This Saturday, September 14, the Rochester Historical Society is hosting a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of the RHS at the Rochester COA on Dexter Lane. Registration is 11:00 – 12:00 pm; lunch is from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. There will be speakers from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, and music and socializing from 2:00 to 3:00 pm.
The day could not have been more picture-perfect as the aroma of chowder – commonly referred to as “chowdah” around these parts – wafted across the fields outside the Knights of Columbus hall in Mattapoisett on September 8. By 1:00 pm, the parking lot was nearly filled to capacity as families and supporters came in droves to sample chowders and vote on which ones were their favorites at the 5th Annual Mattapoisett Firefighters Association Chowder Competition.
Adding to the backdrop of the event, fire trucks of all shapes and sizes were on display. A ladder truck from the Rochester Fire Department held an enormous American flag high above the parking lot situated along Route 6. It was impressive to see fire apparatuses from Rochester and Mattapoisett lined up, giving the community a real sense of the size of the equipment needed to protect life and property and the men and women who must operate that equipment with precision and safety. No small task.
Under the big tent were the competitors with their implements of mass feeding – over-sized industrial strength crock-pots. This year’s competitors from the municipal public safety competition were the Rochester Firefighters Association, Fairhaven Fire Department, Mattapoisett Police Department, and Town of Rochester Facility Department, in addition to several other area restaurants entered in the professional establishment competition.
Over at the Rochester Firefighters Association table, Deputy Chief Albert Weigel was keeping a crock-pot lid on his special ingredients. But The Wandererdid overhear that it was the fresh clams, potatoes, and bacon, with “new tweaks” every year that made the difference.
Speaking of clams, not all these chowders were clam-based. There were also some special appearances made by scallops and crabs, too.
In the business competition, some of the chowders featured scallops and, yes, bacon, which was a
serious staple of some of the recipes, even crumbled on top. Others mixed things up a bit, with one competitor, for example, offering up a special Cajun crab and corn chowder (Bacon was not mentioned, in case you were wondering).
Mattapoisett Patrol Officer Paul Andrews was stirring the pot at the Mattapoisett PD table as he has been doing for the last five years. He said in the past his chowder won the coveted People’s Choice Award.
And, again, turning our attention to that favorite salty, savory delight – bacon, it clearly was a not-so-secret ingredient, as most of the chefs confirmed it was indeed in the pot. But Andrew Daniel of the Rochester Facilities Department said of his chowder, “It’s all seafood. We’ve got everything in here.” And, of course, he didn’t hold bacon.
Outside the tent, however, was where the real action took place. Kids, kids, and more kids enjoyed climbing on the fire trucks, ringing the bell, running, spraying water, and generally having a ball. It is, after all, an event that brings out young families, sprinkled with a few very supportive older folks. It is an event for not only Mattapoisett, but also surrounding communities to come together, eat, have some fun, and enjoy being together.
But, what about the competition? Taking the People’s Choice award in the category of Public Safety was the Rochester Facilities Department. The Rochester FD also took first place overall in this category. Taking second place was the Mattapoisett Police Department, and third place went to the Rochester Firefighters Association.
People’s Choice award for Professional Establishments once again went to The Inn at Shipyard Park. The inn was also voted first place winner overall in this category. Taking second place in Professional Establishments was 143 Market.
Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray said, “One-hundred percent of the money raised at this event goes back into the community… It goes towards scholarships, safety equipment, and programs that benefit the people.”
One program heavily featured this year was the MMR Hose Company Explorers. Young people between the ages of 14 – 18 living in Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester can enroll and learn about the opportunities and responsibilities in first responder careers such as fire, police, EMS, and the military. This is the third year for the program. Instructor Tracy Eldridge said they are currently recruiting for this year’s program. Interested high school students may contact Mattapoisett Fire Department Lt. Justin Dubois at jdubois@mattapoisett.net or call 508-758-4150.
By Marilou Newell
The full monthly newsletter and calendar are available on our website www.rochestermaseniorcenter.com. Events are also posted on the Rochester Council on Aging Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Rochestercoa.
The Rochester Senior Center has made a few changes to the Special Luncheon’s held in September: Monday, September 16, special luncheon will be prepared by Outreach Worker, Lorraine Thompson. Monday, September 23, special luncheon will be prepared by Hanna Milhench. Monday, September30, luncheon will also be the quarterly birthday luncheon to celebrate those born in July, August and September. This luncheon will be prepared by Mike and Ann Cambra. If you would like to attend one of the luncheons, please call the Senior Center to make a reservation. Donations of $5.00 per luncheon are suggested.
There will be a meet and greet following the September 30 luncheon to welcome the new Senior Center Director, Cheryl Randall-Mach. All are welcome to attend the meet and greet, and refreshments will be served.
