Book (re)Marks: What’s up this month at Plumb?

on

Welcome to Book (re)Marks, all the info you need about what’s happening at the Library this month. March brings us the start of Spring and most importantly, the beginning of Daylight Savings. Don’t forget to change your clocks.

            Do you love traveling and having adventures? Or maybe you’re more of an armchair traveler? Join us for an author talk with Matt Davis at 12:30 pm, Saturday, March 9 as he presents his book “At Home in the World: reflections of a travel addict.” Matt will share stories from his world travels, as well as photos. Books will be available for purchase ($20 cash or check.)  Space is limited and registration is required. Sign up on the Events Calendar on our website.

            The COA Book club will meet at 1 pm Tuesday March 19 to discuss “The Light Pirate” by Lily Brooks-Dalton. Books & Babble Book club will be discussing “The Ride of Her Life: the true story of a woman, her horse and their last-chance journey across America” by Elizabeth Letts at 6:30 pm, Thursday, March 28. Books for both clubs are available for pick-up at the Library or on the Libby app.

            We also have 4 book clubs for kids. BookBuds meet the first Friday (4 pm and 5 pm) and Saturday (10 am and 11 am) of the month. There are groups for kids from ages 6-teen. See our Events Calendar for more info.

            Do you like to knit, crochet, or cross-stitch? If so, join us on Monday nights from 6-8 pm for a social gathering of handcrafters. Bring your latest project or something from the stash. Maybe your creative outlet involves pen and paper? Join our Writer’s Group the third Thursday of every month to keep those ideas flowing. Open to anyone 18+. Next meeting is 6:30 pm, March 21.

            Do your kids love to doodle? Sign them up for our Doodle and Tranquility Workshop with Cara Bean at 10:30 am, Saturday March 16. This workshop is designed for kids ages 8+. Space is limited and registration is required.

            The Friends of the Library will meet at 6:30 pm, Thursday, March 7. This meeting is open to the public. Join us for discussion of upcoming fundraising effort, including the spring book sale. The Friends will also be holding their semi-annual Savers Clothing Drive on Friday March 22 (2-6 pm) and Saturday March 23 (8 am-noon.)  Bag up your soft household goods and clothing/shoes for donation directly into the truck in our parking lot. Boxed books will also be accepted. All items should be in resale condition.

            The Board of Library Trustees is meeting at 6:30 pm, Thursday, March 14. This meeting is open to the public and the agenda is posted here: www.townofrochestermass.com/node/425/agenda

            Questions? Please call (508-763-8600) or email (info@plumblibrary.com). As always, we hope to see you soon at the Library.

ORRJH Students of the Month

on

            Silas D. Coellner, Principal of Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, announces the following Students of the Month for February, 2024

Green Team: Rebecca A. Schaefer and John P. Ferreira

Orange Team: Caden J. Gonsalves and Claire M. Vergoni

Blue Team: Ava E. Dzerkacz and Oliver A. Hutchison

Red Team: Aurora J. Froes and Richard H. Redsicker

Exploratory Team: Isabella D. Hollis & Rose E. Bouley

OPM Request Met with Scrutiny

on

Rochester’s Select Board Monday rejected Public Safety Building Committee Chairman Arnold Johnson’s request to hire an owner project manager with $140,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, preferring to learn first what exactly an OPM would accomplish for them at this stage of the project to combine, replace or rehab the town’s space-challenged police and fire stations.

            Johnson said his committee, which recently received the project’s feasibility study, wants to take the next step by using the ARPA funds for an OPM with the expertise to evaluate design and cost options for the rehab/replace plans being proposed.

            Select Board member Brad Morse did not agree with this plan. He said he wants to recommend putting this expense before town voters for their approval first, noting the town doesn’t even have a specific replace or rehab plan yet. “This is putting the cart before the horse,” said Morse.

            Johnson responded that the committee can’t do any more evaluating of the feasibility study’s conclusions until it gets an OPM’s expertise. However, fellow Select Board member Adam Murphy agreed with Morse. “I think voters will question this,” Murphy said.

            A resident added to the pushback by noting the town has yet to share the feasibility study with the public. “To hire a project manager is way premature,” he said. Very cart before the horse. There has been zero communication with the townspeople.”

            Johnson countered that the feasibility study has been discussed in open meetings, televised on local cable and reported in the press. “We are doing our due diligence,” he said. “To bring a big number to town voters in the past was a waste of time. We just need to get a better next step this time. No one’s disrespecting the voters. I’m not against bringing this to the voters.”

            The Select Board concluded discussion by tabling a decision, after Murphy moved to have Town Administrator Glenn Cannon put together information on what an OPM does and what that person would be doing in this case. “For $140,000?” Murphy said. “We don’t even know what we’d be getting for that.”

