Great Decisions Explore Global Issues

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Not everyone thinks about what happens on the other side of the globe, but a group of hearty intellectuals are taking on the task of better understanding our ever-shrinking world.

The Mattapoisett Women’s Club is bringing together about 25 to 30 individuals to discuss the latest global shapers – including the Arab Spring, Cyber security, Mexico, American exit from Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, the state of the oceans, and energy geopolitics – as part of the upcoming Great Decisions discussion series.

These topics were chosen by the American Foreign Policy Association, which promotes Great Decisions events throughout the country. AFPA reading material is distributed beforehand to give participants “a level playing field” to discuss these multi-faceted issues, according to event co-chair Eileen Marum.

“These are intelligent conversations, we build on each other’s comments,” Ms. Marum said. “Every year they pick good topics.”

With Mattapoisett Women’s Club running the event in its 31st year, “it has been quite successful,” said Ms. Marum. She said participants range from folks in the legal and medical community to homemakers, and recently the series has been attracting large numbers of baby boomers. Everyone is welcome to participate in the series, but needs to put forward $28 to purchase the briefing book and chip in for refreshments.

Great Decisions allows exploration of issues that go beyond the headlines. Ms. Marum said she is especially looking forward to discussions on the Arab Spring – the pro-democracy uprisings that have toppled regimes in countries like Egypt and are significantly changing the Middle Eastern political landscape.

Ms. Marum, who has a Masters degree in public policy, said this issue is particularly interesting because “it has been in the making since 1950s and 1960s.” She said new technology tools – such as the Internet, Twitter, and social media – have brought grievances “to the forefront” and helped people in the Middle East organize for change. Also, she said the fact that the majority of residents are under age 30 helps propel the cause.

“These are the people who know how to use social media,” she said. “It is the confluence of people and event and government situations that brought it together.” She also noted the impact of the fall of Saddam Hussein on changing the dynamic of the region.

As to whether or not enough Americans take the time to learn what is going on in the world, she said, “certain groups of Americans pay attention… there is a thirst for knowledge about foreign policy.”

The foreign policy discussions are scheduled on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 pm, starting from January 25 and continuing through March 14, at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. It is not too late to register, contact co-chairs: Ellen P. Flynn at 508-758-1312 or Ms. Marum at 508-758-9751 for more information.

By Laura Fedak Pedulli

ORR Program of Studies Now Available

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Underclassmen and their parents or guardians should be aware that the 2012-2013 Program of Studies for Old Rochester Regional High School is now available on the school’s website. For the second year, the multi-page document has been posted online in order to limit the school’s paper consumption. In prior times, the document was printed and stapled for every student in the high school and distributed during homeroom. Now, the document can be accessed by students throughout the year and as much or as little as needed – although all students are encouraged to read the entire document and familiarize themselves with graduation requirements, college requirements, and the course descriptions.

The document has been released to students and parents this week because underclassmen will be speaking with their teachers about placement in classes for next year as the term comes to a close. Students will be registering for those classes fairly soon, and problems with scheduling should be completely resolved by the end of the year. Starting with last year, the guidance office hopes that all issues with the schedules will be taken care of before students leave for summer vacation, rather than when students return for the new school year. Early registration for those classes is part of that strategy.

There have been noticeable changes to the 2012-2013 Program of Studies. First, the graduation requirements for the class of 2016 and beyond have been changed. An arts requirement of either a full-year class or two half-year classes has been instituted, with the intent of producing well-rounded students. Classes that are currently offered at Old Rochester Regional High School that would fulfill this requirement are: Art I, Ceramics, Drawing and Painting, Photography, Public and Environmental Art, Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Architectural Design, Music Technology, Music Technology II, Beginning Guitar, Intermediate Guitar, Chorus, Band, Popular American Music, Music Composition and Theory, Theater, and Philosophy.

