Hobby Barn Proposed

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            Rochester’s Planning Board Tuesday informally reviewed a plan to construct a 20,000-square-foot building on New Bedford Road to restore, detail and store collectible cars.

            Project engineer Bill Madden explained Briggs Hobby Barn is being built by Mark and Ashley Briggs for personal and not commercial use on a 10.9-acre parcel that was once the Gibbs Farm. A 20-foot-wide driveway will provide access from New Bedford Road, and the front gate will be 80 feet back from the road so large vehicles will not be halfway in the road when entering.

            Screening and fencing will surround the property, said Madden. The latter will be a 4-inch cedar post fence on one side and a black-coated wire fence on the other. All water drainage will remain on site. The garage-like building will have four “man doors,” eight garage doors and an upstairs mezzanine and observatory.

            Planning Board Chairman Arnold Johnson said the one thing missing from Madden’s paperwork so far is the spec sheet on the wall and lighting plan. Madden said that will come Thursday. He said that is when he will file the plan’s formal application. He noted that day is also when he will visit the Zoning Board of Appeals for that panel’s review of the project.

            Prior to that review, the Planning Board approved the draft decision permitting the large-scale solar array planned for 13.7 acres of the rear parking lot at Rochester Memorial School.

            Before the vote, Johnson questioned if the proper safeguards were in place for when the 2023-24 school year starts. The developer, Solect Energy Development, previously told the board it needs to do some of the construction after students will have begun classes. Solect representative Steven Gregory, attending the meeting via Zoom, noted the board has received a site plan showing how the construction work staging area will be fenced off during school hours.

            Johnson said the board will have to refer this plan to the town’s public safety personnel for their review. The Planning Board nonetheless approved the project permit and the Groundwater Protection District permit.

            In other action, the board responded to a Notice of Intent to sell Chapter 61A agricultural and horticultural land for residential use off of Mary’s Pond Road by recommending the Select Board not exercise its right to purchase the property held under 61A regulations.

            The Planning Board’s next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 23, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Mute Swan Gets Mixed Reviews

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            The elegant looking Mute Swan is the very same bird of dramatic Russian Ballets and European fairy tales of children’s literature.

            They were first brought to this country to decorate and give styling to public parks, ponds, lakes and city zoos. Today their distribution has gone wild by escaping from original purpose. But because of their pristine appearance of white shades and while muzzling each other with curved necks forming a heart shape, they have looked like avian symbols of romantic love by the admiring public.

            As in my illustration, the Mute Swan gathering with goslings carried on their backs around Ned’s Point Park, both males and females are aggressive toward people, young children and other waterfowl around the nesting area. They can also be destructive to aquatic submerged vegetation with their long necks by pulling up eight pounds of plants per day and wiping out feeding beds for other bottom feeders.

            At the turn of the 20th century, New England state governments suggested restrictions on allowing Mute Swans feeding too deeply.

            However, public opinion seriously took the side of the Swans and still wants them protected to this very day for environmental support. One of the reasons for public support is that they have the tradition of mating for life, even though random changing of mates is very common. If a male Swan mates with a younger female, they both join his habitat. But if he mates with an older female, they both will be true and change to her lifestyle. Thus, Mother Nature rules are clearly specified after remating for the future.

            Another admiral quality of Swans is the premise that they are believed to sing their own death song on their final flight before they die. This includes the outspoken Trumpeter Swan as well as the northern Tundra Swan, and bird lovers also include the Mute Swan, whose wing beats can be heard as far as a mile away. A pair of Mute Swans are recently often seen patrolling the coastline at the water’s edge on Little Bay in Fairhaven.

            I can observe them closely, dipping head and neck toward the bottom with tail up and feeding on seeds, stems and roots of eel grass, moving along thoroughly but destructively as described in my article and illustration impression.

            In a few weeks, I will be glad from a literary perspective when they nest and reproduce four or five goslings and help them fledge into the end of summer, remaining with their elegant parents through the first winter as exotic as their ancestor’s original attraction to be imported to this country.

By George B. Emmons

SkillsUSA Competition

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On April 28, 42 Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School students competed at the annual SkillsUSA state competition held in Marlborough, MA. Upper Cape Tech competed with technical schools from all over Massachusetts.

            SkillsUSA is a national organization serving nearly a quarter of a million high school and college students. SkillsUSA has the active support of more than 1,000 corporations, trade associations, businesses and labor unions at the national level.

            Student membership in SkillsUSA offers leadership, citizenship and character development programs, along with activities to complement skills training. These programs help students prepare to go to work with high standards in trade ethics, workmanship, scholarship and safety. It promotes understanding of the free enterprise system and encourages the development of patriotism through democratic practices in local chapters.

