Upcoming Events at 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 7pm 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. All proceeds benefit the Elizabeth Taber 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.

Order Gives Way to Comprehensive Project

Rochester’s Conservation Commission Tuesday reacted positively to a Notice of Intent application for work within the wetlands buffer zone at 532 Snipatuit Road to remove an existing houseboat and dock from the edge of the pond, demolish an existing house and construct a new, single-family home with associated site work, a new septic system, an upgraded gravel-base driveway and stone cover.

            Noting that the plan was sparked by the commission’s Enforcement Order against previous, unpermitted cleanup work there two months ago, the petitioner’s engineering consultant, Rick Charon, acknowledged there were a variety of wetlands designations on the property but described the variety of measures the design will include to earn it a permit.

            The plan, Charon said, will include removing an old rotting house and replacing an “inadequate” driveway with a new one, but it will also feature a siltation containment system and containment buoys.

“I like the design,” Commissioner Bill Milka said.

            Chairman Christopher Gerrior questioned if there would be an overlap between the work to remove the old and build the new. Charon answered he doesn’t have a timeline set but will supply one when he reaches that stage.

            Even an abutter, Steve Crawford, likes the project. He said he has been the property’s neighbor for seven years, and the old structures there used to scare him because of their hazards. “The demolition would be an improvement,” Crawford said. “The structures there were dangerous, hazardous.”

            Charon said he needed a continuance because he was waiting to hear from Natural Heritage regarding a possible requirement that the project be designed to protect the freshwater mussels in the pond.

            The commission approved member Ben Bailey’s motion to begin drafting an Order of Conditions for the project. Gerrior asked Charon to prepare a work timeline. The commission then continued the public hearing until its next meeting on April 2.

            In other action, the commission, upon the petitioner’s request, also continued to April 2 the Notice of Intent hearing for JPF Development’s plan to construct a 15-acre, self-storage facility within 100 feet of a bordering vegetated wetland at Kings Highway and 25 Cranberry Highway.

            ConCom took the unusual step of dismissing a Notice of Intent application filed for work within the 100-foot buffer zone to wetlands at 120 Snipatuit Road and to refund permit-application fees.

            The public hearing was sparked by complaints that the property owners were clearing vegetation close to a wetland pond there, Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly said. The commission learned the property is designated Agricultural and the property owners, Harrison and Kathleen Harding, raise deer there and need to clear land for them to graze on.

            The commission learned its plan to clean up the sometimes-clogged, herring-run area from Hartley Farm Pond to the start of the Rochester Boat Race and the Mattapoisett River using just hand labor and minimal equipment if possible.

            The commission met over a Zoom call with Brad Chase of Mass Marine Fisheries as a follow-up to the members’ February 10 site visit of the herring-run area. The commissioners’ conclusion after that tour was that “mat of vegetation” might soon impede the herring run there. Chase said hand labor to do that work would not need a Notice of Intent; a NOI would be needed only if equipment is used. The membership said such equipment is available to them.

            Chase said he would like to schedule an in-person visit to the site at the commission’s convenience. Town Herring Inspector David Watling said the time to do this work is July or August, when the pond is at its driest and that the group Alewives Anonymous could file the NOI for the work with the Rochester Conservation Commission. Gerrior agreed to set up the visit with Chase for around that time.

            Kelly reported that the Buzzards Bay Coalition has purchased 34 acres at 84 New Bedford Road for $1,100,000.

            The Rochester Conservation Commission will meet next on Tuesday, April 2, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Sheila A. Davidson

Sheila A. Davidson, 72, of Mattapoisett died Thursday, March 21, 2024 after a long illness. She was the wife of James W. Davidson, Sr., with whom she shared 50 years of marriage.

            Born in New Bedford, she was raised in Mattapoisett by her mother and step-father, the late Dorothy (DeMello) Anselmo and Alexander Anselmo, and lived in town for most of her life.

            Sheila was formerly employed as a bookkeeper for Fragozo Linguica in New Bedford for many years.

            She is survived by her husband, Jim; her son, James W. Davidson, Jr. and his wife Kära; her grandson, Cooper Davidson; her brother, Bradford Anselmo; her sister, Alison Anselmo and her companion Chris Swimm and her two sons Joseph and Alex Moceri; her brother-in-law, Andy Davidson and his wife Debra; and her sister-in-law, Jane Moreau and her two sons Michael and Brett Moreau.

            In addition to her mother and step-father, she was predeceased by her father Edward Andrade.

