ZBA Closing in on Heron Cove Approval

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            Developer Ken Steen and his engineering representative Phil Cordeiro of Allen & Major Associates, Inc. made such a strong impression in their June 9 presentation of the Heron Cove residential project to the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals that the only thing holding back the board from a vote was member Dana Nilson’s suggestion that peer-review consultant Peter Palmieri be given time to properly digest the site-plan revisions announced by Cordeiro.

            The Local Initiative Program (LIP) planned under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B and endorsed by the Select Board in accordance with 760CMR45-00 is to be situated on the south side of Route 6 near the Wareham town line.

            Due to its affordable-housing component, the rental property is subject to state law and locally only by the Marion ZBA.

            In a continued public hearing on June 9, Cordeiro presented updates on traffic and drainage plans since those matters were addressed by Marion’s peer-review consultants.

            Acknowledging the presence of traffic consultant Jason Adams from McMahon Associates for board questions, Cordeiro said the site plan was revised in accordance with peer review’s recommendation so that driveways not abutting sidewalks would be made a minimum of 21 feet long to the gutter line. Where they abut a sidewalk, driveways will be 23 feet long.

            The driveways previously measured 18 feet long so the result was a shift backward of 3 feet in lost green space for the affected units. In the case of sidewalks, units shifted backward 5 feet.

            Some of the shifting, explained Cordeiro, varied slightly in order to preserve a 20-foot gap in between units. Relative to the property line, the units went from a 30-foot setback to as close as 24 feet in some cases.

            Soil testing in seven test pits, said Cordeiro, revealed some sandy soil with “high infiltrative capabilities” in the northwest corner of the property and in the southeast corner some “low, permeable soils – better than our original design assumptions but still generally slow with high water table.”

            While the southeast basin will remain basically the same with an updated drainage value based on updated soil conditions, the developers sought to revise the plan for an open-air retention basin.

            Citing abutters’ feedback and updated soils information, Cordeiro told the ZBA that Steen would go back to an underground infiltration system in its totality. Plastic chambers embedded in stone, which Cordeiro said would eliminate retaining wall and move the drainage away from the property line and accommodate some recommended plantings.

            The tennis court will remain in the site plan, and the additional space created by putting the drainage system entirely underground will be open to the residents.

            Palmieri acknowledged improvements in the revisions presented by Cordeiro. Jeff Dirk, Marion’s other peer-review consultant, said that Steen’s group was “very responsive” to his comments.

            Nilson asked about other items in Palmieri’s peer-review letter and suggested an itemized list so the board can check the boxes and expedite a vote.

            Cordeiro summarized that such a punch list is typically provided after the project is advanced to the construction-detail phase of design. He said the time in between would afford Steen the ability to consult with the right professionals before presenting such a detailed plan for the ZBA’s consumption.

            “Going back to the Marion Village Estates project, if you go back and look at that comprehensive permit of these conditions that remain outstanding … are written in such a way that they remain outstanding in terms of the condition of the permit,” said Steen, giving examples of the process.

            ZBA Chairperson Cynthia Callow clarified the message of a multiple-stages process. Cordeiro confirmed Callow’s summary of his explanation regarding the project’s information highway.

            Callow indicated she expects a crowd at the Police station for the ZBA’s June 23 meeting involving Steen’s request to recoup his money being held by the town regarding Marion Village Estates. Steen agreed to continue the Heron Cove public hearing to July 14.

            The next meeting of the Marion ZBA is scheduled for Thursday, June 23, at 6:30 pm.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Mick Colageo

Great Outdoors Is for Seniors Too

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On an absolutely splendid mid-June morning, members of the Mattapoisett Land Trust, along with members of the community that proudly acknowledge being senior citizens, met at the site of a former pig farm off Bowman Road to not only walk the site but to learn more about land-trust trails.

            Speaking on behalf of the MLT, member Paul Osenkowski gave a brief history of the property, the former Abel Grace farm, the condition of the site when acquired, current state conditions and long-range plans.

