Association Pier into Briggs/Hammett Cove Draws Ire

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The Marion Planning Board met this past Tuesday and began with a continued hearing from last meeting’s hearing on a Special Permit request from Derek A. Maksy and Denise Allard of 61 & 63 Oakdale Avenue. It was cited that the two lots were one until a few years ago. The property owners were present and seek to receive a Special Permit for both properties to add a pier onto the property. The proposed pier would be 127 feet in length with 16 feet of that being a ramp from land down over the sea wall. There will also be a bench at the end. The two properties would act as a single association, both sharing the pier.

            There were numerous concerns raised from concerned locals. Worries over waterways navigational travel led to the request for a temporary marker to mark off where the pier would be to gauge its effect on maritime traffic. Chair Andrew Daniel said, “getting a boat through at high tide would be impossible.” Other members of the public were weary of boats passing, stating two boats could not pass side-by-side. Another from the community said, “please visit at low tide before you vote.”

            The proliferation of docks, piers, and other coastal structures led to the citation of fears of the status of submerged aquatic vegetation. The properties’ representative stated, using GIS mapping, there have been no detection of sea grass or eelgrass in the proposed work area. There will also only be two piles into the water to reduce effects.

            The Chair also stated the creation of an association pier and the implication that two properties can serve as an association “seems like a loophole.” He also said he would need to speak with Town Counsil on this.

            A continuance was asked for by both the Board and the properties’ representative. The Chair stressed the need to cut the pier back as much as possible, with Member W. Dale Jones stressing the need for compromise.

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, May 5 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department Conference Room.

Marion Planning Board

By Sam Bishop

I Am Sick… Where Should I Go?

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In the “old days,” say the 1950s and ’60s, getting sick was much simpler. If you did not feel well, you called your doctor and either went to his (and 90%-plus were male) office or he made a house call. Now, the set of choices is overwhelming – but where you decide to go can have a major impact on your health and your wallet. Your choices include:

            The Emergency Department (ED). Pros: always open, prepared to handle just about anything acute that you may have. Cons: usually no idea who you are or your underlying health issues; very expensive – even if you have good insurance, there is usually a high co-pay; little continuity of care, and, unless you are critically ill, a long wait, often a very long wait.

            Urgent care center. Pros: extended hours including weekends; can handle most minor emergencies; usually have X-ray and lab; less expensive than ED. Cons: Not 24/7, so be sure to check if they are open; no continuity of care; moderately expensive.

            Pharmacy-based drop-in clinics, usually nurse-staffed. Pros: weekend hours; can handle most “minor” illnesses well; usually less expensive than the prior two. Cons: limited diseases that can be handled; little continuity; limited lab or X-ray available.

            Your doctor’s office: Pros: they know you and can generally avoid over-testing; continuity of care automatic; least expensive. Cons: limited hours; may not be able to see you quickly.

            So, what should you do?

            As the ubiquitous phone message says, if you are having a medical emergency, hang up and dial 911. If you are experiencing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain or are bleeding profusely, you belong in the ED. Calling 911 will get you there more safely than driving and will ensure you are seen more promptly. Ambulance patients are almost always seen before those who drive themselves or are driven. Most insurance covers emergency ambulance transport (but not “convenience” rides).

            If you need urgent attention but are not severely ill – think foreign object in your eye, a deep cut that will need suturing or a red swollen arm on a Saturday – the closest Urgent Care Center is probably your best bet.

            For the myriad other “minor emergencies” that need prompt attention such as a bad sore throat, an earache, a possible urinary infection or a very itchy rash, try your doctor’s office first. If they are unable to see you, a convenience clinic at the local pharmacy will probably be able to help you at lowest cost and least waiting. These are the kinds of problems that do not belong in the ED.

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

American Semiquincentennial

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The war for the nation’s independence was simmering to boil 250 years ago. This past week on April 18 was the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere and William Dawes’ “the British are coming!” April 19 marked the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Concord and Lexington. April 22 was the Gunpowder Incident, where, following the battles in Massachusetts, the Royal Governor of the Colony of Virginia, Lord John Dunmore, attempted to seize gunpowder from the powder magazine in Williamsburg. This brought violent clashes and militia uprisings south. Things are heating up. Or, were.

