Plant Needs Electrical Repairs

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Mattapoisett Water and Sewer Department Superintendent Henri Renauld has been largely assured that insurance will cover damage that the Water Treatment Plant sustained on August 8 when an EF-1 tornado ripped through a section of town north of Route 195.

            In his report to the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District Commission on Tuesday, Renauld said he had spoken with two or three vendors, gone through the prescribed steps and anticipates repair work to the area of trees, along with a fence and the rooftop. Having examined damage to electrical transfer switches, Renauld estimates between $60,000 and $80,000 of work.

            “(The insurance company) is 90% sure they’ll cover it, but they need to see the smoking gun,” said Renauld, noting that three visits have been made with the electric company to assess the situation. “Is there a 10% chance they won’t (cover the damage)? Yes. Can we leave it the way it is? No, we can’t. I would like to move forward with this one; the electrical company is confident they’re going to find the problem. … The problem is … they need to get in behind and pull it out and see what’s broken.”

            Preliminary conclusions are certain among all stakeholders, but the insurance company needs to see the broken electrical component. The transfer switch, Renauld said, “took a beating” during the tornado. He said the switch is failing and will fail. Without repair, he said, it will fail to supply water during a storm event.

            Eversource would need to be present, and an individual would need to stand by and run the plant; a company, said Renauld, would be brought in to do the repair work.

            “They’re going to come out with a broken piece, I know they are, and insurance is going to cover everything, they told me they are,” said Renauld.

            Only recently was clearing accomplished that makes that access possible, and Renauld said repair will immediately take place pending the availability of parts.

            The MRV District Commission voted to spend the money to complete its investigation of the electrical issues at the plant.

            So far, the MRV has received approximately $74,000 in insurance coverage for tornado damage with a $1,000 deductible.

            In the Treasurer’s report, Renauld reported invoices totaling $102,091.70, including billing exceeding $12,000 (chemicals), $16,000 (solar) and quarterly charge from the Town of Mattapoisett ($48,983.)

            Jeff Furtado reported September balances on the MRV’s vendor account at $20,154.57, and the commission’s savings account at $345,033.91. Both had slightly increased over amounts from three months prior.

            The commission’s upcoming district budget to be produced by Budget Subcommittee members Renauld, Furtado brothers Vinnie and Jeff and Meghan Davis will try to supply Tata & Howard engineer Jon Gregory with a draft prior to the MRV’s November 14 meeting with a goal to finalize it in December. Secretary Ann Carreiro will join their effort.

            Gregory provided a Water Treatment Plant Upgrades project update.

            Tata & Howard is proceeding with procurement of the ultra-filtration equipment, and Gregory anticipates long lead times with designer Koch Separation Solutions. He pointed to the membranes themselves, several types of meters and instrumentation, along with blowers.

            Applications have been filed for SRF funding, and Tata & Howard is working with an electrical engineer subconsultant. Gregory said he is looking to schedule an update meeting with MassDEP to bring state up to date on progress and set up any bypass requirements.

            In his Tata & Howard Report, Gregory said MRV member town water employees will engage in Emergency Response Training will be held on Thursday, November 2, at the Music Hall in Marion across from Island Wharf.

            In his Water Treatment Plant Operations update, Renauld said the main meter was calibrated on October 23, that the plant would be hosting divers and vacuuming tanks. He said a compressor went down and that R.A. Mitchell Company was at the site to repair charging on the generator.

            In the Water Protection Advisory Committee meeting that immediately preceded the commissioners, John Furtado told the committee his Treasurer’s Report is being delayed by an ongoing but incomplete effort to reconcile the FY23 budget.

            “They don’t want to release any of the ledger for FY24 until FY23 is finished,” he said.

            Vinnie Furtado, the chairman of both the commission and the committee, said the FY24 allocation had just been received on October 5. But with special town meetings out of the way, he anticipates FY23 accounting will be up to date in time for the committee’s November 14 meeting.

            The committee voted to authorize Vinnie Furtado to pay three invoices led by $2,839.97 from Tata & Howard.