            Osenkowski explained that, given the property was used almost continuously for several centuries and during Grace’s ownership as a pig farm and trash dump, the amount of rubbish, tin cans, glass, tires, and even a wrecked school bus had to be removed before vegetation clearing could begin in earnest.

            Osenkowski said that some 200 tires were taken away by a recycling company and that thanks to the Boy Scouts and at least one Eagle candidate, the months of cleanup were eventually sufficient to allow other work to commence.

            The MLT has a significant goal of making this property one that senior citizens of varying mobility levels can come and walk, take in the renewed natural beauty and thus be renewed themselves by getting outside and into nature.

            Mattapoisett Council on Aging Director Jackie Seney was on hand to learn more in preparation for encouraging seniors to use these spiritually and physically renewing resources.

            “Maybe they can only come here and sit by the pond listening to the birds; even that is supportive of their health and wellbeing,” said Seney, who also thought coming to this MLT property for picnicking would be good but cautioned, “Carry in, carry out, and be prepared; there are no sanitary facilities, just like most state parks.”

            While it was noted that many of the MLT properties grant easy access for seniors whose balance and strength are significant, those with compromised systems might not be able to navigate the thick roots and stumps that pepper nearly all trails. However, this property, easily reached via Aucoot Road to Bowman Road by car or foot, lends itself more readily to those who must tread carefully.

            Osenkowski said another nearby property that includes Old Slough Road works well for people of most abilities. “We have about 20 different parcels with trails that are loaded with wildlife and that are a valued continuum for different levels of hikers,” he added.

            In acknowledgment of those whose work in establishing the MLT should not be forgotten, Osenkowski spoke of Brad Hathaway who was present and the late Blanche Perry. Pointing to Hathaway, he exclaimed, “You, You, You made this happen.” Hathaway graciously nodded and accepted 90th birthday well wishes from those in attendance.

            Before stepping off for a short tour of the property, Osenkowski introduced Colleen Andrews, the first employee and recent hire of the MLT. Andrews shared her hope that seniors would visit land-trust trails, to find those well suited to their abilities, and said of the Grace property, “This is an amazing example of the MLT and the community can do.”

            In a follow-up with the MLT’s past-president, Mike Huguenin, he said that the organization has taken on a tremendous responsibility as many of the properties now owned or otherwise under their care come with conservation restrictions and duties. “We needed someone to help us keep our documents in order, more than what volunteers could now manage. There was a growing realization that every time we took on a piece of property there were associated records, deeds, conservation restrictions.”

            Huguenin said that Andrews would be handling a myriad of responsibilities, not the least of which would be social media, press releases, articles, event planning and membership drives. Andrews’ title is Community Engagement and Stewardship manager.

            To learn more about the Mattapoisett Land Trust, visit mattlandtrust.org.

Mattapoisett Land Trust

By Marilou Newell

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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In her book, Mattapoisett and Old Rochester, Mary Hall Leonard references a description by Abraham Holmes of Rochester’s physical features. In it, he describes some of the ponds, brooks and lakes in town. He refers to Snow’s Pond as “a lovely natural lakelet.” He did not include Leonard’s Pond in his memoirs written in the early 1800’s. However, Hall expands the descriptions of area waters and includes Leonard’s Pond (pictured with this article.) She writes, “Although its interesting features have been developed to some extent by artificial means, it is now a lakelet of much beauty.”

            The history of Rochester and of Leonard’s Pond go hand in hand. The Proprietors (investors) who purchased the land and created the town of Rochester knew that in order to assure the success of their investment, the new settlement would need a gristmill. The first parcel of land set off from their purchased acreage was a lot set aside for a mill. The location of the lot was on the west side of the Sippican River.

            In 1683, they agreed to “treat and agree” with someone to build the gristmill. The man selected for the job was Joseph Burge. He received 20 acres of land plus use of the river and earth and other materials to make a dam. With the construction of the dam, Leonard’s Pond was born, and the building of the needed gristmill occurred. At the time it was created, the pond was most likely referred to as mill pond and after the building of a forge in this same area, forge pond. The area became known as Handy’s Mill and for some time formed a Rochester center. Its current name came along with the arrival of the Leonard family and their ownership of the lands that became East Over.