There were other changes to the 2012-2013 Program of Studies, as well. First and foremost, the popular Creative Writing I and Creative Writing II classes have been changed from full-year to half-year electives. The school no longer offers Art II; instead, students will progress from Art I to Art Major. In the Science/Technology Department, a number of classes have been renamed or replaced. Pre-Engineering was renamed as Introduction to Engineering. AutoCAD has been replaced by Principles of Engineering. PC Repair was replaced by Computer Science. Of the music classes, the only changes have been the reduction of Beginning Guitar and Music Composition and Theory to half-year electives.

There has also been an addition to the Advanced Placement courses available to students at Old Rochester Regional High School. From the Science Department, students may now study Advanced Placement Environmental Science. This class runs opposite Advanced Placement Biology and Honors Organic Chemistry; it runs with Advanced Placement Chemistry. For the 2012-2013 school year, students may register for Advanced Placement Environmental Science and/or Advanced Placement Chemistry. For the 2013-2014 school year, students may register for Advanced Placement Biology and/or Honors Organic Chemistry. These are the only science classes that have limitations on when they run.

Other than those aforementioned changes, the 2012-2012 Program of Studies remains exactly the same. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with the document, however, especially the incoming freshmen.

By Anne Smith

Armchair Travel at Sippican Women’s Club

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Members of the Sippican Women’s Club were transported to the far away lands of China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand last Friday during a slideshow presentation of Harry and Pam Norweb’s six week trip taken in the spring of 2011. The Norweb’s are Marion residents.

Wearing the beautiful silk garb of China, the pair chatted with the over 50 guests and members who came to hear details about their adventure of a lifetime. The talk followed a business meeting and luncheon, with sandwiches and dessert. A Chinese silk hand embroidered art piece featuring two swimming goldfish, framed by beautifully carved wood was an appropriate centerpiece for the serving table.

Mr. Norweb joked about the vacation slideshows of old and said he had three more carousels of slides under a nearby chair, prompting people to laugh. He started the show with a photo of a man fast asleep in a chair with his mouth wide open and joked about the “cruel and unusual punishment” in watching someone’s vacation photos. But, the crowd was excited to see and learn more about the well planned and executed trip.
Using a digital projector, Mr. Norweb said it was challenge to condense a six-week trip with thousands of photos into 45 minutes.

“We left on March 14, 2011 on the longest trip we’ve ever taken,” said Mr. Norweb. Most of the trip was on the RSSC Voyager, a cruise ship. A high school friend of the Norweb’s also went along on the trip.

A talented photographer, Mr. Norweb had colorful images of outdoor markets with hanging fowl, fruits, vegetables, cooked food, live birds in cages and women selling goldfish in plastic bags. Other photos showed blocks of shops offering herbs, ginger, tinctures and other ingredients used in Chinese medicine. One featured a monk in orange flowing robes texting on his cellphone.

Blond-haired Pam Norweb was stopped by several tourists in Beijing and asked to pose for photos, the Norwebs said. According to Mr. Norweb, many Chinese people save up and visit Beijing as their big vacation and many have never seen a westerner. Ms. Norweb obliged and, “her photo will endure in some women’s scrapbook forever,” he joked.

The couple walked a section of the Great Wall of China, and found that the next day it was closed due to a sandstorm. A visit to Tiananmen Square required a walk through an ex-ray machine and a metal detector. Viewing the Terra Cotta Warriors were also a highlight of the trip. “Three pits have been excavated so far and they are so vast and the sheer number of warriors was incredible,” said Mr. Norweb. Other Chinese cities visited included Shanghai and Hong Kong. “Shanghai is sinking because there is no bedrock below it… it’s a real problem,” said Mr. Norweb.

In Halong Bay, Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Norweb’s saw grottos and caves in the floating city, made up of 1,969 islands. “At night, the fishermen go out and fish for squid,” said Mr. Norweb. Other cities visited included Saigon, where they took a rick-shaw ride. “It was a hair-raising experience, but a real hoot,” said Mr. Norweb.

After Vietnam, they traveled to Cambodia where they saw the Angkor Wat, which is a temple held up by trees. In Thailand, the couple was there for the New Year celebration and were invited to spend time with a local family. “Our rule was not to ask what was being offered for the meal, but to smile, be appreciative, and eat it,” said Mr. Norweb.