            Marion DPW engineer Meghan Davis is compiling an invitation list, including Wareham and Middleborough representatives for a regional meeting of member towns’ water officials. The meeting is anticipated for November.

            In his Tata & Howard Report, Gregory said graphs up through August 2023 are available with more to soon follow as information comes in from consultant Megan McCarthy.

            Tata & Howard bought another level logger and now has two spares. There are four originals still operating and in use.

            At Gregory’s suggestion, the committee will reach out to Rick Charon, who was not present Tuesday but had mentioned at the committee’s September committee that he was looking to have David Wong from MassDEP. The intention is to have Wong on the agenda for November 14.

            The next meetings of the MRV Water Supply Protection Advisory Committee and Water District Commission are respectively scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, at 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm via Zoom.

MRV Water District Commission/Water Supply Protection Advisory Committee

By Mick Colageo

The Circus Is Not What It Used to Be

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            Ringling Brothers, the “Greatest Show on Earth,” announced that the circus is back … without elephants and clowns.

            I used to love going to the circus. When I was a boy, the circus set up almost in my backyard right in the field where a funeral home, condominiums, the fire station and the police station are now. Like every kid, I dreamed of running away with the circus.

            Who doesn’t love the circus, especially the clowns?

            Clowns come in all sizes, some with red noses and some with blue ones and some with big floppy feet that they sometimes trip over and get stuck in their mouths.

            Clowns stuff themselves into tight spaces, unable to move one way or the other. Sometimes, one wiggles out of the clown car to leave the circus to become an advisor to new clowns who want to know how to get along under the big tent, but most stay there forever, and ever and ever.

            In addition to the clowns, circuses have elephants and donkeys and contortionists who can twist and turn themselves into all manner of positions. There is even a ringmaster who controls the show and tells the clowns how to perform. Without the ringmaster, the circus becomes chaotic and stops being funny. After a while their act gets old, but they keep plugging along doing the same routines over and over.

            If this all sounds familiar, it is because you have been reading the newspapers or watching TV, especially cable news. Congress is in session, and it is silly season, plus the presidential election race has begun … over a year before the election. This circus parade began with a peanut farmer who began his campaign 2½ years before the 1976 election, thus setting off a biennial race to the center ring.

            Canada’s election season typically runs 12 weeks. Mexico’s general elections start 90 days before Election Day. The United Kingdom is a little bit longer, four months. France is usually no more than two weeks, and Japan is just 12 days! That’s not even long enough to put on one clown’s preferred costume of a hoodie and shorts.

            Campaigns go on way too long, and governing “ain’t what it used to be” either. I can remember when politicians used to address each other as “my distinguished friend from the great state of …;” now it would not surprise me to see a shaving cream pie or a squirt bottle aimed at an opponent during a debate.

            Yeah, a laugh a minute. I heard one politician say he sleeps in his office and puts on make-up every morning in anticipation of being on TV. Well, I guess that’s bipartisanship as women politicians do that every day.

            Sometimes you can’t tell what is serious and what is funny. A congressman from down south asked if sending 8,000 troops to Guam would capsize the island due to the added weight. He wasn’t kidding.

            I guess where there are clowns, you can be sure there is a circus. To be fair, John Steinbeck said, “Writers are a little below clowns and a little above trained seals.”

            That’s my serious column for the year. Don’t expect me to return to the circus soon.

            Editor’s note: Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and retired newspaper columnist whose musings are, after some years, back in The Wanderer under the subtitle “Thoughts on ….” Morgado’s opinions have also appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

Thoughts on…

By Dick Morgado

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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            Last year’s exhibit at the Rochester Historical Society Museum was Maps, Signs and Celebrations. As so often happens when we start looking in closets and behind cabinets, we found more maps and signs than we expected. In addition, it became apparent that when it came to Rochester celebrating an anniversary, less was never more.

            That brings us to our new exhibit aptly named Maps, Signs and Celebrations; Part II. In our new exhibit we have signs of all kinds from one of the old church signs to a sign that lists all the rules that campers were supposed to follow at the old Knight and Look Campground.

