Icemen Clinch Tourney Berth

on

            The Old Rochester/Fairhaven hockey team bounced back from a challenging week amidst stiff competition to defeat Bishop Stang, 3-1, on February 3 at Tabor Academy and solidify a berth in the MIAA Division 4 state tournament.

            The 9-7-1 Bulldogs got goals from Connor Galligan, Barrett Becotte and Michael Brown.

            “After a stretch of three losses against very good teams (Nauset Regional and two against Nantucket), we are happy to be back in the win column,” said ORR/Fairhaven head coach Zach Ledogar after Saturday’s victory in Marion. “They won as a team today with some younger players stepping up into big roles with some key players out. We are looking forward to playing good hockey in February to finish out the season and into [the] playoffs.”

            ORR/Fairhaven was scheduled to host Bourne on Wednesday at Tabor. They finish their regular season with a pair of afternoon road games at Driscoll Memorial Rink in Fall River against Somerset Berkley (Saturday, February 10, at 4:00 pm) and Apponequet (Tuesday, February 20, at 3:00 pm.)

Boys Basketball

            The ORR boys’ basketball team defeated Dighton-Rehoboth, 63-40, on January 30. Gavin Martin was named the player of the game. The Bulldogs (12-4) brought a four-game winning streak into Tuesday night’s game at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech (4-11) and are back on the road Friday, February 9, at Somerset Berkley at 6:30 pm. ORR hosts Apponequet on Tuesday, February 13, at 6:30 pm.

Girls Basketball

            The ORR girls’ basketball team dominated Dighton-Rehoboth, 53-31, on January 30. Amber Engel was named the player of the game. The Bulldogs brought a 12-3 record into Tuesday night’s home game against Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech (7-9) and are back on home court in Mattapoisett on Friday, February 9, against Somerset Berkley at 6:30 pm. ORR visits Apponequet on Tuesday, February 13, at 6:30 pm.

Swimming

            ORR’s boys and girls’ swim teams both defeated Seekonk and Apponequet on January 30. The boys won by over 105 points, and the girls won by 92. With the wins, the boys close out the season with a 6-0 record and the girls at 4-3.

Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky

Janet B. (Dexter) Raymond

on

Janet B. (Dexter) Raymond, 85, of West Wareham passed away Monday February 5, 2024 at home after a brief illness.

            Born and raised in Mattapoisett, the daughter of the late Chester G. and Beatrice B. (Vossahlik) Dexter, she lived in West Wareham for most of her life.

            Janet was formerly employed as a licensed practical nurse and respiratory therapist at Tobey Hospital for 21 years. She was also a certified emergency medical technician. Later she worked at Our Lady’s Haven caring for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease, which she enjoyed the most. In her earlier life, she taught Sunday School at the Quaker Meeting House in Mattapoisett.

            She is survived by three sons, Glenn and wife Donna, Donald, and Eric; five grandchildren, Ben, Nick, Nathan, Jessica, and Janelle; a step-granddaughter, Stephanie Green; and her daughters-in-law, Kathy and Kerry. She made their young lives an important part of hers, attending as many of their events as possible, babysitting, playing games, reading to them; the list is endless. They all were a source of great pride and joy.

            She also leaves her siblings, her twin Janice Southworth, Diane Baron, and John Dexter, as well as several nieces and nephews.

            She was predeceased by her siblings, Shirley Houck, Florence Vossahlik, Patricia Tapper, Susan Fink, Calvin Dexter, Daniel Dexter, and Chester Dexter.

            Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday February 13th at 11 am at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. Her family will receive visitors from 10-11 am prior to the service. Burial will be in Pine Island Cemetery. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Marion Cares Community EMS Program

on

Chief Brian Jackvony is pleased to share an update on the Marion Cares Community EMS Program following its first full calendar year in operation.

            Marion Cares provides outreach and community educational risk reduction programs to the residents of Marion. During the full 2023 calendar year, the program logged 111 calls for service. The program launched in Marion in August 2022 and logged 46 calls from August-December 2022.

            The mission of Marion Cares is to keep residents in their homes as long as possible through prevention, education and collaboration with community partners. Programs offered by the Community EMS initiative include Well-being Checks, Home and Community Falls Prevention, Fire and Burn Prevention and Education, and Emergency Preparedness Individual Evaluation. These programs are offered individually but often become hybrid programs as they are tailored to personal needs.

            The most common program is the Well-being Check, which has about 15-20 patients who are seen monthly to be assessed and monitored. During the visit, the patient’s weight, blood pressure and blood sugar are evaluated. A medication confirmation can also be conducted during which program personnel review newly prescribed medications for a recently discharged patient and ensure the patient understands discharge instructions. Personnel also review medication for any duplicate prescriptions. Any issues trigger an immediate referral to the patient’s pharmacy or primary care provider.

            During the initial wellness appointment, a home evaluation is completed to ensure that there is sufficient smoke detector protection in the residence. The home evaluation also assesses trip and fall hazards, as well as potential egress concerns in the event of an emergency.