After the talk, Mr. Norweb answered questions. “Did you drink the water?,” asked one attendee. “Only out of a sealed bottle when we were out on the streets… otherwise, the water on the cruise ship was safe to drink,” replied Mr. Norweb. Another asked about health care and Mr. Norweb said that the purchase of health care insurance for the trip was expensive, but that later he was told that Bangkok has one of the best medical centers in the world. Someone asked if they were able to take pictures without asking for permission and the reply was that the only restriction was not to take photos of soldiers with weapons or of police officers.

Mr. Norweb wrapped up his talk and provided his blog address for anyone who wanted to learn more or get more detail on the trip. The address is: asia2011-bricoleur.blogspot.com.

In other business, the Sippican Women’s Club announced that they had a profit of over $10,000 for the 2011 House Tour. The monies will be used to fund scholarships for local high school seniors and college students.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

Photo courtesy of Harry Norweb

Undefeated ORR Track Team Headed to State Meet

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Old Rochester Boys and Girls Track – The boys’ and girls’ Track teams won again in their meet against New Bedford Voke last week. For the girls, just some of the outstanding players of the evening were Janice Weldon and Hannah Vieira in the two-mile and Ally Saccone in the hurdles and high jump.

For the ORR boys, the meet was incredibly close and came down to the relay with the Bulldogs leading by one point. The individuals on the 4×400 team, Evan Lacombe, Colin Knapton, Nick Coelho and Dan Donohue, all ran excellent races and ORR beat Voke for the first time in years, giving them a good shot at the SCC title.

In Saturday’s state relays, the boys also won and the girls placed second. The boys won the 4×800 relay as well as the distance medley, and the girls broke the meet record for the shuttle 50 dash. Next up, both teams face Fairhaven.

Old Rochester Girls Basketball – The Bulldogs started their competitive week off well with a win against Bishop Stang High School 41-19. Katie Wilbur earned the team high with 17 points, followed by freshman Gabby Reuter with 8.

ORR emerged with a win against Bourne High School 36-33. Colby Garstang led the team in points, scoring 13 total. Captain Katie Wilbur had 6, and Abby Offringa had seven including a 3-point shot. Their record now stands at 6-4 overall and 6-2 in the SCC.

Old Rochester Boys Basketball – Like the girls, the ORR boys also successfully defeated Bishop Stang 61-44. Max Risch came away with 25 points to his name, and others like Forrest Cote and Chris Marchisio contributed with 9 and 5 respectively.
Unfortunately, this winning did not continue, and the boys lost to Bourne 60-83 in double overtime. Despite this loss, senior Matt Beatty had a career high in points scoring 26. Next up, the Boys go up against New Bedford Voke.

Old Rochester Hockey – The Bulldogs started off their week well, beating Bourne 7-0. Max Sherman scored two goals for the team, both in the second quarter, and contributed with an assist. Goalie Tim Kelleher also did well, deflecting all 14 shots at the goal.

ORR continued to win with their game against Apponequet ending with a score of 7-1. Zack Matthews led the scoring with two goals, and Anthony Cammarano, Nick Goerges, Max Sherman, and Jeremy Lawton filled in with the rest. ORR’s record is now at 4-1-4 overall and 3-0 in the SCC. Next up, ORR faced DR and Seekonk.

By India Krawczyk

Tabor Student Prepare for Exams

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It’s the word that terrifies any experienced Tabor Academy student: mid-years. Mid-year exams are the one wrench in what should be an otherwise easy three weeks until Headmaster’s Holiday. This gauntlet of tests hangs over the head of some Tabor students from as early as Winter Break.

Around this time, with only one-week left, even the most nonchalant procrastinators acknowledge the need to prepare. However, how can any student prepare for five three-hour examinations over the course of six days, covering all the material from September to now?

