Water-Treatment Chemicals Spike in Price

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In his July 12 Tata & Howard report to the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District Commission, engineering consultant Jon Gregory alerted the commissioners as to the economy’s effect on pricing even where it concerns the chemicals for the water-treatment plant based in Mattapoisett.

            Gregory characterized chemical price bids per gallon as “extremely large numbers compared to what we even could have forecast in November and December. We’re kind of handcuffed by that,” he said, recommending the MRV take it month by month until further notice.

            The Town of Marion also put out bids and received only one on propane. “It’s not just here, it’s pretty much across the board, it seems,” said Gregory.

            Nonetheless, the MRV is proceeding with procurement specifications for the plant’s new, state-of-the-art, ultra-filtration equipment, and part two, specifications on construction, connection designs and demolitions.

            The membership is looking to organize a site visit, and a project team wants to get the piping portion a little further along and get “a real-time view of it.”

            “This is really going to ramp up in the coming months,” said Gregory.

            Unfortunately, he reported, the filtration project did not make the cut for the loan consideration the MRV seeks. Infrastructure funding in Massachusetts requires submission of a project-evaluation form. The difference, according to Gregory, would be from 3.5 to 4 percent down to 2 percent interest. He suggested the potential for a lower-interest loan justifies filing another project-evaluation form.

            “We feel the district may be in a better position this year,” he said, noting that a new submittal would add the UV disinfection piece, a byproduct of the 2021 boil order.

            The commission voted to authorize Tata & Howard to resubmit a new project-evaluation form.

            In giving his Treatment Plant Operations Update, Henri Renauld told the commission, “It’s holding up, that’s all I’m going to say.” Renauld alluded to the current drought as a challenge, as the plant puts out 6,000,000 gallons a day.

            The commission has narrowed its search for an outside bookkeeper and will plan to bring two interested parties into the next MRV meeting to be interviewed.

            Chairman Vinnie Furtado reported an insurance renewal with HUB International at $29,747.

            Commission Treasurer Wendy Graves reported $82,343.35 in July invoices.

            The MRV’s auditing approval was tabled.

            Gregory provided a river-monitoring update to the Water Protection Advisory Committee, informing the members that the original level loggers are “past their point,” and two new level loggers have been purchased for a total of $1,581. The level logger at Snow’s Pond is still operating but is no longer able to export its data so that piece will soon be swapped out.

            Under Old Business, Vinnie Furtado reported to the committee that member Nathaniel Munafo, the Marion DPW director, had trouble accessing the committee website. Furtado said he contacted the host earlier on Tuesday and learned that files on that site might be lost. Furtado put in a request ticket with Blue Host, waiting on a resolution. “It may have to start from scratch,” said Furtado, who may reach out to Fairhaven’s IT team for assistance. Gregory also could not access the site.

            Under New Business, the committee voted to authorize Vinnie Furtado to write two letters to engineering groups stating that plans for a solar project and plans for a two-lot subdivision at 572 Snipatuit Road pose no impact on the MRV.

            The next meeting of the MRV Water Supply Protection Advisory Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, August 9, at 3:30 pm with the MRV Water District Commission meeting to immediately follow at 4:00 pm on the same Zoom call.

MRV Water District Commission/Water Supply Protection Advisory Committee

By Mick Colageo

Weird, Wonderful Exhibit Delivers

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            Call it eccentric or strange, curious or just plain interesting. You’re likely to use all those adjectives and more when you visit the Mattapoisett Museum’s newest exhibit titled “Weird and Wonderful.”

            Loosely based on the Victorian-age hobby of collecting objects, all kinds of objects and then putting them on display in one’s home, Weird and Wonderful is a small but very real tour de force for all ages.

            On the interior perimeter reserved as gallery space in the museum’s congregant area, the building was and still is a church. You will find all manner of curiosity to delight your imagination.

            Take for instance a very large, likely larger-than-life replica of a dairy cow’s ear. You might wonder why or how such an item would have been conserved and then donated to the museum. If you are a local, you’ll immediately know it’s from the Gulf Hill Dairy sign that graced Route 6 for decades.

            Situated across the street from the creamery we know today as Oxford, the sign was a masterstroke of signage as visual marketing with two, three-dimensional cow heads welcoming the motoring public to stop and be refreshed with a delicious ice cream cone. The sign stayed in place for many decades, eventually succumbing to gravity, weather and time, slowly melting in the brush and the bramble that overtook the happy cow faces.

            But wait. Somehow, an ear, a solitary manmade cow’s ear, was rescued and given to the museum. You will have to visit the museum to get the rest of the story.

