From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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            No, the dinosaur in the picture was not seen wandering through Rochester, but one somewhat like it does have a connection to Rochester. The site of Mass Auto Tunes at 15 New Bedford Road (a spot where Mr. Arenberger once parked his buses) was home to Fiberglass Specialties beginning in 1983. There, owner, Jeff Gonsalves, and his employees created, among other things, replacement parts for Alvin, the Wood’s Hole’s submersible vehicle, and aquariums, at Mystic Connecticut to others in Nassau and on the west coast. The last one was for the Miami Science Museum. If you saw the Adam Sandler movie, “Grown Ups,” the giant tires that were in it were also made by Rochester’s Fiberglass Specialties.

            Now back to the dinosaur. Perhaps their most interesting creation was a 60-foot dinosaur for the Boston Museum of Science. They had to make it lying down (the dinosaur, not the workers) because it was taller than their building. At that time, Gonsalves had 15 employees working on the dinosaur. During the time they were building it, parents would stop with their children on the way to school to check on the progress of the huge lizard. It was built in two sections and when it was shipped to the Boston museum, it took two flatbed trucks; one for the body and one for the tail. I’m sure it got a lot of second glances on the highway.

By Connie Eshbach

Thank You

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Hello interested Tri-Town readers,

            I am writing this article to update you regarding the Brendan M. McGee Music Scholarship Fund that was established at the Rochester Memorial Elementary School in 2003 in loving memory of our son, Brendan. This was to offer any fourth, fifth, or sixth-grade student with a passion for instrumental music to explore that interest. Also, any sixth-grade student desiring to pursue their music career entering seventh grade was given the opportunity to apply to the music scholarship fund for the instrument of their choice, which was awarded during their sixth-grade graduation ceremony. Throughout the years, this has brought great joy to our hearts to share these many momentous occasions with the aspiring musicians, an experience we would not have wanted to miss!

            Over the past years we asked that any student who received a musical instrument but is no longer playing it to please return the instrument to Mrs. Williamson at the Rochester Memorial School to be enjoyed by future aspiring musicians. This will be much appreciated by all.

            I recently had a conversation with the music director, Mrs. Chris Williamson, regarding the use of the current balance remaining in the music scholarship fund. My husband Bob and I want the fund to continue to support and benefit the Music Department and its students. It gives us great pleasure to announce that it is our sincere desire that Mrs. Williamson and Mrs. Sue Ellis decide how the funds will be spent, thereby fulfilling the needs of the Music Department and all of its aspiring musicians.

            The following letter states beautifully how this will be accomplished:

Hi Maggie.

            Following is the list of instruments we plan to order for the RMS Music Department.  Thank you again!!

            1 Yamaha Baritone Saxophone, 1 Yamaha Bass Clarinet, Orff Glockenspiels and Xylophones, Boom whackers, Tambourines, Hand Drums & other assorted Drums, Cymbals & Finger Cymbals, Castanets, Rhythm Sticks & Mallets, and Triangle holders

            Looking forward to a more “normal” year in the fall, and these items will mean so much to our students.

Thank you!!

Chris & Sue

            Thank you so much for taking the time to read and be part of our exciting new updated plans for the Brendan M. McGee Music Scholarship Fund now in its eighteenth year in memory of our beloved son, Brendan. We are honored to be of support to the Music Department of Rochester Memorial Elementary School and the students wanting to explore their musical talents.

Sincerely,

Maggie and Bob McGee

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

SLT Project Draws Rare Positive

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            The Sippican Lands Trust was praised by Marion Conservation Commission Chair Shaun Walsh for its work, particularly its work at the Brainard Marsh Property off Delano Road, during the commission’s May 26 meeting. But the commission’s job is nonetheless ongoing after the SLT filed a Request for Determination of Applicability for proposed dredging of saltmarsh ditches for mosquito abatement and improvement of the saltmarsh habitat at the site.

