Rochester Farms Solar Project Enters the Ring

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            It isn’t often that the Rochester Conservation Commission has a light, uncomplicated agenda. But as sweet and easy as a spring breeze, that was the case when the commission met on April 16.

            Coming before the commission with an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation was SWEB Development USA, LLC for property located at 0 Marion Road, owned by Rochester Farms, LLC – Craig Canning.

            Canning was represented by Mathew Morrow, the environmental consulting engineer for the solar developer, seeking to have some 3,850 linear feet confirmed from wetlands flags placed by Morrow.

            Future plans for the site include a ground-mounted solar array – the largest one in Rochester if approved.

            Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon said that she needed time to review the flags, and requested that a peer review consultant evaluate soils in ditch areas near the proposed site.

            After reaching an agreement of $3,000 for an initial peer-review consultant fee, the hearing was continued until June 18.

In other business, the public hearing for a very large and very complicated application that has been wending its way through wetlands regulations and Planning Board review for months was again continued.

            The Notice of Intent filing by Repurpose Properties LLC, Buzzards Bay for a 22-duplex age-restricted subdivision proposed for Rounseville Road near Plumb Corner was continued until May 21 at the request of the applicant. In their missive to the commission, the request was made to allow for the preparation of the final engineering documents.

            Coming before the commission, after recusing herself, that is, was one of the commission’s own, Maggie Payne, for property located at 555 Walnut Plain Road.

            Payne and her husband, Justin, sought a Negative Determination of Applicability for a Request for their Determination of Applicability for the removal of eight pine trees on the property that were either severely damaged, diseased, or threatening their home. The request received a Negative Determination of Applicability.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for May 7 at 7:00 pm in the Rochester Town Hall meeting room.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

ORR Tennis Rides Winning Streak to Start Season

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            Both Old Rochester Regional (ORR) boys and girls tennis have started the 2019 season on a hot streak with both winning their first three respective matches.

            On the girls’ team, first singles Delaney Pothierwas dominant in the Bulldogs most recent matchup against Barnstable. She took the first set 6-2 and went on to win the second 6-0. This performance came on the heels of a win against Somerset Berkley where she faced some adversity, losing her first set 6-0. She would go on to win the next set 6-3 and took the final set 6-1.

            ORR won the matches against Barnstable and Somerset Berkley by the same 5-0 score.

            Danielle Nutterhas been lights out at second singles, winning her match against Barnstable 6-1, 6-0, and took both sets against Somerset Berkley 6-0. It’s been much of the same for Ella MacIntyreat third singles. She also swept her Somerset Berkley match 6-0, 6-0. She took the Barnstable match 6-2, 6-0.

            For the boys, ORR first singles Ray Williamswas able to grind out a win against one of the top tennis players in the state, Barnstable’s Trevor Blaze. After dominating the first set 6-1, Williams lost the second set 6-4. He would go on to rally to a 10-6 finish, securing the win against Blaze.

            Williams’ match against Somerset Berkley went more smoothly as he cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 win. Like the girls, the boys’ tennis team knocked off Somerset Berkley and Barnstable by the same score, 5-0.

            The Bulldogs have not surrendered a point from second singles over the last two matches, despite relying on two different players in each. Marc Pothierwon 6-0, 6-0 against Somerset Berkley, and Geoff Noonandid the same against Barnstable.

            Old Rochester Regional alum Will Hopkinscontinues to make strides with Suffolk University’ baseball team. The sophomore outfielder is hitting a whopping .381 with a .451 on-base percentage through the first 29 games of the season. He has nearly tied his 2018 RBI total (27) knocking in 20. He also has four triples (two more than last year) five doubles, a home run, and 18 stolen bases (seven more than last year).

Old Colony

            Old Colony baseball’s pitching staff has been dominant through the first four games of the season, putting together a collective 2.07 ERA between Jacob Worden, Matt Bumpus, and Nick Hedlund.

            Worden is the only one who has made two starts, posting a 1.62 ERA with 19 strikeouts over 13 innings of work. Bumpus has a 2.21 ERA and struck out seven over 6 1/3. Bumpus also has one save. Hedlund has also made one start and a relief appearance, logging a 2.74 ERA with eight strikeouts over 7 2/3 innings.

