ORR Teams Earn Opening-Round Playoff Wins

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Hot off the heels of the regular season, Old Rochester Regional’s spring sports teams are diving head first into their MIAA state tournaments. While the lacrosse teams were both afforded Preliminary Round byes that delayed the start of their postseason campaigns, the baseball team as well as the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams kicked off their playoff runs with a bang.

            Baseball was the first team to compete in the playoffs, as the 29th-seeded Bulldogs faced off against the 36th-ranked East Boston in the Preliminary Round on June 3. In the end, ORR pulled off the 3-2 win to advance to the Round of 32.

Lucas Mello pitched a complete-game, four-hitter with 11 strikeouts. Zach Matson went 2-for-3 at the plate, with the tying RBI in the fourth inning, followed by a big triple in the sixth after singles from Mello and Lucas McElroy.

The boys’ tennis team kicked off their tournament on June 5 against Grafton. The No. 16 ranked Bulldogs defeated Grafton 3-2 at home in their Round of 32 matchup, setting them up for a much tougher test in the sweet 16.

The girls, seeded 11th, followed up the next day, defeating the 22nd-ranked Hanover, 5-0, on Monday. Like the boys, they also face a big jump in competition as they head into the next round.

Unfortunately, Old Rochester’s perfect postseason run came to an end on Monday, as the baseball team fell 4-0 against the fourth-seeded Bishop Stang. With their season coming to an end, only four Old Rochester teams’ seasons are ongoing.

The boys’ tennis team went head-to-head at top-seeded Wayland on Wednesday. The girls traveled to Martha’s Vineyard on the same day to face the fourth seed.

The ninth-seeded girls’ lacrosse team, led by 200-goal-club member Maddie Wright, kicked off their tournament campaign on Tuesday when they hosted Dennis-Yarmouth in a Round of 32 matchup. The 16th-ranked boys, riding the momentum of an undefeated regular season, will host Pope Francis Prep of Springfield on Thursday, June 9.

Sports Roundup

By Matthew Curry

Snows Pond Homeowners Seek Solutions

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The Rochester Conservation Commission met on Tuesday night with the founder of a group dedicated to protecting mother nature in ways that go far beyond what Wetlands Act regulations can do.

Michelle Kirby introduced herself as president of the Snows Pond Association, which is dedicated to slowing the aging and deterioration of Snows Pond and the town’s other natural “kettle” ponds.

Kirby said in the past 20-30 years the pond has changed “and it’s concerning.” Ponds naturally lower their water level, fill with sediment and become wet marshes, she admitted. But weeds, some invasive and some native, algae growth and nutrient pollution are speeding up the natural aging of the pond that she’s spent her entire life living around.

She said her group, which includes 13 of the 15 homeowners on the pond, has invested in efforts to research how fast Snows Pond is aging and what is causing it. The biggest culprit aging it faster than normal is nutrient pollution, something that human behavior can help slow down the progress of, she said.

Snows Pond, she pointed out, covers 57 acres and has the highest water level of all ponds in Rochester. She asked the commission to help the association with its mission to preserve it.

“We need more stewardship and education,” she said.

“The pond does have a lot of nutrient pollution from a lot of sources,” commissioner Ben Bailey responded. “But it’s not something you can change. Can’t eliminate it. Eliminating it means draining, dredging the pond to make it like it was in the past. It will be an uphill battle to get some things done.”

Kirby reiterated that slowing the pond’s aging process through public awareness is her most important goal.

“Everyone here on this board agrees with you,” Commission Chairman Christopher Gerrior told her. “Something needs to be done.”

Gerrior said the commission will find ways to help Kirby, perhaps tapping into town funding sources to that end.

In other business, the commission approved issuing the Certificates of Compliance for a new home construction at 179 Burgess Way filed by Angela DeMelo and a garage construction at 7 Ginny’s Way filed by John and Michelle Vinagre.

Also, the commission agreed to send an amended enforcement order for Wetlands Act violations to 89 Box Turtle Drive to include a $100 per day fine until the panel hears from the landowner or a restoration plan is met. Board members complained of not hearing from the landowner since the first enforcement order had been issued.