The Veteran’s Social has been rescheduled from Thursday, September 12 to Thursday, September 26. The Veteran’s Social is held from 6:00-8:00 PM and all are welcome to attend. It is free of charge and it is not necessary to make a reservation.
Flu Clinics will be held at the Senior Center on Wednesday, October 9from 4:00 to 6:30 pm and Tuesday, October 22from 9:00 to 11:30 am. Additional flu clinics will be held at Old Colony Technical High School on Wednesday, September 25and Wednesday, October 23from 4:00 – 6:30 pm. Flu clinic dates are dependent upon vaccine supply availability.
The Rochester Senior Center has the following upcoming day trips; Sunday, September 15 – Harwich Arts and Music Cranberry Festival. Free admission, lunch there or nearby. The bus will leave at 8:30 am and return at approximately 5:00 pm. Thursday, September 19 – The Big “E” (Eastern States Exposition, Springfield). Senior admission is $12.00. The fair offers food, entertainment, vendors, Avenue of New England States, agriculture, livestock, and crafts. The bus will leave the Senior Center at 7:30 am and return at approximately 6:00 pm. Please note that advanced sign-up is required for trips to ensure a seat on the bus. Call the Senior Center at 508-763-8723 to sign-up and for trip details.
For as long as people have been alive on this earth, mosquitoes have existed. More than just annoying, mosquitoes may be the most dangerous animal in the world (Great white sharks, step aside.)
Several serious diseases are associated with mosquitoes, including malaria, yellow fever, and Zika. Fortunately, many are either rare or absent Massachusetts. However, the incidence of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in Plymouth county ranks among the highest in the nation.
Why do mosquitoes bite? Why do they carry these diseases? Is there anything we can do about all of this?
Together, we will review the following:
-mosquito biology
-mosquito pathogens
-protection methods
-habitat management
With the right knowledge and awareness, we can minimize risk and keep safe from mosquitoes.
Come in to the Marion Natural History Museum on September 20at 6:30 pm to learn a little about these animals. Free admission.
There’s been talk about solar panels coming to the roof of Rochester Memorial School for some time now, and on September 5, the Rochester School Committee took action to make that a reality and provide a significant cost savings for the school district.
Matt Shortsleeve of Select Energy gave a presentation on his company’s proposal to bring solar energy to RMS, a location he says is a good candidate for roof-mounted solar panels that could save the district around $600,000 throughout the 20-year life of the contract.
Select Energy previously won the Request for Proposal (RFP) process under the PowerOptions Program, Massachusetts’ non-profit energy consortium, which serves 400 member communities, non-profit organizations, schools, and hospitals in the state.
RMS, under the authority of the School District and the Board of Selectmen, would contract directly with Select Energy, which will then design, engineer, permit, procure the equipment, install, and maintain the equipment while the school district enjoys a significant savings in utilities.
The Rochester School District must first enter into an agreement, along with the selectmen, with Select Energy, sign a lease granting Select Energy access to the location, and agree on a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement with the Town of Rochester.
Shortsleeve said his company has so far serviced 65 similar projects across the state with success.
According to Shortsleeve, roughly 60 percent of the energy the panels produce would provide the school’s annual electricity use, and extra power produced would be exported to the grid and returned to the school at the same “net-metering” rate. The district would enter into a standard power purchase agreement specifying the design of the project, the rate per kilowatt-hour, determination values, expenses, and terms of the lease.
The lease, Shortsleeve specified, “[It] just gives us access rights to install and maintain… and service the equipment at least once a year.” As for the associated costs of installing and maintaining the equipment, Select Energy would pay for it all.
Some school districts sublease the sites with the host town, which is what Rochester Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar said Rochester’s town counsel recommended.
Shortsleeve suggested the parties decide whether to move forward or not sooner rather than later since the tax incentives will only decrease as time passes, which means contracted electricity rates would begin to rise.
“The sooner we go, the better chance that you’ll get a better rate,” said Shortsleeve. “It will creep up on you if you wait.”
He estimated a rate of about $0.049 per kilowatt-hour if the deal goes through before 2020, a savings of roughly $30,000 a year in electricity costs to the school. In 2020, the offered rate could increase to $0.059, “…Because tax credit drops, so the rate goes up a little bit.”
“If we can take advantage of it, then why not?” said Facilities Director Gene Jones. “The biggest thing is to get the group to agree… because… they need to get their engineering out here… And Eversource ain’t never in a hurry to interconnect, am I right?”