Tabor Academy

            Marion native and Tabor Academy alum PJ Poulincontinues to represent the Tri-Town area on the baseball diamond, now in his first full season of professional baseball after being drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 11th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft.

            While with short-season Boise in 2018, Poulin had a 1.96 ERA while working as the team’s closer. He struck out 33 and walked 10 in his 23 innings while saving all seven of his save opportunities.

            Poulin remains in the bullpen with Single-A Asheville, though there has only been one save opportunity for the Tourists this year and he was not the one thrown into the situation. However, in his five appearances, he’s logged 7 1/3 innings with one walk and eight strikeouts, churning out a 2.45 ERA and an impressive 0.82 WHIP.

High School Sports Update

By Nick Friar

Mattapoisett Area Artists

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The Mattapoisett Area Artists (MAA) are looking for people to display their artwork for an upcoming show at the Falmouth Hospital for the months of May & June. The fee is $20.00 and the deadline is April 27. If you have questions or are interested please email MAA.artclub@gmail.com. 

Author Talk: Jana Milbocker

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Do you enjoy touring beautiful gardens? Come join Jana Milbocker, garden designer, lecturer, garden writer, owner of Enchanted Gardens, and author of “The Garden Tourist,” and take an armchair tour of the best public gardens in the Northeast. The program, free and open to the public, will be held at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Sunday, May 5from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Signed copies of Milbocker’s book will be available for purchase.

            Please register for this event by calling the Library at 508-758-4171. The Library is located at 7 Barstow Street and is handicapped accessible.

New Gaga Pit at Center School

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Paul McLaughlin of Mattapoisett Boy Scout Troop 53 has completed his Eagle Scout Project – a Gaga Pit at Center School in Mattapoisett. Paul, a Freshman at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, first wanted to build the Gaga Pit at the Mattapoisett Town Beach, but due to various restrictions, the project was moved and found a home at Center School. He wanted it to be somewhere everyone could have access and enjoy a game of Gaga Ball. 

            What is Gaga Ball? It is a game played inside the octagon structure (Gaga Pit) with a soft playground type ball. The ball is hit with the hand at opponents within the Gaga Pit in the attempts to hit them below the knees and get them “out”. The full set of rules can be found on a plaque hung within the Gaga Pit – or play your own variation. The pit is there for all to enjoy – all ages. Give it a try. 

            McLaughlin wishes to thank all of those in his Scout Troop, the Mattapoisett community, and his family who helped to support his project – special thanks goes to the local businesses that supported the project.

No Support from Selectmen on TURF Ballot Question

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            Town Meeting voters on May 13 will see two articles for two Proposition 2 ½ exemption questions slated for the ballot this Election Day – one to fund a new fire station, and one to fund Mattapoisett’s share of the $2 million ORR athletic field complex and auditorium project.

            On April 12 the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen approved the language for the two ballot question articles that will first be debated at Town Meeting before voters go to the polls May 21.

            Question one will read: “Shall the Town of Mattapoisett be allowed to exempt from the provisions of Proposition Two and One-Half, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to design, engineer, bid, construct, equip and furnish a new Fire Station to be located on the parcel of Town-owned land shown as Mattapoisett Assessors Map 9, Lot 77, and any and all incidental and related costs.”

            Many in Mattapoisett have heard about the dire straits the current fire station suffers, primarily due to age. OSHA’s regulations demand a variety of safety features in all municipal fire stations to ensure interior air quality meets standards, that there is adequate space to decontaminate equipment and personal gear, and adequate shower rooms for coed staffing, to name a few.

            Mattapoisett’s current fire station meets none of those standards.

            Voters will be asked in Question One to allow the town to borrow several million dollars to build the new station adjacent to the Police Station.

            “What we’ll do is recast soon-to-be-expiring debt,” Town Administrator Michael Gagne told The Wanderer during a follow-up. He said the plan is to take some funds from revenue to apply to bonds that were originally secured for capital school and library improvements years ago. With those coming to an end, Gagne believes the plan will allow for the fire station to be paid off without taxpayers seeing a spike to property taxes.

