Multiple RDA’s Approved

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The September 12 meeting agenda of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission included seven Requests for Determination of Applicability. This type of application, as described by Mass.gov, “is a process that helps an applicant find out if the Wetlands Protection Act applies to a site or proposed activity is in a wetland area.” A Negative determination by the commission recognizes that little or no impact to protected resource areas are anticipated by a project as presented to the commission.

            In contrast to RDA’s are Notice of Intent filings. NOI, as described on Mass.gov, “requires an application to the local Conservation Commission and MassDEP. The Notice of Intent application provides the Conservation Commission and MassDEP with a complete and accurate description of the site, including the type and boundaries of resource areas under the Wetlands Protection Act and proposed work, including all measures and designs proposed to meet the performance standards described in the Wetlands Protection Act Regulations, 310 CMR10.00 for each applicable resource area.”

            RDA’s that received Negative determinations on this night were filed by: Natalie and Howard Richards, 4 Sagamore Road for the construction of a 8×16-foot garden shed in a flood zone; Steven and Joy Warren, 8 Briar Road for the construction of a 9×10-foot addition; Lewis and Jennifer Prouty, 48 Ned’s Point Road for the construction of a 16×31.2-foot addition; Frank and Barbara Resnek, 8 Ned’s Point Road for a small addition and patio expansion and Gail DiRusso, 66 Shore Drive for the installation of a new septic system with a denitrification secondary treatment chamber.

            Two RDA’s were continued until September 26. Jim Barnes, 69 Mattapoisett Neck Road for the installation of an irrigation well was not heard, given that neither the applicant nor a representative was present to explain details the commissions were seeking.

            Also continued until September 26 was Stephen Cook’s RDA filing for the confirmation of wetlands delineations at 0 North Road in order to give engineer David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone Inc. time for further soil studies.

            Two NOI filings received conditioning, one received from Jordan Medeiros, Park Place, was represented by Davignon and received conditioning for the construction of a single-family home with associated drainage and utilities, and the other conditioned NOI was filed by Waugaman Family Trust, 109 Brandt Island Road for the development of a residential house lot. The filing was represented by Davignon.

            Two Certificates of Compliance were issued to Jennifer Prouty, 74 County Road, and Gail DiRusso, 66 Shore Drive. Two other requests for Certificates of Compliance were continued until the site becomes 75-percent stabilized. Those requests were filed by Farland Corporation for 22 Nantucket Drive and 5 Martha’s Vineyard Drive.

            An Emergency Certification was granted to the Mattapoisett Boatyard in the wake of the widely documented fire that took place on August 19.

            The commissioners also discussed a request from the Select Board to switch meeting days from Monday to Tuesday so that the Select Board could meet on Monday nights instead of Tuesdays. The commissioners agreed. The scheduling swap will most likely begin sometime in October.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, September 26, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Overeaters Anonymous

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Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is a fellowship that welcomes people seeking recovery from overeating, anorexia, bulimia and compulsive food behaviors. Weekly Saturday OA meetings take place in St. Gabriel’s Parish Hall (Marion) at 8:00 am (Twelve Step meeting) and 9:00 am (OA Literature meeting.) For more information, visit www.scmioa.org.

Young Adult Programs at the Mattapoisett Library

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Fall brings teens, old favorites and new experiences at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library.

            Craft Tuesdays return weekly on Tuesday, September 20 at 3 pm where we will be creating Popsicle stick pencils. The following week, we will be celebrating Climate Preparedness week by creating Temperature Map Bookmarks. No registration required and recommended for ages 10 and up.

            On Saturday, September 24 at 2 pm, join us for the rescheduled Upcycled Wind Chimes event. We will be creating wind chimes out of everyday objects you can find around your home. No registration required. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Due to the use of small pieces and tools, this program is not recommended for small children.

            On Tuesday, September 27 at 6:30 pm, I’MIN. will be sharing their Top 10 Family Tips for Surviving the College Search Process. Parents and high school students are invited to attend together and get the inside scoop on taking the stress out of the college search and application process. The cocreators of I’MIN., Christine and Julia Winters, will be joined by Kathleen Dunn, an ORR Senior, to share best practices and organizational tools that enhance family communication and help pave the way for a smoother search, application and decision-making process. No registration required.

