Taber Library Seeks Input

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The Elizabeth Taber Library needs your help! We are planning for the future and would like the input from everyone in the Tri-Town area. What do you love about the Elizabeth Taber Library? What could be improved? What is on your wish list? Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey and let us know your opinion. Everyone who fills out the survey is entered into a chance for a gift card to either Uncle Jon’s or Kate’s Good Eats! Thank you. Here is the link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0FAsK6ZZJrbYR1Swj3dF7MQLVfRtzVr42oSYbTAKLg_AYCw/viewform

            For more information, call Liz Sherry, ETL director, at 508-748-1252.

Bauer Wins Select Board Race

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There were flowing tears of joy from Jodi Lynn Bauer and her campaign workers on May 18 as the election results were read by Mattapoisett Town Clerk Cathy Heuberger: Bauer with 1,154 votes and Nicole Demakis with 821.

            “I’m glad its over,” Bauer exclaimed while still wiping away tears. She said the last few months had been long, but she was delighted. And she made it clear that she wanted to be called a “selectman,” not a Select Board member because the title change was not officially accepted at the state level yet. The gender-neutral title passed at the May 10 Spring Town Meeting.

            Bauer said she is proud to have the opportunity to work with Select Board member Jordan Collyer and Town Administrator Mike Lorenco and felt honored to be given the chance to do so. She said this election was unique for the number of people that came out to vote, something she said she had never witnessed before for a local election. Over 1,500 voters turned out in what Heuberger said was a steady stream all day. One voter slipped in with only seconds to spare.

            When asked, Bauer conceded that name recognition had most likely helped her win, along with owning a local barber shop with what she termed as “wonderful clientele.” She said she also believes that her many years of volunteering on a number of boards and committees added to the positive result. “I’ve always been involved, and I’ll continue to be involved,” she said.

            Bauer was asked how she felt as a mother, given her son Garrett Bauer was elected as the new highway surveyor with 1,148 votes to Gary Bowman’s 766. With tears once again welling in her eyes, she turned her thoughts to her own mother. She said she was eager to speak with her mother, who at 83 years old, held signs for her family members. “She must be thrilled to have lived long enough to see all our accomplishments,” Bauer beamed. Bauer’s mother, the former Mattapoisett town clerk for decades, Lois Ennis, was by their side all the way.

            Bauer gave much credit for her election win to her dedicated campaign workers, hugging them after the elections results were declared.

            Other contested races were two seats on the Mattapoisett School Committee with James Muse keeping his with 1,178 votes and Tiffini Reedy taking an open seat with 877 votes. Elizabeth Sylvia received 1,170 votes for a seat on the Library Board of Trustees, as did William Osier with 983 votes.

            The single question on the ballot, Question One, asked voters allow the town to be exempt from the provisions of Proposition 2 ½, an amount required to pay for the bond issued in order to pay costs associated with the 75-percent design needed for the Village Streets roadway project. Voters agreed with 1,057 ‘yes’ votes against 634 ‘no’ votes.

Mattapoisett Town Election

By Marilou Newell

David E. Fox

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Attorney David E. Fox, 80, of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts died on May 17, 2021 at his home in Mattapoisett after a brief illness.

            He leaves his wife of 47 years, Barbara (White) Fox, his daughter, Deborah (Fox) Medici; sons, David B. Fox and his wife Janice of West Bridgewater; Todd Hutchinson of Titusville, FL; and a brother, John Fox of Greensboro, GA; 5 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and a niece and 2 nephews.

            He was preceded in death by his son Brad Hutchinson of Irving, TX; sister, Elizabeth (Fox) Jacobs of Ohio, his parents, John T. and Florence E. (Noble) Fox, and a wife, Brenda Fox.

            Born in Keene, NH, he was raised in Southern Vermont and moved to Pembroke, MA to raise his family before retiring to Mattapoisett in 2013.

            He was formerly employed as a trust & estate attorney for Plymouth Home National in Brockton and had a private law practice in Norwell with the late Charlie Hayes, and later with John T. Reynolds.

            David, affectionally known as “Papa”, is remembered for being highly devoted to his family, and always putting them first! One of his greatest passions was sailing, and he owned several sailboats in his lifetime. He was also an avid rower, hiker and camper.

            David was a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association; The Twenty Associates of Brockton; Whaling City Rowing, New Bedford; and the Mattapoisett Yacht Club.