            In other action Monday, the board opened the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting, which it noted is scheduled for May 13. The warrant will remain open until Friday, March 22.

            The board appointed police officers Connor Leddin and Austin Alves for detail work at the March 5 Presidential Primary election.

            Cannon reported that the transfer station site assignment request should be available for signing at the March 18 Select Board meeting.

            Cannon reported the Massachusetts Cultural Council has received a $5,800 grant for its dispersal this year.

            On February 27, the Select Board met briefly and approved spending $1,300,000 of ARPA funds on town priorities.

            Prior to the vote, Cannon explained to Select Board Chairman Paul Ciaburri and Murphy, who were present in person, and Morse, who was attending via a telephone link, that by March 1 the Plymouth County commissioners need an estimate of what the town wants to spend its ARPA funds on. If those funds aren’t spent by the town by the end of the year, they will be reallocated for other county priorities.

            The board swiftly approved forwarding to Plymouth County the memo that allocates $1,309,227.77 of ARPA funds for the following town needs: new ambulance at $384,000, Revenue Loss Allocation $218,226.35, Technical Upgrades $250,000, Overtime Reimbursement $150,00, Emergency Services Power Stretcher $30,262.46, two Defibrillators $4,938.98, COVID tests $5,000 and Dispatch/jail-cell doors $100,000.

            The last item became this designation after Murphy noted it is uncertain whether police cell doors, the initial intent for that amount, would qualify for ARPA funding, which must be related to the negative financial impacts of the COVID pandemic and public health and safety needs. Murphy suggested adding dispatch-center costs to this item, as the town will need its own equipment should the regional dispatch center Rochester now relies on ever shuts down. Cannon said he will research further as to whether cell doors will so qualify for these funds.

            The technical-upgrades priority will be spent on new radios and radio repeaters for the Fire Department, said Chief Scott Weigel. Officials previously reported that $216,413 of ARPA funds would be used to acquire digital radios; this amount is in the new $250,000 sum. Overtime Reimbursement will be for the costs paid during COVID for employees who had to work in the office despite the pandemic.

            Rochester was initially awarded $1,021,846.89 in total ARPA funds. Cannon explained in a later interview that the county asked the town to calculate extra funding into its estimate in case a reallocation of funds occurs.

            The Rochester Select Board set its next meeting for Monday, March 18, at 6:00 pm at the Senior Center, 67 Dexter Lane.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

From the Rochester Historical Society

on

In early New England, the most important man in town was most likely not the owner of the biggest house, the town clerk, or a selectman, but rather the minister of the town’s church. Rochester’s first two ministers, Reverends Arnold and Ruggles, both served for many conflict-free years while growing the size of the congregation to over 300 parishioners.

            Upon the death of Rev. Ruggles, a recently ordained Harvard graduate, Jonathan Moore became his successor. While he had preached at Brattle Street Church Boston prior to his ordination, this was his first official position. He came to the Rochester Center Church during the lead up to the Revolutionary War. When it became time for Rochester men to march off to war, he “shouldered his musket” and joined them as chaplain to one of the companies.

            The first of his ministerial years saw him providing “good services” to his congregation and during his tenure, his recordkeeping and other writing provided valuable information to the historic records.

            Unfortunately, he became a minister at a time of change in the church and society. A new doctrine, the half-way Covenant, caused some disagreement among parishioners and a perceived decline in religion blamed on the French influence from the war made congregational calm less easy to come by. However, in the case of Rev. Moore (most frequently referred to as Mr. Moore in Abraham Holmes memoirs), it was more likely his personality that led to conflicts. Holmes refers to him as an impudent man and an anonymous writer in 1815 said that Moore “was a man of constitutional fearlessness of heart. The face of men in any garb had no terror for him.” This meant he was happy to argue and disagree with just about anyone. As time passed, he was more and more involved in “disputes and lawsuits with his parish”.

            He openly feuded with Justice N. Ruggles. It is obvious in some of Holmes accounts how much the two men disliked each other. When a prayer was proposed for an important meeting, “Ruggles said if there must be prayer, he hoped it would not be by Mr. Moore, for he had heard so much of his praying on Sundays that he could not bear to hear him on a weekday, for that man had done more hurt in Rochester than he ever did, or ever would, or ever could do good”.

            Not to be outdone when called upon to offer a prayer, Moore proceeded to offer a few opinions of Ruggles, referring to his ” depraved and wicket heart” and then led the group in prayer.