            Other items you’ll be able to view are 19th century salesmen furniture samples as well as the full-sized pieces themselves, handcuffs worn by Matthew Hiller following his capture during the Civil War while working aboard the whaling ship Altamaha, a musty cot complete with mattress springs from the famous “last whaling ship of Mattapoisett,” The Wanderer and the jaw-clenching, early dental wrench used for extracting teeth, an evil looking tool.

            On that theme of early medicine, there are two displays that today we might find troubling but back in the day were common medicines prescribed without compunction, opium and morphine. The story card accompanying the display notes that, “…the drug (opium) was heavily advertised in magazines throughout the mid-1800s.” Shocking to our modern minds, people were assured it was not habit forming.

            A rather timely item gracing one of the gallery walls is the 1920 registration page for women voters, the first year women were allowed to vote. There are well over 100 names listed. For museum board member and learned local historian Carol Clifford, this object holds much sentimental meaning as well as a sense of pride.

            “My family is here,” Clifford said, pointing to the registration page with a board smile. Clifford pointed to the names of her departed ancestors, including two great aunts, two grandmothers and one great-great grandmother, their names well known locally, Sherman, Fowler and Heuberger. When asked how she felt about seeing her family members names listed in the register, she replied, “These women – women – signed up to vote. I feel complete pride, I’m thrilled.”

            Women from the past were also featured in posters asking the public to help support the American Godmothers League for the American Soldiers in France, a bit of political propaganda, the story card states, alluding to the usage of a caring-mother motif to raise money for the war effort.

            There is a Mystery Table featuring items that are yet to be identified, small hand-sized bits and bobs that intrigue the imagination and the visitor to guess what they are looking at. Concealed are the answers under a flip-up story card. There is a cannonball that was found on Pearl Street, a bible with a bullet hole, a 34-starred American flag and, wait for it … a thunder jug! Each displayed item has been painstakingly curated to provide as much detail as possible for the visitor.

            The Mattapoisett Museum’s staff and volunteers have brought this tiny gem into the 21st century and continue to work as the museum evolves to the needs of the public both near at hand and far away.

            In recent years, the museum has been able to catalog its vast collection using searchable databases, opening up to all interested its weird and wonderful materials. And if you are in the area, the museum grounds have also been turned into gallery space. There are historical storyboards situated throughout the petite front yard of the building, featuring significant facts and data about Mattapoisett’s historical highpoints, people, places and yes, curiosities.

            Weird and Wonderful is open now through Labor Day weekend. Visit MattapoisettMuseum.org for more details.

By Marilou Newell

Mattapoisett Museum

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Starting Friday, July 15, until August 26, walking tours will be available on Fridays at 10 am at the Mattapoisett Museum with extra scheduling on Saturday, July 16, during Harbor Days. Volunteer Luke Couto will be your guide. This one-hour walking tour will take you from the museum to Main, Water, Cannon and Church Streets, following Francis Rowland’s original route. Walking Tours are free, but donations are appreciated.

            Open Mic Night is rescheduled from Friday, July 15 to Saturday, July 23 at 7 pm.

            Old Time Fiddle Session will take place on August 31, from 1-3:30 pm. Weather permitting, the event will be held outside.

            The Great Community Picnic tickets are selling quickly! Don’t wait to get your tickets for this event on August 4, benefiting the Mattapoisett Museum and the Mattapoisett Land Trust. Please visit www.mattapoisettmuseum.org/events to reserve your table online or visit us in-person Thursday-Sunday 12-4 pm.

Vacation Bible School

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Wrap up your children’s summer this year with an exciting one-week Vacation Bible School (VBS.) The First Church of Marion is inviting parents & grandparents of their children entering grades Kindergarten through 6th grade this fall 2022 to register them to VBS. This year’s theme is “Make Waves” emphasizing our beautiful beach communities. The VBS will run from August 15 through 19 from 9 am to Noon at the First Church Community Center, 28 Main Street, Marion Center. The registration forms are available at the church office at the Community Center or online at MaionFirstChrch.org. The Registration fee is $25 per child.

            Creative arts & crafts, exciting storytelling of Bible Stories, fun-filled games, healthy snacks & let us not forget, music with dance. All this will give your child an unforgettable VBS experience. Come join us at VBS this year to “Make Waves” and discover when we put our trust and faith in Jesus, God will help us change the world .The ripple effect that turns simple acts of kindness, love, and patience into waves of positive will change for our world. Don’t forget to register soon to reserve your child’s spot.

            For more information, please contact the church office at 508-748-1053 (Tuesday -Friday 9 am -2 pm.)