            Coming this October, the return of Dungeons and Dragons. A new adventure begins, and we would love you to be part of it. The first session is on Saturday, October 1 at 1 pm. New players are always welcome. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Registration required.

            If you have any questions about any of the events, please contact Michelle Skaar at mskaar@sailsinc.org or 508-758-4171.

Ressie Asks for Assistance

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            Members of the Reservation Golf Club, a private club located along Mattapoisett Harbor, came before the Mattapoisett Select Board on Tuesday to air ongoing concerns with respect to cyclists using Reservation Road as an access point to the recently opened connector between Mattapoisett Neck Road and Reservation Road.

            The main spokesperson for the golf club board members in attendance was Paul Coutinho. He began by stating that the bike path is a good thing for the community and that he fully supports it. However, issues arising from a lack of parking at the intersection of Reservation Road and the bike path, which presently terminates at that point led the club’s board to seek assistance.

            It was noted by Select Board Chairman Tyler Macallister that until work is completed on the span across the barrier beach at Goodspeed Island, people would probably use Reservation Road. An increase in both motor vehicles using Reservation Road and cyclists heading to and from Route 6 forced the club to ask, “Can we close the gate?”

            The possibility of closing the gates located at the bike-path intersection with Reservation Road was quickly shot down by both the board members and Police Chief Jason King. They said that emergency access is necessary and that the gate was installed to restrict entrance to the bike path during specific situations that warrant closure.

            Reservation Road is a public road open to all forms of public use, be it walking, cycling or driving, Select Board Chairman Tyler Macallister stated, but he echoed his concerns over public safety including someone being hit by a golf ball. He said people using the road are responsible for their own safety.

            Coutinho said, “I didn’t know how many people liked bicycling.” He said the bike path is drawing people from other communities, people who may not understand bike-path protocol. “They don’t know how the town was set up.”

            Coutinho requested more signs that would clearly indicate that Reservation Road is not an access point for the bike path and that parking at the beach is private (for club members only.) He also stated, “We want to protect our territory.” Regarding the parking at the end of Reservation Road, Coutinho said that was private for club members only but that many others are parking there.

            Macallister said he didn’t know what the answers were for resolving issues arising from a lack of parking and the long-delayed opening of the bike path along Goodspeed Island, but that it is important for the town and the club to reach a consensus. “We’ll do our best to help you guys,” he said.

            It was left that through the winter, ongoing communication between the town and the golf club would be beneficial in resolving some of the concerns raised.

            Charles McIntyre came before the board to discuss his proposal to hold a Peace Vigil in memory of those who have lost their lives to gun violence. While complete details are in the early planning stages, the board encouraged McIntyre to work with the library and the safety officer for further guidance. McIntyre foresees a group of concerned citizens marching from the library to the town wharves at dusk holding luminaries.

            The board, along with Town Administrator Mike Lorenco, briefly discussed the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board’s recommendations regarding repair work on Long Wharf. The MAB had unanimously voted to advance the construction concept that would employ primarily concrete versus stone. Lorenco speculated that this option, one of several offered by the engineering group Childs Engineering, could cost $8,000,000 versus stone at double or more. The board will continue to study the plans awaiting Childs’ report on a hybrid solution employing concrete and stone.

            Lorenco reported that a RFQ for the retired fire station is pending and that a federal grant sought to fund Phase 2a of the bike path failed to meet the criteria. He said other federal grant monies would be sought for the Long Wharf repairs.

            Continuing on the theme of grants, Lorenco said that the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District would be seeking a Community Preservation Act grant for the purchase of land to further protect the aquifer. What amount will be sought is pending.

            It’s shellfish season. Macallister announced that on October 15, the inner and outer harbor areas will be open to recreational permit holders for scallops; also, the outer harbor will be open to commercial fishermen. On November 1, both inner and outer harbor locations will be open to commercial fishermen.

