Community Programs at the MNHM

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Plastics In The Environment, What Do We Know And Don’t Know with Chris Reddy, Senior Scientist, Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. October 12, 10:30 to 11:30 at the Marion Natural History Museum. The event is free, preregistration is strongly encouraged.

            Chris Reddy is a senior scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and studies marine pollution, petroleum geochemistry, and develops natural products for the cosmetics industry.

            Reddy became interested in plastics in 2008 when he collaborated with Dr. Kara Lavender Law at Sea Education Association to study the distribution and chemical composition of plastic in the North Atlantic Ocean. Their work led to foundational papers in ocean plastics research published in Science and the Marine Pollution Bulletin.

            To make meaningful progress in this field, Reddy believes the scientific community must establish a common language and framework for studying plastics.

            Join the Marion Natural History Museum and the Nasketucket Bird Club on Wednesday, October 26 at 8:00 am for a fall bird walk. Meet at Washburn Park, the event is free. Great for new birders or those interested in learning more about birds. It will be an opportunity to see and hear local and migrating birds. Walk will be lead by Justin Barrett, board member for the Marion Natural History Museum and president of the Nasketucket Bird Club.

Thomas N. Tilden

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After almost 10 years, Thomas N. Tilden peacefully joined his beloved wife Linda on September 20, 2022. Their love story was one for the ages, with a love that was everlasting through everything that came their way. Although their love sparked on a double date where Linda ditched her date for Tom’s wisecracks and easy smile, their love grew boundless in the life they built together with special memories riding out to the Cape enjoying days on the beaches of Sandy Neck and throwing huge family gatherings at the ‘Tilden Campground’. Together they raised four wonderful children and enjoyed every minute they could get with their 9 grandchildren, who will forever cherish memories of watching the boats pass on the canal with their grandparents.

            The Tilden family would like to thank the amazing staff at Sippican Healthcare Center for the dedicated care and love for not only Tom but the entire family throughout his stay there, and for always listening to Tom’s gripes if lunch didn’t have a pb&j to offer him.

            A private service will be held for the family at a later date. In remembrance of Tom and Linda, we ask that you hug someone close and tell them how much you love them. It will never happen often enough.

            Arrangements are made by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Mobilizing for Regional Response

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            On Tuesday, a group of some 25 first responders from Fairhaven and Mattapoisett along with representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, Nuka Research and Planning Group and Moran Environmental Recovery gathered in the Mattapoisett Fire Department training room to learn about the latest techniques and equipment available when facing a hazardous waterside spill.

            What has precipitated this type of structured regional emergency preparation was the 2003 Bouchard oil spill just south of Westport. Navigational errors that resulted in a Bouchard tank barge passing on the wrong side of navigational markers at the entrance of Buzzards Bay resulted in the barge colliding with submerged rocks. A gash on the bottom of the hull released an estimated 98,000 gallons of Number 6 fuel oil into the bay.

            Seaside communities and shores were heavily impacted across 91 miles. Sea birds, shellfish and other marine life were not spared. It would take months of laborious cleaning to remove much of the clotted oil from shorelines.

            The entire impacted area would suffer major losses to wildlife, and formerly pristine oceanside features would remain spoiled for several years. Cleanup efforts did not terminate until 2008. Cleanup costs were in the tens of millions of dollars, and some lawsuits weren’t resolved until 2011.

            Since 2009, coastal cities and towns have immediate resources available to them in the form of spill-response trailers, and, if necessary, regional teams and equipment can be mobilized.

            Coming before the group were members of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, led by Section Chief of the MassDEP Oil Spill and Prevention Program Julie Hutcheson. Hutcheson and the MassDEP team gave a full-day training session that contained three distinct segments: Demonstrate the ability to deploy, the ability to assemble a spill-response organization, and the ability to effectively communicate across multiple agencies during a one- or two-day window after a spill. Hutcheson talked about the need to have strike teams trained for this type of emergency response.

            Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray said that all Buzzards Bay coastal communities now have a spill trailer in their respective towns. Hutcheson stressed the importance of keeping the trailer fit for immediate deployment at all times. Communities are also trained in mutual aid in the event more equipment is required by a neighboring community.

            Members of the Coast Guard added to the discussion, saying a full description of the spill including any real-time notation of smells, spill colors and sheen help to identify the type of spill and therefore necessary response required. The more details, the better the DEP can assess the situation as it’s being reported by the first responders and begin to determine if the material being reported in the water is collectible or non-collectible. Team members commented that they have a short time to respond.

            Geographic Response Strategies designed by the DEP for each municipality have been set forth. They deal directly with the “how to” methods for spill containment – diversion, deflection, and exclusion.

            Sometimes nature provides the solution. It was noted that peat moss with its absorbent qualities is sometimes used especially for smaller spills.