            In 1789-90, it became apparent that the Rochester Church’s enrollment was declining. This was blamed on Rev. Moore by a committee studying the situation. This “brot on a violent discussion in the meeting.” Things went from bad to worse and after many, many church and committee meetings, Moore was dismissed in 1792. For quite a while after this, he refused to accept his dismissal and held competing services in his home. He also sued for back salary that he felt was due him. The suit went to court and after a lengthy trial, the jurors decided against him even though the court felt that he was in the right.

            Even though he was removed from the roll of the church at that time, upon his death in 1814, he was taken back into the church. He is buried in the Rochester Center Cemetery beside his first wife.

By Connie Eshbach

MNHM Coastal Explorations

on

The Marion Natural History Museum is offering two summer sessions of Coastal Explorations. During our weeklong programs, we explore some of Marion’s unique natural areas, including shorelines, salt marshes, estuaries, riverbanks, ponds, swamps and bogs. These programs are designed for small groups of students entering grades 3-6. We meet from 9 – 12 in a variety of locations in town. Our first session is July 8 to 12 and second session is August 6 to 10 and registrations are now open at the museum’s website www.marionmuseum.org. Come join us for a week of summer fun exploring our natural areas.

Mattapoisett Trees

on

To the Editor;

            Let’s hope that the next meeting to discuss the proposed road work in Mattapoisett will be held in a venue that can accommodate all of us who want to be present.

            I have a fondness for old things and think they epitomize strength, durability, charm, and character, just as the trees lining our shady roads add to our vision of Mattapoisett as an old New England seaside town.

            I fear that the proposed tree removal will turn our lovely village into something resembling a supermarket parking lot.

Sharon Schneider

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.

Martin Sparks Bulldogs to Playoff Win

on

The Old Rochester Regional High School boys’ basketball team opened the MIAA Division 3 state tournament on March 1 with a 65-59 victory over Foxborough in Mattapoisett.

            Gavin Martin was named the player of the game, dropping 18 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Zach Maurao added 18 points. The host Bulldogs, seeded second, were behind in the first quarter and were down one point at the half. After scoring 20 third-quarter points, the Bulldogs led 50-45 going into the fourth. In a back-and-forth final quarter, the Bulldogs ultimately pulled away with the win.

            “The boys displayed resilience and did what they had to, securing a gritty win and advance,” said ORR head coach Steve Carvalho.

            ORR took an 18-4 record into its March 6, Round of 16 home game against 15-seed Salem (6:30 pm tipoff at the ORR gym for Wednesday’s online readers).

Girls Basketball

            ORR, seeded 22nd, fell at Watertown, 47-28, on March 1 in the MIAA Division 3 Round of 32. The Bulldogs finished the season 15-7.

By Aiden Comorosky

FY25 Capital Planning

on

            On March 4, the Mattapoisett Capital Planning Committee, chaired by Mike Dahill, presented the Select Board with the town’s FY25 plan.

            Dahill began his presentation by first stating that the biggest expense the town is facing is the upgrades project required at the Fairhaven Sewer Plant. While final cost estimates are still being calculated ($8,000,000), Dahill said that grant funding was being sought, thus bringing the town’s share a bit lower.

            Under the Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds for FY25 are sums earmarked for a new Water and Sewer headquarters building. Under the Water Enterprise, $2,100,000 plus another $900,000 from the Sewer Enterprise is planned for that construction project.

            The Waterfront Enterprise Fund will cover costs of $25,000 for a new stretcher (with another 50% coming from the Police Department.) Also, $25,000 will be allocated for docks and floats and $10,000 for a pump-out engine.

            There are 19 non-enterprise-fund, capital needs being requested. Those are: $360,000 new ambulance, ambulance stretcher $40,000, fire-helmet replacements $11,000, fire hose replacements $18,000; Highway Department Ford F250 Pick-up truck (2007) $75,000; annual road improvements $300,000, Center and Old Hammondtown schools paging servers $65,800, replacement pump for Fire Department truck $8,000, Town Hall exterior trim painting $50,000, Highway Department exhaust fan $10,000, Old Hammondtown and Center schools water-heater replacements $36,000,  library elevator upgrade $25,000, Pine Island culvert design and engineering $130,000, Center School fire doors replace and repair $26,000, Center School window-seal replacements $20,000 and Old Hammondtown School VCT flooring replacement $25,000.

            Enterprise requests total $11,060,000, and nonenterprise needs are $1,224,800.

            Dahill said the committee is awaiting Old Rochester Regional Junior and Senior high schools’ capital needs but indicated the list would be substantial.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not announced upon adjournment.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

DeSousa: Going Underground Would Save Trees

on

            Public meetings in Mattapoisett rarely require overflow rooms to accommodate attendees, but such was the case when the Mattapoisett Tree Committee held its February 29 meeting. The Fire Station training room was packed, requiring Town Administrator Mike Lorenco to open up Town Hall. A streaming of the meeting via Zoom granted those audience members audio and video coverage.