            Events in the area and across the country are slated for the next few years. So far, festivities have primarily been seen in Boston, Concord, and Lexington. Though, as we pass the anniversary of other historic events, other celebrations will pop up.

            The United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act, signed in 2016, instructs numerous public offices to carry out various activities of historic importance. The law also pushes for “such activities as the issuance of coins, medals, certificates of recognition, stamps, and the naming of vessels.” Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the Act’s committee.

            Another fun fact: Americans Centennial celebrations in 1876 coincided with the country’s first hosting of the World’s Fair.

            For more information on events across Massachusetts, you can visit the MA250 website at massachusetts250.org. The Wanderer will continue to update and cover local events in the Tri-Town as they are announced.

By Sam Bishop

Five ORRHS Seniors Honored as SCC Academic All-Stars

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to recognize five Old Rochester Regional High School seniors who were honored for their academic accomplishments at the 36th annual South Coast Conference Academic All-Star Banquet.

            On Thursday, April 17, Old Rochester Regional High School seniors Nolan Bushnell, Dillon Furtado, Caitlin O’Donnell, Xavier Pateakos and Aubrey Sylvia-Everett were recognized as South Coast Conference Academic All-Stars during the banquet held at Independence Harbor in Assonet.

            The event was also attended by Superintendent Nelson, Principal Devoll and National Honors Society advisors Kathleen Brunelle and Randy Allain.

            Each year, South Coast Conference schools recognize the top five students of the graduating class with the South Coast Conference Academic All-Star Award. The chosen students reflect each of the National Honor Society’s four pillars – Service, Character, Scholarship and Citizenship – and have positively impacted their schools and community.

            The South Coast Conference includes Apponequet Regional High School, Bourne High School, Joseph Case High School, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, Fairhaven High School, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, Old Rochester Regional High School, Seekonk High School, Somerset Berkley Regional High School and West Bridgewater High School.

            “I am so proud of these five students, and I look forward to seeing all the great things they accomplish in the future after graduation,” said Superintendent Nelson. “These distinctions as South Coast Conference Academic All-Stars were highly deserved. It is such a privilege to have them represent Old Rochester Regional High School and watch them receive this recognition.”

            “Each year, I look forward to this event and I couldn’t be any prouder of our five South Coast Conference Academic All-Stars. This is such a fitting way to kick off the celebration of accomplishments for our Class of 2025,” Principal Devoll said. “I have been privileged to attend 17 of these banquets over the years, and each one perfectly captures the amazing accomplishments of our top five ranked seniors.”

Academic Achievements

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Graduating Psychology major and student-athlete Carly Drew from Rochester, is the student speaker at the 76th Annual Commencement Ceremony at Anna Maria College.

Spring Hike with MLT and OutHounds Adventure Club

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Are you home with your kids during School Vacation Week? On Friday April 25 at 10:00 am Mattapoisett Land Trust is excited to collaborate with the OutHounds Adventure Club to bring you a co-hosted dog hiking Adventure. We can’t think of a better way to spend a couple of hours on a Friday morning than hiking with friends and dogs in the woods. Bring your own dog or meet new ones on this Adventure Hike. We will meet at the new Grace Pond parking lot (please continue past the Bowman Rd. kiosk to the new lot) for a walk through Old Aucoot District. The Old Aucoot District is a collection of properties making up 397 acres of protected land and trails. Don’t have a dog to bring? No problem – there will be plenty of dogs to share. We will begin by heading down the red trail towards the water, then loop back and meander up Old Slough Road to the parking lot for an approximately 1 ½ hour walk. What a great way to close out school vacation week. This event is free and will happen rain or shine. Wear sturdy shoes, and your dog should be on leash. Questions? Email manager@mattlandtrust.org.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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This article is in part a look back at a previous article that I wrote in February of 2021 regarding a factory located in Rochester. The factory was the F.T. Anderson and Son Piano Manufacturers, and it was located in the woods off Walnut Plain Rd.

            Frederick Anderson came from Sweden in 1883 and began a career in the piano making industry. He worked for the Vose Piano Factory in Boston and at Kurtzman’s in Buffalo, New York. After 41 yrs. in the industry, he retired with his family to their longtime vacation home in Rochester.