            Proposition 2 ½, Gagne explained, allows for towns to borrow, with voters’ approval, to override the legislative tax levy restriction when seeking “an exclusion.”

            But voters are also being asked to incur debt for Old Rochester Regional High School athletic facilities and auditorium renovations and improvements.

            Question two will read: “Shall the Town of Mattapoisett be allowed to exempt from the provisions of Proposition Two and One-Half, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to design, engineer, bid, construct certain improvements to the Athletic Facilities and Auditorium at the Old Rochester Regional High School at 135 Marion Road, as shown on the Mattapoisett Assessors May 3, Lot including any and all incidental and related costs.”

            “The voters in all three towns must agree to incur this debt,” Gagne said. It will take a two-thirds vote for the questions to pass, two-thirds in all three towns, he said. “If it fails at Town Meeting but passes on the ballot, then the towns will have to revisit the question at another Town Meeting,” Gagne further explained.

            During a prior working meeting held on April 5, the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen discussed the ORR TURF Committee proposal and its estimated $2 million price tag. This proposal would financially impact the tri-towns, Gagne said April 5, with Marion picking up 28 percent of the costs, Mattapoisett 34 percent, and Rochester 36 percent – figures the committee arrived at based on student enrollment.

            Selectman Jordan Collyer was concerned about whether the project had been cycled through the ORR capital needs process, and the board expressed unease over the potential financial impact a project of this size would have on Mattapoisett, despite of the shared costs.

            “My feeling is, it is going to be a debt service,” Collyer stated two weeks ago, adding, “You do not have the capital in the levy to fund this.”

            A date is pending when a joint meeting between the Finance Committee, Capital Planning, and the ORR Turf Committee may take place. Gagne told the board that a proposed date of April 18 was scuttled due to spring vacation.

            During an April 16 follow-up with Collyer, he said of the ORR Turf Project, “Something has to be done, but not now.”

            For Collyer, the current condition of the athletic fields and other high school facilities may very well need repairs; however, he said, “We’ve been talking to them about maintenance. I don’t know if it’s a lack of money, or management, or whose fault it is, but they (ORR) don’t plan maintenance well.

            “It’s not the right time, and they didn’t follow the Capital Plan Process,” Collyer continued. “They brought in a non-profit group and thrust this upon us.”

            Collyer said the ORR TURF project wasn’t on the high school’s capital list.

            But it is fair, Collyer added, that the project appear on the ballot. But, in Collyer’s opinion, unlike the new fire station, which he said the Town had worked hard to plan for in an effort to keep taxpayer impact negligible, the “fields” project was not put through the same fiscal disciplines.

            “If they had come to us with some offsets that would have helped,” Collyer continued, but he said nothing was offered in terms of how to pay for a bond if one was put in place. “I don’t think the TURF project is one we can push off indefinitely, but we need to see a fully conceived business plan.” 

            Selectman Tyler Macallister told The Wanderer on April 16, “For the record, I’m not against fixing the field and other things, but we have a vetting process. … This circumvented that process.”

            Macallister went on the say that, over the years, selectmen have discussed the condition of the fields and other areas of the school and its property, “But they didn’t listen – it was ignored.

            “We are not a funding source with unlimited funds,” Macallister said. “This was handled poorly … and I don’t ever remember being invited to a meeting with them.”

By Marilou Newell

Poets Perform Their Art

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            There is something very special about hearing writers, or, more specifically, poets read their own works. By reading words they have imagined to hold a particular flavor, color, thought, or meaning, the listener is invited fully into that moment with the writer. Such was the case on April 15 when a dozen local writers read their works aloud at the Mattapoisett Public Library’s Poetry Open Mic session.

            Each poet was given five minutes to read one or more of their works in front of a very appreciative audience. From the very young to those who have been honing their talent for many years, and all ages in-between, the poets shared their visions, their emotions, their experiences.