            The Upper Cape Tech students with qualifying gold medals included Laney Cooper of Marion, Occupational Health & Safety Environmental Technology, who will go to the national competition in Atlanta Georgia in June.

High Tea and Treasures

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The elegant and formal tea, hosted by the First Congregational Church of Marion last Saturday, was a delightful success. The linen-covered tables were set with delicate teacups, sterling silver and the traditional, three-tiered tray of finger sandwiches, scones and sweets. The King’s Tea, imported from England, amazed even the non-tea drinkers. Beverly Peduzzi, church organist, played the newly acquired baby grand piano donated by the Truman Terrell family.

            The Church Community Center was transformed into an afternoon garden. Appraisers Frank McNamee, Nick Taradash and Abigail Field were the highlight of the event—deeming personal treasures as unique items of value or just delightful knickknacks. Either way, the guests’ laughter and smiles said it all: “this should become an annual event.”

Marion School Committee

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            Editor’s note: Three (3) candidates are on the ballot for two (2) open seats on the Marion School Committee.

Mary Beauregard, Incumbent

            My name is Mary Beauregard. I’m running for reelection to the Marion School Committee. I am currently on the Policy and Equity subcommittees, the Joint School Committee, and I represent Marion for the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. In my last term, I successfully worked on contract negotiations with support staff. I am committed to continuing and bettering the work of the Equity Subcommittee as it is tied directly to our district’s Strategic Plan and School Improvement Plan. I believe a parent has every right to decide their own child cannot have access to certain materials, but does not have the right to decide that for others. Our librarians are educated, and I trust they are making the best decisions for the majority of students. I originally ran for Marion School Committee in 2020 when there was an open seat and a need for someone to step up. I had a genuine desire to help and be involved in the school my children would soon be attending. I did not run with a specific agenda on any one issue. I am running for re-election because I believe with my three years of experience I’m now in a position to make more of an impact. Serving on the School Committee has been invaluable and I hope to continue my service.

Nichole Nye McGaffey, Incumbent

            I’m Nichole Nye McGaffey and I’m running for one of two Marion School Committee seats up for election. I first got involved with the committee last year as a write-in candidate for a one-year vacancy. No one expressed interest in serving and I didn’t want to leave the committee underrepresented. I grew up in Marion and attended both Sippican School and Old Rochester. I know firsthand that the quality of education we provide the students of Marion is outstanding. It’s a point of pride for this community and a reason people want to live here. I’m passionate about making sure that continues. It’s the job of the school committee to ensure that our administration and faculty have the resources needed to continue to provide the students of Marion with an excellent education within a safe and supportive school community. That’s the mindset I bring to the committee. I attend each meeting open-minded, ready to listen, and ready to help where I can. As a juris doctorate and the only member of the committee that doesn’t have a child attending school in the district, I believe I bring an important and unique perspective to the committee. I’m not running with the support of a local political party or with a political agenda. I have a deep love for this town that has been and will always be home to me and my family. My family has a long legacy of service to this community that I’m very proud of. I’m looking for my own ways to serve it. The work I’m most proud to have supported over the last year includes the wonderful work that Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Shari Fedorowicz is doing to get the school on a district-wide literacy program to allow us to share resources and data across the district, the satellite police office at Sippican that Superintendent Nelson and Chief Nighelli spearheaded as a creative solution to our current budget constraints, and efforts to clarify our public comments policy to ensure transparency, accountability, and community involvement. I ask for your vote on May 12.

Mirian Nawoichik, Challenger

            I’m inspired to run in order to help give children the best possible education in Marion. I am a mother of two boys in Sippican School. This has allowed me to understand the needs of families in our school system and I feel there is no better experience than that. I’m also an active member of VASE, Volunteers at Sippican Elementary School. Our children’s education should be a top priority. I’m running for common sense and practical choices. As a School Committee member, my focus will be solely on the educational needs of our children, and I will work to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education. I understand that politics can often cloud decision-making and create unnecessary roadblocks, which is why I am committed to staying away from politics and staying true to our children’s needs. I will work with everyone — parents, teachers, administrators, and community members — to ensure that everyone’s concerns are heard and addressed. I am confident that my decisions will make a positive impact on our school. What our elementary school children are learning is the start of a foundation that will empower them to excel when they eventually head into middle School, high school and beyond. I believe anyone voting for Marion School Committee on May 12 should consider voting for me. I know personally what it’s like to raise two children in our school and I will put education first.

Stone Rooster Receives Negative Determination

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            Stone Rooster Realty Corporation LLC received a Negative Box 2 and 3 Determination of Applicability for construction of a retaining wall and front-entrance stoop with an ADA-accessible ramp at 27 Wareham Street, as voted by the Marion Conservation Commission during its April 26 public meeting.