            That retirement didn’t last long as he soon decided it was time to join with his son to start their own piano factory right here in town. Frederick and his son worked together using their skills as draftsmen, pattern makers and musicians to turn out finished pianos in 3 to 4 months.

            In 1927 alone, they made and sold 24 pianos which were sent by truck to Middleboro to be collected by buyers or taken to the train for shipment. They made and sold upright pianos and baby grands. They also made a player piano as an experiment and kept that one in their showroom.

            Now for the reason for this repeat article. I received an email from a woman who works for AARP in their Wish of a Lifetime department. The 94 yr. old woman’s whose wish she is working on is the granddaughter of our piano maker, Frederick Anderson. Her wish is to be able to play on one of his pianos.

            It would seem that somewhere in our area an Anderson piano could be sitting in a home or hall. You lift the lid to find the maker (usually). So, my “wish” is if anyone has or knows of an F.T. Anderson & Son piano would you be willing to let our “wishee” play some music on it. We can all play detective and if anyone is successful, please contact me at eshbach2@aol.com or call 617 750 2818. I will be able to put you in contact with AARP’s Wish of a Lifetime. The piano in the accompanying picture is not an Anderson piano, but it is a piano.

By Connie Eshbach

Land Swap Proposal Questioned

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Rochester’s Planning Board began its meeting Tuesday with further review of a proposal to modify the Special Permit and Groundwater Protection District Special Permit for Cushman Road Solar, Cushman Road, a plan to construct additional sub-drainage improvements within the existing driveway off of Robinson Road.

            Board Chair Arnold Johnson explained members have visited the site out of concern over the Hutchins property where utility piping must be properly covered and graded per the property owner’s requests. This was all they had to focus on until “at the last minute” they heard the project managers also wanted to address easement concerns lodged by the neighboring Koczera property owners, Johnson said.

            This led the board to continue the hearing until its next meeting after Johnson said he wanted the Koczeras’ input as to whether they agree with the plan changes. He also asked project engineer Joseph Harrison, who attended the meeting on Zoom, for full-sized plans of all the changes. Johnson said the small size plans he was reviewing were not adequate. “I left my seeing dog home tonight,” he quipped.

            Next, the board approved a plan a land swap between 194 and 198 Burgess Avenue by endorsing the project’s Approval Not Required application. Both properties are owned by members of the Britto family and the plan here is to build a new garage where there is adequate space.

            The Planning Board then voted to recommend the Zoning Bylaw Amendment article on the May 19 Annual Town Meeting warrant that would revise the 40R Smart Growth Development District on Cranberry Highway to add a new Townhouse sub-district and expand the district to encompass an additional parcel after a public hearing on the proposal. Johnson explained two A-form lots outside the district needed to be added to it they may be more viable financing-wise.

            The Board spent the most time on its last agenda. Snipatuit Estates Marc Wilson is proposing a land swap from a permanent open space portion of the development so another house lot can be built there. Wilson’s attorney Robert Pellegrini said he wanted to know from the Planning Board what kind of filing should be done for this request.

            Board members responded with resistance to the idea. Board member John DiMaggio said he didn’t like setting the precedence of changing a ‘permanent’ property to something else. Board member Ben Bailey, attending the meeting on Zoom, said it was a fraud to portray the land being swapped as being worthy or of equal value, as Pelligrini characterized the move. “I am totally opposed to putting another house on Snipatuit Pond and so will the neighbors and town residents,” Bailey said. Johnson instructed Pelligrini to have properties under consideration be marked and flagged so the board can conduct a site visit.

            In other action, the board appointed the new Town Planner, Michaela Shoemaker, as the town’s At-Large SRPEDD commissioner.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Bulldogs on Track toward Successful Season

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The Old Rochester Regional High School boys and girls track-and-field teams hosted Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech on April 17. ORR’s boys won 84-52, and ORR’s girls won 83-53.

            Wesner Archelus and Audrey Thomas were named the runners of the meet. Archelus won the 200 meter race and the 110 meter hurdles. Thomas won the 100 meter and 400 meter races. Both boys and girls teams are 3-0 on the season and will host Somerset Berkley on May 1.

