Call for Entries: Along the Trails

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The Marion Art Center, in collaboration with the Sippican Lands Trust, extends an invitation to area artists to submit works of art for our upcoming fall exhibition entitled, “Along the Trails,” which will include works inspired by the natural landscape. This year, experiencing and celebrating the beauty of nature and outdoor spaces seems more compelling than ever. Exhibition entries must be inspired by, or depicting identified locations at, area land trust properties.

            A triannual collaboration, the MAC and SLT have expanded “the canvas” this year beyond Marion to include land trust properties in Mattapoisett, Rochester, and Wareham. All mediums are eligible and both two- and three-dimensional works are encouraged. Artists may submit up to three pieces for exhibition and a minimum of one work from each artist will be chosen for display. The location(s) that inspired the work must be specifically identified, and artists should provide a brief description of the concept, if applicable. Artists are encouraged to submit an accompanying digital image of the location (taken with one’s phone or mobile device is fine), if depicting the location in a medium other than photography.

            The show opens Thursday, October 14, and runs through Friday, November 12. An opening night viewing is scheduled on Thursday, October 14, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Property maps can be found online at: sippicanlandstrust.org, mattlandtrust.org, rochesterlandtrust.org, and warehamlandtrust.org.

            All works must have been executed by the artist within the last three years and must not have been previously shown at the Marion Art Center. The Marion Art Center will retain a 40-percent commission for any sold works. Drop-off dates for work are scheduled on Saturday, October 9, and Tuesday, October 12. Artists should contact the MAC with intent to exhibit and to schedule a drop-off appointment by calling 508-748-1266 or by emailing info@marionartcenter.org with “land trust show” in the subject line.

Lighthouse Welcomes Nesting Terns

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            The first tropical storm of the hurricane season has already threatened our coastline with a weather forecast of many more still to come. This dire coastal future may well be attributed to warmer waters from global warming that has already fanned the flames of western wildfires and sent smoke across the entire country.

            Now higher winds and subsequent damaging wave action may well endanger nesting terns on Bird Island, except for the higher protective seawall constructed in the year 2018 by the Army Corp of Engineers and the Town of Marion.

            Subsequently, the nesting capacity of the small shallow island was nourished with both sand and gravel fill to raise the surface elevation, as well as plantings of seaside goldenrod and higher American Beach Grass. Then, as a finishing touch, the Town of Marion raised additional funds to construct and distribute wooden nesting boxes that serve to protect each nest and sides to help nesting parents block the entry of skunks and rats from stealing eggs and chicks. The Island lighthouse has grown to become a welcome landmark and nesting haven for flocks of migrating terns, as in my illustration.

            The two most frequent nesting species are 3,500 pairs of the common tern, and the old-world roseate tern, making Bird Island a critical conservation location because both terns are dwindling in numbers and recently classified as endangered species.

            The site is also visited by other less numerous but equally as colorful terns such as the Arctic tern, which sweeps by briefly on its intercontinental figure-eight, astounding annual migration around both the north and south poles. Another is the black skimmer of shallow flights and dipping bills that make trails across the water and laughing gulls, whose happy musical kip-kip-kip is followed by a vocal hee-haw.

            Bird Island has also become a popular destination for programmed tourist attraction for nautical tours in season. It is managed as a restricted visit using caution and environmental appreciation for this remedial outpost of conservation. Let’s hope the time may not be coming when our coastal environment is about to undergo unforeseen wildlife consequences, should the climate continue to change as it has in the recent past.

By George B. Emmons

Numbers Crunched for House Plan

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            A Notice of Intent filed by Kenneth and Darla Parsons for the reconstruction and site plan of single-family house and garage at 27 Dexter Road was continued to September 8, but not before substantial discussion that brought out calculators during the Marion Conservation Commission’s August 25 meeting.

            At question was the 10-percent rule, its interpretation in Marion regulations, and the actual arithmetic.

            After representative Dave Davignon of Schneider, Davignon, & Leone, Inc. presented an overview of the project, “A house that I believe is less intrusive for this site,” project architect Michael Snow explained, saying that the height of the basement is a balancing act between aesthetics and FEMA regulations.

            Having visited the site with fellow commission member Mark Bellanger, Chairman Shaun Walsh called it “a pretty straightforward project.”

            The more complex discussion began when ConCom member Emil Assing sought to clarify the listed 1,063 square feet of impervious area as a total area rather than an increased area.

            Davignon said he needed to review his notes on the matter, but since the proposed surfaces under the overhangs around the house would be made of favorable materials, Davignon asserted that the garage and house should account for impervious surface on the 21,780 square-foot lot, not including the shed.

            Reading from town regulations, Walsh told the stakeholders and commissioners that one of the criteria for redevelopment of previously developed areas is that the area of proposed work cannot exceed the amount of degraded area, provided that the proposed work may alter up to 10 percent if the degraded area is less than 10 percent of the riverfront area.

            After more discussion and estimations, Walsh suggested a continuance. “We all want to be comfortable that we’re calculating it right, and there’s a little bit of math involved,” he said.

            The commission voted to continue the public hearing to September 8 at 7:00 pm.

            A Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Burr Brothers Boats, Inc. to confirm the demarcated boundary of a bordering vegetated wetland (BVW) on one lot (8) and to confirm that the only land on the 305 Front Street property subject to coastal storm flowage is confined to a different lot (2A) will remain open while an ANRAD (Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation) is also filed.

            Walsh and fellow commission members Bellanger, Cynthia Callow, and Jeff Doubrava conducted a site visit but could not understand why the wetlands flags were located where they are. Representing the applicant, Brian Madden from LEC Environmental explained that the applicant thought it better to file the RDA since the case is about more than a wetland boundary. Walsh said the commission would prefer to have wetland boundary delineation approvals done as an ANRAD.

            Pointing out that Marion does not have a conservation agent and that the volunteer commissioners are limited in skills obtained through state-run workshops, Walsh said he would like to hold another site visit where the commissioners can meet with Madden or another LEC Environmental representative for a show-and-tell on the flags. Madden was amenable and asked if the RDA should remain open.

            A conservation agent is likely to be hired by the town by the end of the year, according to Walsh, who said the RDA can remain open and that he did not consider it necessary at the time to resort to a third-party review. “I don’t think we need to go there yet,” he said, noting that the last time such an occurrence proved educational for the commissioners. “None of us are soil scientists.”

            Walsh also asked that a revised plan show the stone wall on the property. The case was continued to Wednesday, September 8, at 7:00 pm.

            An RDA was submitted by Jeffrey J. Doubrava Revocable Trust and Elizabeth M. Doubrava Revocable Trust to install a buried 500-gallon propane tank secured to a poured concrete slab on the south side of their property at 47 East Avenue. Doubrava, a member of the commission, recused himself from involvement as a commissioner for the hearing.

            The case, continued from August 25, was reviewed by Callow, who recommended a Negative 2 (storm flowage) and 3 (buffer zone) determination because none of the actions would alter protected land. The commission, minus Doubrava, voted to approve Callow’s recommendation.

            The negative determination of applicability voted for Frederick Severance’s RDA to remove a large pine tree, replace the tennis court and replace a basketball hoop, and remove invasive plants at Shell Heap Road was issued only in part. The Negative 2 applies only to areas 1, 2, and 3 of the site plan, but no determination was issued for area No. 4, the eastern portion of the site.

            While most of the plan was met favorably by the commission, Walsh told representative Brandon Faneuf that he was hesitant to allow management of vegetation in the No. 4 area of the site plan without a more comprehensive assessment.

            Two public hearings were continued without discussion at the applicants’ request to ConCom’s next meeting on September 8: John and Cynthia Paliotta, 119 Converse Road, for a land-management plan to eradicate invasive species and establish long-term health, and a Notice of Jeffrey and Elizabeth Reed, 25 Holly Road, for the removal of phragmites.

            Walsh concluded the meeting by responding to social media commentary on an Order of Conditions that ConCom issued last year on the proposed dock at 122 Register Road. “It’s frustrating to read the rather significant number of factually inaccurate and sometimes rather insulting comments,” he said. “I really wish that folks would take the time to contact the commission office – and some of them did. … Our permit has nothing to do with navigational interference or potential navigational interference in a waterway. We have to assess a project on its merits [and] whether it complies in its standards to the Wetlands Protection Act.”

            Walsh further stressed that the navigational matters are Waterways Program issues that fall under the purview of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Chapter 91). In response to those concerns, the applicant agreed to amend the design and return to the Conservation Commission for approval on the changes.

            Doubrava said it’s not difficult to read the legal notices in The Wanderer. “I read them every week,” he said. Walsh reminded meeting attendees that The Wanderer is accessible in full at wanderer.com.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, September 8, at 7:00 pm.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Mick Colageo

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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A big item in the files at the museum are the minutes of all the Historical Society meetings from its start in 1967. Minutes include reports on what was said and done during meetings and also descriptions of programs. Because of this, we have additional insight into Rochester’s past often provided by residents who have passed on. At different times the society would have meetings where members would recount memories from the past or bring items of historical interest.

            At one meeting in 1969, Edgar F. Randall, born in Rochester in 1883, shared memories of his boyhood. The minutes of another 1969 meeting included ” Guest Stories.” Marion Pierce recalled that the first library in Rochester was upstairs in the building that is now the first Congregational Church’s vestry building. Mr. James Hartley spoke of a shoe shop at Sherman’s Corner where farmers would leave their leather and the shoemaker would work on it in his spare time. He also told how he walked to school unless the weather was bad and then he would drive a team. A Mr. Weld offered the use of his barn for his horse which “young Jim” accepted until his horse ate an entire bushel of turnips.

            In 1974 at a meeting, Elizabeth Florindo told how a Mrs. Pratt owned the first car in town. Mrs. Pratt, as the story went, told her chauffeur “to run right over the ducks that were always in the road.” She also said that Mr. Pratt had traveled to the west and returned with an Indian blanket and a diamond ring. You can also find extensive information for the planning of various “centennial” celebrations, including the nation’s bicentennial.

            For our first Historical Society meeting since 2019, we hope to get everyone together to discuss the future of the Historical Society and catch up with each other with our own “Memory meeting” where people can share a story, a picture (like the one with this article that shows 1954 hurricane damage), or an item of that is of historical interest.

            We’ll meet at 7:00 pm on September 15 with plenty of space and ventilation. Also, masks are required, except when enjoying some delicious refreshments.

By Connie Eshbach

Open Pickleball Round Robin Tournament

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On Saturday, September 18 (September 25 rain date), MATTREC is hosting their first Pickleball Tournament! Please check in and warm up from 8:30 -8:50 am; games commence at 9:00 am sharp. The tournament will be held at the Hammond Street Courts in Mattapoisett.

            Cost is $25 per player. Proceeds will benefit pickleball court maintenance and equipment. Register at www.mattrec.net. Limited to the first 24 registrants. Waitlisted players may play if a registered player is unable to play on tournament day.

            Designed for novice to intermediate players (2.0 – 3.5 rating; see USA Pickleball Association guide to skills levels at www.usapickleball.org/tournaments).

            Come on out to test your skills, have fun, and support MATTREC pickleball!

Raymond Francis Morris

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Raymond Francis Morris, 86, of Rochester, died Sept. 6, 2021 at home. He was the son of the late Antone F. and Irene S. (Rivard) Morris and stepson of the late Jean Plaud Morris.

            He was born in New Bedford and lived in Rochester for over 54 years. He served in the U. S. Navy Reserves for 8 years.

            Mr. Morris worked as a Truck Driver for New England Teamsters Union, Local 59 for many years before retiring. He also worked for D. W. White Construction Co. and Gilmore Cranberry Co.

            He enjoyed classic cars, fishing, and tinkering with clocks. He was a longtime Yankees fan and his favorite pitcher was Catfish Hunter.

            Survivors include a son, Darren M. Morris and his wife Melanie of Rochester; 3 daughters, Cheryl A. Burrell and her husband Brent of Acushnet, Lynn M. Morris and her husband William Revoir of Falmouth and Doreen A. Belliveau of Hinsdale, NH;  4 sisters, Vivian Daffinee of Spring Hill, FL, Jeanette Gump of Acushnet, Carol Souza of Largo, FL and Sandra Sorrell of Dartmouth; his former wife, Muriel (Bourbeau) Bishop of Hinsdale, NH; 11 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his longtime companion, Lillian Tomkiewicz.

            His services will be private. Donations in his memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

            Arrangements are by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com.

Barbara Marie (Hanrahan) DeLoid

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Barbara Marie (Hanrahan) DeLoid, 95, of Providence, RI, formerly of Marion died Friday, Sept. 3, 2021 at Elmwood Nursing Center in Providence. She was the wife of the late Albert R. Deloid.

            Born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Joseph P. and Katherine (Critin) Hanrahan, she graduated from Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing and worked as a registered nurse in many states. She was also senior instructor at Old Iron Gym in E. Wareham & volunteered as a Senior Aerobics Instructor at the Buzzards Bay Community Center for many years.

            She is survived by her daughter, Audrey DeLoid of Warwick, RI; 10 grandchildren, 7 great-granchildren, and 7 great great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sons, the late Charles “CJ” DeLoid, the late Randall DeLoid., the late Miles DeLoid, her daughter late Gale Leary as well as her granddaughter, the late Danielle Nault Penolosa.

            A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 at St. Margaret’s Church, 141 Main St., Buzzards Bay on at 11 am. Interment will follow in Agawam Cemetery, Wareham.

Town Meeting Warrant Reviewed

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            The Rochester Board of Selectmen’s September 7 review of the Special Town Meeting Warrant with Town Clerk Paul Dawson and the Finance Committee was swift and, without committee Chair Kris Stoltenberg in attendance, did not carry official FinCom recommendations.

            FinCom member Peter Armanetti attended via Zoom, as Board of Selectmen Chairman Brad Morse summarized the 14 articles that will be up for consideration before voters on Monday, October 18, at Rochester Memorial School.

            Articles 9-13 are the bigger-ticket items, No. 9 being the Old Rochester Regional School District agreement and No. 10 being the proposal for ORR to establish its own capital stabilization fund to address smaller capital items that cannot be budgeted via maintenance.

            Article 11 would clear the path for solar canopies over town-owned parking lots, while Article 12 proposes the transfer of $200,000 to the Road Improvement Stabilization Fund and Article 13 the transfer of $300,00 to the town’s regular Stabilization Fund.

            Article 6 proposes that the Board of Selectmen be renamed the Select Board, and Article 4 proposes $10,000 for the selectmen’s consulting services.

            In order to resolve some confusion and lateness in the paying of dog license renewals due January 1, Article 1 establishes the end of March as the new due date.

            Articles 2 and 3 address the Assessor’s office, No. 2 a $10,000 commitment to install a camera for the ongoing valuation of property, and No. 3 a $3,000 commitment toward the Assessor’s supplemental budget for software and support. Article 5 proposes $10,000 for the Facilities Department to meet the raised cost of the purchase of a utility truck.

            Article 7 proposes additional retail liquor licenses for the town, which is at its limit with requests in hand. Article 8 proposes to rescind the authorized borrowing of $160,000 to purchase land between Town Hall and the congregational church (the board decided against making that purchase).

            Article 14 is a citizens’ petition.

            The selectmen will sign the warrant, officially recommending the articles, at their September 20 meeting.

            During a visit from Water Commission Chairman Fred Underhill, Morse reported that Rochester has received authorization from the Town of Wareham to use up to 100,000 gallons of water per day. That is a drastic increase over the small increments that totaled barely half that amount for the residents and businesses of the Route 28 area.

            Underhill told the selectmen that a Water Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 8, including representatives from Freetown and Lakeville. Middleborough representatives have also been invited to discuss the New Bedford and Taunton water withdrawals from these towns. Underhill is hoping that strength in numbers will help stem the tide of regional cities taking the smaller towns’ water and giving nothing back.

            “We’ve been on this thing five or six years. They’re not going to give us the time of day alone, but maybe get the four towns together,” said Underhill, who plans to address the meeting of the Mattapoisett River Valley Water Protection Advisory Committee and Water District Commission next week.

            Selectmen Woody Hartley told Underhill that town officials would co-sign a letter.

            In other business, the selectmen voted to approve Dawson’s request that they sign the single precinct voting form.

            Every 10 years, explained Dawson, the federal census results in redrawing census lines. Rochester’s population of 5,717 did not rise to the 6,200 threshold that would have necessitated a second voting precinct, effectively doubling the resources it would take to hold municipal elections. The selectmen also officially approved Dawson’s mathematics as presented.

            When asked about the trend toward mail-in voting, Dawson said that would not change the requirements. “The federal census is what drives the bus here. … It’s a population issue, too. … A sudden spike could trigger [the change].”

            In her Town Administrator’s Report, Suzanne Szyndlar told the selectmen that free cash will be certified in time for the October 18 Special Town Meeting.

            She suggested in wake of last week’s Tri-Town Board of Selectmen meeting that Rochester selectmen should revote in open session to put the results in Rochester’s record. The selectmen voted their support to the ORCTV agreement and to approve the memorandum of understanding with the ORR School District.

            Hartley was voted to join Szyndlar in representing Rochester’s effort to reach an agreement with the Town of Marion whereby Rochester can offer its residents a Marion beach sticker.

            The selectmen also signed the contract for newly hired Town Treasurer Kory Lydon.

            Tuesday night’s meeting began with a brief executive session to discuss non-union personnel negotiations.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for Monday, September 20, at 6:00 pm.

Rochester Board of Selectmen

By Mick Colageo

Rochester Historical Society Meeting

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The Rochester Historical Society will be meeting at 7:00 on September 15 at the museum at 355 County Road. After organizational matters are discussed, there will be a memory-themed program sharing pictures, stories, or historical show ‘n tell items. Masks are required and refreshments will be served.

Rochester Historical Society at COA

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Look for the Rochester Historical Table at the Rochester COA’s Crafter Bash and Attic Treasure event on September 11 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. We will have our new 1/4 zip sweatshirts and long-sleeved town seal t-shirts, as well as all our other clothing and hats. In addition, we’ll have Rochester-themed books, boxes, maps, and tic-tac-toes. It will also be a good time to reup memberships before our first meeting on September 15.