            Two new related donations to the museum are the Bettencourt’s sign and the bench (pictured here) that once sat on the store’s front porch. Both were donated by Jan Bettencourt. The bench was a favorite of Hartley Sawmill workers who would cross the street and sit on it to eat their lunch. Some even carved their initials into the wood.

            We are proud of our yearly exhibits and feel that they shine a light on various aspects of Rochester history. The cost of materials for the exhibits would take a big chunk of our budget if it weren’t for the support of the Rochester Cultural Council, a local agency, supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

            The grants we have received have helped with the cost of paper, ink, mounting material, and especially, for these last two exhibits, the cost of Plexiglas sheets to protect original maps and pictures. In addition, it made it possible for us to buy good quality magnifying glasses so visitors could better read the map details.

            We will try to be open on Sundays from 1:00-3:00 throughout the Fall. It’s best to check with Connie, 617-750-2818 or Sue 508-295-8908 to make sure that we have someone to staff the museum. We will be open on Sunday, 10/15 from 1:00-3:00.

By Connie Eshbach

Learn Improv at the Mattapoisett Library

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On Saturday, October 21 at 2 pm, Meredith Charles of Drama Out of the Box is leading an improvisation workshop designed to challenge and inspire students to stretch their brains and limits. It is a great class for both the seasoned performer and those new to the world of theatre who are looking to try it out. This program is for ages 12 and up, and registration is required. For more information, contact Michelle Skaar at mskaar@sailsinc.org or by calling the library.

Academic Achievements

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Kate Marsden of Marion is among a group of students who are making history at Salve Regina University by becoming the first to perform on Broadway when they present a concert production of “Children of Eden,” a musical by the famed Stephen Schwartz, at the Lincoln Center in February 2024.

            Katherine Solowey, of Mattapoisett, was named the recipient of The Alfred J. and A. Barrett Seaman Prizes in Writing at Hamilton College’s annual Convocation ceremony on August 23. Solowey, a junior majoring in economics, is a graduate of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School.

Permanent Condition Still Talks

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A 24 Parlowtown Road resident is learning as he goes about the trees posing danger and the brush growing into his yard.

            Paul Drucker went before the Marion Conservation Commission on September 28 with a Request for Determination of Applicability to cut down and remove 14 tall trees and brush-cut to the ground.

            Citing a permanent condition attached to the building of the house in the first place, Conservation Commission Chairman Jeff Doubrava told Drucker he has no issues in cutting the trees marked during the site visits but that the original condition clearly prohibits cutting beyond the split-rail fence at the edge of his yard.

            In attendance, Drucker explained that his application is to do some maintenance and last for several years, provide safety and clear a fire hydrant.

            Drucker said previous owners had thrown debris along the edge, and he wants to maintain a line. The whole house, he said, was built within 100 feet of the wetland, and he had not realized the situation until now. He is enjoying the birds but hopes his proposed project would help him avoid regular pruning.

            Commissioner Emil Assing identified a second wetland area on the backside of the house and told Drucker that rather than see the cutting of shrubs and removal of vegetation, the commission would rather see the vegetation trimmed as it grows. He recommended the help of a professional landscaper.

            Estimating the shed to be located at least 50 feet away from the wetlands, Commissioner Shaun Walsh added that in his opinion, clearing 10-15 feet around the back of the shed would be appropriate.

            The collection of perspectives helped Drucker better understand the laws and the reasons for them.

            “I appreciate this because it’s, like I said, from my understanding as an amateur looking at the map is that the whole place is within a 100-foot buffer of wetlands, and I’m like … ‘what can we do?’ So this is a big learning experience for me, and I appreciate your time and understanding,” he said.

            Doubrava also made sure Drucker understands that he could, with a permit, perform work in the buffer zone.

            Asked for comment, Conservation Agent Doug Guey-Lee suggested the idea of allowing Drucker a one-time cutting effort but noted the town’s policy of no activity within 15 feet of the wetland. “Proximity is the issue. … The more you get close to the wetland, the more you’re going to see us hold the line,” he said.

            Doubrava said, should the commissioners approve, it would likely be a three-year permission that would require another application at the end of that period.

            The commissioners voted to issue Drucker a Negative Box 3 Determination of Applicability that notes the work is inside the buffer zone. The determination also stipulated limited clearing allowed inside the inside and not beyond 20 feet around the shed.