            Time and again during the presentation, the DEP team impressed upon the emergency responders the importance of knowing the tides and currents, along with wind speeds once a spill is reported. Those natural rhythms can severely impact recovery efforts as the fluids move with the current or are pushed by the winds. Short videos demonstrating containment techniques helped to drive home the point.

            After the classroom portion concluded, the participants assembled outside to cover the contents of the spill equipment trailers and then went to Brandt Cove to engage in a spill simulation using peat moss in lieu of oil.

            The Mattapoisett Fire Department boat and Harbormaster boats from Mattapoisett and Fairhaven were deployed in the exercise, their staffers anchoring a 600-foot exclusion boom that was extended into the harbor from personnel stationed at the shore. Peat moss was then spread along the waterside path of the boom so that the boom’s effectiveness protecting coastal wildlife could be monitored.

            According to Murray, the regional exercise is done with the DEP on a periodic basis, introducing the tactic to newer staff while offering a refresher to those locally experienced.

By Marilou Newell

Calling Stamp Collectors

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Are there any stamp collectors in the Mattapoisett area interested in attending one of New England’s largest annual stamp exhibitions next month?

            The town’s Council on Aging will provide transportation to Boxboro (for a small fee) for as many as 14 to WALPEX on Saturday, October 29. The show is sponsored by the North East Federation of Stamp Clubs and includes exhibits and dealer offerings.

            To determine interest, please call Brad Hathaway at 508-758-3579 by Wednesday, September 28. Mattapoisett residents will be given preference while those of neighboring towns will fill vacancies on a first-response basis.

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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A Visit from Pine Meadows Children’s Farm Friday September 23 at 4pm. Celebrate the Elizabeth Taber Library’s yearly collaboration with Heifer International by meeting some working animals up close. See goats, llamas, bunnies, and more, afterschool on the library lawn.

            Check out our new miniature bookstore: Reading Room Books Books, DVDs, gifts & more. In the front reading room. All purchases benefit the Elizabeth Taber Library.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252

Solar Array Receives Special Permit

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The September 15 meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals found Chairman Susan Akin and members Tony Tranfaglia, Mike Ward, Bill Cantor and Colby Rottler able to easily approve a Special Permit to Dennis Mahoney and Sons for the construction of a 0.5-megawatt solar array.

            The project is planned for 3 Tinkham Hill Road with 1,500 panels positioned south of an existing, much larger array, one of the first to be constructed in Mattapoisett by Bluewave Solar. That 2013 project is projected to inject $500,000 of payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to the town.

            This latest solar project, unlike others where land is leased from a property owner, will be owned by Dennis Mahoney and Sons, Inc. Financial arrangements, if any, with the town have not been disclosed but were alluded to by Rich Riccio of Field Engineering, who represented the applicants. Riccio said that the closest solar panel will be nearly 800 feet from any existing home, thus natural screening already in place will make the array difficult to see.

            Riccio covered the stormwater management plans and plans for a driveway into the property.

            The ZBA members were satisfied with the plans as presented but added that construction may not take place on weekends and be restricted on weekdays between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. Member Colby Rottler also asked that measures be taken to minimize dust from being released in the air by way of water spray and tire washing. When asked when the project may begin, Riccio said that was unclear at this time, given interconnection with Eversource was stalled and/or pending indefinitely.

            The project was approved. Akin quipped, “We’re getting good at this.”

            Also approved was a Special Permit to Sharon and Tom Brownell, 3 Park Lane, for major exterior renovations, additions and improvements outside a wetlands buffer zone. The project was accepted as presented by David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc.

            The next meeting date for the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals was not scheduled upon adjournment.

Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals

By Marilou Newell

SHS Author Event at the MAC

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The Sippican Historical Society will host an author event on Wednesday, October 5 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Art Center’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater. Author Carol Wallace will discuss her latest book, Our Kind of People. Carol Wallace has written more than 20 books, including the New York Times bestseller To Marry an English Lord, which was an inspiration for Downton Abbey. She is also the author of an historical novel, Leaving Van Gogh, and a coauthor of The Official Preppy Handbook. Wallace holds degrees from Princeton University and Columbia University and is the great-great-granddaughter of Lew Wallace, author of the novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, which was first published in 1880. She currently lives in New York, New York. A reception and book signing will follow the talk. The presentation is free, but space is limited, so please register by emailing info@sippicanhistoricalsociety.org

Mattapoisett Cultural Council

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Mattapoisett Cultural Council invites grant proposals for community-oriented arts, humanities and science programs beginning September 1 until October 17 at massculturalcouncil.org/communities/local-cultural-council-program/application-process/. Grants are available to support cultural projects and activities in and around Mattapoisett — including exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies or performances in schools, workshops and lectures. These programs promote the availability of rich cultural experiences for Mattapoisett residents. Council members are municipally appointed volunteers who help determine how to disburse available funds to individuals, schools and cultural organizations who apply for project support.

