Warrant Approved for Town Meeting

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            In a special, remote access public meeting, the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen approved the warrant for the Monday, August 17 Town Meeting that will be held under a tent at the Old Rochester Regional High School track beginning that day at 6:00 pm.

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco told the selectmen that Mattapoisett will receive a check for $185,254 from Plymouth County, reflecting the first of three checks the town will receive as reimbursement for non-budgeted, COVID-related expenses.

            Massachusetts received $90,000,000 in federal funds via the CARES Act, and on behalf of the state, Plymouth County is distributing the money to its cities and towns. Mattapoisett’s first such check will be presented in person on August 10 (time TBD).

            Lorenco thanked the Town Hall employees and the treasurer’s office for tracking and staying on top of COVID-related expenses so that Mattapoisett could be among the first Plymouth County municipalities to submit for and receive funding via the CARES Act.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen was not announced.

By Mick Colageo

Academic Achievements

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Approximately 6,600 students received bachelor’s degrees in over 100 majors at the University of Massachusetts Amherst as the university held a virtual commencement celebration for the Class of 2020 on May 8. The following Tri-Town students were included:

            From Marion: Sophia Rose Cofone, Aibhlin Christine Fitzpatrick, Joshua Michael Lerman, and Ami Milano

            From Mattapoisett: Colleen D Beatriz, Louis Depace, Kyra Calista Greco, Eryn Elizabeth Horan, and Samantha Leann Kirkham

            From Rochester: Haley Aguiar, Hunter R Cooney, and Haily Saccone

            Nicholas Ferreira of Rochester, Celeste Hartley of Rochester, Emily Kiehl of Marion, and Madeline Pope of Mattapoisett have been named to the spring 2020 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean’s List that semester.

            Ben Sudduth, of Marion has been named to Colorado College’s 2019-20 Dean’s List. Sudduth was a Senior at Colorado College during the 2019-20 academic year. Students who achieve a grade point average of 3.75 or higher are named to the Dean’s List, which is released once a year. To qualify, a student must complete seven units in the academic year and those courses must be taken for a letter grade.

For Ken

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            There are not many times when a person can say that they have met someone who changed the trajectory of their life. When I met Ken Souza that is exactly what happened to me. 

            My wife Laurie, our newborn baby Simone and I move to Mattapoisett from Atlanta, Georgia in the summer of 2006. We only knew two people in the area and had no family living nearby. We were taking a leap of faith, looking for a place to raise our daughter in a safe environment with great schools, nearby beaches and brighter employment opportunities. After getting out from under all of the moving boxes and settling into our new surroundings, it was time to find a job. I picked up a copy of The Wanderer and I saw that they needed a writer who could also take photographs of local events. After gathering some courage, I decided to send in my resume and a writing sample, ‘Why not?’ I thought. I had nothing to lose. I had had work published in creative writing and poetry magazines, but I was a photographer by trade who knew how to write, not a writer who knew how to take photographs. 

            To my surprise, I received a call the same day that I dropped my application off at The Wanderer’s office. The voice on the other end of the line belonged to Ken Souza and he asked if I could come by the next day for an interview. We set up the time and the next day around 1:00 pm, I would meet the man who would, as things turned out, changed my life. 

            When I drove up to The Wanderer’s office, I noticed a KISS ARMY sticker on the back of an SUV parked beside the building. I took this as a good sign, I had been a member of the KISS ARMY, the rock group Kiss’ fan club, as a teenager in the 70s. I walked in, introduced myself to Ken and the office manager, Pattianne Aleks, and took a seat next to Ken’s desk. The first thing that struck me was Ken’s smile; it was friendly and reassuring. I felt at ease right away. After fifteen minutes or so of the usual interview questions, Ken surprised me and asked if I wanted the job. I said ‘yes’ right away and he told me he would send me an assignment within a day or so. He asked me who my favorite member of Kiss was and I said it was guitarist Ace Frehley. He said, “me too!” with a big smile. We spent another ten minutes talking about Kiss concerts we had each seen. We found out that we both also loved the group Cheap Trick, John Carpenter’s horror movies and his favorite author Edgar Allen Poe. Ken said the piece I sent for him to read reminded him of Poe. He told me that was the reason he hired me.