Jones said he believes the RMS roof could manage the added weight of the panels; however, he added, “Quite honestly, I’m not an engineer and I want to see what an engineer says.” He continued, “Monetarily, yeah, 4 cents a kilowatt, we’d all like that for 20 years, but I want to know what it’s gonna do to the facility.
“Go ahead,” he urged the committee, “because it sounds like a sound project, but let’s see the engineering side of it… and if it looks okay – but I even think, get one of our own engineers to take a look at it and see where we are.”
School Committee member Tina Rood was in favor of moving ahead.
“Between the cost savings, the green impact on the environment and the world, and, then, as a Green Community, if this allows us opportunities for other grants without harming our building, it’s a win all around for the Town of Rochester. Investigating is the way to go. It doesn’t hurt us to investigate.”
Rood made the motion to authorize Superintendent Doug White to enter into an agreement on the committee’s behalf, subject to mutual approval by the Board of Selectmen. The committee approved the motion.
Selectman Greenwood “Woody” Hartley, present at the meeting, said the matter would be added to the board’s next meeting agenda.
The next meeting of the Rochester School Committee is scheduled for October 3 at 6:30 pm at Rochester Memorial School.
Rochester School Committee
By Jean Perry
Get ready for the crisp weather with a good book. The Friends Book Sale is the perfect opportunity to stock up on some reading material. The Friends of the Mattapoisett Library will be holding their Second Saturday Monthly Book Sale, September 14, from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm, downstairs at the library, 7 Barstow Street. Stop in to browse our great selection and buy a “Bag of Books” for only $15.
The Friends wish to thank the many donors who keep the library supplied with quality book donations. Book sale proceeds enable the Friends to sponsor many of the special programs offered at the library, and to make special purchases of books, museum passes, equipment, etc. Book donations are accepted at the library circulation desk during regular library hours.
The Friends of the Library is a 501c3 nonprofit group of volunteers created to support the library. The Friends always seek adult volunteers to help with setup and during the sale, as well as, help with various library events through the year. To become a member of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library, inquire at the book sale or look for our membership forms located at the library circulation desk.
Some of the cases were continuances of continuances that were again continued, while at least one case was being heard for the first time. That’s the way things go in the world of conservation oversight. And so, on September 3 as the Rochester Conservation Commission conducted its due diligence on behalf of the town and its citizens, five hearings were continued.
Engineer Richard Charon represented Daniel Paradis for property located at 443 Neck Road, a parcel situated on the shores of Snipatuit Pond, in a Notice of Intent hearing.
Charon said that the conceptual plans included the razing of a 1930’s cottage and the construction of a four-bedroom home. However, he impressed upon the commission that the plans were speculative, more to determine the viability of the property for future new construction versus actual plans of record for an upcoming groundbreaking.
The conceptual plans, Charon pointed out, also included a freshwater well and a 1,000-gallon septic tank.
Vice Chairman Daniel Gagne asked that the plans be revised to include an emergency generator that would be connected to the pump system of the septic, and said, “If the tank over-tops there’ll be sewage heading for the wetlands.”
Charon agreed that was a good idea.
The hearing was continued until September 17.
Also continued until September 17 was a continued hearing for an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation filed by Simpson Solar for property owned by John Simpson, 102 Quaker Lane. Neither the applicant nor the representative was present on this evening. The commission accepted a letter requesting the continuance.
Two hearings, both represented by Julie Goodwin of Prime Engineering, were also for Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation for properties located at 0 Featherbed Lane and 0 Cushman Road. These properties are part of a large wetlands system Goodwin described as “swamp”, with the Featherbed Lane parcel requiring confirmation of 3,000 linear feet of bordering vegetated wetland, and the Cushman Road parcel for 2,800 linear feet.
These submittals, along with at least two others, are being proposed by developer by SunRaise Investments, Portsmouth, NH for solar arrays.
The hearings were both continued until October 1 to allow the conservation agent, Laurell Farinon, time to review wetland flagging in the field.
Coming closer to shovels in the ground, but also continued, was a reopened hearing for an over 55 residential development planned for Rounseville Road adjacent to Plumb Corner.
Representing the applicants Gibbs Bray and Patricia Bray was Brian Wallace of J.C. Engineering, Inc. for a Notice of Intent filed by REpurpose Properties.
Wallace explained that work had been ongoing since May with peer review consultant Ken Motta of Field Engineering, and said that Motta’s comments had been incorporated and, while the plans before the commission were an earlier version, updated plans would be completed in the coming few days.
Gagne asked that, when the applicant returned to the commission, the plans include a separate layout of the erosion controls that will be used. He was also asked that permanent demarcation of the “No Touch Zone” be included pre- and post-construction. Wallace agreed with these requests. The hearing was continued until October 1.
