Hurricane Isaias Warning

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Marion Residents are being urged to monitor the track of Hurricane Isaias and make arrangements for shelter with family or friends should an evacuation be necessary.  A local emergency may be opened but due to COVID restrictions, residents may have to rely on a regional shelter if necessary.

Special attention to the residents of Planting Island and lower Point Rd- if the hurricane tracks toward Marion, Planting Island will be evacuated.  If storm surge breaches the Planting Island causeway, the island will be cut off from emergency services.  In addition, the Water Department will shut off the fresh water to Planting Island as a precaution to avoid possibly contaminating the water supply for the whole town.

Point Rd below the lower entrance to Delano Rd will also be evacuated.  In past storms, trees and downed wires blocked Point Rd for several hours before utility crews were able to remove downed wires.  This prevented emergency responders being able to access residents.

HOW YOU CAN PREPARE 

  • Know Your Evacuation Zone
    • Learn if you live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone:www.mass.gov/knowyourzone
    • Make an Emergency Plan
      • Develop a plan with the members of your household to prepare for what to do in a tropical cyclone including making an evacuation plan, planning for individuals with access and functional needs, and any extra considerations during COVID-19 pandemic including how you might evacuate and where you might evacuate to. If you are in a high risk population, the safest option may be to evacuate to a location without the general public such as a hotel, relatives’ home or other destination. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/make-a-family-emergency-plan
      • Build an Emergency Kit
        • Build an emergency kit containing items that will sustain you and your family in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power or unable to go to a store and customize for your family’s needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, include face coverings, masks, hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies that you may need. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/build-an-emergency-kit.
      • Stay Informed
        • Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. Learn more about different types of alerting and information tools including the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, Social Media & Traditional Media, 2-1-1 Hotline, Local Notification Systems: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/be-informed-and-receive-emergency-alerts.
        • Sign up to receive Town of Marion Urgent Alerts here: https://www.marionma.gov/subscribe. Check “Urgent Alert”, enter your email, and can click “Subscribe Me” below

Cyclists, Drivers Need to Learn to Get Along

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            A bicyclist is riding at an aggressive clip when he comes upon a jogger heading in the opposite direction but on the same side of the road. A car is nonetheless gaining on the bike and is poised and ready to pass when it becomes apparent his maneuver will coincide with the passing of the bike and the jogger.

            That’s three layers – what’s the move?

            Let’s start by hoping someone’s phone doesn’t ring.

            It wasn’t until November 25, 2019 that Massachusetts finally had a hands-free law for phones while driving, but the problems that bicyclists and drivers face with one another on area roads persist.

            Even on our rural roads, it’s getting more complicated each day with the addition of more drivers, more riders and more walker/joggers. The urgency to get from Point A to Point B because that’s what the window for the workout allows or the workout itself requires or it’s just the end of a long day and time to get home is turning the screw in multiple directions and causing stress even where activities are meant to better manage it.

            Rochester resident Colleen Campbell is an avid cyclist and is among many concerned for their safety.

            “What is the difference between a jogger on the side of the road and a cyclist on the side of the road? I feel like motorists give walkers and joggers a lot more (space),” she said.

            Campbell, 53, is a former athlete who admits her more pliable days are in the past and wants to take advantage of being forced to work from home by getting out and riding more. But confidence comes and goes.

            “Motorists seem to be angry,” she said. “Just some trucks the other day on Mary’s Pond Road in Rochester. Not a car on the road, and this pickup truck barely gives us the space, maybe moves over a foot or two, really close, then presses on the gas.”

            In a more positive recent instance, Campbell was taking a right past Cervelli Farm Stand on Rounseville Road, also in Rochester in the morning before the stand had opened so a chain was draped blocking the lot. Just before passing it, she extended her right hand to signal, took the right and – boom – a car was parked on the right, protruding well into the traffic lane.

            “Now I have a decision, stop or take the road,” she said. “The motorist thankfully stopped to let me take the road and pass safely.”

            To acknowledge that this is not an exact science is not tantamount to calling it a free-for-all; there are state laws based on rules of the road combined with the reasoning that put all three parties on the same side of the road.

            It all starts with the premise that cars in the United States drive in the right lane. Joggers and walkers, because of the absolutely necessity that they see oncoming traffic, travel in the opposite direction. Bicycles, at least on residential roads, establish a relative speed closer to vehicular traffic than pedestrians, and therefore are required when on the road (as opposed to a sidewalk) to keep the same rules that vehicles do.

            Therefore, when a cyclist comes to a stop sign at a four-way intersection, the bike must take the same lane a car would have and take its turn as the next car in the same position would.