            Twin RDA applications from the Michael R. Deland Trust LLC for an extension of phragmites management at 498C and 498D Point Road were both met with Negative Box 2 and 3 Determinations of Applicability.

            Represented by Dave Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc., the two-part project (separate applications) will extend an effort to eradicate phragmites.

            First approved in 2019, then extended three years by state government COVID-19 provisions, the work is being done in conjunction with property next door owned by Meadow and James Spader under a trust (that application was a Notice of Intent resulting in an Order of Conditions to cover a much larger area, including some beach nourishment, according to Davignon.)

            “A majority of the work for the phragmite eradication is actually being done on the Spader property, and that has an Order of Conditions with it,” said Davignon. “These two properties, we filed an RDA about four years ago … and the groundskeeper is Lee Gunschel. He takes care of all these properties.”

            Davignon was looking for a negative determination on Lot 11S.

            Doubrava visited the site and said the invasives present were waist high and sickly looking, unlike the 10-foot-high ones the commissioners have seen. He said whatever treatment they are using seems to be working.

            The second case, a 62-foot-wide phragmite patch of 5,000 square feet has been whittled down via treatment. Davignon said the plan is to hit it until they make it go away.

            The commissioners entertained a request from the Planning Board for comment on Minor Site Plan Review for the new Department of Public Works operations center to be constructed at 6 Benson Brook Road and off Mill Street.

            Assing suggested the DPW get a wetlands delineation done. He and Walsh had looked on Mass Mapper but were unable to fully gather the information they sought. Walsh said he would not put anyone through the expense of delineating a wetland if their activity was not going to take place within 100 feet.

            The commissioners planned to send a recommendation that it appears there are wetlands to the rear of the lot and that any activity planned within 100 feet of that area should be vetted by the town and recommended reaching out to Guey-Lee. Walsh acknowledged that the natural vegetation is off the lots.

            Evidence of tree cutting and clearing along Washburn Park Road was brought to Guey-Lee’s attention by John Rockwell.

            Rockwell had been on site reviewing a wetland line as it applies to an Open Space Acquisition Commission project and reported back concern about tree-cutting activity at the Washburn Stables Property.

            Upon visiting the site in keeping with response to any such call, Guey-Lee told the commission he saw cut trees in the median area of the road and on the soft shoulders to the side. Being town property, Guey-Lee checked with the Department of Public Works and heard back from Director Becky Tilden that the DPW did not cut down the trees.

            She did not dismiss the possibility that Gunschel, the town’s tree warden, may have done the cutting. Guey-Lee found no files indicated a permit for tree cutting. A 2018 RDA applied to the horse stable but not to the activity to which Rockwell alerted Guey-Lee.

            Doubrava and other commissioners drove through to verify the areas of clearing.

            Guey-Lee was asked to look at another area of clearing. Walsh thought it proper for Guey-Lee to contact property owners and look at the site together. As for the trees, Walsh said the activity was clearly in the buffer zone and recommended that Guey-Lee go back out and then report back to the commission with updated information.

            Bryon and Cynthia Deysher filed a Negative Box 2 Determination of Applicability to install an 18×36-foot, inground pool, a 24×20 pool pavilion, a 16×12-foot house addition and associated site improvements at 44 Lewis Street. In responding to the proposal as laid out by Brian Grady of G.A.F. Engineering, the commissioners and Guey-Lee called it a straightforward project.

            The Marion Conservation Commission was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, October 11, at 7:00 pm at the Police Station.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Mick Colageo

Bulldogs Bounce Back

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            Sophomore Garrett Ignacio, junior Jauden Pedro and freshman Grady Oliveira scored goals, as the Old Rochester Regional boys soccer team defeated visiting Apponequet, 3-2, on Monday, improving their record to 6-2-1 and building a three-game winning streak entering Wednesday’s home game against Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech (4-3-1.) The match will be their final home game for the next three weeks.

            Oliveira was named one of the players of the game, as he scored the winning goal to close out the Lakers. ORR junior Aidan Costa played great defense and was also named a player of the game.