Also coming before the commission was Michael Murphy for property located on Mary’s Pond Road for an Order of Conditions for work that never took place. A Certificate of Compliance to clear the deed was granted, allowing a property sale to move forward.
And last up was a request to withdraw without prejudice a Notice of Intent filed by T-Mobile for the installation of a 25KV generator on property located at 98 Bowen’s Lane. The request was granted.
The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for September 17 at 7:00 pm in the Rochester Town Hall meeting room.
Rochester Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell
To the Editor:
Thank You For Supporting the Street Painting Festival. Another summer season is drawing to a close and the Onset Bay Association and Friends of Onset Street Painting Festival have many supporters and collaborators to thank for the success of the Chalk-Full-O-Fun Festival. First, a huge thank you to our generous grantors and sponsors: the United Way of Greater New Bedford, the Wareham and Rochester Cultural Councils, local agencies that are part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Second, many thanks to the environmental nonprofit groups who provided information, demonstrations and materials to share with the public about the very important services that they provide to protect and preserve our marine wildlife and regional habitats: New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance, National Marine Life Center, and Wareham Land Trust. A tip of the hat to Ms. Dion, Ms. Sharples and the Wareham high School Art Club for developing the blueprint for the 10′ by 16′ sea life mural that was recreated on the stage by a multitude of festival-goers. Gratitude goes out to the 15 crafters/vendors who contributed to the festival and sold their unique crafts. Also, a big thank you to the Wareham free Public Library for their assembly of the children’s Story Walk and to Lt. Walter Correia and officers of the Wareham Police Department who provided the road barriers to kept us safe throughout the day. There were 209 registered artists who hailed from 6 states and 43 cities and towns. Our feature artist, Laura Potter and our musician, Peter Mundt, shared their excellent talents with us. Much appreciation to King Richard’s Faire, Water Wizz and the Edaville Entertainment Center for some fantastic prizes for the festival winners. And last, but certainly not least, a very special thanks to the 30 volunteers who put in the time, energy and sweat to bring a fun family day to the village of Onset.
Milly Burrows
The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wandererwill gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wandererreserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderermay choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wandererhas the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wandereralso reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.
The Southeastern Massachusetts Youth Orchestras (SEMAYO) will be holding auditions for the 2019-2020 season on September 11 and September 12during evening hours at UMass Dartmouth.
The SEMAYO is made up of five ensembles, plus a chamber music program. Students are placed into the appropriate level ensemble by audition. All SEMAYO musicians must be members in good standing in their school instrumental music programs. New students wishing to join one of our ensembles, as well as current students looking to move up to the next highest ensemble, should email Jamie Wiksten, Program Coordinator, at jwiksten@nbsymphony.org to schedule an audition. Current students wishing to remain in the same ensemble they were in last year do not have to audition at this time.
The season runs from September to May and will begin on Saturday, September 14, for Poco Strings, Preparatory String Ensemble, and Debut Orchestra, and on Monday, September 16, for Repertory Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra. There will be four scheduled concerts, including a side-by-side performance for Symphony Orchestra ensemble members with the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra at their December Holiday Pops concerts at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center. Other performance opportunities include chamber music performances at community events throughout the year, as well as performances at SEMAYO functions.
The Southeastern Massachusetts Youth Orchestras are the youth orchestras of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra. Their mission is to bring together young musicians from across Southeastern Massachusetts to participate in an educational and artistic experience in a full orchestra setting. Membership is open to all students through age 21. Tuition and additional information is available on the website: www.semayo.org.
YMCA Southcoast’s signature funding event is hitting a milestone this year. On Monday, September 30, golfers will tee off in support of the Y for the 25th time at Marion’s renowned Kittansett Club.
“This is a wonderful event for our Y supporters to come together to enjoy a round of golf while helping our community,” said YMCA Southcoast President & CEO Jim Scherer. “Every dollar raised helps children and families participate in Y memberships, camps, and programs, regardless of their ability to pay.”
This full day of golf, food, and fun starts at 11 am with registration and lunch, followed by a noon shotgun start. After 18 holes of golf at the nationally ranked Kittansett Club, there will be networking, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres at 5 pm, with dinner, an awards ceremony, and silent auction to follow. For the first time this year, silent auction bidding will be available online beginning on September 25. Items can be found at one.bidpal.net/ymcacharitygolf/welcome.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information visit ymcasouthcoast.org or contact Robyn Branco, Director of Mission Advancement at 508-996-9622 x128 or rbranco@ymcasc.org.
As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the Y works to help children and teens discover their full potential by providing opportunities to learn, grow and thrive amidst caring, supportive adults.
For more information about this event and the 2019 Annual Campaign, visit us at www.ymcasouthcoast.org.