            SLT Executive Director Jim Bride agreed with the assessment of the commission that a Notice of Intent is in order. The impact of the proposed work on the saltmarsh, coastal beach, and coastal bank was considered undeniable so, as favorable as the project is, detailed, vetted plans are appropriate according to ConCom.

            Bride told the commission that SLT’s intent was file the RDA for the phragmites removal and then follow up with measures to control mosquitoes and making viable the saltmarsh.

            “This is an important project,” he said.

            In supporting the positive determination, ConCom member Jeff Doubrava cited 2 feet of higher elevation not only deepening a channel but creating a channel that doesn’t exist today. “Not sure how I feel about that,” he said, asking for greater definition.

            ConCom member Emil Assad referenced personal experience as a resident. “To me it wasn’t a saltmarsh when I was growing up, more like a bordering vegetated wetland,” he said, asking if the stream that feeds the pond is freshwater or filled by the tides. Assad also articulated concern about wood frog breeding that is evident by egg masses in the area. “I would like to protect the mating frogs.”

            Acknowledging Assad’s information as valuable, Walsh suggested that SLT file a Notice of Intent that identifies species, wildlife habitat and how animals might be affected by the project. “It’s an absolutely spectacular property, but whatever we do out there we want to make sure we do it right and protect the resource areas,” said Walsh.

            A May 22 site visit revealed obvious progress with the effort to cut phragmites, the temporary eradication of the invasive plants dramatically improving the view, according to Walsh, who also noted the phragmites are coming back. Alan Harris of the SLT said that the only cutting occurred in 2020 with five people spending over 100 hours.

            ConCom considered both the area and the work to be jurisdictional and voted for Positive 1 and 3 Determinations that necessitate the filing of a Notice of Intent.

            The hearing was one of three involving the SLT, as Walsh announced Marion’s return to former policy allowing for decisions after an initial public hearing.

            SLT received Negative 2 Determination of Applicability for its RDA filing to replace deteriorated top boards on the walkway off of 392 Point Road out to Howland Marsh. The boardwalk is closed and in rough shape including rotted wood. The work will be confined to the top boards, as work on the support beams would potentially constitute impact to the resource areas.

            In a public hearing continued from May 12, SLT requested a continuance for surveying work in association with its RDA for rerouting of the Osprey Marsh boardwalk to avoid encroachment of private property at 354 Point Road. The case was continued to ConCom’s June 9 meeting.

            The Marion Department of Public Works was involved in two cases during the May 26 meeting.

            The DPW was issued Negative 3 Determination of Applicability for clearing and grading for construction of a 20 foot wide paved emergency drive from Mill Street to the rear parking lot of Sippican School, and in a public hearing continued from May 12, the DPW was voted Negative 2 and 3 Determinations of Applicability for road improvements at several locations in town.

            In the other continued public hearing (from May 12), the commission voted to open a 53G bank account for ConCom to retain a third-party consultant at the applicant’s expense to hire Bob Gray of Shea Environmental as a third-party consultant to evaluate the NOI filed by John and Cynthia Paliotta for eradication of invasive plants. The applicants were amenable to the choice.

            “It’s a complicated project with a lot of resource areas on the site,” said Walsh, who called a senior professional wetlands scientist who serves as co-chair of the Bourne Conservation Commission and is certified by the state Department of Environmental Protection as an evaluator for Title 5. The next step in the case was to be a site visit.

            The public hearing was continued to Wednesday, June 9.

            In a new public hearing, Matthew deGroot was issued Negative 2 and 3 determination of applicability in response to his RDA filling for connection of his house to a gas line at 14 Aucoot Avenue, installation of fencing and removal of two cedar trees encroaching on the foundation of his house.

            In a new public hearing, James Kiehl was voted a Negative 2 determination of applicability in response to his RDA filing for construction of an 864 square-foot standalone garage addition at 15 West Avenue.