            The first writing assignment I received was to interview the new Executive Director and staff of Old Rochester Community Television (ORCTV), the new cable access station that was set to telecast that week in Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester. The interview went well, as I had a background in TV from high school and college. I knew the right questions to ask and enough about cameras and other equipment for Brian, the director, to ask for my phone number saying, “You really seem to know your stuff; can I call you if I ever need some help here at the station?” I said ‘sure’, not really thinking much about it at the time. Two months later, I received a call from Brian offering me a job at ORCTV as the programming coordinator. 

            I let Ken know that I had been offered the job with ORCTV but that I wanted to stay on with The Wanderer as well. Ken said that he was okay with the arrangement and then he casually slipped in, “You know I am the president of ORCTV, right?” I had no idea. I asked if he knew Brian had offered me a job and Ken said he had no idea but he was happy for me and once again gave me his blessing.

            A few years later, Ken left The Wanderer to become the editor of The Anchor, a Catholic Church newspaper covering the local dioceses. He also left the ORCTV board around that same time. We remained close and our friendship grew over the ensuing years. Ken and his wife Margie would invite my family to summer barbeques and holiday get-togethers at their home, introducing us to their friends. Some of their friends became our friends and we would invite them to our home for the Fourth of July, Christmas Eve and birthday parties. We introduced them to our friends and our friends became their friends. Ken and I went to see an Ace Frehley concert together a few years ago. I caught one of the guitar picks that Ace threw into the audience and I gave it to Ken. It was a thank you gesture for everything he had done for me over the years.

            Long after Pattianne and I left The Wanderer, we would get together once or twice a year with Ken and Margie, Pat’s husband Louie and my family for dinner at Sweet Ginger’s Chinese restaurant in Fairhaven to catch up with one another. These people became our family. Ken and Margie became surrogate aunt and uncle to my daughter Simone. Pat and Louie are like her grandparents. 

            So, fourteen years have passed and here I am. I have worked at ORCTV since 2006 becoming the station’s director in 2013. In late summer 2019, Ken and Margie told us they were moving with Margie’s parents to Atlanta, to be closer to her brother and his family. While they were sad to leave their hometown, they said that it was time to try something different.

            We got together a couple of times with Ken and Margie before they left in October. We were excited for the new life they were starting. We wished them well on their adventure and promised we would look them up the next time we came to Georgia for a visit. We imagined taking them to our old haunts and having them show us the new places that they had discovered. We were sad to see them go but happy knowing they were going to a place we knew so well. It looked like we might see them on a trip to Atlanta we had planned for September 2020…

            The year 2020 has thrown every plan in each of our lives into to disarray. The trip in September was canceled, along with our chance to see our friends. Then about a month ago came the sad news of Ken being hospitalized. Margie gave us regular updates and we held out hope for a quick recovery. On Sunday morning, we received word of Ken’s passing. It is still a shock. It is weird to write, and stranger to say. Our friend has gone to join his mother, father and sister who passed before him. 

            I have not written for The Wanderer in over a decade. I am glad they gave me the opportunity to write this piece. Ken Souza was as kind a person as you will ever know. The day I met him changed my life and the lives of my family for the better, forever. When the virus goes away Ken’s friends and family will meet again to honor and remember him. We will share happy stories and speak of the blessing it was to have had Ken in our lives. We will remember his smile, the great laugh and the kindness of a man who touched all who knew him. Thank you, Kenneth Joseph Souza for everything. We miss you.

By Robert Chiarito

Heron Cove Hinges on Sewer Situation

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            Marion’s brimming town-sewer capacity continued to play a role in discussions over a proposed development off of Wareham Road, where a 96-unit, Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B condominium complex was once again discussed, this time at the July 23 meeting of the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals via remote access.

            In a continuation of a case that goes back to 2019 and beyond in cases involving the same land, Heron Cove Estates was back on the agenda.