            Visiting hours will be held on Friday, May 21st from 4-7 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. For directions and online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

            In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html

MRV Water District Earns Award

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            The news may have come at the end of the June 11 meetings of the Mattapoisett River Valley Water Supply Protection Advisory Committee and Mattapoisett River Valley Water District Commission, but it was hailed as a great accomplishment when Mattapoisett Water and Sewer Superintendent Henri Renauld announced that the district had received a Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency award for Outstanding Performance and Achievement. Renauld said the award spoke to the work done by all to ensure the safety of public drinking water in the district.

            Earlier in the meeting, Laurell Farinon, Rochester’s conservation agent and representative on these committees, announced her departure. She still has another month to go before heading towards a new career in nursing, but the impact of her departure will have far reaching implications not only in Rochester but throughout the MRV, which serves the Tri-Town and Fairhaven. Farinon has been the clerk on both the committee and the commission for many years, and her contributions, all agreed, exceeded much more than setting up meetings and taking minutes.

            Chairman Vinnie Furtado of Fairhaven said he would like someone on the two committees to step up and volunteer but understood if people wanted a chance to think it over. The vacancy will be on the June agendas.

            Jon Gregory of Tata and Howard said he is willing to assist in any way possible. “We’re here to help,” said Gregory, who also reported that new pieces for the level loggers, devices that measure water levels and other critical data, have been installed and are functioning properly. Gregory also suggested a quarterly report from his office to the members, an overview on monitoring data. He also mentioned the need to renew contracts moving into FY22 for both entities.

            Moving into their MRV Water District Commission meeting, Gregory said that a pilot test of new filters is underway. He explained that the sampling will take four weeks with two rounds of samples sent to the Department of Environmental Protection. Gregory said that once the pilot program has concluded, a full scope will be drafted for the towns’ consideration. Gregory also reported that chemical bid estimates are pending and will be ready by the end of June.

            Renauld noted that the plant located at Tinkham Lane is having raw water sampling inconsistencies. Renauld said that there had been some abnormal tests and will most likely conduct some line flushing to see if that clears up the issue.

            The next meetings of the MRVWSPAC and MRVWDC are scheduled for June 8 beginning at 3:30 pm.

Mattapoisett River Valley Water Supply Protection Advisory Committee/District Commission

By Marilou Newell

Junta Mon: Together in Music

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The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra (NBSO) and Cape Verdean Association (CVA) will be holding Junta Mon: Together in Music, a collaborative musical event on Saturday, June 5, 2021 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Island Park at 1157 Acushnet Avenue in the North End of New Bedford. This no-charge musical event for the whole family will feature songs by Cape Verdean musicians, a second set by several NBSO musicians, and then culminate as the two groups play together in partnership.

            Musicians for the CVA include Carlos (Kalu) Lopes on the bass guitar and José (Josca) Lopes and Vicente Brito on acoustic guitar. Musicians for the NBSO include Peter Zay on the cello, EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks on the violin, and Piero Guimaraes on percussion. This fun and informal concert will include a wide range of styles including Cape Verdean, popular, classic, and fiddling. This project is funded in part by Wicked Cool Places, financed by the City of New Bedford’s Arts, Culture, and Tourism Fund. This concert will follow all applicable state and local safety measures.

            The event will celebrate the park construction scheduled to start in July. Plans for the park’s renewal include transforming the empty lot into an area with an amphitheater, open lawn seating, lawn oval, paved walkways, and plantings. Island Park is located alongside the former Strand Theatre at 1157 Acushnet Avenue and features a multi-panel mural painted by local artist Eden Soares. The theater is currently undergoing renovation into a multi-purpose Cape Verdean Community Cultural Center, which will reflect the City’s diversity and inclusivity.

Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day

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Help raise boating and life jacket safety awareness! Come to Ready, Set, Wear It Life Jacket event on Friday, May 21, sponsored locally by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 63 Onset Marion to raise awareness of the life-saving importance of always wearing a life jacket while boating. Visit www.safeboatingcampaign.com or www.facebook.com/flotilla63 for more information.

            U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 63 Onset Marion reminds you to always wear your life jacket while boating.

Harris Bids MOSAC Official Farewell

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            Vice Chairman Alan Harris decided not to run for re-election to the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission primarily because he believes new blood is needed to strengthen the group. Chairman John Rockwell said during MOSAC’s May 6 Zoom meeting that he hopes Harris will remain interested in what commission is doing.

            “Mostly, Alan, thank you for your guidance and thoughtful suggestions over the years on guiding us through turbulent times,” said Rockwell.

            In his Point Road Path update, Rockwell reported that he put down some stakes with assistance from area resident Carol Molander, and more needs to be done.

            “I will not be on MOSAC at that time, but I will be there,” said Harris, noting that Deborah Ewing is running unopposed for the commission’s open seat in the May 14 town election. “I highly recommend her,” he said.