The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission will be held on Tuesday, June 21, at 7:00 pm.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

McCullough Conquers Climb for Cancer Charity

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The White Mountains in New Hampshire are known for their stunning views, alpine huts and high winds. Counted among them is the Presidential Range, a group of notable summits named for various U.S. Presidents, as one might have guessed.

The Presidential Traverse is a hike that traverses this range, including Mount Washington, the most famous of the lot, known for being the highest peak in the Northeast, as well as Madison, Jefferson and Adams. The trail itself is described as “not for the faint of heart” on AllTrails.com, due in part to the near-complete exposure and high winds present on the range.

It’s not just a day trip either; endeavoring to hike the trail requires planning for at least one overnight, if not two. Bad weather can creep up fast and hit hard, requiring a mad dash for shelter in one of the alpine huts along the trail.

This month a group of 14 volunteers undertook this challenging trek as part of a fundraiser. Their chosen charity: Camp Casco, a local summer camp for children affected by cancer. Since the camp is free to attend, the camp relies on donations and volunteers so they can provide a wonderful, one-of-a-kind camp experience, making sure all campers are safe and happy. Much like the Presidential Traverse, the story of Camp Casco is an incredible journey.

Erin Fletcher Stern cofounded Camp Casco back in 2014 with Dr. Michael Goldberg. Having volunteered for several years at Camp Reach 4 The Sky in San Diego, Fletcher Stern was eager to continue her charity work once she moved to the New England area. However, upon seeking out camps like CR4TS, she came up empty.

That’s not to say that there was a lack of summer camps – anyone who has spent time on the Cape can attest to their abundance. There are camps for young kids, old kids, camps that teach you how to sail or shoot a bow. There are church camps and school camps and even economic camps for those setting their sights on Silicon Valley at a young age. But CR4TS had been special; it catered to children dealing with cancer. Erin had discovered a void, one she decided she would fill with Camp Casco.

Fast forward to 2021. A Facebook post about a fundraising effort catches the eye of Mattapoisett local and Bridgewater State University student Meg McCullough. Camp Casco was asking people to help send children to camp … by hiking.

McCullough thought it was perfect for her. She was already an avid hiker, as well as participating in track and field at Bridgewater State. Athletic altruism was right up her alley, so she signed up immediately. After a roaring success in 2021, she came back this year to do it again.

Meg is not the only one coming back for more. A number of Camp Casco champions have been participating in this challenge since its inception. Beyond those on the front lines of the fundraising effort, the Camp Casco family includes its staff, counselors and, of course, the campers.

Not only does the vast majority of eligible campers return each year, once they’re old enough many make the shift to counselors, something that continued on from CR4TS.

One such camper-turned-counselor was a man named Chris Ramirez. As a teenager, he survived a brain tumor, attended CR4TS, and went on to become a favorite counselor there, going by the nickname “The Incredible Hulk.” A year before Camp Casco came into being, Ramirez passed away from a re-emergence of his brain tumor. He had encapsulated everything the camp stood for and everything Fletcher Stern wanted to bring to her new endeavor. And so, Camp Casco was born, “casco” taken from the Spanish word for Hulk.

McCullough was “excited” to undertake the challenge of the Presidential Traverse. Her sponsored camper, Annie, serves as a reminder what it all is for. The fact that the hike is impressive is a result of its difficulty; not everyone is capable of a two-day trek through the wilderness, even in ideal conditions. McCullough understands this more than the average joe, having embarked on a road trip from Las Vegas to Seattle, hiking in every national park along the way. Thankfully, there’s more than one way to make a difference.

For those looking to stretch their legs in their own neck of the woods, there’s the Trail Blazers program, where participants organize local walks or hike any distance, anywhere they choose. The camp’s website shows a map of the 32 participants in the US, Canada, Honolulu, England and South Korea. The best part of the program, other than the good it does, is its flexibility; you can walk for 10 minutes or 10 miles, down your street or along the Appalachian Trail.

Camp Casco set the Trail Blazers’ fundraising goal at $320, enough to send a child to camp for a day. Much like the rest of the program, Trail Blazers can set their own flexible fundraising goal. As anyone who has been to Camp Casco will attest, every bit helps, whether a step, a dollar, moment or a mile. Any amount donated to Camp Casco helps pay for supplies and helps ensure the campers have access to round-the-clock medical care and one-on-one support.