            Town Counsel Jon Witten asked acting ZBA Chairperson Christina Frangos to have the board calculate with Steen attorney Paul Haggerty where the project sits on the 180-day clock vis-a-vis the expiration of the hearing that was opened in March. It was decided a 90-day extension would be granted.

            At the end of the meeting, Frangos’ appointment would become official by member vote.

            Phil Cordeiro of Allen and Major Associates, representing Steen, addressed two peer reviews coordinated by Van Ness Associates (traffic engineering) and Merrill Associates (traffic engineering). Cordeiro reported particularly along the civil-engineering side that, while clarifications were sought, no wholesale changes were being recommended.

            “We believe that we’re in a very good position with your consultants having reviewed the application,” he said. 

            Cordeiro reported to the ZBA that peer review had affirmed that all applications had been properly filed including for the Local Initiative Program (LIP) application that relates to 40B affordable housing projects that are sought on a non-adversarial basis inside towns. The stormwater peer review came back as adequate without further comment.

            Cordeiro expressed hope that, in addressing Merrill’s peer-review remarks and revising accordingly, the project could achieve “a clean bill of health” and “sign-off letter” from Merrill “in the near term.” He insisted that the project will have a relatively small traffic impact on the Route 6 corridor.

            The issue of sewer connection remains a significant hurdle, as referenced by Merrill in its peer review.

            “Unfortunately, our sewer connection can’t be arrived at conclusively, until the results of the study being conducted by the town as a prerequisite to this project are being released,” said Cordeiro. “As soon as we can collectively review that as a design team and obviously with the town consultant team, I believe we can get right into the sewer connection and get that resolved as well.”

            Shippey said the stormwater went through DPW with staffer Meghan Davis, who gave the “thumbs up” with stormwater management.

            Ken Steen responded to Frangos’ question as to a sample lease agreement outlining any restrictions that would be place on the residents. Steen said he had such a packet and intended to send it to Town House that week and could email it to 

            “We use a standard Massachusetts lease agreement for all of our apartments… We’re pretty confident that it’s a compliant lease that’s going to be acceptable to the board,” said Steen.

            The ZBA asked about the townhouse design that was submitted back in March. Frangos indicated that the feeling at the prior meeting was that the design does not aesthetically reflect coastal New England.

            Steen said he will revisit the matter with the architect and plan to submit a revised design in the next couple of weeks.

            “I also want the board to keep in mind that we for 35 years have been primarily building affordable housing,” said Steen.

            Witten explained to the ZBA that the Board of Selectmen’s endorsement of the project was accepted by Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and that became the project’s ticket to deal with the ZBA.

            The hearing was continued to September 10. An in-person meeting would become possible at the Music Hall.

            In other business, a Special Permit was approved by the ZBA for Case 777, an application for allowance under zoning bylaw Section 230-8.6 to build an accessory apartment adjacent to the primary dwelling at 44 Briggs Lane.

            Brian Grady of GAF Engineering represented owner Cheryl Arnie and her daughter Catherine Duncan, who will live in the added apartment.

            As a Special Permit, four affirmative ZBA votes were required. There were only four voting members of the ZBA present at the meeting so a unanimous vote was required.

            Grady said he prefers a five-person voting body, and Witten assured him of his right to request a continuance but that four members constitutes a quorum and, in this case, a “super majority” is needed for approval. Frangos asked Grady what he would like to do, but added there is no guarantee there will be five voting members present at the board’s next meeting. Grady said, unless there is objection by the applicant, he would proceed with the presentation.

            Sarah Johnston, designer for project, presented two things, add an in-law apartment under 50 percent of the existing residence (16,056 square feet) at 773 square feet. The proposal also adds to an existing, one-car garage, the addition facing the street right next to the garage door. The dwellings share the garage. There would be an entrance from the garage to the apartment and another from outside.

            Frangos noted that Concom (June 30) considered the project not within its jurisdiction, and the Board of Health (June 22) had no objection as the dwelling is serviced by town water and sewer.

            Details were discussed, and Frangos emphasized that the Special Permit will not convey with the sale of the property. Building Commissioner/Zoning Officer Scott Shippee anticipates a more detailed plan from the applicant.