            Data collected through the program has helped the Marion Fire Department understand the challenges residents face that may lead to repeat incidents and the reasons behind increases in calls for falls in repeat patients.

            As part of the Fire and Burn Prevention and Education aspect, EMS personnel provide education on the prevention and treatment of burns, and guidance on when to call 911. Personnel also share the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check water heater temperature and evaluate heat sources in the home.

            Through the Emergency Preparedness Individual Evaluation program, EMS personnel provide individuals or families with an evaluation of their home’s emergency preparedness. They review the current supplies and plans that help families prepare for emergencies. They also discuss home safety, evacuation procedures and necessary supplies to help people and pets in the household stay safe.

            First responders have seen the positive effects of Marion Cares firsthand. During a vaccination clinic in 2023, the Marion Fire Department offered blood pressure monitoring, which resulted in the discovery of an acute hypertensive crisis in a patient. The individual was transported to an area hospital and the stroke team was able to immediately activate. Additionally, first responders were able to intervene during a routine wellness check and ultimately transport a patient to the hospital following a lung evaluation that revealed abnormalities.

            “Oftentimes patients are reluctant to seek help until the situation becomes emergent. The Marion Cares Community EMS program has allowed us to become more involved in the ongoing health, well-being and successful proactive medical treatment of our community members,” said EMS Director Lt. Lyle McKay. “We would like to thank our partners, the Board of Health and our community members for their support in making this program a reality and a success.”

            The Marion Cares Community EMS program continues to evolve and its objectives expand according to patient feedback. Ultimately, the goal is for the initiative to become a Mobile Integrated Health Care program, which is a multi-agency collaboration that delivers a coordinated continuum of care.

            “While we are still in the early stages of the program, we saw great success in risk reduction and community interaction during the first full year of the initiative,” said Marion Public Health Director Lori Desmarais. “We look forward to seeing additional positive effects as Marion Cares continues to evolve.”

UCT Banner Night

on

Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School is excited to announce that our student athletes have achieved remarkable success this year with the golf team, boys’ soccer team and the girls’ basketball team all achieving the title of Mayflower League Champions.

            To celebrate this outstanding accomplishment, UCT will be hosting a special banner reveal during the halftime of the Boys’ Varsity Basketball game this Friday, February 9 at 6:30 pm in the Upper Cape Tech gymnasium.

            We invite parents, students, faculty and the entire community to join us in celebrating the success of our athletes and to cheer on the Boys’ Varsity Basketball team as they take on Diman Regional Tech.

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

on

Drop in for treats and crafts and meet some new titles at our Blind Date with a Book Event, Tuesday through Thursday, February 13 to 15. Explore our diverse collection showcasing a wide range of authors and genres, you might just fall in love.

            Join us to celebrate Black History Month at the Elizabeth Taber Library. All month long check out new releases, displays, programs, giveaways and more.

            Storytimes for all ages are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 am.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library, visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252

Highway Department Upgrades to Begin

on

The February 5 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board found architect Stephen Kelleher and Highway Surveyor Garrett Bauer getting what they have long striven to receive – approval to move forward with Phase 1 planning for the highway barn renovations.

            As noted in the approved architectural agreement, the scope of Kelleher’s work on various phases includes adding an additional garage storage area of 1,600 square feet, interior alterations, sound insulation, and an HVAC system in the remodeled office/breakroom spaces. There is also planned drainage for some flooring areas, and 14×14-foot overhead doors.

            Further noted is that the total project will be performed in three phases with Phase 1 including floor drains and exhaust remediation. Phase 2 includes interior remodeling, new office, new breakroom and new handicapped-accessible toilet room. Phase 3 scope of work plans for a 2,040 square-foot addition.

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco stated in a follow-up that the total cost for the entire three-phase construction project is $3,300,000 but may change over time. Kelleher’s fee is pegged at $28,535 for Phase 1.

            Jumping topics in the agenda, the board announced the selection of Kevin Greiner as the new building commissioner. Greiner is currently the building inspector for the Town of Easton.

            Back to budgets: Mattapoisett Police Chief Jason King presented a nearly level FY25 budget with wages in the draft coming in at $2,500,000 and ambulance wages at $409,000.

            In his narrative, King noted that in 2023 the Mattapoisett Police Department responded to 8,174 calls for service and 871 calls for the ambulance service. He said that no new cruisers are needed in the next fiscal cycle but that the FY26 Capital Expense plan requests two cruisers at an estimated $65,000 each. Also listed on the Capital Plan for the Police Department is $310,000 for a solar-voltaic charging station in FY27 and $50,000 to repoint the station.

            Fire Chief Andrew Murray also came before the Select Board with the department’s draft budget. Wages listed are $770,425 with another $190,600 for various equipment.

            Harbormaster Isaac Perry came before the board with no surprises. He did share that recent flooding has damaged electrical systems on Long and Middle wharves, which will be repaired before the boating season begins. Cost estimates were not offered.

            Wages for the Enterprise Fund will total $157,500.