            ORR won its second in a row, defeating Dighton-Rehoboth, 4-2. Goals were scored by Oliveira, Ignacio and George Psichopaidas. “We lost 3 to 2 to the same team a few weeks ago, so it was good to get a big win,” ORR coach Mike Devoll said.

Football

            Old Rochester defeated Dighton-Rehoboth, 21-7, as the Bulldogs’ 2023 record improved to 3-2.

            Junior running back Jack Leconte had two touchdowns and was named player of the game. Senior Mateo Pina had the third and final touchdown to close it out. The defense played very strong, led by seniors Andrew and Will Geary.

            ORR’s next game is at undefeated Fairhaven on Friday, October 13, at 7:00 pm.

            “We have to execute better if we want to beat Fairhaven next week,” said ORR head coach Bryce Gilbeault last week. “They are well coached and execute at an efficient rate. We need to have a great week of practice.”

Golf

            Peter le Gassick and sophomore Brady Mills both shot 2-over-par, nine-hole rounds of 38, as Connor Galligan shot 39, as ORR won, 237-271, against Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech (4-4) on Monday at Whaling City Golf Club. With the win, the Bulldogs moved to 9-2 on the season and 9-0 in the South Coast Conference heading into Tuesday’s match at Joseph Case (4-10) in Swansea. Before hitting the road, the Bulldogs went 3-1 in a four-match homestand, finishing with a 242-279 victory over visiting Apponequet at the Bay Club.

Girls Volleyball

            Old Rochester won 3-0 against Dighton-Rehoboth, as their record is now 8-4 and 6-2 in the SCC. Junior Aubrie Letourneau had 27 assists. Senior Arielle Troupe was named the player of the game with 12 kills. The Bulldogs were looking forward to a conference showdown on Wednesday against GNB Voc-Tech at Old Rochester. “This will be a big game for the SCC,” ORR head coach Jimmy Oliveira said.

Girls Soccer

            Coming off a 5-1 loss on Monday in Lakeville, the ORR girls’ soccer team (6-4) is looking forward to another shot at undefeated Apponequet on Thursday, October 12, in Mattapoisett, but first the Bulldogs were looking to take care of business on Tuesday against Durfee (6-3-1) in Fall River.

            “We can play with (Apponequet) skill wise, but we need a stronger belief that we can do it,” said ORR head coach Jeff Lombard following Monday’s defeat.

            The Bulldogs had built a four-game winning streak before falling 2-0 to visiting Dighton-Rehoboth on October 4. “I am excited with this team this year, as we have a good skill level and desire to succeed as a team,” said Lombard, whose team bounced back with a win against Fairhaven on October 6.

Field Hockey

The Bulldogs lost, 1-0, in a very tough game against the visiting Durfee High School. The Hilltoppers of Fall River had 7 penalty corners as ORR leveraged 2, and the scoreboard was at a standstill until two minutes left in the fourth quarter. Durfee found the net on the penalty corner, and ORR could not respond before time ran out. ORR freshman goalkeeper Reilly Patraiko made two saves for the Bulldogs, who were looking to get back on track against Somerset Berkley on Tuesday.

By Aiden Comorosky

Music at the MAC Fall Series

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The Marion Art Center (the MAC) is pleased to announce three upcoming music events in November. Tickets can be purchased online at marionartcenter.org/events.

            Jazz Jam @ the MAC returns to the Marion Art Center stage on Friday, November 3 from 7:00-9:30 pm (tickets are $20 for MAC members, $25 for nonmembers; participating musicians attend for free.) Be part of the long tradition of the jazz jam session complete with participation from community musicians. Our house band – Matt Richard on piano, Dave Zinno on bass and Gary Johnson on drums – will support the improvisers as they interpret many “jazz standards” in various style formats. Learn about the inner workings of a jam session as trombonist Phil Sanborn leads a question-and-answer session and explains how the songs are structured and how the “road map” for each selection helps the improvisers. Join us to listen in, or if you’re a musician, sign up to join us on stage. Guests may bring their own refreshments to enjoy during the show. Musicians who would like to play should email info@marionartcenter.org with “Jazz Jam” in the subject line.