            The next meeting of the Marion ZBA is scheduled for August 13.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Mick Colageo

The MAC’s Production of Good People

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The MAC Theater will present its newest production, Good People, written by David Lindsay-Abaire and directed by Jacob Sherburne, as an outdoor live theater event in Bicentennial Park, Marion. The seven show dates are scheduled for August 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, and 23. All productions will begin at 5:00 pm. Tickets are just $15 for this special event. In case of rain, dates will not be rescheduled. Guests may choose another date, donate tickets, or receive a refund.

            Attendees will choose from two seating options, Picnic Blanket space or Lawn Chair space, and guests should bring their own blankets or chairs. Blanket space will be located in front of chair space. Guests must also indicate the number of people in a party when registering for the event. No more than six people are allowed in a group. The MAC will space groups according to state safety guidelines. All attendees must follow best practice safety measures including mask-wearing and social distancing. Guests should wear masks when not seated and/or if adequate distance from others cannot be maintained. Guests should arrive no later than 4:45 pm to find their seats.

            Alcohol will be permitted during the event on town property. Guests may bring their own refreshments, and there will be some items available on site. The MAC welcomes donations! To purchase tickets, please visit marionartcenter.org/events/good-people. Call or email the Marion Art Center with questions. Tickets are limited for this production. 

            Synopsis: In South Boston, this month’s paycheck covers last month’s rent, and tough-scrabble single-mom Margie just got fired from another job. Encouraged by her merciless bingo sisters, she looks up her high school sweetheart to see if the dust has cleared, and she can make her escape. A hilarious Boston drama about the intersection of class, gender, and race in Southie and Chestnut Hill, by Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay-Abaire.

            The cast includes John Emmett Pearson, Margo Ruggerio, Susan Sullivan, Paul Victor Walsh, and Mia Vaughn. The crew includes Kaylin Blaney as Stage Manager and Steve McManus as sound technician.

The Man, The Myth, The Legend

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This past weekend Kenneth J. Souza passed away. You may not have known Ken; if not, you wouldn’t know the weight felt by that one sentence. In this edition, you’re going to hear a lot about Ken. I won’t apologize for that, should you not be interested. Ken deserves this and more. In times like this, I would always turn to Ken and say, “can you write up something appropriate for this week?” I’m not the writer, so you’ll need to bear with me, but I think I’m getting ahead of myself.

            Ken Souza was the editor of the school newspaper at UMass Dartmouth back in the early 1990s. He and I worked in offices next to each other, and in 1992 when the opportunity arose to start The Wanderer, Ken was the first person to join me on this voyage. For seventeen years we spent every week figuring out how to best inform our readers about everything they wanted to hear. Ken was instrumental in crafting The Wanderer into what it is today. We spent endless amounts of time trying out new formats, writing columns – you name it – also paying games, watching movies, and listening to music.

            I’ve spent the last couple of days connecting with friends and putting together stories about Ken trying to get a handle on what to do, what can be done, what should be done. The bottom line is apparently a cliché; life is short. Because life is so short, there’s no time to waste in being subtle. You know all those friends you haven’t spoken to in a while? Call them, right now. I’m not going to say they ‘may’ not be there tomorrow; I’m telling you they won’t be there tomorrow, because there isn’t always a tomorrow.

            Thank you Ken, for everything. You will be missed.

-Paul Lopes

Kenneth J. Souza

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Kenneth J. Souza, 55, of Dallas, GA, formerly of Fall River, MA, entered into rest on Saturday, August 1, 2020. He was born on June 5, 1965 in Fall River, MA to the late Manuel and Elvira “Eva” Souza. He worked for more then 12 years as an editor with The Anchor-Diocese of Fall River and was Catholic by Faith. He will be missed by many including a large extended family with nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

            He was a 1983 graduate of Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River, MA and a 1991 graduate of The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth(“SMU”). He worked many years at The Wanderer Newspaper in Mattapoisett, MA as a reporter, and as a Film and Video Production teacher at Bristol Community College in Fall River, MA. He was also the owner of his own DJ business, KJTunes.

            Mr. Souza is survived by his loving wife, Margie Souza of Dallas GA, and his brother, Robert Souza of Fall River, MA.