            In a new public hearing, Joseph and Erin Kazen filed an abbreviated NOI for an above-ground circular swimming pool within 20 feet of vegetated wetlands at 38 Joanne Drive. ConCom voted to issue an Order of Conditions authored by Doubrava that includes the condition that discharge of pool water to jurisdictional areas is strictly prohibited.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, June 9, at 7:00 pm.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Mick Colageo

Sippican Historical Society Speaker Series

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The Sippican Historical Society Speaker Series presents Christina Connett Brophy, Ph.D. on June 10 at 7:00 pm via Zoom, immediately following the SHS Annual Meeting. Request the Zoom link by contacting the SHS at info@sippicanhistoricalsociety.org.

            In this lecture, Dr. Brophy will be speaking about the major themes covered in the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s upcoming exhibition, “A Wild Note of Longing: Albert Pinkham Ryder and a Century of Modern Art,” due to open on June 24. Ryder’s connections to New Bedford and an overview of the masterworks included in the show will demonstrate the founding question for the project: Why does Ryder still matter? With works drawn from more than a dozen institutions and private collectors, A Wild Note of Longing is a once in a generation opportunity to see Ryder’s paintings gathered together alongside a century of artists he has influenced, from Thomas Hart Benton and Jackson Pollock to Bill Jensen and Nicholas Whitman.

            Christina Connett Brophy is the former Douglas and Cynthia Crocker Endowed Chair for the Chief Curator at the New Bedford Whaling Museum (NBWM), and the lead Curator of A Wild Note of Longing: Albert Pinkham Ryder and A Century of American Art, due to open June 24. She has curated over 30 exhibitions and authored and/or edited all related publications in addition to maintaining key leadership on all associated fundraising, including De Wind is OP! Climate, Culture and Innovation in Dutch Maritime Painting; Whales Today!; The Grand Panorama of a Whaling Voyage Round the World; and Thou Shalt Knot: Clifford W. Ashley. She has secured ground-breaking institutional partnerships, including the U.S. Navy, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, to name a few, and worked extensively with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and others on developing exhibitions and programs on whale conservation and ocean health. She has lectured extensively in Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and the USA on cartography, visual arts, maritime history, and other topics.

            Christina has taught at both Rhode Island School of Design and University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, and has extensive experience in major development roles, tangible asset management, and commercial art business management. She has a BA from Northwestern University, an MA from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and a PhD from the Universitat de València in Valencia, Spain, with specialties in visual culture, the history of art and cartography.

            As of December 2020, Christina has taken on a new role as Senior Director of Museum Galleries at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut. She will continue as Guest Curator of the upcoming Ryder exhibition for NBWM.

Longbow Lane Gains Traction

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            Ben Bailey’s Longbow Lane project took a giant step forward during Tuesday night’s meeting of the Rochester Planning Board at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School library. All but two waivers requested for his proposed private driveway/road at his Gerrish Road residence were approved before the public hearing was continued to June 22.

            His case continued from May 25, the Planning Board member once again recused himself for the Form C Definitive Subdivision Plan at 34 Gerrish Road. The 720-foot way designed by Wareham-based G.A.F. Engineering, Inc. has a hammerhead proposed at the end of the roadway for Fire Department access.

            Because it exceeds 500 feet, it is being classified as a one-lot residential subdivision, but it is not known if the lot there is buildable, nor does that matter fall into the purview of the Planning Board. The tone of the June 8 meeting was more civil than the May 25 meeting, as the discussion stayed on the subject at hand and the Planning Board’s latitude in the case.

            In fielding abutter Colman Lalli’s questions, Planning Board Chairman Arnie Johnson gave examples of driveways longer than that applied for by Ben Bailey, but Johnson’s main point in a patient explanation of how the Planning Board works focused on making abutters understand that the regulations are necessarily established to accommodate the largest projects because they cannot be altered to accommodate those projects.

            “Because we have to craft (regulations) for the big stuff, we have to have the ability to grant a waiver so that little guys can do stuff. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have (home businesses),” said Johnson, listing examples in Rochester. “In essence, when someone comes in and wants to do a backlot subdivision or a single-lot subdivision, they have to show they can build.