If you’re interested in becoming a Camp Champion or Trail Blazer in 2023, visit campcasco.org for information on how to sign up, as well as other donation options.

“At camp, cancer instantly becomes the least remarkable thing about you,” the Camp Casco’s website reads, emphasizing how important it is for children to have a childhood. A sentiment that seems almost too simple to state, yet integral to remember.

By Jack MC Staier

Marion Officials Participate in Emergency Management Tabletop Exercise

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Town Administrator James McGrail and Emergency Management Director and Police Chief Richard Nighelli report that town officials recently put their emergency response plans to the test with the help of Massachusetts Maritime Academy cadets.

            On May 23, Massachusetts Maritime Academy undergraduate Emergency Management cadets Andrew Miller, Liam Brennan and Stephen Serbst visited the Marion Police Department and facilitated a tabletop exercise with participants from the police and fire departments, Department of Public Works, Council on Aging, Public Information, Board of Health, Sippican Elementary School and Community Emergency Response Team.

            As part of their emergency management capstone project, the cadets created an emergency scenario for the exercise, as well as multiple evolutions and objectives for the participants. As the facilitators, the cadets then presented the scenario and updates as well as ensured participants’ discussions focused on the objectives of the exercise and that all presented issues were addressed and explored.

            Marion officials were given “Winter Storm George” as their emergency scenario and were tasked with responding to the real-world situation based on current town plans, policies and procedures.

            The scenario evolved through three modules. Module one focused on the incoming storm and preliminary forecast, the possible resulting conditions such as power outages and storm surges, and needed preparations. Module two added new and evolving circumstances such as high wind gusts and quickly accumulating snow, a vehicle crash with leaking fuel, power outages and phone problems, impassable roadways, a structure fire, carbon monoxide emergencies and downed live wires and trees throughout town. Module three focused on the aftermath when the inclement weather had passed; however, added factors included blocked roadways preventing emergency access to facilities and ongoing power outages.

            During each module, participants were asked to consider the current priority of their agency, sheltering operations and logistics, staffing and agency resources, public works services and resources, communications with the public and challenges.

            Overall, the exercise was meant to help town officials put emergency response plans to the test to evaluate their effectiveness and identify possible areas for improvement.

            “Tabletop exercises are a valuable way for us to implement and assess our emergency response plans to ensure we have the most effective and efficient policies and procedures that will allow for the best possible outcome in a range of emergency scenarios,” Chief Nighelli said. “Andrew, Liam and Stephen did a great job facilitating the exercise and presented us with a very realistic situation that introduced the types of events we would be likely to face during such an emergency.”

            “Exercises bring together various departments and stakeholders within a town to test emergency plans, policies, procedures and capabilities. These events help ensure all areas of the town are prepared for and able to respond to a disaster,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Acting Director Dawn Brantley. “MEMA appreciated the opportunity to participate in and support the Town of Marion’s exercise, and we applaud them for their ongoing commitment to emergency preparedness.”

Alves Riverfront Walk

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Join the Mattapoisett Land Trust (MLT) on Sunday June 12, 1:00 pm for a guided walk along upper portions of the tidal Mattapoisett River. MLT is working to preserve the 4-acre Alves parcel and open the land for public use and river access. Placing the Alves parcel and other nearby lands in conservation protects important wildlife habitat buffers Mattapoisett from climate change impacts and opens a beautiful area of meadow, forest and riverbank to public enjoyment.

            In addition, this parcel and nearby lands include some of the earliest sites in Mattapoisett settled by Europeans. Come join us and see this special place! The walk will depart from 3 Mattapoisett Neck Road, just south of Route 6. Please park on the west side of Mattapoisett Neck Road across the street. The terrain is gentle, but wear sturdy, mud-proof shoes and dress for the weather. For more information, please see MLT’s website www.mattlandtrust.org or email us at info@mattlandtrust.org.

Class of ’22 Crosses Finish Line

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Amaya McLeod felt overwhelmed with all the inadequacies common to the first day of high school.

Most notably was the sense that she was in over her head. The Marion native poked fun at the literal application, noting her lack of height, but more significantly was her inability to get a grip, any sense of control, on what was rushing by her with that wave of students.