            This is not chutzpah but keeping the law. As drivers might scratch their heads, much of the confusion stems from the surprisingly large number of the latter who do not know that bicycles are supposed to do what cars do and not what joggers/walkers do.

            Some cyclists flat-out disobey the rules and, therefore, create a bad reputation for those who do obey them, like those who fail to use hand signals or choose in groups to ride abreast rather than in single-file.

            “I’ve been in my truck driving and there will be cyclists, three of them, across the road,” said Campbell. “Maybe they don’t see me. And I’m waiting and waiting and they’re still chatting. Those are the types of riders who will make a bad impression. That’s something that can ruin it for other cyclists.”

            Would a better education solve all the problems? Absolutely – as in not.

            No matter how well people educate themselves on the subject, there is always a segment of society making a bad name for the majority through ignorant and sometimes spiteful actions. This is true behind the handlebars as well as behind the wheel.

            As one who also drives a pick-up truck, Campbell has found herself in uncomfortable situations behind the wheel. “I’ve been behind cyclists and said, ‘Woah, this is a dangerous situation… they’re all over the road.’ I understand at times from the motorist’s perspective it can be a dicey, dangerous situation,” she said.

            While many motorists apparently lack an understanding of what bike riders need to do to act in accordance with statewide regulations, some drivers outright consider bike riders to be intruders. Campbell realizes the advantage of their anonymity. “You’re in the power seat; you’re not vulnerable. The cyclist is vulnerable,” she said. “The thing about cycling – cycling is a fantastic way to exercise, without the pounding of the joints. As a mode of transportation, it’s great for the environment.”

            While some villages are more advanced in dedicating and marking off bike lanes the way cities are doing these days, country roads remain more prone to conflict in part because participants are not up to date on the law and the rules of the road.

            Just as awareness is essential on the road in any mode of movement, nervous anxiety is just as counterproductive. The answer lies in education to accurately interpret at least most of what others are doing on the road at the same time one is making his or her own decision.

            After that, it’s about finding friendly spaces and mutual respect.

            For more helpful information on the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists and drivers (based on Massachusetts General Law Chapter 89, Section 2 and Chapter 90, Section 14) especially where it concerns their interaction with one another on the road, visit massbike.org.

By Mick Colageo

Sippican Historical Society

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Marion (Old Rochester) is one of the oldest towns in the United States, and the Sippican Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of documentation on its historic buildings. In 1998, the Sippican Historical Society commissioned an architectural survey of Marion’s historic homes and buildings. Over 100 were cataloged and photographed. SHS will feature one building a week so that the residents of Marion can understand more about its unique historical architecture.

            This week we feature Great Hill. Great Hill, a peninsula consisting of 313 acres that jut out into the bay, was the site of Marion’s first summer hotel, the Marion House, which accommodated 300 guests. Today, this estate encompasses the largest main house and the most extensive collection of ancillary buildings in the town of Marion. Native Americans relied on Great Hill’s elevation as a strategic lookout to protect their families and crops. Great Hill also served as their sacred tribal meeting ground. In 1909, Galen Stone, a Boston investment banker, purchased the property. He demolished the hotel and hired architect Horace S. Fraser to design a rambling mansion built out of Hayden stone taken from the Philadelphia area. The family firm was called Haden Stone, and thus the use of that type of stone. The Tudor manor house was copied from an estate north of London called Compton Wyngates. By 1911, the Stones moved into the massive summer “castle” with 30 servants. Another 20 male employees lived in a building on the grounds for the staff. Reduced in size by approximately four-fifths today, the residence is still a substantial stone and brick building.

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

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St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, next to the Town Beach in Mattapoisett, will have 8:00 am services on August 2 with the Rev. Robert Malm, Interim Rector, St. Gabriel’s Church, Marion. Masks are required and all other safety precautions will be in place at the church. All are welcome.

Academic Achievements

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Jake Mouraoof of Mattapoisett, was named to the Dean’s list at the University of South Carolina for the spring 2020 semester. To be eligible, you must have a 3.5 or higher GPA. Jake is now a sophomore in the Darla Moore School of Business studying finance and economics. 

Green DPW Building Would Be Costly at Start

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            It’s only in the exploratory stages, but the Marion Board of Selectmen’s decision to wait before taking to Town Meeting floor what appears to be an inevitable request for funding for a new Department of Public Works facility has piqued the interest of the town’s Energy Management Committee.

            The resultant window of time has Energy Management Committee member Bill Saltonstall on a fact-finding mission regarding the proposal of a 10,000 square foot building near the Benson Brook transfer station and the water tower.