            After Representative Sam Iamele of JC Engineering, Inc., summarized the project during the public hearing, Conservation Commission Chairman Jeff Doubrava requested that the construction debris piled up “pretty close to the wetlands” be moved “real soon.”

            Jonathan and Jill Castle were voted an Amended Order of Conditions to raze a house at 406 Point Road and install a new septic system, including denitrification technology.

            Representative Rick Charon explained that the applicant’s last request for an amended Order of Conditions based on structural issues has been superseded by the discovery that portions of the underpinnings of the rest of the two-story portion of the house are missing.

            “How that happened, I don’t know, but bottom line is the project needed to be rethought, and they took down the two-story portion of the house and decided to completely rebuild. I think this came as a shock to everybody,” said Charon.

            The commissioners voted to approve a letter drafted by Conservation Agent Doug Guey-Lee to the owner of property at 21 East Avenue regarding planting landward of the seawall at the address. Guey-Lee said the letter will go out with the permits for their project.

            Laurence and Jane Reinhart were voted an “Invalid Certificate of Compliance” as the work approved at 13 East Avenue was never performed.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission was not announced.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Mick Colageo

9/11 Flag Visits Local Fire Stations

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            It has been nearly 22 years since terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, piloting two planes into the towers which subsequently collapsed, taking thousands of people’s lives. Who can forget the images of first responders covered in thick ash and concrete dust, or staggering civilians attempting to flee on bare feet over broken glass? Do those of us who are old enough to remember that day – September 11, 2001 – ever forget those images? No we don’t, nor should we.

            We all have a duty to remember, especially the firefighters and police officers who gave their own lives to save others. To that end, a group called Ground Zero has made it their mission to send a flag and marble cross around the country touring fire stations where ceremonies of remembrance are held.

            Last week, the flag, not the flag that was hoisted above the rubble by firefighters but another that flew near Tower 2 as the massive job of cleaning up, collecting remains and personal effects took place, visited Marion and Mattapoisett. A stop in Rochester is anticipated in September.

            Ceremonies were held on May 2 and May 5 at respective Mattapoisett and Marion Fire stations, where Explorers (junior firefighters) heard, possibly for the first time, the events of that fateful day and the importance of remembering.

            The flag itself is standard issue, but while watching it fly for 9 minutes and 11 seconds from the flagpoles at the fire houses, one sensed the solemnity of the moment. The marble cross was sculpted from stone conserved from a stairwell at the site. The two artifacts have borne witness and now share their story to help teach and to help remember. Traveling with these items is a log book filled with badges, buttons and signatures of those who have attended a ceremony.

            Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray commented on Facebook, “The flag and marble cross has made three tours in Iraq, been on a Blackhawk helicopter and on a combat mission in an A-10 Thunderbolt ‘Warhog.’ It has also flown over the Pentagon, on US Navy warships and at Army, Navy and Air Force installations.

            “Now the flag has been traveling around the United States to fly at police and fire stations, municipal buildings and veterans’ associations with a goal to retire the flag on the 25th anniversary of when the flag last flew over the rubble of the WTC.”

            Marion Fire Chief Brian Jackvony stated in a follow-up, “Having the flag and cross here gave us the opportunity to pause and reflect the events of 9/11 … recognizing the sacrifices that were made on that day and our military who fought for our freedom.”

            The Tri-Town Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester Explorer group participated, not only learning about an event that happened before they were born, but the importance of reverential ceremonies. The Explorers in attendance were Dominic Fringuelli, Brendan Foster, Lisa Harrington, Jack Hebert and Kennedy Tripp.

            A few days later, the flag was in Worcester, causing Mattapoisett Fire Captain Brian Connelly to say, “It moves along fast.” Connelly was instrumental in bringing the flag and cross to the area.

By Marilou Newell

MAC & MLT Present Plein Air Days

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The Marion Art Center partners with the Mattapoisett Land Trust to present Plein Air Days at Munro Preserve, scheduled on Friday, May 26 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm and Tuesday, June 13 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Munro Preserve is located at the intersection of Main and Water Streets, directly west of the Mattapoisett town wharves and Shipyard Park. Artists are invited to paint, sketch, photograph, write or create in any form on site at Munro Preserve. A representative from Mattapoisett Land Trust will be present to answer questions about the property and provide information to guests as needed. Plein Air Days are free and open to the public, but RSVPs are encouraged (marionartcenter.org/events.) Classes and groups are welcome. This will not be a guided class or meeting but an opportunity to be inspired by the natural landscape and beauty of the property. Artists should bring their own materials and may stay for as little or as long as they like. Limited parking is available at the wharves. Ample additional parking is available nearby at the large public lot on Depot Street.