            There had been some discussion of moving the Select Board meetings from Tuesdays to Mondays, including asking the Conservation Commission if its members would be willing to swap days. Although the commission was willing, the board did not reach a consensus. Thus, the Select Board will continue to meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, September 27, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Fall Meeting

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club will hold its first Fall meeting on Thursday, September 15 at 11:00 am at Reynaud Hall, Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church Street, Mattapoisett.

            This will be a welcome back gathering for members new and old as well as guests and interested women. If you are not a member and would like to find out about the club, this is an opportune time to meet members and find out who the club is, about the work it does and what its program calendar is for the upcoming year.

            The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club welcomes all women from the Greater Mattapoisett area. To inquire about membership, visit: info@mattapoisettwomansclub.org where a member of the club will quickly reply to your inquiry.

Taking Flight in 1957

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            In 1957, I entered the first grade at Sippican Elementary School. It was about a mile away from the home my parents owned, a small, shingled cottage near the intersection of Route 6 and Spring Street.

            Excitement had been building all summer as my mother ordered my school clothes from the Sears and Roebuck catalog that we had poured over together for days. I would be wearing the latest in fall and winter fashion for the middle-class youngster, plaid, pleated dresses with giant sashes tied in a bow in the back.

            I was leaving home for the first time.

            I had never been separated from my mother except for that week when she was in the hospital that resulted in her bringing home a giant baby doll that cried a lot. I wasn’t worried or scared though. I was thrilled. New things to do and see. New kids to meet. I would learn how to read! I was ready.

            When the day finally arrived, my mother dressed herself in her best cotton housedress, while Dad brought the car to the door. I was instructed to try and not crush the large bow bouncing on my back and to tuck my dress under before sitting down so my backside would not touch the seat.

            There were plenty of rules for comporting oneself like a little lady, such as no thumb sucking and not putting my fingers in my nose. But I wasn’t thinking about any of that, I was thinking about being on my own and proving I could take care of myself.

            As we approached the school, a line of mothers and their children were milling around greeting one another, and the children were squirmy but behaved for the most part. My mother was gripping my hand tightly as though at any moment I’d vanish, never to be seen again. She found the room I was assigned to and said hello to the teacher, pushed me forward, and pointed to her cheek for a goodbye kiss. I gave her a quick peck and looked straight ahead and into my future.

            The things that I recall the most of that special day was the dress I wore; that bow was like a backpack I couldn’t take off but had to endure, even if the teacher told me to sit back in my seat. I could not crush that bow.

            Then there was the first of a forest’s worth of copy paper I would be given that school year to practice writing the alphabet in strict conformance to the standards set out by scribes of old. That big, unwieldy pencil had a mind of its own, but I tamed it in one afternoon by filling lines with the capital and lowercase printed letter A. A is for apple. I learned to read that word on the very first day. Genius, I know.

            There were mimeographed papers bearing large squirrels gathering nuts that we colored using oversized crayons that made staying in the lines impossible. At home, my new box of Crayola was waiting for my return.

            We sang songs, stayed in our seats, and did not talk to one another. This was school after all, and order must be maintained.

            Lunchtime came with the sounding of a very loud bell on the wall just outside my classroom door. I had a paper-bag lunch that I don’t recall, but rest assured the sandwich inside would have had the crust cut off.

            When leaving from or returning to our class, we lined up with all the girls first and then all the boys. We were in alphabetical order. There was no talking, no touching, no eye contact. Then came recess.

            Children burst onto the playground with all the pent-up energy a tiny, first-grade body could summon. Girls squealed and played hopscotch. Boys clamored to the top of the jungle gym, declaring themselves “king” until the teacher came by and stated democracy would prevail. “Take turns at the top boys!”

            That recess break was likely no more than 20 minutes, but that’s really all a first grader needed on the first day of school. The bell rang and back into our lines in our assigned positions we trotted, once again silent but now a bit dusty and crumpled and tired. My crisp white socks had disappeared into the toes of my shoes. My bow was coming unfurled and hung down on one side past the hem of my dress.

            When the bell rang next, signaling the end of the school day, I found the bus I was to take back home.

            Yes, I really could take care of myself and learn to read.