            Clearing for power lines resulted in a lot of stumps, according to Rockwell, who suggested the path be far enough off the road to avoid many construction problems.

            In his Hoff Property Conservation Restriction update, Rockwell reported positive feedback to pathway cleanup performed by the Sippican Lands Trust.

            Open space maintenance has been focused on fire roads on existing trails, and Rockwell reported on a meeting with Fire Chief Brian Jackvony, who wrote a memo indicating interest in looking at two of the properties involved. Rockwell told members he and Jackvony are working on setting up a walking expedition.

            MOSAC is looking to update its bike path plan where it borders Sherman Briggs’ proposed development off Spring Street near Mill Street.

            Under the approval of April meeting minutes, Harris noted for the minutes a fire at Peirson Woods, which he emphasized is Sippican Lands Trust property but not his property.

            Car traffic at Grassi Bog has become more consistent, according to Harris, who suggested a sign be posted there. Harris believes the signs reminding dog owners to clean up after their pets are working.

            Harris’ final word as a MOSAC member to his peers was, “Thank you all for all your work.”

            The next meeting of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Committee is scheduled for June 3 at 7:00 pm.

Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission

By Mick Colageo

ORR Students to Perform ‘MacBeth’

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The Old Rochester Regional High School Drama Club will perform “Macbeth” on May 21-22 as an outdoor film event at the high school.

            Based on “The Tragedy of Macbeth” by Sir William Shakespeare and starring Tyler Trudeau as Macbeth and Chloe Bean as Lady Macbeth, the cast includes Isabel Friedrichs, Lee Grondin, Jimmy Harrington, Bessie Pierre, Jessica Vance, and Max Tucker.

            Directors Beth Trout and Matthew P. Houde say, “Macbeth is a play about the desire to have it all while not caring who you hurt along the way. Macbeth and Banquo, two generals from King Duncan’s army, fight to move up the line of succession to become King of Scotland. During their physical and mental battles, Macbeth takes matters into his own hands while involving a slew of other characters to do his dirty work. He eventually reaches his goal of King, but not while hurting many people along the way. In the end, does Macbeth truly win it all?”

            The play is supported by Assistant Director Margaret Berry and Stage Manager Bailey Gosse with Set Construction by John Ashley, Costume Design by Marina Stephens, Set Design and Poster Art by Taylor Green, Lighting by Cooper Newton, Camera Operator Chris Bell, and Property Manager Tiago Duarte. Berry and Bell serve as the production’s editors.

            The event opens at 7:30 pm with an 8:30 pm showtime. The ORR softball field will be the outdoor film event venue, and refreshments will be available for purchase at concession tables.

            Advance tickets are $30 carload or $5 per person the night of the film and can be purchased through Eventbright beginning Wednesday, May 5. For more information, visit the FORD website: bit.ly/ORRDrama-FORD-2021.

Joseph S. Gumlak

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Joseph S. Gumlak, 71, loving husband and father, of Marion, MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 8, 2021 after a period of declining health. He was the son of the late Joseph and Stella Gumlak.

            He is survived by his wife Mary (MacNeil) Gumlak, daughter Sarah Gumlak, sister-in-law Elaine Gumlak, and nieces Denise, Darlene, Delaine, and Diane (with all their kids and grandkids!), as well as the countless friends, colleagues, and clients whose lives he touched. He was predeceased by his brother Jerry and sister Joan.

            Joe was born in Buffalo, NY, and after the death of his parents was raised by his brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Elaine Gumlak. He graduated from St. Francis High School and attended Marquette University before serving in the Army as a linguist, training at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey. When he completed his service, he returned to finish his undergraduate degree at Canisius College in Buffalo. He then went on to obtain a Masters in Psychology at Xavier University in Cincinnati.

            As a psychologist, Joe dedicated his practice to helping his clients live the lives they wanted to live, as well as inspiring those clients to offer support to their peers and communities through local organizations. He worked at several institutions over the years, including Doctors Hospital (now Adcare) and Fallon Clinic, both in Worcester, MA, Healthcare Plan in Buffalo, NY, and most recently, High Point Treatment Center in New Bedford, MA. In his personal life, Joe and Mary enjoyed decades of home improvement projects and gardening, traveling the country and beyond, and raising their daughter Sarah, who is now a psychiatrist in Maine. Joe loved kids, dogs, flowers, and baseball. The last thing he did with his wife and daughter was a Simon and Garfunkel sing-along, and the last thing playing on his TV was a Red Sox game.