            Her funeral service and burial in Cushing Cemetery were held privately. A public celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sheila’s memory may be made to It’s All About The Animals, Inc., 103 Marion Rd., Rochester, MA 02770 or a charity of your choice. For the online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

FORM Concert Showcases Tri-Town Talent

            Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Michael S. Nelson is proud to share that the district’s musicians have showcased their talent in another successful band and choral performance series.

            The Friends of Old Rochester Music (F.O.R.M.) Scholarship Concerts, hosted in the Old Rochester Regional High School gymnasium, featured the districts’ choirs on March 5 and bands on March 12. Both concerts featured students from all five schools across the districts, including Old Hammondtown, Rochester Memorial, Sippican, Old Rochester Regional Junior High School and Old Rochester Regional High School.

            The schools’ choirs sang a total of 15 songs during the March 7 concert, including “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers and “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors. The five school bands and the Old Rochester Concert Band played a total of 14 songs during the March 12 concert, including “Roar” by Katy Perry and “In Darkest Night” by Barry Kopetz.

            “This collaborative concert is a massive undertaking, and I want to recognize our talented musicians and instructors for their efforts to put on yet another incredible show,” Superintendent Nelson said. “I also thank F.O.R.M. for all the vital support they give arts throughout our districts.”

            Superintendent Nelson also expressed his gratitude to Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 staff for their tireless work in directing the concert; Richard Laprise, Angie Vaughn, Pedro Silva, Brent Alger, Susan Audette, Sarah Leahy, Kaitlin Laprise, Hannah Moore and Patricia Richard.

            Sharlene Fedorowicz, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the district added, “It is wonderful to see our music programs so beloved by students as they participate in another terrific performance.”

            F.O.R.M. started in 1983 as a nonprofit volunteer organization that supports music programs of the districts. The organization works alongside the local community to fundraise for performance opportunities and purchase instruments, equipment, supplies and transportation to special events beyond the districts’ given budgets.

            For 41 years, F.O.R.M. has also awarded scholarships to high school seniors in recognition of their commitment to the arts. The Class of 2023 scholarship recipients included David Costa, Mason Hanks, Sakurako Huynh-Aoyama, Nicole Londergan, Drew MacGregor and Andrew Poulin.

            “The F.O.R.M. concert is always a heartwarming event and this year’s choral show was no exception,” said Old Rochester Regional High School Assistant Principal Vanessa Harvey. “Personally, my favorite part of the concert was the traditional closing song where all performers district-wide came together to sing. The unifying event makes me proud to be a part of a district that embraces the arts so strongly for students of all ages.”

            Additionally this spring, the ORRHS Night of Jazz will take place April 9, the ORRHS Spring Concert will take place May 8 and the ORRJHS Spring Concert will be held May 29. All events will begin at 6:30 pm.

Tour de Creme

Mark your calendars and clear your schedule: on Sunday, May 19, the Tour de Crème bike ride returns for its 6th year. The Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail are thrilled for this year’s ride.

            Cycle from Mattapoisett through Fairhaven, Freetown, Rochester, Acushnet, Lakeville and Middleborough, stopping for a free scoop of ice cream at creameries all along the routes. Register and choose between a 9-, 22-, and 45-mile ride; the longer you ride, the more ice cream you’ll eat. Afterwards, riders join the post-ride party at Munro Park in Mattapoisett for even more ice cream, food, live music and cold beverages. This is not a race, and riders of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate.

            Registration is open until May 12, and rides tend to fill up quickly, so visit tourdecreme.org to register and learn more.

            Not interested in riding? There are many different volunteer opportunities available; visit the volunteer page of the website to sign up. Fund-raising is also encouraged for riders and non-riders alike. This fantastically fun event is a fund-raiser for the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail who work to improve and expand hiking and biking trails throughout Mattapoisett.

OCTC Easter Egg Hunt

Please join us for our first Old Colony Theater Company Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 24 from 1-3, Rain date, Saturday, March 30. The event will be at Old Colony High School, 476 North Ave, Rochester. Egg Hunt by Age Groups, pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts, games with prizes and a Bake Sale. The cost is $10 per family.

Definitive Subdivision Granted Waivers

On March 18, the Mattapoisett Planning Board met with one applicant seeking approval with waivers for the creation of a three-lot Definitive Subdivision off 112 Mattapoisett Neck Road filed by Gaynor and Phillip Frost. The applicants were represented on this night by Ken Motta of Field Engineering, pinch-hitting for the vacationing David Maddigan, Jr.

            Motta explained that all elevations for the planned development of Lot 2 would remain unchanged and that the lot would be serviced by a shared 350×24-foot private driveway. The driveway plan had been reviewed by the Police and Fire Departments and found to be acceptable as presented, Motta stated.

