.

The Commission then heard from David Davignon, representing an applicant who filed a Notice Of Intent to demolish and rebuild a home at 16 Ocean Drive. Mr. Davignon said the new home would be built elsewhere on the property so that the owners could live in the old cottage until the new structure was complete. They plan on using the property as their retirement residence. Mr. Davignon also said that the existing cottage does not adhere to FEMA flood zone regulations and the new home will. The Commission voted in favor of the project.

Lastly, they heard from Alan Decker, of the Coalition for

Buzzards Bay and Gary Johnson, of the Mattapoisett Land trust. Mr. Decker discussed purchasing a conservation restriction on 307 acres of land in the Old Aucoot area. Mr. Decker would like to preserve the area and keep it free from development, and open it to public access for recreational purposes.

The proposal includes plans to restore a large grove of old blueberry bushes, as well as the clearing of space for a few parking spots, and construction of a small storage shed. The Commission voted to approve the municipal certification for the land.

By Eric Tripoli

Team Seeks Support for Breast Cancer Walk

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On June 17, 2011, Andrea Cady of Rochester died after a long struggle with breast cancer. One year later, her daughter, Phoebe Cady, and four of Phoebe’s friends will participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk in Boston, in order to raise money for breast cancer research.

The Susan G. Komen Walk – held in July – supports international research and also helps fund local programs that aid education, screening, and treatment of breast cancer.

Phoebe and her four friends, Gabrielle Kondracki, Hannah Cameron, Nicole LaBossiere, and Madison Lees, will be walking 60 miles in Boston for three days. They will each need to raise over $2,000 each in order to participate, a lofty goal but clearly worthwhile as 100 percent of the Walk’s proceeds goes to fighting cancer.

Andrea Cady also walked the Susan G. Komen Walk a few years ago with her two older daughters, Christina and Hillary. When they returned, Ms. Cady and her daughters described amazing stories they had heard from other walkers.

Now, Phoebe and her friends hope to experience the same camaraderie and support as they tell of Ms. Cady’s heroic fight with breast cancer along the 60-mile trek.

At Tabor Academy, Andrea Cady worked as the Benefits Coordinator. More personally, Ms. Cady helped students obtain their course books and was one of the kindest and most sincere adults at Tabor Academy. She is still fondly remembered by everyone who had the pleasure to meet her.

The Susan G. Komen Walk boasts that, “No other breast cancer event in the country asks you to walk as far or raise as much money as the 3-Day. It is simply the boldest thing you can do in the fight to end breast cancer.”

For donations to Phoebe and her team, search for “The Susan G. Komen 3-Day: Boston” at www.the3day.org and select “Donate” and “Search for a Participant.” We wish the best of luck to Gabrielle Kondracki, Hannah Cameron, Nicole LaBossiere, Madison Lees, and Phoebe Cady.

By Jake Farias

Bulldog Lip Dubbing

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            Wareham High School has one, and so does Fairhaven High School. And now, Old Rochester Regional High School will join the trend and have its very own lip dubbing: energetic, creative, and infused with school spirit and pride.

             For the past two weeks, students from all four classes have been meeting in English teacher Merrideth Wickman’s classroom with school nurse Kim Corazzini to plan the massive undertaking. It will be likely a while yet before the high school actually films the lip dubbing — the pre-February vacation filming session has been nixed as Ms. Corazzini would rather take the time to film a high-quality lip dubbing than rush the process in order to have a lame lip dubbing ready for the school’s film festival on Friday, March 2. (This was the original goal.)

“[A lip dubbing] is a performance by a group of individuals lip synching a song as they progress through a certain venue or area,” Ms. Corazzini described the project.  The lib dubbing that the students and staff of ORR will create is going to incorporate all areas of the building, as well as all members of the student body.

The different teams, clubs, activities, and any interested students will be featured as the leads throughout the lip dubbing.