            “I thought it would be worthwhile to try to make this building energy-efficient,” Saltonstall told Monday night’s Zoom meeting of the committee. “We have a great opportunity to do a ground-breaking building for Marion if we did it right.”

            The way Saltonstall sees it, a new DPW building used to maintain heavy and lighter vehicles would likely require a simple design on a concrete slab for all-season maintenance. He envisions a ground-source heat pump taking advantage of nearby wetlands to produce radiant heat particularly effective in a garage space where doors frequently open and close. And there would likely be room on the roof for solar panels.

            Saltonstall called it “a good time for us to get involved.”

            Both Saltonstall and Town Manager Gil Hilario reported having discussed the concept with Board of Selectmen Chairperson Randy Parker, whose support is tempered by concern over the cost.

            Hilario, who had received word of a potential grant that would cover tHilario, who had received word of a potential grant that would cover the cost of engineering, reported to the committee that he had told Parker that the grant would be worthwhile to apply for if the design of a new DPW building meets sustainability requirements. “I think it’s been positive so far and is going in the right direction,” said Hilario.

            Christian Ingerslev, the chairperson of the Energy Management Committee, suggested that the up-front cost will not be the result of an energy-efficient building as much as its heating system and maintaining the ground source. Saltonstall and Hilario will continue to research the potential project, and Ingerslev said, “We can see who can handle it once it gets started.”

            In his report on Marion’s Mass Energy Impact Program, Saltonstall indicated that there are mitigating factors that can enhance or obscure the progress the town is making on its five-year timeline to achieve a 20 percent energy-output reduction.

            Marion’s community center, formerly a VFW hall, is part of that energy-gobbling scenario. “The use of the building has grown considerably; we heat it, we electrify it… It looks awful,” said Saltonstall of the statistics. But he also suggested that the town property on Atlantis Drive that has been sold but not closed upon will result in a step down once out of the picture.

            Hilario said Marion’s Green Community Planning is waiting on a grant application and expects a decision by August 17.

            The Community Center is without heating and is waiting on a grant application for a new furnace. Either way, said Hilario, by grant or funding approved at the June 22 Town Meeting, the Community Center will be heated next winter.

            Hilario said the town received mixed advice on the purchase of a furnace/boiler but has since learned that a heat pump system is more eco-friendly, only to find out it’s too late to change the application. “We really want to prioritize heat-pump systems in the future. It’s been an education for the committee,” said Hilario.

            Hilario reported that the feedback on Marion’s hope to maximize the usage of Benson Brook landfill by expanding its proposed solar array to cover the slopes was negative. While Hilario was told the panels have to be aligned parallel and that the way they were positioned cannot accomplish much, he suggested economics influenced the negative feedback.

            As a Green Community, Marion is eligible to apply for up to $300,000 in grants annually, and the Energy Management Committee has conducted building audits and energy analysis to help the town spend its money wisely. Ingerslev pointed out that Marion is required to spend any approved funds before it can apply for more so short-term projects often become the focal point.

            The Green Communities program baseline fiscal year is (July 1) 2018 so Marion has roughly two years remaining to achieve its target reduction.

            All street lights within Marion’s control are now LED, while vehicle energy is down in 2020 and so is its water/sewer-related electricity by a slight amount.

            “I think we can definitely say that we’ve been working hard in the right direction,” said Ingerslev.

            “Bill has made tremendous progress,” said Hilario, noting that supply and distribution data has been updated on Saltonstall’s watch.

            Saltonstall, who sits on the board of directors of the Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative (CVEC), reported that Executive Director Liz Argo is leaving her position. “She just knows a lot about solar and wind and what the towns have been able to do to bring these to the Cape,” he said.

            Marion is looking into increasing the number of charging stations it has for electric and hybrid vehicles. The only existing station is tucked in the back at the harbormaster’s office where parking is tight. After discussion, members of the committee were asked to visit the parking area across Front Road from the Music Hall and be prepared to discuss the angled stretch closest to Front Street and adjacent to handicapped parking spots as a potential second charging station. Ingerslev suggested laying cable for four spots and constructing two spots. According to Hilario, Eversource would pay to upgrade the electrical source and Marion would supply the power.

            The committee is also planning to learn about hybrid vehicles that could potentially function as a police cruiser, the motivation being the lengthy stretches in which police vehicles are required to idle for hours but could do so more efficiently.

            Prospective candidates for Energy Management Committee membership Alanna Nelson, Alex Roy, and Tom Friedman attended Monday night’s meeting and spoke of their interests and experience.