            Putnam Murdock & Friends return to the MAC stage on Saturday, November 4 at 7:30 pm, with musician Merrick Brannigan as the opening act. Along with Colin Bradley on pedal steel, Kyle Spark on bass, and Mark Purrington on drums, Murdock’s tunes are realized in a new way. There is a sensitivity and touch where the players listen and create in the moment to create a solid sonic foundation but one that is malleable and patient. These players do not rely on their rehearsals to create repetition but to create the trust it takes to approach every song like it is brand new every time they perform. Merrick Brannigan is a 15-year-old singer/songwriter with a passion for all things music. He is an accomplished guitarist, pianist, and vocalist. A former Nantucket resident, his music career began when he won Nantucket’s Got Talent in 2019.

            Don’t miss the third and final Unplugged in the MAC Gallery event of the season with pianist Matt Richard and bassist Dave Zinno on Friday, November 17 starting at 7:00 pm, with a second seating scheduled at 8:15 pm. The cost is $12 for MAC members and $15 for nonmembers. There will be two separate performances during the night, and each set will last about 45 minutes. Find a spot at a cabaret table to listen to a mix of jazz standards and original compositions by both artists. Guests will enjoy a refreshing setting in our upstairs gallery at this “unplugged” performance featuring mainly acoustic sound, without the volume and density often experienced during larger concerts in the MAC Theater. Guests may bring their own beverages and snacks to enjoy in this intimate setting. Tickets are limited and advanced registration is strongly recommended.

            View all concerts and register online at marionartcenter.org/events.

American Legion: Florence Eastman Post #280

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All Southcoast Active Service Military, Reservists and Veterans are invited to join the monthly meetings of the American Legion: Florence Eastman Post #280, serving the Tri-Town area of Mattapoisett – Marion – Rochester and beyond. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7 pm.

            Our next meeting is on Wednesday, Oct 18 at 7 pm. Florence Eastman Post is located at 3 Depot St, Mattapoisett.

Fairhaven Sewer Plant Upgrades

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            Mattapoisett’s Special Fall Town Meeting, scheduled for Monday, November 6, will feature several capital expenditures, including $350,000 for renovation to the Highway Department and $300,000 for roadway improvements. But those sums will be eclipsed by the $8,000,000 needed for the town’s 16% share of needed upgrades to the Fairhaven sewer plant.

            During the October 10 regular meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said he anticipates about 14 articles in the warrant, which still needs to be reviewed by legal counsel.

            The Select Board moved to close the warrant and will meet again on Monday, October 16, to sign the document. That public meeting is scheduled to take place at 6:30 pm in Town Hall. Lorenco did comment that the town has received a “pretty good free cash number” from the state.

            The Select Board moved to use ARPA funds to finance a new domain controller server at $45,000 and upgrades to dispatch radio system at $100,000. Lorenco reported that there remains approximately $728,000 in available funds and that the town has until December 24 to allocate the balance. The board previously approved a $500,000 ARPA allocation to cover costs associated with the Oakland Street freshwater lines. The Finance Committee had been involved in reviewing these expenditures, it was noted.

            Lorenco also reported that work has begun on the long anticipated restoration of the Buzzards Bay Coalition property known as The Bogs. The 13,500 acres off Acushnet Road has become a favorite place to walk or enjoy other passive recreation.

            Since obtaining the former cranberry bogs, it has been the BBC’s plan to restore some 64 acres to a more natural state and then let Mother Nature take it from there. Lorenco said the area will be closed to the public possibly for “some time” but that signage will direct the public to other available trails.

            In other matters, grant applications for Community Preservation Act funding are now available at Town Hall. The deadline for submitting requests is posted on the town’s website, Mattapoisett.net. Also available on the website is information about scallop-bed openings beginning October 15.

            Before adjourning, board member Tyler Macallister made a public plea to pedestrians and cyclists that due to greater shading and dark shadows falling across roadways, motorists will have a harder time seeing people in dark clothing. He urged walkers and cyclists to wear bright clothing.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board has been scheduled for Monday, October 16, at 6:30 pm in Town Hall.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell