American Legion Boys Nation

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Edward Anthony Gonet IV, an incoming senior at Old Rochester Regional High School, has been selected as a senator for American Legion Boys Nation in the Washington, D.C. area, July 23-30. Boys Nation is an annual American Legion program that includes civic training, leadership development, and a focus on Americanism. At Boys State, he has been elected Governor of his state.

            At Old Rochester Regional High School, Gonet is a student council senator, executive student council secretary, and statewide student council representative. His other activities include founder of Cultural Clubs of America, debate team captain, mock trial attorney, and a member of the drama club, chorus, and a capella groups. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Congressional Award Gold Medalist 2021, and Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold Medalist. A resident of Fairhaven, he plans to attend UPenn, Northeastern, or Cornell, and study corporate law.

Propane Business on Track

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            There is a successful conclusion in sight for Papa’s Real Estate, LLC’s propane storage business planned for Luce Avenue, but before the Marion Planning Board votes to approve the application filed by Dena Xifaras there are still some technical matters to resolve.

            During its July 19 meeting, the Planning Board’s peer-review engineering consultant, Beals and Thomas, sent a July 13 letter to the applicant, its engineer, and to the board.

            Xifaras, a Mattapoisett resident who will run the business with her husband, Michael Papadakis, told the board that her civil engineer is working diligently and is intent to make sure all stormwater is handled onsite and is compliant with Town of Marion requests.

            Citing minimal use, the applicant is seeking waivers from the requested environmental assessment, the request that gravel be placed around the catch basins (citing engineering advice against), and Xifaras said they can re-dig with an excavator to show soil samples are consistent with their report.

            “Our engineer has indicated he would be happy to meet, if appropriate,” Xifaras told the board.

            Planning Board Chairman Will Saltonstall noted that the board had already voted to waive an environmental assessment. “We have a set of rules, but they don’t always apply to projects,” he said. “My inclination would be to ask (the applicant) to request the waivers and then we will look at them, … push that back to our review engineer before the next meeting, and then we can respond.”

            Saltonstall characterized the peer review as “engineering talk” that would not be easily digested by board members, including himself. The board voted to continue the case to August 2 at 7:15 pm.

            Also continued was the public hearing for a special permit applied for by Sherman Briggs and Hamblin Homes, Inc. for the construction of 28 townhouses at Spring and Mill Streets.

            Correspondence from Open Space Acquisition Commission Chair John Rockwell addressed stormwater management, and one dated July 15 from Steven Poole, the applicant’s engineer, indicated that the developer hopes to have drainage matters solved this week.

            The case was continued to August 2 at 7:05 pm.

            Along with Beals and Thomas, the board voted to designate Field Engineering and Dartmouth-based SITEC (recently acquired by Boston-based Civil & Environmental Consultants) as the three peer-review engineering firms for Marion Planning Board cases for the next three years.

            The challenge, said Saltonstall, is the variety in the firms’ hourly rate schedules. “They’re pretty diverse from junior person, administrator, all the way up to senior level. It’s hard to evaluate,” he said.

            Planning Board member Norm Hills was pleased to report that G.A.F. Engineering’s review of Marion’s Subdivision Rules and Regulations resulted in a positive report.

            “G.A.F. said our rules and regulations are in pretty good shape,” said Hills, nothing eight pages of comments, none of which he considers major. “It’s one of the things that’s been bothering me for years is, ‘Are we adequate?’ And the answer is, ‘Yes, we are,’ and these changes will make us up-to-date.”

            Before the Planning Board officially votes its approval of the prescribed changes, a public hearing will be set up to invite public reaction. That will not be on the August 2 agenda.

            The board voted to pay the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds $77 for a recording expense and $20 to the state Citizen Planner Training Collaborative (CPTC) Workshop for reimbursement for board member Eileen Marum’s participation.

            Dr. Ed Hoffer, chair of the Marion Board of Health, sat in on Monday night’s Planning Board meeting to offer requested feedback on the board’s discussion about a potential return to in-person meetings.

            Hoffer articulated concern over the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases and cited two positive cases over the weekend in Marion. “Whether it’s the Delta variant or people being too casual, it’s all speculation,” said Hoffer, who did not know if the new cases are people who have been vaccinated. “It would be interesting to know,” said Hills.

            Acknowledging the Town House lacks the floor space for distancing protocols, it was learned that the Music Hall is booked on potential Planning Board meeting nights until after October 18. Town Planner Gil Hilario suggested Sippican School as an in-person alternative be considered.

            It was decided that, for the time being, the Planning Board will remain a Zoom conference. The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, August 2, at 7:00 pm.

Marion Planning Board

By Mick Colageo

Bumblebees Pollinate Lady Slipper Orchids

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Lady slipper orchids are decorative bulb-shaped flowers that range in color from white to various shades of pink and red in our gardens at this time of year. They are one of the most attractive and fascinating plants with a unique history of growth and development from a tiny seed blowing in the wind about the size of a dust particle. They are called dust particles until they get germinated with nutrition from an outside fungus source. The resulting activated fungus takes a full five years to mature and produce underground bulbs to form nutrient structures called “pelotons” that the orchid digests and grows into.

            When they appear as an adult plant to bloom in early May, they become what botanists call “trap plants” to capture bumblebees looking for nectar and pollen as they found elsewhere in other flowers. However, the bees are deceived because they have to bring their own nectar with them. And after the bee forces its way through the opening at the front of the flower, as illustrated, the entrance door shuts behind it and the bees become trapped inside. It then must locate two escape windows over near the top of the flower and, in passing through it, scrapes off its back the pollination from a previous flower. As it exits, it also leaves a trace of male chemistry that germinates the entire process it left behind.

            Bumblebee populations are not what they used to be; through the experience just described, the bees learn to avoid getting trapped. Contrary to popular belief, lady slippers are still not endangered, and orchids are still the largest plant family in the world. The State of Massachusetts does not allow picking them for sale or to transplant them, so they cannot legally be purchased to beautify your floral assortment in most gardens. They sometimes are dug up for commercial use out of a mixed hard wood coniferous forest of pine and hemlock or a well-drained deciduous forest soil.

            Still, their appearance in your flower garden is the combined miracle of intricate plant growth, as well as a remarkable pollination by bumblebees forced upon them by Mother Nature’s scheme to reproduce her beloved lady slipper orchids.

By George B. Emmons

Marion Art Center

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Auditions for Steel Magnolias: The Marion Art Center has announced open auditions for all roles in the upcoming production of “Steel Magnolias,” written by Robert Harling and directed by Jennifer Palmer. Auditions will be held on Thursday, August 5, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, and Saturday, August 8, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Marion Art Center located at 80 Pleasant Street in Marion. Due to the large cast, and to adhere to COVID restrictions, policies, and safety, only fully-vaccinated actors will be considered for roles in this production.

            Synopsis: This beloved story about the bonds and strength through good times and not so good, is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle, the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, an eccentric millionaire; Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby, is about to marry a “good ole boy.” As the story proceeds through comedy and tragedy, we learn how these women have been each other’s strength through friendship and love.

            To view the cast of characters and audition requirements, visit marionartcenter.org/events. Email Play Director Jennifer Palmer with any questions at jengpalmer@msn.com.

            Call for Entries: Summer Members’ Show: The Marion Art Center is pleased to announce its upcoming Summer Members’ Show. Any current MAC member may enter up to two pieces for exhibit. Artists must schedule a time for drop off on Tuesday, August 3, between 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. All art must be original (of the artist’s own design and creation), must not have been previously shown at the MAC, and must be properly prepared for installation. The Marion Art Center will not exhibit works that are in poor condition (including frame). Show dates are August 6 – September 3, with an opening reception on Friday, August 6, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

            To exhibit, visit marionartcenter.org/on-exhibit to download the contract, submit images and the signed contract, and request an appointment through the easy-to-use online form. Alternatively, MAC member artists may request a contract and/or send all required documents by emailing info@marionartcenter.org with “Summer Members’ Show” in the subject line. Not yet a member? It’s easy to join online at marionartcenter.org/join!

            MAC Theater presents Cedar Beach: The MAC Theater presents its second play of the 2021 season, “Cedar Beach,” written by local playwright Mark Howland and directed by John Heavey. The cast includes Jack Boesen, Heather Corrigan, Rick DaSilva, Michele Letourneau, Andrew Oliveira, Thom O’Shaughnessy, Susan Salvesen, Joanne Sherburne, Jacob Sherburne, Rick Sherburne, Gary Sousa, Susan Sullivan, Karrie Szatek, and Kim Teves. The MAC’s sound and lighting technician is Steve McManus.

            Synopsis: Cedar Beach is about family and a family-owned property. Spanning several generations that covers 50 years, the play attempts to chronicle the history of a vacation home and the vicissitudes of the people who inhabit it. The action follows the lines of entropy, from order to disorder, simplicity to complexity, and tradition to innovation. As such, the home represents both the luxury of privilege and the burden of responsibility. The play is comprised of eight scenes that span from the mid 1950s to 2007.

            This is the MAC’s third outdoor live theater event that will take place in Bicentennial Park, Marion, across the street from the MAC. Six show dates are scheduled August 21-22, 26-29. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday productions will begin at 5:00 pm, while Sunday matinees will begin at 2:00 pm. (Times are subject to change before opening week of the show.) A single rain date will be announced at a later date, and, in case of rain, guests may choose another date, donate tickets, or receive a refund only if the performance is cancelled. Guests should bring their own chairs. Tickets go on sale to MAC members ($18) in person or by phone starting Thursday, July 22. Tickets go on sale online and to nonmembers ($20) starting Thursday, July 29, at marionartcenter.org/events.

The Heirloom Gardener

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Register now to hear John Forti’s lecture on “Heirloom and Native Plants – A Living History” at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, 7 Barstow Street in Mattapoisett, on Tuesday, August 3, at 4:00 pm. This Purrington Lecture Series event is sponsored by the Mattapoisett Library Trust and the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club. In this fantastic presentation, Forti provides an illustrated talk that brings to life the unique and living history of plants that have a defining presence in our region. It explores the significance of heirloom/open-pollinated plants and gives voice to the history they keep alive. For those interested in gardens that inspire a sense of time and place, this talk will foster a better understanding of the most tried and true plants and our role in preservation. Forti’s book, “The Heirloom Gardener – Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World,” Timber Press 2021, was the #1 New Best Seller Gardening book on Amazon.

            Forti is a garden historian and ethnobotanist who has directed gardens for Plimoth Plantation Museum, Strawbery Banke Museum, Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and Bedrock Gardens. He has won numerous awards for historic garden preservation, children’s garden design, herbal and historical education, and, most recently, the Award of Excellence from National Garden Clubs, one of the nation’s most-recognized nonprofits and largest volunteer gardening organization in the world. His recent book was inspired by his posts as The Heirloom Gardener – John Forti, which go out regularly to millions on Facebook that value his uniquely curated blend of history, horticulture, environmentalism, poetry, art, kitchen, and garden craft. He gardens and lives along the banks of the Piscataqua River. For more information or to register, contact Library Director Jennifer Jones, jjones@sailsinc.org, or call 508-758-4171. Registration is also available online through the library’s calendar of events found on the MFPL website.

            The Mattapoisett Library Trust, Inc., founded in 2001, is a not-for-profit charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) dedicated to expanding the role of the library in the community. The Trust underwrites new programs, enhances the collection, and enriches the library environment in areas that are beyond the normal costs of the library.

            The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club was organized in the fall of 1941. From the beginning, the Club’s objectives were: civic, social, educational, and philanthropic. The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club logo was designed in 1969 to best reflect the purpose and goals of the club. The lighthouse represents leadership. The stone base represents the various interest groups within the club that support our members. The rays of light beaming from the lighthouse signify the strength of light that will shine, depending on the enthusiasm and hard work of club members.

Harbor Days Earns an ‘A’ for Appreciation

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            Back in January as the Lions Club began developing plans for the 2021 Harbor Days fundraising event, an annual multi-day festival that was not permitted to take place during the height of the pandemic in 2020, many restrictions were still in place. Such restrictions have since, for the most part, been lifted in Massachusetts; nonetheless, safety remained an overarching necessity for the planners.

            Early in the planning stages, the number of booth spaces was limited, and considerations on how to handle the preparation and selling of food, one of the main draws to the event, was in doubt. But as restrictions lifted, the club members who planned the event were nimble, finding ways to make everything come together. There was the Friday Night Fish Fry, the Saturday Night Lobster Fest, the Sunday morning pancakes, and, earlier in the week, there was the much-anticipated Strawberry Shortcake, whetting appetites for what was to come. Check – food all set.

            King Lion during this challenging time was Ross Kessler. He wrote in his message to the community that this year’s Harbor Days was a time to “appreciate all we have.” He asked that the theme of the 2021 festival be Appreciation with a capital ‘A.’

            “Appreciate that we can gather and share time together, appreciate those who are with us and memories of those who have departed, and all the good things in our lives,” Kessler wrote.

            People came out in droves, starting early in the morning on July 17 through the closing on July 18 at 4:00 pm. Harbor Days is annually held in Shipyard Park where a steady stream of children, parents, grandparents, neighbors, and friedns from near and far converged. Booths offered many familiar goods for sale, t-shirts, pottery, works of art in a wide variety of mediums, fragrant soaps, glassware, children’s boutique fashions, and jewelry. People were in a buying mood, carrying around large sacks of new acquisitions.

            There were also non-profit booths promoting community engagement such as the Mattapoisett Master Plan Committee talking up the importance of participation as the committee drafts the next 10-year plan. The Mattapoisett Land Trust was out in force, letting everyone know about its efforts to conserve open spaces for public recreational use, and the Friends of the Council on Aging and Bike Path were at the ready to talk about their special interests, namely services for the growing number of senior citizens and the expansion of protected bikeways from Mattapoisett to Marion and beyond.

            Fielding questions and promoting his dog park concept was Freemin Bauer, who sold t-shirts and accepted donations for what he hopes will one day be a public dog park in the community. He was also talking up his annual Doggie Walk-a-Thon fundraiser planned for August 28, stepping off at Center School from 8:00 am until noon. Call it a fundraiser inside a fundraiser.

            And let’s not forget the Lemonade Ladies, whose cold, fresh lemon concoction has been refreshing Harbor Days visitors for more than a decade. It’ still run by family friends, but the next generation of the originators – the Ronnie King and Kathleen Renzi families. The two friends spearheaded the fundraiser years ago. All money generated from the sale of lemonade goes to local scholarships and charities. Another philanthropic endeavor inside the Lions Club fundraiser.

            People in the village area took advantage of the influx of visitors to the town by setting up their own refreshment stands while others sold freshly cut flowers or threw the ever-popular yard sale. There was even a pop-up market inside the Mattapoisett Museum. All in all, it was a hubbub of happy activity highly welcomed by everyone.

By Marilou Newell

ConCom Prefers ‘Safe’ over ‘Sorry’

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The Marion Conservation Commission consistently took the ‘better safe than sorry’ approach as it considered a variety of applications on July 14, preferring the proverbial ounce of prevention above allowing 2,500 gallons of neutralized chlorinated water to be discharged into the stream on Creek Road.

            During the discussion of the Marion Department of Public Works’ Request for Determination of Applicability to repair the Creek Road water main, Chair Shaun Walsh paused to ponder how discharging chlorinated water used to disinfect the water pipe and then chemically neutralized afterward could be allowed into the nearby stream.

            DPW Engineering Manager Meghan Davis had just explained how the water used to disinfect the pipe would be discharged into 55-gallon drums for chemical neutralizing when Walsh paused to familiarize himself with the chemicals involved and the potential effects of releasing the water into the stream.

            It’s a common practice, explained Davis, describing how the chlorine water is treated with a chemical neutralizing agent before it is discharged. But Walsh was curious how the involvement of chemicals such as sulfur, hydrochloric acid and sodium sulfate could be harmless to the Creek Road stream, which is already “the most sensitive body of water in Marion,” as ConCom member Jeff Doubrava put it. Walsh then suggested, rather than discharging it into the stream, why not route it to the wastewater treatment plant and release it from there?

            “I’m really concerned about discharging this into a very sensitive … area,” said Walsh. But this was the engineer’s proposal, Davis told him, and she has witnessed the process before in another area, she stated. Still, “Better safe than sorry,” said Walsh. Is there a better way to handle the situation, he wondered?

            Just then, Davis said she received a text from the Department of Environmental Protection director saying that the DEP would approve of the suggestion to discharge the neutralized chlorine water directly into the Creek Road pump station to direct it to the wastewater treatment plant.

            “Wow,” said Walsh. “Whoever said the wheels of government grind slowly? I mean, how quick is that?”

            The public hearing was continued until July 28 to allow for the changes to be applied to the plan.

            The commission also supported the DPW’s preemptive action proposed in a second NOI application to replace the Creek Road sewage pump station before the effects of climate change cause the low-lying sewer infrastructure to flood and potentially spill raw sewage into the nearby wetlands, specifically the salt marsh.

            Will Chandler from engineering firm Weston & Sampson said the pumping station is in a “very vulnerable location.” He continued, saying, “[It’s] as vulnerable as you can get … to storm surges and flooding.” The project will build up the site before replacing it with an appropriate pump station for the location. Walsh commented that, should the pump station ever be overcome by a flood, “We’d be in a world of hurt.”

            Chandler gave a general overview of the project, which is part of a long-term plan to rebuild the town’s infrastructure vulnerable to the imminent and foreseeable rising of the sea level. Walsh said the project was overdue and good for the town, noting how fortunate they are to have averted a disaster of this nature so far.

            Before approving the project and issuing an Order of Conditions, Walsh stated, “I think great care has been made to make sure that the building is sited in such a way that it is not going to [have] an adverse impact on the resource area. It’s, I think, a pretty thoughtful design.”

            The commission also approved and issued a Negative 2 determination of applicability (work will occur within the resource area but will not alter it) for the DPW’s application to repair the fire service gate valve box at 275 Front Street. Dangerous deterioration of the road has occurred where the valve is.

            In other matters, after hearing from engineer David Davignon, the commission continued the public hearing for an NOI filed by Nicholas and Rosemary Grey, 3 Shawondasse Road, proposing shoreline improvements to mitigate erosion on their private beach. According to Davignon, the Greys have steadily lost lawn area from erosion caused by winter storms over the past few years. The project proposes constructing an artificial dune – “soft” engineering, Davignon described it, as opposed to constructing a riprap structure. The project includes placing 8 inches of sand on top of the multi-layer “envelopes” of sand and jute netting and planting beach grass to help mitigate the effects of the eroding waves.

            Walsh insisted on some erosion control measures to be included in the plan to keep materials from washing into abutting properties during construction. The public hearing was continued until July 28.

            Also during the meeting, the commission continued the public hearing for an NOI filed by Nancy Lyle Howland and John Manning, 91 Water Street, to relocate the easterly-most floating pile to the northeastern corner of the float, install two additional anchor piles, and install three boat mooring piles.

            The ConCom issued a Certificate of Compliance for 68 West Avenue after a site visit allowed the commission to determine that no substantial deviations from the plan occurred during construction.

            The commission continued the public hearing for an NOI application filed by John and Cynthia Palliota, 119 Converse Road, until July 28 at the applicant’s request.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission will be conducted remotely via Zoom on Wednesday, July 28, at 7:00 pm. After that, the commission will return to in-person meetings at the Town House for its August 11 meeting.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Jean Perry

Glacial Erratic Impacts Church Street Property

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            Long ago as the glaciers slid towards the sea, left behind were not only the glacial till that fill our yards and rocks later used by our forebears for stonewalls, but also massive rocks of every humongous size imaginable, rocks known as glacial erratic. Think Witch Rock on New Bedford Road in Rochester or that vast rock in the backyard of 57 Church Street, simply known as Great Rock.

            This natural feature was discussed when Tom Brownell, current owner of the Church Street property, brought his Special Permit to the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals on July 15. Represented by David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon, & Leone, Inc., the project includes the razing of an existing residence and the construction of a new single-family home.

            The vacant structure was built in 1925, Davignon stated. The new home is planned to have 28-percent lot coverage, but Davignon also noted that the rock restricts the size of the lot by some 49 square feet, necessitating the Special Permit and the location of the home on the site. He also said the project had been reviewed and approved by the Conservation Commission. Chair Sue Akin said she didn’t see any problem with the project as described, nor did members Colby Rottler, Tony Tranfaglia, or Ken Pacheco. It was unanimously approved.

            Also requesting a Special Permit were Wallace Duncan and Diana Vogelson for property located at 3 Pine Road. The Special Permit was needed for the construction of a second-floor addition over an existing porch and the construction of a detached garage. The property was part of a 1936 subdivision, explained Davignon, who also represented this applicant. Davignon also said the residence is serviced by public water and sewer and that it had been thoroughly vetted by the Conservation Commission. Rottler said the plan was in line with the characteristics of the neighborhood, and Tranfaglia noted there are not any views that would be blocked by the second story. The project as presented was unanimously approved.

            A Special Permit was also granted to Craig and Elaine Bovaird, 2 Oliver Street, for the reconstruction and expansion of existing deck spaces. It, too, received unanimous approval.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals will be posted if hearings are scheduled.

Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals

By Marilou Newell

ORCTV Broadcast Premier

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Old Rochester Community TV is pleased to announce the broadcast premiere of local filmmaker Gary Lawrence’s latest documentary film, “Backyard Pilots.” The film, which premiered in Rochester to a live audience of several hundred guests at the “Arch at the Meadow” event facility on June 26, chronicles the long-time friendship of local pilots Glenn Lawrence and Steve Sperry.

            Lawrence first conceptualized the project over a decade ago while he was still a student at Old Rochester Regional High School. When asked what inspired him to create the film he said, “Backyard Pilots is a short documentary about Meadow Muffin Airstrip and the pilots who call it home. I filmed and edited this short film by myself as a passion project; it took me much longer than I would like to admit.”

            “Backyard Pilots” will debut on ORCTV this Sunday evening, July 25, at 8:00 pm on the station’s public channel (channel 36 for Verizon customers or channel 9 for Comcast subscribers). Additional showings are scheduled for Wednesday and Friday evenings at 6:30 pm, and Sundays at 11:00 am and 8:00 pm throughout the month of August.

Mattapoisett Free Public

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Join us at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library at 7 Barstow Street in Mattapoisett on Tuesday, July 27, at 6:30 pm for a Local Author Spotlight! Mattapoisett resident Kathleen Hickey recently released a young adult novel inspired by trips to Cuttyhunk Island with her husband. As an active community volunteer, Hickey found time during the pandemic to write the story she had been envisioning. Hickey will talk about her inspiration for the novel and discuss the process of getting her work published.  Her book, “Penikese Island Adventure,” is available through Amazon and other major retailers. Copies will also be available for purchase at the program. Registration is not required for this program. For more information, contact Library Director Jennifer Jones via email at jjones@sailsinc.org or by calling 508-758-4171.

            This program is sponsored by the Mattapoisett Library Trust. The Mattapoisett Library Trust, Inc., founded in 2001, is a not-for-profit charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) dedicated to expanding the role of the Library in the community. The Trust underwrites new programs, enhances the collection, and enriches the library environment in areas that are beyond the normal costs of the library.