            “This is not a popularity contest. We have to issue guidance and decisions, approving or denying a project based on the zoning bylaws, the regulations, and Massachusetts General Law. If not, we have to get defended, and it costs money to get defended.”

            Similarly, Town Counsel Blair Bailey (no relation to Ben Bailey) explained that subdivision regulations are necessarily written for any subdivision including extensive subdivisions. “If I don’t tell anyone else in town, you can only have a 500-foot driveway, I can’t do it to any one (applicant).

            “We have to write these regulations assuming somebody’s coming in (and applying for) 50, 100 lots, (such as) Connet Woods…. In 20 years working with this town, I’ve never seen a subdivision (applicant) that didn’t ask for some waiver of our regulations.” Blair Bailey clarified that, prior to working for the Town of Rochester, he worked for a firm that represented the town.

            Lalli asked, “Is this to the benefit of the town?” Blair Bailey answered, “Yes, for the safety for the potential other houses that could be on that road…. In this instance, the reason for the restriction … the town has to have reasons for restriction, and we have to be consistent on how they are enforced.”

            Lalli asked if the town has ever granted an exemption for a dead-end road in Rochester longer than 500 feet. Blair Bailey said he doesn’t believe so, but asked Lalli what the difference is between a 700 foot driveway and a road. Johnson said the town will research the question and have an answer for Lalli at its next meeting.

            Other abutters articulated concerns about drainage, septic, and runoff, one suggesting the Planning Board hire an independent consultant as to how the wetlands will respond to the project. Citing G.A.F. Engineering’s long track record with the town, Johnson said, “I understand that (Bill Madden) represents (the applicant), but this board doesn’t feel that, for our purposes, that it requires peer review.”

            Madden, on hand to present an overview of the project on the applicant’s behalf, said he did not see the fallen trees and asserted that the runoff from the project would not affect the area described. Madden said that even in the event of a 100-year storm, the overflow from the hammerhead end to the roadway will drain into the lot and be retained by it. Madden said the roadway is variably lower than the abutting land, and the design will conform to the 3:1 slope requirement.

            Blair Bailey confirmed for another abutter that it is “highly unlikely that anything’s going to get built there if a house isn’t going to get built.”

            Waivers granted include a stormwater management report, traffic impact analysis, formation of a homeowners’ association, 500-foot limit in length (720 feet), the 18-foot wide road surface, construction regulations for the road itself and those related to associated landscaping, the stormwater management system, and storm drainage. There is one existing drainage basin and one proposed in the hammerhead.

            The Planning Board voted to wait on two waivers, including the surface requirement, and is waiting on answers from the town’s highway surveyor.

            In a public hearing continued from May 25, Cushman Road Solar, LLC filed a special permit application for a 3.9-megawatt (large-scale), ground-mounted solar array installation and a special permit application for groundwater protection within a Residential/Agricultural District at 0 Cushman Road.

            The Cushman Road property, which lies within the Mattapoisett River Valley Watershed and partially within the Groundwater Protection District and the Floodplain Overlay District, is owned by Lisa Holden, trustee, of Rochester.

            Representing the applicant, Eric Las of Beals & Thomas, Inc., discussed plan revisions and made four waiver requests relating to traffic data, emergency access, no traffic study, and landscaping. The waivers were granted by votes establishing bonds. Greg Sampson, attorney for the applicant, said he would be happy to work with Town Counsel Blair Bailey on the language in the written decision.

            The case was continued to July 13.

            In a similar case that was also continued from May 25, the board voted to approve several requested waivers to Snipatuit Road Solar, LLC in its special permit application for a 4.8-megawatt ground-mounted solar array installation and a special permit application for groundwater protection within a Residential/Agricultural District at 0 Snipatuit Road.

            The Snipatuit Road property, also within the Mattapoisett River Valley Watershed and partially within the Groundwater Protection District and the Floodplain Overlay District, is owned by Lisa Holden, trustee, of Rochester Realty Trust and Aquidneck Nominee Trust, ET AL, and Kevin and Cassandra Cassidy.