            The ride down Spring Street seemed to take forever, but eventually it stopped in front of my house where my mother was waiting on the front stoop. She fussed over the condition of my clothing and my hair that was no longer looking its best. But that memory is blurry, unclear and could be any day when I got home from school – nothing special.

            What was special was what she said once we got inside the house. Turning towards me, looking down at me, she said and I quote, “Why didn’t you cry when I left you today? All the other children were crying and begging their mommies not to leave. You just pecked my cheek and went into the classroom.”

            I was seven years old. I couldn’t answer that question then. I can now. I’d tell her if it were possible that she had done her job by giving me wings and roots, and for that I am eternally grateful. And I’d tell her I’ve been taking pretty good care of myself so far.

This Mattapoisett Life

By Marilou Newell

Mattapoisett Master Plan Draft on Track

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            They have met monthly for many months, discussing all aspects of the Town of Mattapoisett from speculation over potential future uses for the Town Hall building, including school consolidation that might free up sufficient space to relocate offices, to roadway improvements, climate resiliency, historic and cultural elements and economic development.

            A Master Plan document is intended not to be an exercise in simply discussing one’s favored cause or topic but to develop a living map with attainable goals in over 10 areas that guides all aspects of town government and residents’ needs over the next decade. No small task.

            On September 7 at 7:00 pm, the committee was scheduled to hold another public meeting at the Mattapoisett Library (also accessible remotely via Zoom) with Nathan Ketchel standing in for Planning Board Chairman Tom Tucker.

            On the agenda is review and editing of the Phase 3 draft covering expansion of Harbormaster capacity and resources to match increased responsibilities and demands, including providing shelter and communications during emergencies, cultural needs by pursuing funding and creation of new events, open-air markets, community-performance venues and inventory of historic sites and buildings and updating the Visitor Guide.

            It is important to note here that the Mattapoisett Historical Commission secured Community Preservation Act grant funding for Phase 1 of a townwide, historic inventory at the Fall Town Meeting.

            Also included in the draft is the pursuit of Green Communities designation, although a deeper understanding of what impact adoption of the building Stretch Code might have is being weighed by the Building Department Director David Riquinha and Select Board members.

            The committee has discussed and debated the importance of fully understanding just how vulnerable the town is to sea-level rise, especially any and all impact to freshwater supplies. Sewer expansion for future growth and water-quality improvements are also in the draft. The stated goal reads, “Prioritize sewer access to potential development areas that are on uplands in ecologically sensitive and flood-prone areas.”

            Continued work on recreational paths with parking at trailheads with improved signage at existing trails, along with better overall access, was noted early on in the draft-writing process as important to the livability of Mattapoisett. This seems to be well on the way with some engineering funding in place for Phase 2a of the bike path in the form of a $500,000 Transportation Bond Bill. The town will need to pony up the other 50 percent that was approved by Town Meeting vote.

            Looking back to last February, the committee had completed months of brainstorming meetings where committee members threw everything possible into a funnel, out of which targeted topics and associated strategic goals poured. Those topics or chapters were Land Use, Housing, Economic Development and Climate Resiliency.

            Committee members lent their opinions and ideas in a free-flowing manner, but as Chairman Tucker pointed out at that time, “… all the chapters impacted one another and the final document.”

            Aging population growth and decrease in school enrollment popped up throughout the discussion period with concerns such as insufficient affordable housing for seniors.

            On this point, member Kate Haley shared, “Census data shows a 44-percent decline in households with children and a population that is 52 percent over the age of 60.” Shirley Haley (no relation) commented, “… modifying zoning bylaws, changes that might grant property owners the latitude to rent rooms in a shared living structure,” should be considered. Shirley Haley stated that according to the Assessor’s office, there are 28 dwelling units with attached, family-related apartments and 62 multifamily units. She also suggested looking at smaller lot sizes for the construction of smaller homes to ease senior-housing needs.

            Sea-level rise was frequently on the tip of many members’ tongues, given Mattapoisett’s coastal location and massive river valley. Committee member Janice Robbins, a former Planning Board member, said in materials she has researched that Mattapoisett ranks seventh in the commonwealth for its vulnerability to flooding.