            Today, Leonard’s Pond is a lovely expanse of water drawing both fishermen and kayakers to its shores.

By Connie Eshbach

Gun Lock Safety Sunday at MCC

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Sunday June 26 has been declared Gun Lock Safety Sunday.  Please join the Just Peace Group at Mattapoisett Congregational Church at 9 am on Sunday to learn more about safe gun storage. Data shows that many gun deaths can be avoided by safely securing firearms in the home. Details on many storage methods are presented. Follow the orange balloons and find us on the lawn after church service. 

Frank W. “Ruffin” Andrews, Jr.

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Frank W. “Ruffin” Andrews, Jr., 66, of Wareham, died June 19, 2022, at Tobey Hospital. He was the husband of Robin G. (Fernandes) Andrews and the son of the late Frank and Dominga (Barros) Andrews.

            He was born in Wareham and lived in Rochester and Wareham for many years. He graduated from Wareham High School and attended Wentworth Institute of Technology.

            Mr. Andrews worked as a security officer for Entergy Corporation at the power plant in Plymouth for many years before retiring.

            He enjoyed masonry work, gardening, photography, riding his Harley Davidson, and dirt bike riding with his son. He always kept his truck clean and well maintained. He was a longtime basketball coach for the JBA in Wareham.

            Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Robin G. (Fernandes) Andrews of Wareham; a daughter, Jillian B. G. Andrews of Wareham; 4 sisters, Dorothy Finni of Wareham, Sheila Andrews of New Bedford, Diane Andrews of New Bedford, and Deborah Andrews of Wareham; his mother-in-law, Eugenia Fernandes of Onset; 4 grandchildren, Frank Wayne Andrews, IV, Dylan Andrews, Christian McMillian, Jr., and Ava McMillan. He was predeceased by his son, Frank W. Andrews, III, his sister, Gwendolyn Andrews, his brothers, Reginald Mendes and Kenneth Mendes, and his granddaughter, Gabriella Andrews-McMillan.

            Visiting hours are from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm at the funeral home.

            His burial will be private.

MLT Makes Cuttyhunk Its Classroom

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            Watching over 70 restless sixth graders on the precipice of their final week in their school, six Mattapoisett Land Trust volunteers and several more chaperones representing Old Hammondtown Elementary School knew exactly what they were getting themselves into while embarking on a June 16 day trip to Cuttyhunk.

            A local newspaper editor over a half century removed from such an experience could only imagine, but never having visited the island himself, the idea of spending a day away from the computer screen and instead engaging Mother Nature (and a bunch of happy kids) made too much sense to pass up.

            So off we went, camera, notepad, sunscreen and water bottle.

            Seen almost daily from a distance – I lived in Fairhaven the first 15 years of the 21st century – little did this old sportswriter realize how developed is this 154-foot hill at the western end of Buzzards Bay.

            Last in the string of Elizabeth Islands emanating from the Woods Hole corner of Cape Cod, Cuttyhunk is a 581-acre island situated approximately halfway between the south coast and Martha’s Vineyard, the closest point being the Dartmouth and Westport beaches.

            “I think it was pretty cool, it’s a big island. I expected it to be a little smaller, but it was pretty cool,” said 12-year-old Sadie Hartley-Matteson of her first trip. “I was surprised they didn’t have any stores … I just didn’t know how they get all the stuff that they need.”

            Massive infrastructural water-related upgrades are ongoing on Cuttyhunk, and trucks are regularly being transported to and from the island on barges. The student group was well prepared to avoid construction areas.

            The population of Gosnold (the Dukes County town) at the turn of the century was 52, but almost 10 times that many are estimated to live on the island during the warm months.

            Broken into six groups, the 70 students from Old Hammondtown Elementary eagerly deboarded the HV Cuttyhunk ferryboat. Not far from the docks was the first scheduled activity with the Jacobsen Group B, a 10:30 am visit to study ocean waves with Wendy Copps of the Mattapoisett Land Trust, the event sponsor and provider of the on-site education in concert with the Cuttyhunk STEAM Academy and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

            Copps led the nine-student Jacobsen Group B out to Barges Beach, so named because the finer sand at water’s edge is divided from an extremely rocky upper terrain by an obsolete railroad barge that acts as a terrace. Remnants of the barge are easily visible and smart to avoid, its inch-diameter steel bolts still sticking up as if to show off the rust of many decades enduring New England’s harsh coastal winters.