            Applicants are encouraged to review local funding priorities at www.mass-culture.org/mattapoisett. Applications are evaluated with respect to how well the program meets local priorities, community support and involvement, evidence of track record, ability to address diverse cultural needs, financial need and demonstrated planning.

            Recently funded projects included: theatrical, literary and science programs for children and adults at Mattapoisett Free Public Library, concerts by SouthCoast Children’s Chorus and Tri-County Symphonic Band, music education for Mattapoisett students by New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, programs and exhibits at Mattapoisett Museum and in-school and summertime arts and science programs sponsored by the Mattapoisett PTA, Mattapoisett Recreation and Mattapoisett Land Trust, among others.

            To contact Mattapoisett Cultural Council directly with questions, please email us at kcdamaskos@gmail.com.

Marion Wells Rounding into Shape

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            Even with September’s rain, water remains a serious subject, and the Marion Select Board was eager to hear from Meghan Davis of the Department of Public Works during the board’s September 7 public meeting at the Police Station.

            The news was positive, as Davis’ well rehabilitation project update yielded benchmark information.

            The Mary’s Pond Wellfield is in its final stages of completion. Only minor roof repairs and rough spots on the interior of the aluminum railing remain. The new well pumps will be installed when the new chemical-feed building is ready for start-up.

            The chemical-feed building, which is linked to the East and West wells, is midway through construction with an early-November completion target. Once the chemical-feed building is complete, said Davis, three wells will be up and running. The anticipated timeline for that is January, “pending any major difficulties,” according to Davis. “We haven’t had any so far.”

            The Mary’s Pond wellfield permitted volume is 280,000 gallons per day. East and West wells are permitted at 280,000 and 230,000 respectively. Marion’s total permitted withdrawal is 740,000 gallons per day.

            “Once all our wells come online, it will produce the majority of our water,” said Town Administrator Jay McGrail. “We’ll be utilizing (Mattapoisett River Valley Water District supply) much less, which will help financially.”

            A manufacturing problem with pumps resulted in an order for new pumps that as of the board’s September 7 meeting had arrived but had yet to be installed. Davis clarified for Select Board Chairman Randy Parker that the DPW is waiting to install the replacement pumps so as not to prematurely enact their warranty period. Marion is not liable for what went wrong with the prior delivery.

            Davis, who represents Marion to the MRV, told the Select Board that this summer, Marion has “backed off” from its intake from the MRV Water Supply District from 180-200 gallons per minute to 155 gallons per minute. Meantime, Davis explained, Marion is now relying more on the Perry Hills wells for its water. When Marion’s three wells come online, the DPW will again consider reducing its intake from the MRV. (The MRV serves Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Marion and to a lesser extent, Rochester.)

            “We’ve seen an overall reduction in pumping (in 2022 relative to 2021,)” said Davis, who attributed people’s postpandemic return to workplaces as a key factor. Select Board member Norm Hills asked if the drought had run the consumption up. Davis said Marion’s water restrictions “helped out quite a bit.”

            Benson Brook water tower has maintained its capacity. Parker confirmed that the tower is billed directly by the MRV.

            “I think the long-term strategy, once we have Mary’s Pond, East/West, all of the well fields and MRV up and running … we don’t rely on one in particular – they all balance each other out so we don’t burn out any of the usage,” said McGrail, citing prior discussion with Davis.

            “I scratch my head and wonder how bad off we were before we started all these projects,” said Parker.

            “All we had was the MRV that’s it,” said McGrail, noting an emergency connection with water-rich Wareham was being pursued at that time. “Once we get all our well fields up and running and everything going, really MRV’s our emergency connection.”

            Regarding the drought, Marion issued water restrictions from June 15 to September 15. If tanks drop below a certain level, then another restriction would be required per the state Department of Environmental Protection, but Davis said levels are nowhere near such a trigger.

            Faced with the option of letting annual mandatory water restrictions expire on September 15 or extend them to the board’s October 7 public meeting, the Select Board voted to wait and reevaluate the situation on October 7. McGrail said the restrictions have not resulted in complaints.

            Davis said the Point Road water tower is out of commission, but Mill Street (Route 6), Great Hill and Benson Brook towers are all at proper levels. The Point Road water tower was taken offline due to roof damage. The aging tank is under consideration for rehabilitation or permanent decommissioning. Parker requested a report from Davis on the status of the Point Road water tower evaluation.

            In his Town Administrator’s Report, McGrail told the Select Board that the town has officially hired Saltonstall Architects to design the new DPW operations center. McGrail said it was a competitive selection process and that Will Saltonstall will offer design options.

            The Building Committee, meantime, will soon conduct site visits of wood, rod-iron and steel and Morton constructions. Visits to the Kittansett Club maintenance facility and the Rochester DPW will be on the tour. The Building Committee will meet again later this month.