First, any student facing a string of exams needs to simply prepare earlier. As often as it is heard, plenty of students ignore the looming threats and warnings and place themselves in impossible situations. Teachers will continue to demand their own review assignments and techniques; while these can be helpful, often the “enforced review” doesn’t serve very well as exam preparation and only serves to increase the already overbearing workload. In some cases, teachers are still trying to cram even more material into the last few days of the semester. By preparing earlier, students can create more time to deal with these unavoidable issues, as well as maintain other commitments such as winter sports or work.

Maybe the most instrumental word of advice is that you can not do everything. You should not worry about studying the exact date of the Edict of Nantes or how to conjugate the verb “fascinar” in Spanish. Rather, understanding the general themes and how to best apply them will be far more helpful than trivia facts and tidbits. Write up large review sheets that cover all the major material, chapter by chapter, and, hopefully, you can remember the small points. If not, then at least the broad coverage will allow for better comprehension in larger, and significantly more important, sections such as free-response and essay-writing.

Regardless of your process, personality, or school, exams are stressful. Many Tabor students will be, at the very least, worried for the next two weeks. Our only consolation is the four-day Headmaster’s Holiday after the mid year exams. Personally, I just cannot wait.

By Jacob Farias

Flotilla Offers Boating Safety Class

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Flotilla 65 of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary offers Boating and Sailing Safety and Seamanship. Registration is on Monday, January 23 at 7:00 pm and classes begin on Monday, January 30 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Flotilla’s 80 Middle Street, Fairhaven location. The course fee of $40 covering course books and charts is collected at registration or the first class.

Whether you are considering buying a first boat or are an experienced boater, you are encouraged to attend this in-depth course which includes: boating terminology, boat equipment, boat handling, boat trailering, rules of the road, navigation, medical/safety awareness, weather, engines, radios, and how to read a chart, buying a boat, tie a knot, and even calling in a mayday.

Participants are split into two classes: one emphasizes sailing and the other power boating. For those considering sail, specialized topics will also include: how a boat sails, basic sailboat maneuvering, rigging and boat handling, and engines for sailboats.

Successful course completion can result in boat insurance discounts and meets the boating safety course requirement for U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary membership.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is an all-volunteer arm of the United States Coast Guard. The Auxiliary support almost all Coast Guard missions-particularly Public Safety Education for recreational boating. For additional information contact Flotilla Public Affairs Officer, Linda Meredith at the-merediths@comcast.net or by phone at 508-542-1735.

BBHFH Home and Garden Show

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The Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity (BBAHFH) will host a Home and Garden Show at Tabor Academy on Saturday, March 24 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. BBAHFH is currently seeking exhibitors for the event. The show offers opportunities for contractors, landscape designers, nurseries, banks, mortgage companies, and other homecare experts to promote products and services to the public. The exhibit booth charge is $150 for a ten-foot by ten-foot space. Various sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Exhibitors are encouraged to offer workshops and home improvement seminars to show attendees. Businesses and suppliers interested in exhibiting at the show, or sponsoring the event, can email Christine Lacourse, Executive Director at BBAHFH, at BuzzardsBayAreaHabitat@yahoo.com, or call 508-758-4517.

The Home and Garden show will be held inside the Tabor Academy’s Travis Roy Ice Rink, located at 266 Front Street in Marion, Massachusetts. Admission into the Home and Garden Show will be free to the public. The event is in support of the Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity affiliate. BBAHFH will distribute door prizes and will hold raffles throughout the show. The event will also include activities for children.

Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity (BBAHFH) became an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International in December 1996, encompassing the towns of Acushnet, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Wareham, New Bedford and Dartmouth. Donations of money and materials, as well as volunteer labor, enable BBAHFH, a not-for-profit organization, to build homes for those in need. The completed homes are sold to qualified families at an affordable price under a no-profit, no-interest loan. The loan payments are used toward building additional Habitat houses. All land, material, and monetary donations to Habitat are tax-deductible. For more information, or to volunteer, visit www.BuzzardsBayHabitat.org, or call the office at 508-758-4517.

February Machacam Club Meeting

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The Machacam Club will hold its next meeting on February 1 at the Legion Hall, 3 Depot Street. Social time is 5:30 pm, and dinner at 6:00 pm.