            Stressing the point, Haley said, “Every single thing could be impacted.”

            Member Robin Lepore commented, “Eighty-percent of our revenue comes from property taxes. A storm could impact the revenue stream. The town should be going after some serious grant monies to elevate walkways, for instance.”

            Carlos DeSousa said that one approach might be looking at short-term impacts from climate change rather than long-term impact. He used the example of groundwater rise and its effect on hydrostatic pressure below ground level.

            By the end of the year, the Master Plan Committee’s work will most likely have rounded the corner and headed for the finish line, a public-comment period.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Master Plan Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, September 7, at 7:00 pm in the Mattapoisett Library conference room.

Mattapoisett Master Plan Committee

By Marilou Newell

Upcoming events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Writing Your Own Obituary: A free writing workshop with Judith Rosbe. September 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10 am-12 pm. How would you like to be remembered? What do you think is important about your life? What makes an obituary interesting to read? Join us for a free writing workshop with Judith Rosbe. Call or stop by to sign up for this four-week workshop.

            Glass Blowing Demonstration with Glass Artist Kim Savoie. Saturday September 10, 11 am . Join glass artist Kim Savoie to learn the art, history and science of glass making and see a flame working demonstration on the library lawn.

            True Crime Book Club hosted by Jay Pateakos. Tuesday September 13, 6:30 – The True Crime Book Club will be discussing American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century by Maureen Callahan.

            Tabletop Game Club. First Meeting Saturday September 17, 11 am, Join us at the library to play and share different games every month. Discover new games and meet new players. All ages welcome.

            Monthly Memoir Workshop led by Al Caron and Linda Schuessler. Starting Thursday, September 15, 2-4 pm. Write your own story. Register for this free course and pick up course packet at the library. Course runs from September to June.

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

Marion Flu Clinic

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The Marion Board of Health along with Marion CARES Community EMS will be hosting Flu Clinics on September 29.

            They will be drive-through clinics at the Benjamin D. Community Center, 465 Mill Street. The first is scheduled for September 29. High dose and regular doses will be offered.

            Here is the link to register: home.color.com/vaccine/register/marion?calendar=9148fa74-e5e5-45dd-9a8a-72d85371871c

            If you need assistance registering or have questions, please contact Maureen at the Board of Health at 508-748-3530.

Norma Irene (Harrison) Charbonneau

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Norma Irene (Harrison) Charbonneau left this world on September 10th after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born in 1930 in Acushnet, MA, to the late Irene (Caya Harrison) Dube and Norman Harrison, and was the eldest and only girl in a family of six children. She was the widow of Normand M. Charbonneau who was deceased in 1967. Norma lived and raised her family in Mattapoisett, MA where she worked for years as one of the beloved lunch ladies at ORRHS. In 1983, she moved to Western Mass with her partner of many years, the late Barbara Bumpus, where they resided for decades and owned and operated the popular Box Car Restaurant in Erving, an historic former train station that was the hub of the community. Norma was a heroic single mother of seven, and leaves behind her sons and their families: Michael of Memphis, TN., Stephen of St. Petersburg, FL; the late Thomas of New Bedford; the late Kenneth of Fairhaven; her daughters and their families: Jane N. Cain of Yarmouth Port; Karen C. Zukas of New Bedford; and Nancy C. Case of Northampton, MA. She also leaves behind her brothers Norman and James, the late Robert, Gilbert, and Richard and their families; 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and over 50 nieces and nephews. She was a recent resident at Our Lady’s Haven in Fairhaven. Norma was a lifelong learner, a hard worker, avid world traveler, and a beloved spirit of energy, positivity and good deeds. She loved music, reading “histories and mysteries,” puzzles, gardening, the Red Sox, and watching Jeopardy. She was beloved by many in her communities, both in Western Mass and back home, and was a true inspiration to all who knew her. A wake will be held on Thursday, Sept. 15 at the Southcoast Chapel Mortuary, 158 Middleboro Road, (RT.18), in E. Freetown from 4 to 8 pm. A graveside service will be on Friday, Sept. 16 at 12:00 noon at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, North Street, in Mattapoisett. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org. Flowers are also welcome.