            Joe had early onset Alzheimer’s, and we are grateful for the excellent medical care he received. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter at www.alz.org/manh.

            We have decided to defer a memorial service to a later date, most likely in late summer, so that friends and family who live at a distance may safely join us if they wish. Joe’s obituary on www.saundersdwyer.com will be updated when service details are finalized so please check back.

Revising Float System a Delicate Matter

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            The manner, method, and size of how William E. Weber Jr. and Elizabeth Weber would replace an existing float and bottom-anchored chain system with a pile-held, two-float system at their 21 East Avenue home was discussed by the Marion Conservation Commission in a continued public hearing on April 28.

            Continued from April 14, the discussion was a deep dive into the length of pile stops, their impact on shellfish habitat, and recommendations of the state Division of Marine Fisheries.

            The emerging opinion among Conservation Commission members was that Division of Marine Fisheries standards should be followed. DMF recommended 30-inch float stops was interpreted as a gauge for shellfish disturbance.

            Chairman Shaun Walsh told project representative Dave Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone Inc. that a smaller float than what is proposed might come with DMF’s blessing to use 24-inch float stops.

            The Webers filed a Notice of Intent for work in shallow water that would hopefully allow the family to enjoy the float this summer, but approvals are complicated.

            ConCom member Jeff Doubrava reported his struggle with the area of disturbance. “I don’t begrudge anybody the right to use the waterways,” he said, noting it is now a 60-foot float.

            Davignon said the gangway is 45 feet long, at least twice the length of a normal gangway, and it is so heavy it needs to be centered on the float. “That can’t be corrected unless we put in a pile-supported pier in the waterway,” he said.

            One ConCom member asked if the applicant knew what the harbormaster recommended, and Davignon and William E. Weber Jr. reported the harbormaster’s support for their plan.

            Although ConCom Chair Shaun Walsh determined that the lack of depth of the water in the area negate navigational interference for boats, he said it’s on the applicant to come up with a design that meets DMF approval. Davignon said the plan had not yet been submitted to DMF and it could be, but Walsh said he prefers for ConCom to see and vet the plan before it goes to the state level.

            “I would strongly urge the applicant to revise the plans to meet DMF’s recommendations,” said Walsh.

            Based on the time it takes to obtain a Chapter 91 license, Davignon told ConCom he doesn’t believe he’ll be able to install pilings until winter or spring of 2022. “But we can certainly revise the plans to comply with the 30-inch height requirement regardless of the method that they be installed for this year and next year.”

            Walsh reasserted that 30-inch float stops would be within DMF’s recommendations.

            Davignon agreed to a continuance to the commission’s May 12 meeting at 7:00 pm.

            Sippican Lands Trust was issued negative determinations of applicability for two of three RDAs filed on April 12 that were continued to April 28.

            One negative determination will allow the placement of boards atop existing rocks allowing passage over a stream for visitors to White Eagle parcel at Old Indian Trail Road. The other negative determination will allow the repair of a stone wall, and removal and cutback of invasive vegetation across from 173 Front Street.

            In the continued public hearing proposing the rerouting of the Osprey Marsh trail to avoid encroachment of private property at 354 Point Road, the SLT reported ongoing work with a design engineer to survey of the applicable portion of the property. No timeline had been established by the April 28 meeting. Walsh said that once the land is surveyed and stakes are established to delineate the property line, the option will be there to “go back out to look at the least invasive rerouting” of the path.

            The case was continued to May 12 at 7:00 pm.

            In a continued public hearing, Todd Zell was issued a Negative 3 determination of applicability for what ConCom called buffer-zone work associated with a construction project involving a roadway, underground utilities, and stormwater management spanning the Rochester town line.

            In a public hearing continued from April 14, Anne Bramhall was issued a three-year Order of Conditions to remove non-invasive vegetation and trees within the buffer zone to bordering vegetated wetlands at 260 Converse Road. No cutting of vegetation will be permitted within 25 feet of the wetlands line.

            Under Action Items, ConCom voted to approve Diane Sorace’s request for a Certificate of Compliance for work at 12 West Avenue.

            The Zoning Board of Appeals requested comment from ConCom, which considered the cases of Antoinette Russell and Louis Bailey at 63 Pleasant Street and the case of Nicole Gotthold at 39 Ryder Lane not to be within its jurisdiction.

            In a new public hearing, Kyle Prien filed an RDA for construction of a shed measuring 16 by 16 feet on a slab at 19 Giffords Corner Road. In keeping with Marion’s remote-access meeting policy, the case was presented and continued to May 12.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for May 12 at 7:00 pm.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Mick Colageo