Mattapoisett Yacht Club

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This week’s race results (July 5):

            Tuesday night Ensign Series: Black Ice took the night with 2 bullets (wins) to start the July series. One Love took 2nd for the night followed by Brou Ha Ha.

            Wednesday Night PHRF: A beautiful night for racing and five new entrants started in the expanding B Class. Former ORR Sail Team members Copper Newton (who sailed this race singlehanded) and Sam Harris along with Will Stark, Ryan Keenan and Paul McLaughlin join Class B to add some young blood, not to mention good competition. However, it was veteran racer, Ed Sargent and the crew of Voyager that took the win. Second went to Ryan Keenan in Strider, and in third place was Charlie Smith’s Chickadee.

            In Class A, No Quarter Given returned to their winning ways followed by Robb Ryan (another new entry this year) and his crew in Restless. Third went to Don Ross and the crew of Coconuts. Don had moved up from B Class this year.

            This weekend, the crew of Dennis McLaughlin, Rick Warren, Meaghan Girouard and Jim Gallagher won the Newport Regatta Ensign Regional Championship. The nine boat, four race series provided stiff competition. After the first day with three races sailed, Hambugler held a slight lead over the fleet with MYC’s other entrant, Brou Ha Ha tied for second with two other boats. Brou Ha Ha’s crew of Steve and Tina Clark along with Marshall Bailey and Matt Ferlotti unfortunately lost in a tiebreaker after the second day of racing and finished fourth only 3 points out of first place.

SRO Discussed for Sippican

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            Chief of Police Richard Nighelli attended the June 15 meeting of the Marion School Committee to discuss the potential of a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Sippican School.

            Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson made sure to clarify for all listeners to the discussion that funds are not in the FY23 budget for such, so whatever progress is made in the matter will not have a financial pathway immediately set for the 2022-23 school year.

            “Our partnership is strong, and we constantly talk about school and school safety,” said Nighelli about his rapport with Nelson in addressing the committee. “I think a safe environment for the kids that they can thrive in, so I appreciate the partnership from Mike and from Pete (Crisafuli) and from Marla (Sirois.) I’m here to answer any questions …”

            Nighelli told the committee he had already been in discussions with Nelson. “Obviously, we’re not budgeted for it,” he said. “I have some personnel issues at the department right now that I would have to address to add more people on to the department to make sure that we have shift coverage, but I think that it’s something that we could put together before September. But we’d have to start working fairly quickly.”

            As April Nye explained in response to committee member Michelle Smith’s question, Marion has a person at Sippican who is certified as a SRO, but there is no SRO acting as such in the school building Monday-Friday.

            Nighelli explained that the Marion Police has a school liaison, Sergeant Alisha Crosby, who is assigned to the “midnight shift” as the result of collective bargaining. “Even though we don’t have a school liaison on day shift, it’s been a collective effort,” said Nighelli, taking the opportunity to thank the overnight officers for their extra work during the day shift.

            Nighelli explained there is an increased visibility of patrol officers at Sippican.

            The difference between a SRO and a liaison is the latter is just a point of contact, according to Nighelli. The SRO is at the school regularly and is part of the school community.

            “Our conversation tonight is whether we support having an SRO in the school, five days a week,” said April Nye.

            Nelson said the matter was on the agenda because the Marion Police Department was interested in the school committee’s feedback.

            Nelson said the committee’s discussion could serve as a starting point that would in next steps see him bring the matter to town officials to receive their feedback and any sense as to the potential to support a SRO.

            Nelson clarified that the SRO does not manage low-level behaviors or the classroom, which is still the responsibility of school administration.

            After further discussion, the committee voted to support ongoing discussion in bringing a SRO to Sippican School.

            Nelson said he will follow up with Nighelli and April Nye, determine next steps and report back to the committee.

            The committee voted to approve the renewal of the following leases: one year with Rochester-based Country Side Child Care at $2,000 per month; and the Southcoast YMCA’s lease of two rooms at Sippican at $7,200 per room (total $14,400 based on 10 months of usage.)

            The committee voted to approve the removal of a list of selected items from the school library.

            The committee voted to approve the following replacement-fee schedule proposed by Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber, including the proposal of an insurance plan at the cost of $25.

            Proposed Replacement Fee Recommendation: Chromebook Complete Unit Replacement $300; Chromebook Screen $50; 45W Adapter with Power Cord (USB-C Connection) $50; Keyboard $50; iPad Complete Unit $325; Apple usb-c to lightning cable $25; Apple usb power adapter (block) $25; and Case $50.

            This policy does not apply to the iPads issued to the youngest learners.

            Sippican Principal Marla Sirois and Assistant Principal Peter Crisafulli presented a progress update on Year 1 of a two-year School Improvement Plan and its coordination with ORR’s Vision 2023.