            Munro is a beautiful one acre waterfront park with lawns, perennial gardens and specimen trees all enjoying spectacular views of Mattapoisett Harbor and Buzzards Bay beyond. There are a number of benches as well as steps into the harbor near the western edge of the property. The stone seawall was reconstructed in 1999 and maintained again in 2015. The Munro property was a gift in 1975 of Ruth Munro, who lived in the big yellow house across the street on the corner of Water and Pearl Streets. Mrs. Munro’s late husband was from a family long associated with Mattapoisett and its whaling history. In fact, this property was part of the site of the town’s first shipyard, acquired in 1752 by shipbuilder Charles Stetson of Scituate. Within 25 years, according to Charles S. Mendell, Jr., no less than eight other shipbuilders established shipyards and wharves, and Mattapoisett became famous as the Whaleship building capital of the world.

MATTREC Girls Lacrosse

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MATTREC is thrilled to announce we have added a Girls Lacrosse clinic this summer. The clinic will be run by Jim Maxwell and John Jacobsen, both coach for the ORR Lacrosse program. The clinic is July 31-August 4 from 9:00-12:00 at ORR High School front field.  Girls Grades 3-8 are welcome to attend the clinics which will focus on Stickwork, Shooting, Defense, Footwork/Speed and Team play. Sign up online at www.mattrec.net.

Mattapoisett School Committee

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            Editor’s note: Two (2) candidates are on the ballot for one (1) open seat on the Mattapoisett School Committee.

Carly Lavin, Incumbent

            My name is Carly Lavin, and I am seeking reelection to the Mattapoisett School Committee to ensure that all students get the best education this town can responsibly afford to offer. I believe that my professional skills garnered through my current role as head of operations for a financial software company as well as former career as an actuary would be a continued asset to the Mattapoisett School District. In my career as well as my past service to our schools, I have always been willing to ask questions, listen, and synthesize information. I accept the responsibility that comes with making decisions. I know how to compromise and reach decisions based on the merits of issues. I have a vested interest in the quality of that education that we provide, as I am a mother to four young children ranging from pre-K to Grade 5. If reelected, these are the three core areas I will continue to focus on: 1. Advocate for a science-based literacy curriculum from Pre-K through Grade 6 and ensure funding is appropriated towards the critical needs of literacy; 2. Financial transparency to the townspeople on the cost of education per pupil, including working with Town Hall to ensure the costs of our shared-use building are allocated appropriately. Having represented the School Committee in serving on the town Capital Planning Committee for the last year as well as my involvement in the School Consolidation study, I am well versed on the town’s aging infrastructure and upcoming needs. As far as the school consolidation study, I look forward to helping inform the community of all the pertinent facts after the final school consolidation presentation on May 15; 3. Ensure our buildings provide a safe environment for both students and educators. I am running for reelection for the Mattapoisett School Committee to make sure that my children, my neighbors’ children and grandchildren, as well as the next generation of learners, get the best education this town can responsibly afford to offer. I will keep the education of and welfare of Mattapoisett’s children as my primary concern while representing the best interest of all constituents.

David F. Pierre Jr., Challenger

            I am running for the Mattapoisett School Committee because I care deeply about the education that children receive in our town. I know I would bring a unique perspective to the committee because I have been a teacher for over 20 years. I began my teaching career in South Central Los Angeles, where I taught for eight years, and I now teach middle school math in New Bedford. My wife is a teacher as well, a first-grade teacher in Acushnet. Our daughter is a freshman at Old Rochester Regional High School. Mattapoisett is a wonderful town, and you see its strength in its families. We feel lucky to have moved here when we did in 2009. I am a lector and parishioner at St. Anthony’s Parish, and I assist in teaching a Confirmation class there. As I’ve gone to doors and talked with members of the community, I have been very encouraged by the positive reception I’ve received. I have also realized that I am not alone in believing that our School Committee is in need of a fresh pair of eyes – and, most notable, some balance – to the issues facing our schools today. The issue of a possible consolidation of Center School and Old Hammondtown is an extremely important one, as it would have a profound effect on the overall fabric of our town. It is crucial that this entire discussion be as transparent and deliberate as possible. I look forward to the upcoming presentation from the Collins Center from UMass to see what their long-awaited study has uncovered. Another concern is the continued trend downward in enrollment in ORR, and this is surely a point of focus when it comes to budgeting in the future. The increase in utilities cost is also a concern, as well as the loss of ESSER funds which will probably expire soon. But what remains is the top priority to provide children the best education possible in Mattapoisett.