            Three props were used in the “Ocean in Motion” exercise: ropes to partner up with a create wave action, oranges to toss into the sea and a measuring tape to track how far the current swept the orange to the point it washed back up to shore.

            Of course, three students momentarily turned the exercise into a game of jump rope, but Copps smiled and stayed the course. Patrick Henry took a liking to the oranges and ate one, and Cole Hitchings showed off base-stealing speed in fetching an orange that had drifted well over 90 feet away.

            “I knew there would be some wildlife that I definitely hadn’t seen, but there was a lot – really amazing,” said 12-year-old Eamon Perez of his first trip to Cuttyhunk, highlighted by the spotting of a large Heron.

            Hartley-Matteson most enjoyed putting on wader boots to walk in the salt marsh, where her group was taught about various wildlife there by MLT instructor Kate Armstrong.

            “We didn’t pick plants, but we used this little bucket with a thing at the bottom that you could put it in the water and look … and see horseshoe crabs, cool things like that,” said Hartley-Matteson, whose animal life at home is somewhat more normal with three dogs and a chicken. “We also went birdwatching … we saw turtles sunbathing on a rock and bullfrogs in the water.”

            Armstrong, a Wetlands intern with the Woodwell Climate Research Center based out of Woods Hole, led the Jacobsen Group B on the second morning activity, a Saltmarsh Exploration behind the Donny Lynch House. She explained as the group pulled on waders how the salt marsh delivers nutrients to coastal waters, positively impacting the coastal ecosystem and its creatures.

            Riley Ferreira and Isabella Perez-Dormitzer searched together, leading to Ferreira’s discovery of a bushy plant from the upper, more wet area of the marsh, and Ava Figueiredo and Zoe Motta found leafy plants from the dry area that ironically lies closer to the shoreline.

            Students took turns teaming up with Armstrong in an effort to use an aluminum, scope-like tool to dig up a soil sample, but they learned that the double-edged sword of wet soil is the shovel slides without as much effort but is also likely to lose its grip as the sample slides back out upon removal.

            Hands-on experience was a key piece in the day’s experiences, and the students took part in various other activities, the day broken by a lunch break up on the hill where the town’s school and library are located.

            The trip concluded with a 3:00 pm ferry ride back to the mainland and a hearty conservation with chaperone Carlos T.B. Fragada, son of a fisherman from Fairhaven. Having grown up a student of the sea, Fragada was happy to assist last week’s group effort to bring today’s gadget-oriented youth a little closer to the hands-on life he enjoyed as a youngster.

            By the sounds emanating from the upper and lower levels on the return trip of the HV Cuttyhunk, the trip will resonate in the students’ memories and perhaps inspire them as well.

            “My most favorite part was really just walking around, seeing everything,” said Perez. “The beaches were beautiful, especially seeing the shipwrecks that were there, the driftwood, it was amazing to see that. Like the amount of history that was also there. Along with the wildlife, it’s a place that you should go.”

By Mick Colageo

Mattapoisett Fourth of July Road Race

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The Mattapoisett 4th of July Road Race is July 4 at 9:00 am at Shipyard Park. Registration is online until July 2, $25. In-person registration will be on the 3rd from 4-6 pm, and again the morning of the race at 7:30 am.  July 2 and 3 in-person registration is $35 Cash or check only.

            Please remember, send your “What the Mattapoisett Road Race Means to Me” essay to pam.mello64@gmail.com Top three winners will receive prizes.

Summer Library Program at Plumb Library

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The Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library’s 2022 Summer Library Program, “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” starts June 24 and ends on August 6. The free Plumb program consists of children’s programs best for ages 3-12 and options for teens and adults. Online registration for the program and related events opens June 24 at midnight. Register on the Plumb Library’s website www.plumblibrary.com or on the Event Calendar. 