            Tree Committee Chairman Sandy Hering expressed her delight at the turnout, giving validation to her belief that townspeople wanted and needed more details on the proposed village streets project.

            The project, now heading towards the 25% design as required by Massachusetts Department of Transportation, is on the 2026 TIP list for state and federal funding. However, the Tree Committee believes the loss of old oaks and other mature trees that line the waterfront area would be a “tragedy.” Hering said several times during the meeting that the removal of trees to comply with state and federal regulations would change the character of the village area for a lifetime.

            The information offered was detailed in scope, outlining specific trees that would be slated for removal, width of sidewalks for ADA compliance, location of new sidewalks and where new trees would be planted.

            Presenters for the evening (including Hering) were Bonne DeSousa, Carlos DeSousa and committee member Dianne Tsitsos. While Hering carried the bulk of information to the attendees, Carlos DeSousa spoke to a redesign of the project that would include underground conduits for electrical and network cables. He asserted that by placing these utilities underground, the need to remove so many trees (some 30 at last count) would be mitigated, shade canopies would be untouched and critical services would become more viable during storm events.

            Tsitsos shared images of the village area in full summer mode with events being enjoyed where sidewalks currently exist and shade trees are in full, leafy bloom.

            Noting that the Fire Station planning and associated costs had necessitated the inclusion of a steering committee to navigate all the moving parts, Hering wondered aloud why a steering committee had not been put in place for a project with such wide-ranging impact.

            Hering also stated that public hearings under the jurisdiction of the Planning Board regarding the fate of each and every tree currently tagged for removal should be scheduled. In a follow-up with Lorenco, he stated that the Scenic Streets Bylaw will require the trees scheduled for removal to follow the tree-removal process of public hearings.

            Rising to speak once questions and answers began was Select Board member Tyler Macallister, providing a timeline of how the project has progressed thus far and the need to move the project along to the final funding stages.

            Pointing out the number of public meetings the project has undergone, 20, that began in 2014, Macallister said that since April 2021 there had been six public meetings not including this one. He said that the November 2016 Town Meeting approved the spending of $300,000 for the project’s engineering and permitting and again during the May 2021 annual Town Meeting another $450,000 to reach 75% design.

            Macallister further noted that original estimates for the project had been around $4,500,000 but now were closer to $11,000,000. From prepared notes, Macallister stated, “The average annual debt impact (should the town decide to pay for the project from borrowing) would be approximately 35 cents on the tax rate, which would calculate to approximately $257.48 for the average single-family home. Over 20 years, the taxpayer would pay $3,862.” Culvert replacements have also impacted total cost estimates.

            Regarding underground conduits, Macallister said that Eversource is unwilling to entertain that option due to the high costs, some, if not most would be passed along to the town.

            In the beginning, 2014, the seed was planted for the village streets project. Concerns and considerations resulting for aging gas and water lines propelled the town and the then-sitting Select Board of Paul Silva, Jordan Collyer and Macallister to explore design and funding options for the large road-improvement project. Mike Gagne was the town administrator.

            When asked what their next steps might be, Hering asked that the public let their voices be heard by writing to the Select Board.

            As for now, the town awaits a final acceptable 25% engineered design, as requested from its consultants, VHB. A variety of tweaks were discussed at their last meeting with the Select Board, including trees to be removed and new trees to be planted.

Mattapoisett Tree Committee

By Marilou Newell

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

on

The seed library is back. Check out seeds and educational materials to get your garden growing.

            Join the Library for A Banned Book Club Special Presentation – Think of the Children: Banned Picture Books, Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30 pm. Learn about the picture books and juvenile literature titles that have been banned or challenged in the United States. All welcome.

            Come and hunt for lucky ducks at our Golden Duck Scavenger Hunt: Friday March 15 at 3 pm.

            Join actress Sheryl Faye and the Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library for a showing of the one-woman show “Her Majesty — Queen Elizabeth II” Sunday, March 24 at 3:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall. The performance will be preceded by an afternoon tea featuring a selection of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a variety of special sweets. Tickets can be purchased at the library for $40. Proceeds will benefit the Elizabeth Taber Library.

            Get your team together to challenge friends and neighbors in a battle of wits at the Third Annual Lizzy T Trivia Bee – Friday, April 5 at 7 pm at the Marion Music Hall. $200 for team registration, team sizes limited to 5-6 people. Silent auction, cash bar, and free table snacks available. Spaces are limited, get your registration form at the library.

            Storytimes for all ages 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.