            Ken was an avid fan of music and movies. He will always be remembered for his infectious laugh and the everlasting love he had for his family, many friends and dog, Spenser.

            He was preceded in death by his sisters, Linda Mathieu, Geraldine Mathieu, and Rosemary Souza.

            A Funeral Mass was held Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Dallas GA. Interment followed at Peaceful Meadows Memorial Cemetery in Dallas, GA. 

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Homeless Pet Foundation in Ken’s name. 

            The family would like to extend their love and appreciation to everyone who will not be able to attend the service in person due to Covid-19 restrictions. A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at a later date for friends and family in Massachusetts. To leave online condolences for the family, please feel free to visit our website at www.samclarkfuneralhome.com.

Clark Funeral Home, Hiram, GA, is in charge of arrangements.

Fire Boat Out of Water as Isaias Approached

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            Mattapoisett hauled its new Fire Boat out of the water, as the Southcoast anticipated the arrival of Isaias, which by Monday night had been upgraded back to hurricane status. Both Marion and Mattapoisett issued strong cautions for boat owners on Tuesday, the day the eastern-most wing of the storm was expected to touch the area.

            Mattapoisett Harbormaster Jamie McIntosh reported to The Wanderer that the town was taking a “cautious approach,” having removed its floating dock from the Barstow Pier as a safety precaution.

            According to McIntosh, most boat owners in Mattapoisett harbor have just been putting extra line from their boat to the moorings to give their vessels a wider scope. But as of late morning Tuesday, there had been no mass haul-out, although a few have opted to remove their boats from the water.

            Donna Hemphill, administrative assistant to the Marion Harbormaster’s office, said that Island Wharf floats will remain in place, but that the town has encouraged boat owners to check on their vessels and make sure they are properly fendered. Owners of kayaks and skiffs are advised to make sure their vessels are secured in racks.

            Hemphill spoke on Tuesday morning with Marion Harbormaster Isaac Perry, who indicated that there has been some activity from boaters seeking to remove or secure their boats.

            On Saturday, August 8, at 11:00 am, Mattapoisett will be part of a security escort assisting the Army Corps and the Coast Guard as the Mayflower makes its way through the Cape Cod Canal on its way from Newport, Rhode Island, back to Plymouth. McIntosh said heavy recreational boating makes it important that there’s strong presence to ensure recreational boaters don’t get too close and that the Mayflower can make safe passage.

            For more information on emergency plans in Marion, visit facebook.com/marionma1852.

By Mick Colageo and Marilou Newell

Communication Key, as Seasons, Steen Near Settlement

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            Public hearings at the Rochester Planning Board on July 28 were dominated by discussion of planned developments on Cranberry Highway. Phil Cordeiro joined the hybrid meeting, held at the Rochester Middle School and on Zoom, to provide updates on the progress of the proposed plans.

            “Since our last meeting, we have met with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to formalize our intent to file a highway access permit,” Cordeiro told the board. The permit continues to hinge on longstanding discussions with the Seasons Corner Market about the location and parameters of the access point.

            In a previous meeting, the Rochester Planning Board voted to postpone further discussion of the access points until the proposed plans could be independently reviewed by a traffic engineer of the town’s choosing. Town Planner Steve Starrett explained that is has been increasingly difficult to find an independent consultant, as many engineering groups are short-staffed due to COVID-19 or recusing themselves due to conflicts of interest with the Town of Rochester.

            Despite that hardship, Starrett informed Cordeiro that some progress had been made on that front. Three more proposals were sent out and one or two engineering groups have reached out to the town with responses. Starrett hoped that a traffic review could be assigned to one of the groups within three days of the meeting date.

            Andrew Delli Carpini, of Seasons Corner Market, came before the board to voice his concerns surrounding the project. “We always assumed that the only movement with the curb cuts would be near the rear entrance of the property,” said Delli Carpini. “What has come to light is that there is also a proposal to move our side driveway 20 to 25 feet toward the back of the store.”