            Town Planner Steven Starrett asked for a timeframe from representative Eric Las, citing five projects originally brought before the board, then four, now three. Joe Harrison, also representing the applicant, told the board that the applicants were waiting on Eversource.

            The case was continued to June 22.

            In last month’s Town Election, Lee Carr retained his seat and Marc Rousseau Jr. won a vacant seat, but the latter’s career as a Merchant Marine is problematic to his appointment to the board.

            The next highest vote getter, Dennis McCarthy, is not next up, according to Blair Bailey, who told the board the vacant position must be filled by the Board of Selectmen until a special election is scheduled. The selectmen, he said, have the latitude to appoint to the position in concert with the Planning Board for the remainder of the vacated term.

            In other business, the board voted to approve Robert Long’s Approval Not Required (ANR) application to redefine property boundaries located at 0 Neck Road. The board also approved vouchers to pay Field Engineering $635 for work on the Village Farms project and $285.99 for its work on Plumb Corner.

            Starrett, soon to vacate his position, reported that with the Town Hall Annex open, the board has the option of returning to the Annex to hold its meetings, currently held at Old Colony. The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board is scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, at 7:00 pm.

Rochester Planning Board

By Mick Colageo

EMC Contemplating Climate Identity

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            With a number of the energy conservation projects originally identified by Marion’s Energy Management Committee now completed, the members considered whether or not it was time to expand their role in the community and rebrand their committee. The idea of adding “climate” to the name of the committee inspired the discussion during the June 7 meeting.

            The committee weighed whether or not they should drop the word “management,” as member Dr. Jennifer Francis noted, “We don’t manage the town’s energy.” They wondered aloud if adding the word climate makes sense. EMC member Alanna Nelson said that part of their oversight should be educating the public on matters of climate change and resiliency: “We want to encourage people to go electric.”

            Francis said that as part of the Green Communities initiative adding climate-related matters to their focus is “a natural extension of what we already do.” EMC Chairperson Christian Ingerslev said a letter had been sent to the Select Board asking for guidance regarding the role of the committee, but no response had been received as of June 7.

            Projects related to energy efficiency have been the focus thus far for the EMC. Such projects as identifying outdated heating and cooling systems in municipal buildings, programs for obtaining electric vehicles for town departments, and an overall push towards reduction in emissions as mandated by the state Green Communities Division. Ingerslev said that the town has committed to a 50-percent reduction in emissions by 2030 from the 1990 baseline that was established.

            On the topics of municipal vehicles, Francis said those units slated for replacement should be identified so that an evaluation can be made to determine if energy-efficient alternatives are available.

            Matters related to energy efficiencies in town buildings seemed to be lagging, it was noted, with no clear solution for the town-owned Music Hall. Other structures needing more study are the Town House and a sanitation building.

            The concept of net-zero buildings that achieve an overall balance between emissions produced and emissions taken out of the atmosphere was discussed. EMC member Bill Saltonstall said he would like to see solar energy used on the proposed Marine Center as well as the Cushing Community Center, although he conceded that the COA facility roof is currently shaded by trees.

            Saltonstall also urged that an energy audit be performed on the town’s sewer plant. While heat pumps were considered by the group as efficient equipment, the feasibility of utilizing them in older buildings might become cost prohibitive due to the need to upgrade old wiring systems, it was noted. Town Planner Gil Hilario said he has been seeking grant opportunities to study net-zero opportunities for Marion facilities.

            The committee members also discussed the ramifications of the town adopting the state’s “Stretch Code,” an appendix to the state building code that is designed to result in cost savings and environmental benefits through improved building energy efficiencies.

            On a bright note, Saltonstall said that one of the projects spearheaded by the EMC is the town’s inclusion in a wind energy program. Francis said that Saltonstall has been a prime mover in negotiating the agreement that has been returning $400,000 annually back to the town in the four years since it was inked. Future Generation Wind, located on the boundary between Bourne and Plymouth, produces energy that is then distributed through conventional channels to partnering communities. Hilario said Marion is reimbursed 20 percent per month for electric energy consumption of its municipal buildings.