            Motta also confirmed that wetlands on the property are isolated wetlands, therefore rendering them nonjurisdictional. He said that the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission had reviewed a Request for Determination of Applicability, giving the RDA filing a negative determination.

            Waivers granted thus far were: no staking required, no drainage calculation, no soil survey, no concrete driveway, no sidewalks and no paved turnaround.

            The board ruled not to take any action at this time in the matter of a roadway trust. That matter will be determined at the next meeting. They also ruled that two permanent markers are required for the roadway located at the southwest corner and a second at the northeast corner.

            The filing was continued until May 6.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, April 1, at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

Bulldogs End Postseason Runners-up

The Old Rochester Regional High School boys’ basketball team played in the MIAA Division 3 state championship game against Charlestown on March 16 at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, and top-seeded Charlestown prevailed, 61-40.

            Charlestown (23-2) started off hot, but a surge following a timeout made by the second-seeded Bulldogs (21-5) rallied them back to end the quarter down by three points at 14-11. But a big, 12-point quarter by Charlestown put them up 26-16 at the half.

            ORR made many runs, but Charlestown responded. Facing a 45-30 deficit going into the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs ultimately fell short. Chase Besancon put up a team-high 17 points in defeat.

ORR Basketball

By Aiden Comorosky

Rochester Historical Society News

Now that Spring is almost here and our evening light lasts longer, it will soon be time to resume our Wednesday evening meetings. It seems like a long time since we’ve all been together. The first meeting at 7:00 pm on April 17 will feature Russ and Wendy Keeler discussing the Rochester Land Trust’s many trails and acquisitions. Afterwards, there will be refreshments and a chance to gather and catch up after the winter.

            We are still encouraging current members to renew their memberships for 2024 if they have not already done so, and we are always looking for new members. There are membership forms at the Plumb Library, and you can also request info from Connie at 617-750-2818 or Sue, 508-295-8908.

ARPA to Help Fund Water/Sewer Projects

            Getting down to the nitty-gritty of the FY25 budget season, Marion Town Administrator Geoff Gorman told the Select Board at its meeting Tuesday night that he asked Department of Public Works Director Becky Tilden to “reprioritize” the DPW’s capital-projects wish list with an eye on “what do they really want to get done.”

            While American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds don’t expire until December 31, Plymouth County, the administrator of those funds on an opt-in basis (Marion opted in as it had with CARES Act funding), required applications on a more immediate deadline.

            Citing the limit of money available in Water and Sewer Enterprise accounts ($388,000), Gorman had to innovate, and what he discovered was that ARPA funding can be appropriated to fund Water/Sewer capital projects. Better yet, he reported to the board that the county had approved his request to keep the ARPA-funding application general so long as it remains committed to Water/Sewer capital projects. With Infiltration/Inflow (I/I) funding in place in the amount of $200,000, Marion would get a $980,000 total boost toward its Water/Sewer capital projects for FY25.

            Other affected capital projects include $64,000 for the Creek Road pumping station, $675,000 for two generators and $100,000 for the Island Wharf water main. There is $750,000 available from Water Enterprise retained earnings.

            Gorman also discussed four items (with asterisks): Town House security, digital radios and a brush truck. In 1960, the Marion Fire Department bought a new brush truck that is no longer operational. Fire Chief Brian Jackvony has secured a $280,000 grant against a $349,000 replacement, leaving a total of $72,789 that would come out of capital expenditures to complete the purchase.

            The lingering question is how to fund a much-needed patrol boat for the Harbormaster. Gorman said that Marion can buy the boat using free cash but noted the townspeople’s expectation that it would be funded by the Waterways Enterprise Account. With the patrol boat in the FY25 budget and without including FY25 revenue, $450,000 will remain in the Waterways Account after FY25.

            Gorman said he was told by Finance Director Heather O’Brien that an $800,000 boat would come with a debt exclusion.

            Select Board member Randy Parker said he “doesn’t want to spend all that free cash” and would like to sit down to discuss the matter. “I want to leave a little cushion. The (Marine Resources Commission), I’d like them to have a look at this too.”

            Select Board Chairman Toby Burr abstained from participation in a public hearing in which Hills and Parker granted Island Wharf Road, LLC, an Amended License in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 148 of Massachusetts General Laws to store flammables, combustibles or explosives at Barden’s Boat Yard, 2 Island Wharf Road.