The speaker this month will be Andrew Murray, Chief of the Mattapoisett Fire Department. Chief Murray will report on the changes that have taken place with the Department in the areas of Personnel and Equipment. He will also discuss firefighters ongoing efforts to expand their community involvement. The Chief will look ahead and discuss where he sees the Fire Department 10 years into the future.

Callers are asked to bear in mind the importance of call list accuracy. Please report your lists not later than January 30 at 9:00 pm by calling 508-758-9311 or e-mail GPFNR@aol.com. Members may make last minute changes by calling the same phone number or e-mail no later than 9:00 am on January 30.

Senior Action Council Meeting

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A meeting to discuss tenants’ rights is being sponsored by the Massachusetts Senior Action Council and will be held in the community room at the Village Court complex of the Mattapoisett Housing Authority, February 1 from 10:00 to 11:00 am.

Topics will include: Why do we need a tenant’s association? What are the tenant’s rights? What would a tenant’s association do? How is this different from a tenant social club?

Also, information prepared by HUD regarding tenants’ rights will be handed out to all residents living in subsidized housing. Bring a friend and/or join your fellow residents and find out what other HUD tenants already know.

Mass Senior Action Council, the most successful grassroots senior and people with disabilities organization, has been working with HUD tenants for 30 years, providing education and information allowing residents to feel comfortable while having a positive relationship with building management.

For more information contact Daria at Mass Senior Action: 508-993-2680.

Marion Man Arrested in Mattapoisett Narcotics Sting

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Mattapoisett Police arrested Nicholas Carnazza of Marion after a one month drug investigation. During this investigation, undercover narcotic officers facilitated controlled purchases of 30 mg Oxycodone pills from Mr. Carnazza on several occasions. Carnazza was also observed on multiple occasions engaging in hand to hand drug transactions. These transactions were observed within the Tri-Town area and at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.

Mattapoisett Police obtained three search warrants. These search warrants included Carnazza’s dorm at UMass Dartmouth, Carnazza’s person and Carnazza’s 2006 Toyota Avalon. On November 18, 2011, Mattapoisett Police attempted to stop Mr. Carnazza after surveillance teams observed him engage in several hand to hand drug transactions. Carnazza initially failed to stop for police on 195 East in Mattapoisett. The investigation revealed that Mr. Carnazza swallowed in excess of twenty 30 mg Oxycodone pills during the motor vehicle stop. Carnazza’s vehicle was subsequently seized and is currently in forfeiture by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s office as a result of the investigation. Nicholas Carnazza is charged with possession of a controlled substance, failure to stop for a police officer and marked lanes violations.

During this investigation, Mattapoisett Police worked closely with the Fairhaven Police, Dartmouth Police, Rochester Police and members of the Bristol County Sherriff’s Office South Coast Anti-Crime Task Force. This collaborative effort enabled the Mattapoisett Police to conduct a thorough investigation across jurisdictional boundaries. Working with the Task Force increases the resources available for such investigations. The intelligence gathered from the collaborative effort of multiple agencies is also an invaluable resource.

In the past four months, the Mattapoisett Police department has seen a substantial increase in narcotic violations. During this time period, multiple arrests have been made for narcotic violations. These violations include possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of class B controlled substance (opiates). These cases have led to the seizure of a motor vehicle, large sums of currency, drug paraphernalia and other items including cell phones commonly used for drug activity. In addition,
Mattapoisett Police Officers have also seen an increase in marijuana possession of less than one ounce. This has resulted in an increase of marijuana citations issued by patrol officers.

Mattapoisett Police currently has officers assigned to Narcotics Investigations. These officers are sworn Plymouth County Deputy sheriffs and Bristol County Deputy sheriffs. This allows Mattapoisett Police narcotic officers to conduct investigations throughout both Plymouth and Bristol County.

Any persons with information concerning drug activity can remain anonymous and is encouraged to contact the Mattapoisett Police Department at 508-758-4141, extension 209, or email at MattapoisettPolice@gmail.com.

Mattapoisett Police Press Release