            The next meeting of the Marion Energy Management Committee is scheduled for July 26 at 5:00 pm.

Marion Energy Management Committee

By Marilou Newell

Volunteers Needed to Create 2022 Fireworks Committee

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Marion fireworks are a longstanding tradition enjoyed by all. All expenses associated with the Marion Fireworks, including public safety, are paid for with funds raised by volunteers.

            With the COVID-19 situation last year, we did not have a Fireworks Committee for 2021 fireworks. We are looking for individuals that would be interested in creating a committee to fundraise for the 2022 fireworks. It is too late for 2021, since all monies raised need to be received before the beginning of May.

            If you are interested in forming a Fireworks Committee for 2022, please complete an application available on the town website and return it to the Select Board. A Fireworks Committee should be in place within the next couple of months in order to begin fundraising for next year.

Glorious Gardens

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In celebration of their 80th Anniversary, the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club announces a celebratory garden tour, “Glorious Gardens,” on Saturday, June 26, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, rain or shine. The public is invited to view seven fabulous gardens selected for a variety of gardening styles. Inspirations await the attendees who visit the various gardens — from formal to informal, woodsy to cottage, seaside to secluded. The gardens will highlight the use of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, trees, and beautiful container plantings.

            Advance tickets are $25 each and will be available at the following locations: in Fairhaven at Periwinkles and Gotta Have It; in Marion at Always in Bloom and Eden Florist & Garden Shop; and in Mattapoisett at Isabelle’s, Great Scapes Nursery, Pen & Pendulum, Town Wharf General Store, and Ying Dynasty. Tickets may also be purchased online using the PayPal button on the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club website (https://www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org/).

            Tickets purchased on the day of the tour will be $30 (cash or check) and only available at the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Garden Tour Tent in the parking lot next to Ying Dynasty, 24 County Road, Mattapoisett.

            All ticket holders must pick up the map for the self-guided tour at the MWC tent on June 26. No maps will be available before that date.

            The proceeds of the garden tour will benefit the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Scholarship Fund.

            The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is always open to new members from the south coast area. For more information and a membership application, please see the Club’s website – www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org/members/.

            The Massachusetts Covid guidelines will be followed throughout the tour.

Recreation Dept. Looking to Spread Wings

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            Mattapoisett’s Master Plan Committee met on June 2 to discuss all things recreation with Mike Huguenin, president of the Mattapoisett Land Trust, Greta Fox, director of the Mattapoisett Recreation Department, and Jackie Coucci, director of the Mattapoisett Council on Aging. But it didn’t take long for the discussion to once again turn to the possibility of school consolidation when Fox had her turn on the unmuted mic.

            “We only have the school buildings and grounds to use,” Fox began as she explained the limitations her department faces in providing programming to community members of all ages. “Everything is under the schools and it presents a real problem, especially for toddler programs.”

            While the summer camp program is alive and doing well with a long waiting list for the coming season, the lack of a real Recreation Department space is a major hinderance, she explained. Yet Fox believes school consolidation may prove a saving grace for recreation programming.

            “I firmly believe we need to go down to one school,” Fox stated. She thinks that outdoor facilities at Old Hammondtown Elementary School can be enhanced and that if one school is selected for municipal departments while the other consolidates students, her department would benefit from spaces formerly used for education.

            The group focused some time on the issue of school consolidation versus recreational opportunities. COA Board of Directors member Shirley Haley said that Center School actually has more square footage than OHS. She also said that Center School was designed for the very youngest of students.

            Former Mattapoisett School Committee member and retired educator Carole Clifford said that in earlier Master Plan meetings, discussions had floated the concept of a municipal campus with the Police and Fire Departments and a new Town Hall all sharing space on Route 6. Clifford added that there are pros and cons for both schools becoming the one selected for continued life as a school and that emotions around Center School run high.