            McGrail also shared positive news on the solar project at the Benson Brook landfill. The Eversource interconnection is complete, and the connection to the grid has been approved.

            Construction will cost more than what the bid proposal estimated, so the additional cost will lower lease payments from $140,000 to $100,000 per year. The financial lease cost remains under evaluation. Next steps will see McGrail meet with CVEC and contractor General Electric, and in November, he will present amendments to the agreement for the Select Board’s review.

            Interviews for a third member of the Board of Health will be conducted in joint session with the Board of Health (Dr. John Howard and Dr. Ed Hoffer) during the Select Board’s next meeting on September 27. Alvin Johnson, Mary Nelson and Tina McMichael are up for consideration for the spot vacated earlier this summer by Dot Brown. A joint vote is planned for October 4.

            McGrail is working with Marion Police Chief Richard Nighelli and Sippican School on planning a stronger police presence at the town’s public elementary school. A proposal will be presented to the Marion School Committee at its September 14 public meeting.

            McGrail shared positive reports on three activities fronts: a successful Town Party last month at Silvershell Beach (McGrail publicly thanked Donna Hemphill and the rest of the volunteers); the opening of the Sippican Elementary School playground (McGrail credited ORR Facilities Director Gene Jones) and an immensely successful U.S. Senior Amateur golf championship held August 25 to September 1 at the Kittansett Club.

            Marion is also looking at installing four pickleball courts on the site of the tennis courts no longer in use at the Point Road playground. McGrail is working with Recreation Director Scott Tavares on an application for funding to be made to the Community Preservation Committee.

            Fire Chief Brian Jackvony and Police Chief Richard Nighelli appeared in an appointment to introduce the new Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): Nicole Barros, Donna Hemphill, W. Dale Jones, Douglas Katz, Margaret Malkoski, Vin Malkoski, Lawrence Robert, Lauren Roberts and Helen Westergard. Absent were: Eileen Molloy, Maria Rowley and Jeannie Sheets.

            FEMA training led to all volunteers on the team passing a final exam, setting up a graduation. Marion has recently gone to the national CERT concept that allows participation from community members of different backgrounds and skillsets. Nighelli publicly thanked EMT/MMA graduate Jack Mills and Marion Police Department Administrative Specialist Lauren Roberts.

            Under Action Items, the Select Board voted to approve several proposals including authorizing DPW Director Nathaniel Munafo to act on the town’s behalf for the MassDEP DWSRF Lead Service Line (LSL) Inventories loan application. MassDEP will fund the inventory program of $20,000,000 in 100 percent refundable loans. Marion must submit its inventory to the state by October 16, 2024. McGrail said the town does not believe there are any lead water lines in Marion but is required by the state to conduct the inventory.

            Also on the list: a two-week, motor-home permit for Sheila Mitchell at 507 Delano Road; the declaration of September 10 as National Suicide Prevention Day and September as National Suicide Prevention Month in Plymouth County; a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the Sippican Historical Society’s donation of a new HVAC system for the Music Hall and McGrail thanked the Historical Society for its benevolence.

            Several events were approved, including the Marion Art Center’s request for street closures for its annual Halloween parade on Monday, October 31, from 4:00 pm to conclusion; a one-day liquor license to the Marion Social Club, 44 Pumping Station Road for its Ham & Bean Supper scheduled for October 15 from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm and street closures from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm for the annual Christmas Stroll on Sunday, December 11. Parker thanked Eiv Strand and his team for “keeping this going.”

            The board also voted to approve the following appointments: Matt Shultz to full membership with the Conservation Commission (Marc Bellanger has resigned), alternate member Wendy Bidstrup to full voting membership with the Cultural Council and several other applications and recommendations to boards and committees. The board also approved McGrail’s revisions to the town’s Memorial Policy.

            The board voted to approve a $612.12 water/sewer credit (final readings August 8), along with water/sewer commitments of $612.12 (August 9), $520.55 (August 9) and $546.46 (August 18) and an agreement with a private homeowner at 50 Oakdale Avenue to build a water main to town standards and to be turned over to the town at completion.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, September 27, at 5:00 pm at the Police Station.

Marion Select Board

By Mick Colageo

Fall Free Family Fun Festival

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Join us for the 6th Fall Free Family Fun Festival (FFFFF) at Shipyard Park, Mattapoisett on Saturday, October 22 from noon to 4:00 pm. The event is free, no registration required. Hayrides (two tractors this year), face painting, games, refreshments (while supplies last), music, coloring station, goody bags (while supplies last), pumpkin patch (while supplies last) and more. Rain date: Saturday, October 29, Noon to 4:00 at Shipyard Park.

            For more information, visit @mattapoisettlionsclub on Facebook or visit our web page at: www.mattapoisettlionsclub.org.