            Registered participants are encouraged to read, attend special events and complete activities at home or at the Library. Participants who track and share their progress can earn prizes and will help us build a StickTogether mosaic. Visit the library to pick up tracking logs, instructions and other activities.

A kickoff program featuring Mr. Vinny’s Bubble Show along with a Surprise Guest: Blades, the Bruins’ mascot, will take place on June 24 from 1:30-2:30 pm on the grounds of the library at 17 Constitution Way, Rochester. No registration is needed for this event! For more information, visit the summer program page on the library website or call the library at 508-763-8600.

Mary Katherine Callan

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Mary Katherine Callan, of Mattapoisett and Middleborough, died peacefully on June 18, 2022. She was 88.

            Mary was the wife of the late Paul R. Callan, and the mother of 4 children who survive her: Paul F. Callan (Rika Tamaya) of San Diego, CA; Susan E. Callan (Steve Morris) of Falmouth; Claire A. Callan (Eddie Monteiro) of Falmouth; and Mary A. Callan of Boston. She is also survived by her 8 grandchildren: Jessica, Alyssa, Brianne, Ashley, Michael, Olivia, Conor, and Maeve; 10 great-grandchildren; her best friend and sister Ann Sparrow (Terry Sparrow); and several nieces and nephews.

            She was the sister of the late William “Billy” Rudolph.

            Mary was born and raised in Middleborough as the oldest child of Norman and Madeline (Keenan) Rudolph. She graduated as the valedictorian of the 1952 class of Middleborough High School and attended Bates College, graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor’s in Nursing degree. She married Paul in 1957.

            Mary worked as an RN until she and Paul started their family. She then shifted gears from caring for patients to attending to 4 children, every cat or dog that her kids brought home, and all of her “surrogate children” in the extended neighborhood which was, unquestionably, the Very Best place to grow up and where every kid knew that Mary’s or some mother’s eyes were watching, and to be home when the streetlights came on. After her children were grown, Paul and Mary moved to Mattapoisett where she found a wonderful community of dear friends.

            Mary cherished her family. While her children were young, she spent her days driving them to practices and lessons, picking up their friends, and setting off on camping trips with her friend Marji, 8 kids and dogs in tow. Every night before bed, for as long as her children lived at home, Mary spent quiet time individually with each child giving them an opportunity to talk about the challenges or triumphs of the busy day.

            Mary was an accomplished cook and baker. Every kid knew that the Callan’s kitchen had a big cookie jar that had never held a store-bought cookie. At Christmastime she sent Susan and Mary Ann off to deliver baked treats to friends all over town. From a young age Mary explored the world through books. She was a life-long learner, delving deeply into philosophy and religion. In her later years she loved the poems of Mary Oliver and the writings of Richard Rohr. She started each day in quiet reflection, and typically ended the day knitting while watching PBS and then a nature or wildlife documentary, her beloved “Miss Kitty” on her lap.

            Those who were blessed to know Mary well will remember her deep faith and spirituality, her abiding hope, her warm love, and her easy and full laugh.

            In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Nativity Preparatory School 66 Spring Street, New Bedford, MA 02740.

            Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 29th at 10 am in St. Anthony’s Church, 22 Barstow St., Mattapoisett. Following, there will be a celebration at the Inn on Shipyard Park, 13 Water Street, Mattapoisett. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Tabor Academy Names New Campus Center for Alumnus Travis Roy

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On June 11, at the Reunion Convocation, Tabor Academy announced that its new Campus Center, slated for completion in December 2022, will be named the Travis Roy Campus Center.

            “Travis supported Tabor with his time, investment and thoughtfulness, and he championed the Campus Center,” notes Trustee Steve Sprague ’68, as he fondly remembers fellow Trustee Travis Roy ’95. “This project is something Travis felt strongly would enhance the student experience, and I’m really sorry that he didn’t stay with us long enough to see it completed.”

            Sprague is a longtime supporter of Tabor and lead donor on the school’s new 22,000-square-foot building, now known as the Travis Roy Campus Center. He is one of many donors to support this important student-centered campus initiative.