            Delli Carpini expressed a fear that the movement of the driveway would make it increasingly difficult for customers to access the store and result in a deleterious impact to his business. “At some point, I hope members of the board would look at this plan and ask themselves how this is fair,” Delli Carpini announced during the hearing.

            Cordeiro quickly addressed the conflict by noting that the proposal to move the side driveway was only listed on a set of older plans that are no longer being considered. After Cordeiro shared his updated plans, Delli Carpini explained that it was the first time he has seen this updated proposal. The communication lapse was not the first to stall progress on the development.

            It wasn’t all bad for Cordeiro and the Cranberry Highway development. After successful work with the Rochester Conservation Commission, Cordeiro reported that they have amended their plans to address groundwater mounding and stormwater-related issues. With that, Cordeiro hopes to be only one more meeting away from full approval by the commission.

            With a traffic review in sight and Cordeiro offering to provide his plans to the Seasons Corner Market team, both Steen Realty and Seasons Corner Market were hopeful to see more progress in the next Planning Board meeting.

            Greg Carey, representing a solar development on Sarah Sherman Road, came before the Planning Board to request a Special Permit due to the size of the proposed array. His proposal calls for the construction of a four-acre solar array, which would produce roughly 1 megawatt of solar energy.

            Carey explained that the proposal is making progress. His work with the Rochester Conservation Commission resulted in a clean, peer-review letter confirming that all issues surrounding the potential hazards of the project had been adequately addressed. In addition, Carey has reached a verbal agreement with the abutting property owners for a vegetative screening to shield the array from their view.

            Steve Kohm of Prime Engineering, who is working with Carey, explained that the project is nearly ready to commence. With the Rochester Conservation Commission satisfied, they need only await the peer review of the Planning Board engineer in order to update their plans.

            The Rochester Planning Board showed support for the project and explained that the review would likely be prepared by their next meeting set to take place on August 11. The public hearing was continued in order to give the Planning Board engineer sufficient time to comment on the proposal.

            The final public hearing related to a novel solar canopy system that Peter Beaton, owner of the Eldredge Bogs, hopes to have installed alongside modifications he is making to the outdated canal system that runs through his property.

            Sarah Stearns, of Beals and Thomas Inc., explained that the solar canopy would produce roughly 1 megawatt of solar energy and that the proposal is a unique way to add a solar component to the bogs. “This project is in two phases,” explained Stearns. “We will improve the canals, and then we will add solar functionality to the property.”

            Stearns noted that her work with the Rochester Conservation Commission was completed after she addressed minor comments made during a review of the project.  Her plans were tailored to avoid any of the surrounding natural habitats, and the site is set far back enough from abutting properties that vegetative screening will likely not be necessary.

            Peter Beaton told the board that his primary motivation for the update came from his canals constantly overflowing from heavy rainfall. Beaton saw the need to upgrade the canals as an opportunity to modernize his bog with solar power.

            The Planning Board agreed that a site visit was in order to ensure that the proposed construction was properly shielded from abutting properties. With that, the board voted to continue the hearing until their next meeting.

            The next Rochester Planning Board meeting will be held on August 11 at the Rochester Middle School with remote access provided via Zoom.

Rochester Planning Board

By Matthew Donato

Living with White Sharks

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Please join the Sippican Lands Trust on Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 pm for an exciting virtual presentation to support the Sippican Lands Trust (SLT). Dr. Greg Skomal, a world-renowned shark-expert, and SLT board member, will give a special presentation titled Living with White Sharks.

            Dr. Skomal is a marine biologist and shark expert currently heading up the Massachusetts Shark Research Program (MSRP) at the Division of Marine Fisheries in Massachusetts. Dr. Skomal serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Massachusetts School for Marine Science and Technology in New Bedford, MA, a guest investigator at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Woods Hole, MA, and an adjunct scientist with the Center for Shark Research in Sarasota, FL.

            Reservations are required for this special virtual presentation about Great White Sharks, and the cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members with proceeds benefitting the Sippican Lands Trust. To register for this special presentation visit sippicanlandstrust.org/buy-event-tickets-online/.

            Instructions on how to join the Zoom presentation will be emailed to registered participants by noon on Tuesday, August 11.