            Perry said that motors for the pump-out boat need replacement and are listed as capital expenses amounting to approximately an $18,000 grant from Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries. Beginning in the fall, Perry said docks and floats will need replacement.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is planned for Monday, February 12, at 5:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Author Inspires Children’s Ideas

on

            Katie Mazeika is a children’s book author and illustrator whose ability to connect with young children was on full display at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on January 31. Mazeika debuted her latest release, “Beulah Has a Hunch.” But this is no ordinary children’s book – this is the story of a real person named Beulah Louise Henry (a descendant of Patrick Henry), whose brilliant mind could not and would not be tamped down to conform with social norms of the 1800s. Beulah was too unique for that.

            Leading up to speaking to the wiggly kids, Mazeika (a mother) told them Beulah’s story, how she would come up with inventions and how her brain worked differently than other people. Beulah possessed hyperphantasia, the ability to see things in complete detail. But that wasn’t all, Beulah also had synesthesia, seeing color in words; numbers and sounds contained colors that she could see.

            Over time, her parents came to accept their daughter was different and her desire and need to come up with inventions. One of the inventions was a telescoping umbrella handle. There would be over her lifetime some 49 inventions. Beulah would create voice boxes for dolls, dolls with eyes that opened and closed, and even a self-basting oven.

            We caught up with Mazeika between meetings and traveled to hear first-hand why she has chosen historical female figures for some of her books.

            “I would say my mother! She has always been such a force and inspiration to never let expectations define me,” said Mazeika. “My mother is one of countless women who are powerful, smart and strong. It’s important for young girls to know those stories. Introducing readers to female role models has always been my goal!”

            Mazeika said she has faced the same challenges all writers do (i.e. rejection), but during those “little disheartening” episodes she said she found her voice. And writing of any kind is a labor of love; the illustrations alone for Beulah took six months.

            And Mazeika’s challenges in life will be told in her next book, “Maybe Just Ask Me.”

            “It comes out next fall. It’s my first fiction book as an author and illustrator,” said Mazeika. “The story is based on my childhood. I had cancer as a toddler and lost my right eye. After that surgery, I spent extensive time in and out of hospitals.

            “The book follows six-year-old me into a new school. I had no hair and wore an eyepatch. Naturally, the other students were very curious! In the book, the other students innocently make wild assumptions about why the new kid wears a headscarf and eyepatch: Was she in the circus or attacked by pirates? She grows increasingly frustrated because she just wants to make friends and eventually tells them to, “maybe just ask me.”

            Mazeika spent time showing tiny, fledgling illustrators how to find their voices by imagining their own inventions and then drawing them out. One of their combined efforts became a drawing of a scooter, one tricked out with a motor to go fast and a freezer for ice cream. Who wouldn’t want one of those!

By Marilou Newell

Mattapoisett Street Tree Removals

on

The Mattapoisett Tree Committee voted at their January meeting to hold a public presentation about the impact of the proposed Main Street/Water Street/Beacon Street/Marion Road project for the street trees on these roads. Residents who would like to hear more about how our scenic roads will be impacted should plan on attending the meeting which will be held February 28 at 6 pm at the Fire Station training room. There is a Friends of Mattapoisett Trees Facebook group where links to proposed plans, letters and articles are being posted. Please join.

Mattapoisett Republican Party Meeting

on

The Mattapoisett Republican Party welcomes all to join us on Thursday, February 22 from 6 to 8:00 pm for our monthly scheduled meeting.  Be a part of the discussion on local initiatives, support of candidates in future elections and share ideas with like-minded neighbors.

            Guest Speaker begins at 7 pm. The topics to be discussed: Updates on the District Attorney Office, Crime Stats, Impact on new gun restrictions and Immigration impact.

            Join us at the Knights of Columbus, 57 Fairhaven Road, Mattapoisett.  There is always good food, good people and a cash bar.   For additional information contact Paul Criscuolo, Chairperson, Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee. Email:  PCMattyGOP@proton.me.

Marion’s Landfill Solar Energy Project

on

To the Editor;

            The article on Marion’s landfill solar energy “ project “ seems a good example of why our country is lagging so far behind more enlightened European countries in moving from fossil fuel to renewable energy.

            So many meetings, so much talk, so little action from government in all its shapes and sizes and from the fossil fuel centric energy sector … around and around we go.

            In 2003, twenty years ago, we met with folks from Samso Island in Denmark, a town about the same size as Marion. In 1998, with much support and help from the Danish government and private sector, they formed citizen based Samso Energy Company to make their town 100% renewable energy. In the first five years they were all on their way. Sure there were bumps and hiccups, however the whole country was pulling in the same direction and after just ten years they reached 100% net balance of renewable energy. They had built ten wind turbines, four biomass plants and several solar farms in and around their town in that time. Amazing.

What a success story for the environment not to mention the millions of dollars in savings for Samson’s residents.

            And here we are twenty years later, despite the terrific efforts from folks like Bill Saltonstall, Jennifer Francis and others, basically still in the starting blocks in the race to beat global warming.

            It isn’t rocket science, we know how and what to do, just take a good look at Samso Island.

Lee Hayes, Marion

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.