            Cheryl Souza, a member of the town’s MRC, represented Barden’s and told the board that nothing is changing at the site. The problem, she explained, was a long-expired license that had not been renewed since 1953 and became a sticking point to the current permitting effort. The above-ground tanks on the site were installed in 1996 and 2007.

            “There’s nothing new there that wasn’t there since I can remember,” said Parker, who visited the site.

            A continued public hearing for the installation of a utility pole by NSTAR Electric Company, doing business as Eversource Energy, was focused Tuesday on the installation of 44 feet of conduit and two handholes on Front Street.

            Representing Eversource, Faye Sweatman was back before the board but again faced questions from Parker, who wanted to see the installation of two extra conduits, so in the event another upgrade is needed, the finished road can remain undisturbed.

            Gorman said he can work with Sweatman to coordinate with the contractor and electrician and reach out to Verizon regarding its interest. Parker was confident the contractor would be willing but noted that coordination can be difficult.

            “I don’t want to dig the road up again,” he said.

            Upon board member Norm Hills’ motion, NSTAR’s installation was approved on the condition that spare conduit be added for future needs.

            Under Acton Items, Harbormaster Adam Murphy and Animal Control Officer Susan Connors were reappointed as Inspectors of Animals.

            The Benson Brook Boutique Swap Shop Rules and Regulations was discussed following the board’s initial read. Gorman said he has already received some comments but looks forward to the Select Board’s comments at its next meeting. A second read will consist of a discussion and possible vote. Parker suggested posting the document on the town’s website to encourage public feedback.

            The board also conducted a first read on Music Hall fee increases, the main feature of which will make users of the facility responsible for cleaning and any damage. A two-hour fee, for instance, would see a $150 surcharge should the town determine a professional cleaning is necessary. Parker suggested a discount for Marion residents. Hills noted that nonprofit organizations receive a 50% discount on its rentals of the Music Hall.

            The board engaged in a second read over the brand-new Water & Sewer Abatement Policy. The next step will be a public discussion and feedback. The matter will also go to Town Counsel.

            Gorman sought to postpone the Harbormaster building’s easement with Eversource because the town is waiting on the engineering drawing. Parker noted that the ground-mounted transformer has been relocated from behind the pavilion up to within 25 feet of the road to get it out of the flood zone.

            Two road closures were approved.

            The Memorial Day Remembrances and Procession will be held on Monday, May 27. Beginning at 8:15 am, Cottage Street will be closed between School Street and Front Street, and Front Street from Island Wharf Road to Old Landing Veterans Park (8:30 am until the event has ended).

            The Marion Art Center’s Annual Arts in the Park event will be held on Saturday, July 6 (rain date July 7); Main Street will be closed between Spring Street and Pleasant Street from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

            In his Town Administrator’s Report, Gorman said the pillars are complete on the new Harbormaster building and that framing is getting underway this month and the building should be weather-tight sometime in April.

            Bid documents are completed for the new Department of Public Works operational center at Benson Brook. Subcontractor bids are to be reviewed on March 20, and Gorman is working with the town’s public-relations person to get information out to the community.

            Design on the Delano Road project in which the Buzzards Bay Coalition has received grant funding for wetland remediation, will focus on two culverts. One is a coastal culvert just north of Great Hill Drive and the other a culvert supporting Wings Cove. Gorman says the work will take approximately a month. Hills anticipates that a road closure will become necessary.

            The draft for the Annual Town Meeting on Monday, May 13, at 6:45 pm at Sippican Elementary School needs to be ready on March 25, said Gorman, so the Finance Committee can see it on March 27 and the Select Board can approve it at its April 2 meeting. An informational warrant meeting, in recent years billed as a Town Meeting rehearsal, will be held on April 25 at the Music Hall.

            Gorman told the board he is working on a response document to MassDEP’s consideration of regulations revisions and water-quality circulation. The state has extended the comment period to April 30. Gorman reported that other towns are similarly concerned.

            Gorman also summarized a highly successful list of four recommendations coming from the town’s Community Preservation Committee for several town-sponsored projects.

            CPA funds will be used for the engineering and design of a new parking lot at Silvershell Beach, a right-of-way easement for the shared-use (bike) path and for engineering and design of a renovation of the Bird Island Lighthouse. The lighthouse has not been fully renovated since 1997. It is listed on the National Historical Registry of Historic Places.

            Gorman also noted that while it was learned that CPA funding cannot be used for the digitization of town records, that project will be grant funded. After Watertown digitized its records, said Gorman, the city got rid of 20 tons of paper.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, at 6:00 pm at the Town House Annex building.

Marion Select Board

By Mick Colageo