            “It’s hard to describe what this honor would mean to our son,” say Brenda and Lee Roy, parents of Travis Roy who passed away on October 29, 2020. He is remembered by those who knew him as being a true friend and a role model. “Letters we’ve received from classmates since his passing often refer to his kindness and outreach to others,” his parents share.

            Travis Roy and Sprague served on the Tabor Board of Trustees together for several years. “I really admired him. He was a warm and friendly guy, and it was a pleasure working with him. I admired his thoughtfulness and good judgment,” Sprague recalls. “He truly loved Tabor and gave everything he could to the school. He’s somebody I wanted to be like. He embodied everything Tabor represents. We’re all going to miss him and felt it was important to honor him in such a central and permanent place at the school.”

            Travis Roy started at Tabor as a junior, spending two years at the School by the Sea that left a lasting impression on him. He played soccer, golf and hockey at Tabor and served as a Proctor during his senior year. “He loved the Tabor community like no other. During his time at the School by the Sea, Travis formed lifelong friendships that saw him through both the highs and some of the darkest days of his life,” say Brenda and Lee Roy. “While his initial goals at the school might have been hockey related, it was important to him to be seen as more than a hockey player. He participated fully in every aspect of the school that he could,” his parents share.

            While at Tabor, Travis Roy also discovered a knack for ceramics, a skill he was proud of beyond his love of sports. “The ceramics award he received senior year was, in fact, one that he was most proud of,” say Brenda and Lee Roy.

            Travis Roy stayed connected to his seaside alma mater throughout his life. He served as a dedicated Tabor Trustee since 2014 and was the Class of 2015’s esteemed graduation speaker. “As a trustee, he loved spending time back on campus interacting with students and catching up with faculty members who were now some of his closest friends,” say his parents. “He would say without question that his time at Tabor whether as a student, an alumnus, or as a trustee were the best days of his life. He took his role as a trustee very seriously and saw it as his opportunity to give back to the school that he loved so much.”

            “I am thrilled that we are naming this wonderful new facility after Travis Roy who I had the pleasure of meeting earlier in my career and who I found to be an inspiration,” says Head of School Anthony Jaccaci. “This facility, located in the heart of the campus, is purposely built to create the relationships that make a Tabor experience so special and unique and befit Travis’ spirit of kindness and grace.” 

            “When asked what we thought of the idea of having the new Campus Center named for Travis, in addition to the Hockey Rink, we could only respond with tears,” admit Brenda and Lee Roy. “One of Travis’ primary goals while on campus was to be seen as more than just a hockey player. He excelled in soccer, golf and ceramics, and saw himself as an ambassador to all students. The Chapel Speech he gave toward the end of senior year outlining his Ten Rules of Life exemplifies this. There is no doubt in our minds that Travis would be honored, humbled and thrilled to have his name placed on the new Campus Center, a meeting place for the entire Tabor community. It would be the absolute highest tribute Tabor could bestow on him.”

            And so, his memory will live on through the Travis Roy Campus Center. This project has been in the works for several years now and is one that has been near and dear to many of the school’s leaders, including both Travis Roy and Sprague. “Because that’s what Tabor needs,” Sprague asserts.

            “I am eager to have this facility support programs on campus in new and innovative ways that have been in consideration for many years,” adds Jaccaci. “This is a well-conceived and planned building that will serve many different purposes and will do so thanks to intentional design and planning.” Jaccaci also notes that large-scale projects like this one are not possible without the generous support of donors.  

            “Why I support Tabor is simple. Tabor took a chance on me,” Sprague notes. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Tabor,” he adds. “Tabor really set me on the right path, and I’ve loved Tabor all my life.”

            “We are fortunate at Tabor for the care and dedication that has been given to this project,” Jaccaci says, “and now, with Travis’ name, this space will be a jewel in the school’s facility crown.”

            To learn more about the Travis Roy Campus Center or to make a supporting donation in memory of Travis Roy ’95, visit taboracademy.org/getcentered or email Amy Duffell.