            The report that required no vote highlighted project-based learning and “the four C’s,” along with 21st Century Learning skills, and social-emotional learning. Action steps focused on staff and student relationships and functions of the responsive classroom.

            In her Chairperson’s Report, April Nye talked about the happiness with which the students finished the 2021-22 school year and thanked the committee and the staff. Her sentiments were echoed by Nelson, who highlights all the behind-the-scenes work done by subcommittees and the extra effort put forth by the committee’s members.

            No corrective action was required in response to former Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Jannell Pearson-Campbell’s work on the audit. Pearson-Campbell has left the Old Rochester Regional District, and her work was highlighted by Nelson, who also thanked members of the hiring committee that helped select a finalist for Pearson-Campbell’s replacement.

            The Marion School Committee reorganized for the 2022-23 school year, the members voting April Nye to continue serving as chairperson, Nichole Daniel to continue serving as vice chairperson, and Diana Russo to continue serving as secretary with Toni Bailey continuing to serve as alternate secretary.

            The Joint School Committee representation will be different for 2022-23. Michelle Smith will continue to represent Marion on the ORR School Committee, and Mary Beauregard will represent Marion on the Joint School Committee.

            Open Comment brought out comments crediting the committee for addressing the matter of public interest in the addition of a School Resource Officer.

            At the start of the meeting, words of appreciation were shared by Nelson, Sirois and April Nye regarding the retirement of Sippican teacher Paula McKeen. The book “The Dictionary of Difficult Words” was added to the school library in honor of McKeen’s service.

            The first meeting of the Marion School Committee for the 2022-23 school year was not set at adjournment.

Marion School Committee

By Mick Colageo

Tick an Abiding but Manageable Pest

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            Blake Dinius, entomologist and educator with the Plymouth County Cooperative Extension, knows a thing or two about insects, especially ticks and mosquitoes. He has been educating the public since 2017 on ways to minimize exposure to biting bugs that carry dangerous and infectious pathogens. However, while such biting insects do pose big problems for us humans, Dinius’ clear yet simple guidance of ways to protect oneself from harm are reassuring.

            On July 8, Dinius gave a presentation at a program hosted at the Mattapoisett Public Library and sponsored by the Mattapoisett Land Trust. On hand to add to the discussion were MLT president Mike Huguenin and Collen Andrews, MLT’s community engagement and stewardship manager.

            Dinius began by stating that there are some 10 different types of ticks, but in the local area, the primary disease carrier is the deer tick. He dispelled the notion that Lyme disease, reemerging and identified as a separate, infectious bacterium in the mid-1970s in Lyme, Connecticut, is a new disease. He notes that studies of the Borrelia bacteria date it back several tens of thousands of years.

            Another interesting fact Dinius shared was that about 150 animals play host to ticks that randomly find their way to their preferred traveling restaurants, deer, chipmunks, moles and the like, but birds are a primary carrier.

“Of the 150 animals that can spread ticks around, 82 of those are birds,” said Dinius. When asked if people should stop feeding birds and encouraging them into gardens with food, he responded, “You don’t need to change your lifestyle, you just need to protect yourself.”

            Regarding how best to manage modern-day, residential landscapes to protect against tick bites, Dinius said that dead-leaf piles are a primary habitat for ticks. He said ticks survive in moist, dark locations versus bright, open, manicured lawns. He suggested leaving a perimeter of wooded area for those gardeners wishing to encourage pollinators into their yards while still having groomed areas.

            On the topic of repellents and sprays, Dinius said that yard sprays are very effective against ticks but far less effective in controlling mosquitos. Sprays are most effective when used twice; once in May and again in June is all that is required, he said.

            Another tactic people should employ for personal protection are sprays that are applied to clothing, including shoes. He said that people do not have to be fearful of using sprays that contain DEET and that the chemical picaridin can withstand numerous washings before it must be reapplied for successful protection.

            Huguenin said that given the amount of time he spends outside in wooded areas, it is imperative that he spray his clothing with picaridin. There are precautions for using picaridin around cats, Dinius stated.

            Once you have returned indoors from outdoor activities where ticks live, Dinius said completely checking one’s body for attached ticks is imperative.

            Removing ticks using tweezers is the correct method, not Vaseline or hot, burnt match heads, Dinius said. He also recommended conserving the tick after removal so it can be tested for the presence of disease (contact tickreport.com.) But possibly the most striking (or sickening) data point Dinius shared was the anatomy of the tick itself.