Boys Lacrosse

            The Bulldogs played at Seekonk (3-4) on April 16 and won 17-5. Caleb Bousquet scored 7 goals and had 4 assists, and David Lally scored 4 goals and had 6 assists, as they were named the players of the game. ORR took a 4-2 record into Wednesday’s game at Dighton-Rehoboth (3-2).

Girls Tennis

            Old Rochester is a perfect 3-0 on the season after the Bulldogs won a South Coast Conference showdown, 4-1, against visiting Apponequet (5-2) on April 17. Delaney Chase and Caroline Houdelette were named the players of the match. The Bulldogs took their momentum into Wednesday’s match at undefeated Somerset Berkley (6-0).

Baseball

            Old Rochester played at West Bridgewater (1-4) and won 11-4 on April 16. Ben Wesoly was named the player of the game. The Bulldogs took a 2-3 record into Wednesday’s game Somerset Berkley (4-2).

ORR Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky

ORRHS AP Students Present Research Projects

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Sharlene Fedorowicz and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to congratulate this year’s AP Research students at Old Rochester Regional High School, following the completion of the Presentation and Oral Defense component of their research inquiries in the Media Center on Friday, April 11.

            The Presentation and Oral Defense component for the AP Research students was the culmination of a research process that started at the beginning of the school year. The research process involved the selection of a topic of academic inquiry, before empowering the AP Research students to explore preexisting scholarship through a review of literature. The 12 AP Research students then designed and carried out an appropriate and well-defended research method, before analyzing the results in order to address a gap in the existing research.

            “Congratulations to all of this year’s AP Research students, who completed the Presentation and Oral Defense component of their research inquiries,” said Social Studies Teacher Andrew Apperson, who oversaw the student research. “The students have worked hard to reach this immense accomplishment. The students did absolutely amazing work, and they brought forth a wide array of fascinating topics. As always, it was a delight to see it all come together, and I’m tremendously proud of their accomplishments.”

            The Presentation and Oral Defense Panel, a group of teachers who judged the research projects, were treated to AP Research student presentations on the following topics:

To what extent did US Foreign Policy Contribute to Russia’s Decision to Invade Ukraine?

The Effects of Changing the Physical Properties of a Disc Golf Disc.

COVID-19’s Isolation Effects on Infants’ Developmental Levels.

The Impact of AFRICOM on Djibouti.

The Impact of Turbidity on Eelgrass Growth in Buzzards Bay.

The Effect of Digitization on Music Consumers.

Impact of Mental Health Issues on the Lifestyle of a Female Collegiate Athlete.

Child Life Specialists’ Role in the Interdisciplinary Healthcare Team at Hasbro Children’s. Hospital.

Examining the Correlation Between Success and Motivation Levels on Female Irish Dancers 12 to 18 Years Old in the CLRG Irish Dance Organization.

To What Extent are Vocational Education Programs in Correctional Facilities in the South Coast of Massachusetts Effective in Reducing Recidivism?

The Evolution of Anti-Virus Software on Windows.

The Effects of Seasonality on Opioid Abuse Patterns in Southeastern Massachusetts.

            Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Sharlene Fedorowicz and Principal Michael Devoll thanked Mr. Apperson for his role guiding AP Research. And they commended the students for exploring these complicated topics with academic rigor, scholarly discipline and sound logic.

            “We’re extremely proud of these students for their achievements on their AP Research projects,” said Principal Devoll. “By taking on this challenge, our AP Research students have gone above and beyond. The experience they’ve gained will serve them well as they continue with their education and engage in scholarly research. Thank you to Mr. Apperson for guiding these students and empowering them to make such scholarly and well-researched presentations.”

            “Congratulations to these students on this impressive achievement,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Fedorowicz. “We always want students to be able to learn about things that interest them, and the AP Research program allows them to do just that while also helping them develop valuable skills that can be used down the line, no matter what they pursue after high school. The AP Research program is rigorous and challenging. Completing this program is an indication of the high level of dedication and scholarly discipline.”

            “Kudos to all of our AP Research students for completing their Presentation and Oral Defense,” said Superintendent Nelson. “This AP Research program enables our students to explore real-world issues in great depth through research and collaboration. This was an excellent opportunity for our students to write and present their work effectively, demonstrating scholarship, hard work and remarkable insight into some of the most intriguing and challenging topics facing our world today.”