“I’d like for any kid who wants to be a part of it to participate and be featured in it,” Ms. Corazzini said. “It’s not just the clubs.”

The interest in creating a high school lip dubbing came from seeing those created by neighboring schools, Ms. Corazzini explained. She admits that she is a fan of flash mobs, and drew a comparison of that particular trend to lip dubbing.

“I’ve enjoyed what they do and how some of them have a sense of good feeling,” Ms. Corazzini said. “I thought maybe it might be a fun thing to do. The ones we have looked at … showcase the school and its community, at the same building a sense of school spirit and school pride.”

The initiative for the lip dubbing largely came from the AFS, which is led by both Ms. Corazzini and Ms. Wickman.

“The AFS is sponsoring the Film Festival,” Ms. Corazzini said of the event.  “We thought [the lip dubbing] could be a major draw to it.” As the situation stands right now, the lip dubbing will not be premiered at the Film Festival; instead, it will (potentially) be premiered at its own event.

“I’ve gained commitment to the quality rather than getting it done for the Film Festival,” Ms. Corazzini said. “Maybe we’ll [premiere] it some evening. Part of [doing] it was to have a fundraiser.” Ms. Corazzini also said that the school will see about posting the lip dubbing online once it is finished.

At the second meeting for the lip dubbing, the students who were present selected the song that everyone will be lip synching.

As the research of Ms. Corazzini says, the most important part of a lip dubbing is the song. It needs to be school appropriate, have a quick tempo, and be familiar to many people. It also needs to be fun to listen to – the audience shouldn’t get bored watching the completed lip dubbing.

After listening to a number of songs and discussing different premises for the lip dubbing, the students selected “4 Chords” by Axis of Awesome. The song is a mash-up of nearly 50 different songs from recent pop culture. Each song will be lip synched by a different person, team, or club during the finished lip dubbing. The next tasks for the students involved in the planning process are to divide the lyrics, determine the route of the lip dubbing, and choreograph the different stages.  Until these things are accomplished, the filming will have to wait.

By Anne Smith

Sports Shorts

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Old Rochester Boys and Girls Track – At the Freshman/Sophomore meet last week , ORR did very well with sophomore Mike Wyman shattering the meet 2-mile record by 32 seconds. He ran a 9:53:09. Paige Santos also beat a meet record, clearing 5’2” in the High Jump. Arden Gougen won the girls 55-meter, and ORR’s 4×4 finished first as well.

There were no dual meets this week for ORR Track, but the boys and girls teams are both celebrating their joint undefeated SCC Champion titles as they prepare for the SCC meet.

Old Rochester Girls Basketball – This week went well for the Bulldogs, who pulled off a 47-36 win against Wareham High School. Freshman Gabby Reuter led the team in points, scoring a career high of 23. Colby Garstang also played well with 8, and Haley Dickerson totaled 2 points after being out with an ankle injury all season. Their record now stands at 11-6 overall and 10-4 in the SCC. Next up they play Bourne.

Old Rochester Boys Basketball – This week after qualifying for the tournament, the ORR boys unfortunately suffered a 92-57 loss to Wareham High School. The top scorers for ORR were Biruk Legasse and Matt Teefy, each with 11 points, and Matt Beatty with 9. Their record now stands at 10-6 overall and 8-6 in the SCC. 

Old Rochester Hockey- This was a successful week for ORR Hockey, who beat Wareham 8-0. Senior Max Sherman scored five out of the eight goals, and Cam Severino, Cam O’Connor, and Nick Goerges filled in with the other three. Goalie Tim Kelleher also had a good game, deflecting all 15 shots Wareham threw at him.

The Bulldogs continued their winning streak, defeating Apponaquet 1-0 later in the week. ORR’s goal was made by Cam Severino, with assists from Alex Silva and Shane Mathews. Again, goalie Tim Kelleher played well letting none of the 18 shots at ORR past the net. ORR’s record now stands at 9-3-4 overall and 7-1 in the SCC.

By: India Krawczyk