            Dinius explained that ticks do not burrow under the skin; instead, they stab their host with a straw-like tube that constitutes its head area. From this tube, various nasty chemicals such as anticoagulants and bacteria are “spit” into the wound site. The process of continuous spitting into the head tube, thus into the victim keeps the food source, blood, flowing.

            While it is generally believed that the head of the tick must also be removed, Dinius said that is not the case. “Once the body has been removed, the tube can’t do anything.” He said that even medical experts still believe the head must be removed.

            Cold-weather seasons do not provide relief from these small but mighty predators. In literature provided by Plymouth County Cooperative Extension was the note that ticks are active as long as the temperature stays above freezing.

            There is a wide variety of resources available online to help educate and protect people who spend time sharing the outside with these tiny opportunists. Dinius may be reached at bdinius@plymouthcounty.gov or mass.gov/mosquitoesandticks or by calling 774-773-3404.

By Marilou Newell

Sheila Ann Niksa

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Sheila Ann Niksa 1943-2022

            An Irish Goodbye finally reunites the Logue sisters and their parents of Whiskey Point in Brookline, Massachusetts.

            Sheila Ann (Logue) Niksa, 79, born on January 2, 1943 was born and raised in Brookline, Massachusetts and died peacefully in her sleep on July 12, 2022. She was the beloved wife and best friend of Stanley Niksa from Cleveland, Ohio whom she met on an unexpected blind date while he was in the Navy. They shared an epic journey together most could only dream of and Sheila will be forever missed and loved by all that knew her. She was the daughter of Irish immigrants, the late John and Agnes “Agie” Logue; and the loving sister of the late Mary Duggan and the late Patricia “Tishie” Smith.

            Sheila lived in Brookline pursuing a lifelong passion using her unique talent for renovating homes that enabled her to reach her dreams of living by the ocean in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. She enjoyed being able to call her own shots, living life fully, being a general contractor and supporting her local community where she was involved in the knitting club and volunteered at the Mattapoisett Council on Aging. She always placed others before herself.

            Sheila is survived by her husband Stanley; a daughter, Deborah Ann Brennock and her husband Jay Butler of Mims, FL; a son, Michael Niksa and his wife Sumiko Mori of Washington, DC and Tokyo, Japan and two grandchildren, Minami and Yasunari; three nephews, Bobby, Kevin and Craig; and finally by Sheila and Stanley’s rambunctious dog, Fiona.

            Sheila’s funeral arrangements will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate). Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Celebrating 60 years of art by Mary Ross

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With a career spanning over 60 years, Mary Ross is a Marion-based artist exploring painting, printmaking, found object assemblages and her most well-known work: collages with paper and paint.

            A collection of Ross’ work is on display at the Marion Art Center, now through August 5 in the MAC’s newest show, Mary Ross: A Retrospective. An artist’s reception will be held on Friday, July 15 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, with the community invited to celebrate her 95th birthday in addition to her body of work.

            Curated by artist and architect Anthi Frangiadis, the exhibition includes acrylics, oils, collages and assemblages from throughout Ross’ career.

            Trained as a painter in oils and acrylics, Mary Ross studied at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design from 1945-1948, leaving before graduation to care for her mother while her siblings enlisted in the service. Introduced to collage in the 1960s, Mary quickly switched from wallpaper scraps to a “more painterly” rice paper.

            Always surrounded by art, Mary worked as the Art Director for Boston Parks and Recreation Department, where she taught art classes to adults and children alike. Mary became active with the Marion Art Center early in her career and volunteered for many years on some of the first Sidewalk Art Sales.

            She was also instrumental in bringing art to the Marion Council on Aging where seniors and other community members are welcome to show their work. Mary continues to plan these shows a year in advance with a group of other dedicated volunteers.

            For more information about the exhibition and artist reception, visit marionartcenter.org. During the reception, we will also celebrate the musicians from the Buzzards Bay Musicfest, and guests are encouraged to attend the BBMF Swing Band Concert starting at 8:00 pm at the Fireman Performing Arts Center at Tabor Academy at 235 Front Street in Marion.

UCCT Honor Roll

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The following students have been named to the Honor Roll at Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School for the Fourth Quarter:

Shaun Miranda of Marion, Grade 9, High Honors

Elijah Rogers of Marion, Grade 9, High Honors

Jessica Voye of Marion, Grade 9, Honors

Adam Ouellette of Marion, Grade 10, High Honors

Clifford Williams of Marion, Grade 10, High Honors

Oakley Campbell of Marion, Grade 10, Honors

Laney Cooper of Marion, Grade 10, Honors

Lucas Marcolini of Marion, Grade 11, Honors

Victoria Voye of Marion, Grade 12, High Honors