They all seemed to know where they were going and were in a furious rush to get there. McLeod saw this from the sidelines lest she be trampled underneath.

“Being in this class has taught me that friends can help you through anything. I’m not saying you need a whole entourage, even one good friend can help you through the toughest of times,” she said.

Almost four years later, McLeod is valedictorian of her class.

Introduced by Class of 2022 Vice President John Joseph Kassabian, McLeod spoke not from the perspective of being a high achiever but as a survivor, telling a story that aligns herself with rather than marks herself off against her fellow classmates.

“I am proud to be a part of this class because we have not only made it, but we have helped each other hit every curve ball thrown our way,” said McLeod, who will study Environmental Sciences at UMass Amherst. “We shouldn’t waste these precious moments worrying about how we will do in the future and instead spend them appreciating how far we have come.”

It was with that spirit that Class of 2022 Treasurer Eddie Gonet celebrated the finish line that all 2022 ORR graduates have in common.

“Unless we take the time to talk to 200 of our classmates, we’ll never know what challenges they faced to graduate high school,” he said.

Every student came a long way.

Every student dealt with disappointments and the abiding relationships that were forged.

“I found out that support is not always a two-way street, but friendship is,” said Class President Mackenzie Marie Wilson.

In her remarks on behalf of Superintendent Mike Nelson, who was attending a graduation in his family, ORR School Committee Chairperson Heather Burke reported that the Class of 2022 represents 45 conference sports championships, will attend 70 different colleges in 18 different states and in two foreign countries.

After congratulating 2022 retirees from the ORR staff, ORRHS Principal Mike Devoll asked graduates to stand at the mention of various accomplishments ranging from academics and athletics to family connections and future endeavors. With all that has been accomplished, the exercise looked like a 10-minute version of a conclusion to the old television game show To Tell the Truth.

At the wrong end of the alphabet, Jen Williams was first to receive her diploma so she could depart for the All-State Track and Field Championships at Westfield State University, where she competed in the 100 hurdles.

In her address to the class, retiring Mattapoisett Schools Principal Rose Bowman quoted Dr. Seuss: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

Bowman encouraged the graduates to bring their own version of joy to the world.

“Don’t be in such a hurry to move forward that you forget (that moment in front of you,)” she said, comparing each student and their gifts to the snowflakes, precious and unique. “You can have a mission in life unique to you,” impacting people along the way in ways “you may never know.”

ORR Commencement

By Mick Colageo

Tighter Operation Key to Confident Spending

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During Monday’s meeting of the Mattapoisett Capital Planning Committee, Chairman Chuck McCullough asked the members to think about what sort of data they will need moving forward.

McCullough also asked the members to think about whom they should be meeting with during FY24 planning and subsequent forecasts.

            McCullough’s efforts to have the Capital Planning Committee more deeply involved in planning strategies, namely projects and purchases costing $10,000 and greater and with at least a five-year lifecycle, began in earnest during the FY23 planning process.

            The committee asked town department heads to prepare more in-depth details, especially those related to vehicle usage, and all associated costs both immediate and proposed for subsequent years. The members spend time learning about facility needs and capital purchases from the viewpoint of the department heads and plot those expenditures over a 10-year master plan.

            McCullough told the members, “Let’s take a look at this year’s process and maybe tighten up processes for next year,” a process that will begin after the summer break, at which time planning will begin for the FY24 spring Town Meeting.

            The wide-ranging discussions also touched on the need for a computer-tracking tool that would allow department heads and the town’s financial oversight committee’s access to data-driven analysis for planning purposes. McCullough noted at several points in the general discussion that understanding how expenditures would be funded is critical to the work of the committee.

            Bylaws governing the work of Capital Planning Committee were also discussed. Posted on the town’s website are the bylaws. Included in those directives is who should be seated on the committee. The bylaws note a member of the Mattapoisett School Committee, Open Space and Recreation, three citizens at large, a person with business or financial backgrounds, another person with construction management experience and someone from the Finance Committee and/or the town’s Accounting offices.