            Friedman described himself as “a very early adopter of energy-efficiency methods,” while Nelson was the co-chair of Melrose’s energy commission over the last six months and Roy is an attorney in compliance-risk management for MIT.

            The next meeting of the Marion Energy Management Committee is scheduled for August 24, but a special follow-up meeting was expected to be held midweek to discuss the membership size and the three candidates under consideration.

Marion Energy Management Committee

By Mick Colageo

ORR Class of 2020

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The Old Rochester Regional High School Class of 2020 Graduation will be held on August 8 at 10:00 am. All graduates and family members who will be in attendance must register prior to July 31. Please contact the school at 508-758-3745 or michaeldevoll@oldrochester.org to register to attend graduation. Per local health guidelines, all attendees must be registered by July 31.

STEAM Projects to Go

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Here at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, we are excited to announce a new program for teens, grades 6 to 12, called “STEAM Projects to Go”. STEAM Projects to Go are created for busy teens who still want to engage with library programming and their community. Each month there will be a new STEAM project and theme. This month’s project will explore Japanese culture and customs, food, and art. Further, it will inspire teens to take it one step further with a list of extension projects.

            Each Steam Project to Go will include: supplies needed for the project, instructions, information about the theme, a library book related to the theme, and ideas for more projects. If you are interested in getting a STEAM to go project, register at the library’s website (mattapoisettlibrary.org) on the calendar or by calling the library. Registration is open until all slots are filled. Once you have registered, you will be contacted to arrange pick up (library card required).

            Our Teen and Adult Summer programming, the MFPL Scavenger Hunt and Bingo, are still going on until August 28, so don’t forget to join in the fun! Each task you complete will earn you a raffle ticket. Each raffle ticket will be put towards our awesome prizes.  

            You can pick up the Scavenger Hunt List and/or the Bingo Sheet at the library at the side door entrance or on the library website, mattapoisettlibrary.org. The winners will be announced on Saturday, August 29. Keep us updated by emailing Michelle Skaar at mskaar@sailsinc.org with your name, contact information, and what task you’ve completed. Proof is not required, but highly encouraged! Remember to stay safe and practice social distancing.

            Please contact Michelle Skaar at mskaar@sailsinc.org or call the library for more information. All programs are free and open to the public.

Mattapoisett Master Plan

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The town of Mattapoisett’s Planning Board is pleased to announce the launch of the Mattapoisett Master Plan Project. Master plans provide guidance for public policy and decision-making in a variety of areas, including land use, economic development, housing, services and facilities, and natural resources. They are also an opportunity for community members to discuss priorities, to reach consensus on goals, and to identify strategies to achieve those goals.

            The Planning Board intends to create this long-range municipal planning document in a public, collaborative way over approximately 24 months. To do so, the town is working with Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD). SRPEDD is a regional planning agency that has recently worked with several nearby towns to complete master plans. Today, the project team officially launched the Master Plan Project webpage – www.srpedd.org/mattapoisett-master-plan. Given the unique challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the webpage is a particularly important way for the public to stay up-to-date and to influence the master plan by providing your input online. If public health data permits, the master plan will also include several in-person workshops, open houses, and events. 

            The Planning Board and SRPEDD encourage members of the public to visit the webpage, sign up for updates, and reach out with any questions or comments. Your input – combined with current, accurate data – are the key ingredients for the master plan.

            For more information, please contact Mary Crain, Planning Board Administrator at planning@mattapoisett.net or 508.758.4100 ext. 215, or Grant King at gking@srpedd.org.

Muriel G. (Hartley) Thompson

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Muriel G. (Hartley) Thompson, 79, formerly of Rochester passed away Monday, July 27, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford after a long illness. She was the wife of Donald M. Thompson and the late Robert Bassett.

            Born in Tewksbury, MA, daughter of the late Henry B. and Grace (Moncref) Hartley, she lived most of her life in Rochester and later Florida as well. Muriel was a travel councilor for AAA for many years. She was a member of the Rochester Congregational Church and enjoyed spending time with her family.

            She is survived by her husband Donald; children, Warren R. Bassett and his wife Cynthia, Bradford E. Bassett, David H. Bassett and his wife Heidi, Susan L. Weigel and her husband Scott all of Rochester and Bethany Thompson of Dartmouth; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

            In accordance with her wishes she will be cremated and buried in the family lot in the Sherman Cemetery in Rochester. A Memorial Celebration will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main St., Fairhaven. For memorial register please visit, www.hathawayfunerals.com.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Muriel’s name to the Rochester Fire Association, 10 Neck Rd., Rochester, MA 02770.