            Planning Board Administrator Mike Gagne, who was moderating the meeting on this night, said that the subject of school consolidation has run as a subplot through several meetings, thus he thinks it might make sense to invite school staff as well as members of the UMass Collins Institute (the consultants selected to study all municipal buildings) to the next meeting.

            Fox said that presently the town-owned Holy Ghost grounds are not ready for use but have great potential for the use of fields for sports activities. She said the pickleball program has been a success and is thinking how to offer an indoor version moving forward. Mattapoisett’s Recreation Department uses one classroom on the first floor of Center School primarily for administrative purposes.

            Earlier in the discussion, Coucci also talked about space limitations. Currently the COA program is located on the second floor of the original section of Center School. She said that handicap parking in front of the COA is difficult to use and that the COA does not have dedicated parking space, just whatever can be found on surrounding streets or in the neighboring church lot. Haley also said that seniors need some dedicated outdoor space, possibly a pavilion.

            In discussing recreational opportunities for seniors, Coucci said that the small rooms dedicated to the COA currently are not adequate, especially for a growing demographic. She invited the committee members to the COA to see for themselves how the department is functioning and the challenges it faces.

            Before concluding her comments, Coucci said that 32 percent of Mattapoisett’s population is 60 years old or greater and that senior citizens are a growing demographic. “A vast number of baby boomers still in their 50s.” She estimated that the 2020 census will show seniors have risen to 35 percent of the town’s population.

            Huguenin spoke to the MLT goals of providing better access to trailheads and clearing of trails throughout properties that offer passive recreational opportunities. He acknowledged the difficulties of creating handicap access trails, noting that the Sippican Lands Trust invested more than $100,000 to build a raised boardwalk on one of its properties. He said he’d like to see greater use of parklands Munro, Tubb Mill, and the Dunseith, all properties that Huguenin believes lend themselves to people with mobility constraints.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Master Plan Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, July 7, at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Master Plan Committee

By Marilou Newell

Vanishing Monarch Butterfly

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            The monarch butterfly population everywhere has been declining for decades. The tragic loss of this colorful species, lovingly known as mother nature’s children, is due to destruction of its staple diet and habitat, the milkweed plant. Another cause of recent decline is the deadly impact of global warming and climate change.

            This year especially, as their usual routes of travel, the absence of monarchs is rapidly becoming in our minds a forgotten cherished seasonal memory that was important to us. The entire life cycle that began with laying a single egg on a milkweed plant followed by weaving and spinning a caddis that shreds into a caterpillar and then a butterfly is illustrated in my drawing.

            The female will subsequently lay as many as 300 eggs during her lifetime for this four-stage metamorphosis into summer. Amazingly, the last generation of the season does not reproduce, as being in a suspended state called a “reproductive diapause” that is ended when it is time to begin migrating south.

            The migration generations have an enormous task to fly from 2,000 to 3,000 miles to reach the same destination tree forest every year in Mexico. Completion takes four consecutive overlapping generations with each overlapping and traveling farther than the previous one. Science is still trying to discover what directional aids are used and passed on to others.

            It appears from research that a main signal of navigation is the reading of magnetic pull of the earth’s gravity, as well as the relative position of the sun as they move along. There is a universal instinct to follow the leaders in a group around them. They also cluster together in direction because of warmth from the coming cold temperatures behind them. Finally, they return to the same branches of an Oyamel tree that attracts thousands of tourists in Mexico to witness this remarkable seasonal spectacle. This formation is called a butterfly colony of migration.

            More than 90 percent of North American monarchs have somehow been wiped out over the last 20 years. Adult monarchs feed on the nectar of many types of flowers, but they breed only where milkweed is found. For this reason, it is known as a host plant where the forms of larva can develop into a butterfly.

            Several national environmental conservation organizations are working of this phenomenon, including the Environmental Defense Fund, as well as Friends of Wildlife. However, it seems to me that planting a butterfly garden by townships and communities, as well as private homes, would reverse the present exodus of extinction locally. Then the colorful living spirit of the natural world would soon appear traveling right through our own back yards for our own awareness and satisfaction.

By George B. Emmons