            The town administrator’s role is described as a person who shall act as an ex officio, non-voting member who can charge the committee with a variety of responsibilities. Those include: study of projects and purchases with a five-year lifespan costing $10,000 or more; inventorying of town facilities; equipment, machinery and other capital assets; study of request to determine relative need; impact and timing of expenditures; producing an annual report for the Select Board and monitoring the execution of authorized projects.

            On that last point, McCullough has asserted that the committee needs more precise review of grants awarded to the town for various projects and purchases as well as appropriations. Tying the funding to capital expenditures had not in previous planning seasons been fully attempted, now such data would be included. Town Administrator Mike Lorenco, who attended, said he would provide funding data.

             Lorenco also shared that presently there are 13 open positions within town departments that he is trying to fill, openings in such areas of responsibility as police, clerical administrative and highway department. He also said that he would be meeting later in the week with members of the MassDOT team associated with the Bike Path Phase 1b to learn the status of test planking on the bridge over the barrier beach at Good Speed Island, testing necessitated by defective planking earlier in the construction. He said grants would be sought for repairs to Long Wharf now estimated at approximately $5,000,000 and that a Complete Streets grant has allowed the improvements to the bike path crossings at Mattapoisett Neck Road and Brandt Island Road now under construction.

            No meeting date was scheduled upon adjournment.

Mattapoisett Capital Planning Committee

By Marilou Newell

Linda Ashley Selected as New Principal of Mattapoisett’s Center School

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is pleased to announce that Linda Ashley has been selected to be the new principal of Center School.

            Ashley will assume the position on July 1 following the retirement of Principal Rose Bowman. Ashley will be the full-time principal of Center School as a result of the principalship restructuring of the Old Hammondtown and Center schools.

            “I am honored and delighted to be selected as the new principal of Center School and to join this wonderful school community,” Ashley said. “During my interviews and site visit, I learned that Center School is a special child-centered learning environment with wonderful students, talented teachers, caring families and supportive community members. I am excited to get to know each Center School community member and build strong partnerships as we set goals for the future and begin our important work together.”

            Ashley has worked in the Franklin Public Schools for close to 10 years — as an elementary school principal for nine of those years and most recently as the pre-K-12 curriculum director for English Language Arts and history/social studies.

            She also previously served as an elementary principal and pre-K-5 curriculum director in the Milford Public Schools, an elementary principal in the Norton Public Schools, a special education teacher in the Hopkinton Public Schools and a teacher for grades 3-4 in Lincoln. She began her career as a third grade classroom teacher in New Jersey.

            “Dr. Ashley has considerable experience in elementary teaching, administration and leadership, and has shown a commitment to collaborating with staff and families to support our youngest learners and help them to grow and succeed,” Superintendent Nelson said. “Her past roles and accomplishments have demonstrated her dedication to student achievement and to meeting the needs of educators by fostering an environment where staff are encouraged to continuously grow and learn.”

            Ashley holds a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from Northeastern University, a Master of Education in moderate special needs from Lesley College and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

            “We are excited to welcome Dr. Ashley to the Mattapoisett schools, and I look forward to working with her,” said Kevin Tavares, incoming principal of Old Hammondtown School. “She shares our dedication to providing high-quality education and social-emotional development for our students and will be a valuable addition to our elementary leadership team.”

            Ashley was selected following a thorough search process that included multiple interviews, reference checks, a site visit to the Franklin Public Schools and a site visit at Center School. The hiring committee included school committee members, administrators, teachers, support staff and parents.

Cushing Cemetery

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Cushing Cemetery will be holding a meeting at Cushing Cemetery on June 18 at 10:30 am. All members and general public are invited to attend. Please dress accordingly and bring a chair if you would like. Thank you and we hope to see there.

2022 FORM Scholarship Winners

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Each year, Friends of Old Rochester Music (FORM) awards scholarships to seniors in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the music program and our community. We are excited to announce this year’s FORM Scholarship winners: Christopher Bell, Alice Decicco-Carey, Emily DellaCioppa, Isabella Correia, Caleb DeVoe, Edward Gonet IV, Spencer Merolla, Benjamin Preece-Santos, Charles Richards and Kinsley Trout. FORM is an all-volunteer nonprofit and booster group for music students in the Old Rochester Regional School District. To learn more or get involved, contact us at form@oldrochester.org.