            Ellen Flynn broke the ice. Flynn read three works titled “Lonely Turtle Love”, “Mr. Grieve”, and “Almost Pink”. The poems spoke of love, of course, but poets have a unique ability to discuss this most human emotion in ways that sound fresh. That was the case when Flynn read of a bird’s quest to find its lost mate. Of death she wrote, “…Kindness honor birth and death…” and of precious connections, “…If I see the past in your eyes…”

            Meghan Kelly, presently studying at the Museum of Fine Art, read works that spoke of the tragedy of war in Nicaragua – how blood held honor – while war offered no respite. And as she read, one felt the sadness, the futility of taking a human life.

            The theme of war, its fallout, and the suffering of those who are left to remember the fallen, was visited several times during the event.

            John Heavey read a piece that held memories of visiting his grandparents. Heavey honored his grandfather, a man who had been a solider in both WWI and WWII. He reflected on his grandfather’s laughter, a sound he could still clearly hear while wondering, “Did he laugh that way during war?”

            Barbara Despres also wrote of war, of soldiers’ sacrifices, of “hellish places” never forgotten, and of a fallen fighter’s lament from a grave in foreign soil. “How many remember me now?” Despres also wrote from the perspective of a more mature voice in her poem titled, “What Is Life.” In this piece, she asks the reader to allow life to be the total, the sum of all, that “Life is a dream come true.”

            The poets spoke of the ongoing pain associated with losing a loved one, a pain heard in each word they spoke.

            Heidi Dube wrote The Widow’s New Lover with the heart-wrenching conclusion that new love is possible. Love, in its many forms, can merge to become, perhaps, a bit unexpected as she wrote, “The way you love his children.” Truly something any mother would cherish.

            Paul Mercier also wrote of loss through the imagery of a baseball game, of a father whose support has encouraged him throughout life, and whose loss will be felt, not just as nine innings pass, but every time he steps up to the plate of the present.

            Death was a theme visited more than once, but also with a bit of humor as in the words of Liz LaValle when she read that “Death was on Twitter,” as most people are. She also shared a piece titled Gypsy Cousin that evoked the images of gossamer floating in the ether where the future might be conjured through cards.

             There was the joy of birth, as shared by Ann Briggs, who read a piece about the glory of a foal being born. “My knees were shaking more than his.”

            Marybeth Yarmac used the poetic form to share Stories, her memories of a childhood spent in joyful pursuit of bugs and games and the esprit de corps of children. “Stories save our lives,” Yarmac said.

            Theresa Dall shared Scars In The Basement, a piece that spoke of projects completed or left to collect dust like unfinished sentences covered, forgotten in time. She also shared a piece about a much beloved aunt whose presence is still felt and whose “magical suppers” are still tasted. Dall also read a piece that glowed with physical love, with the lights of Paris and the joining where two become one.

            While most of the poems were in the form of imagery, narrative, or blank verse, one poet read her haikus. Brief, slicing to the point or tumbling one syllable to the next, Madeline Cook wrote about a friend lost and another found, of joy balanced by pain, of a mother’s love as faith, and the warmth of being home.

            The event also allowed participants to read the works of other poets. B.J. Nooth read from works written by a Native American poet Joy Harju. She read Speaking Tree and Praise the Rain, in which the latter of the two works is one that compels the reader to find praiseworthy moments in all of life.

            While most of the poets were of a certain age, one proudly shared she was “eight-and-a-half years old.” Penelope “Penny” Angeley read her poem Squirrel. Angeley’s reading was pitch perfect, smooth, and a treat given her stage presence and topic. Her squirrel is imagined through its movement from one season to the next, surviving on nuts in the warmth of a “nest so messy”. There are kites cozy in a corner, and lonely squirrels headed to their drey as winter arrives. And, in case it wasn’t clear, she shared the meaning of “drey”: “It’s a squirrel nest.” Of course!

By Marilou Newell

Richard T. Linhares

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Richard T. Linhares, 76, of Wareham, formerly of Mattapoisett, passed away at home peacefully in his sleep on Monday April 15, 2019.

            Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Frank J. and Mary (Thomas) Linhares, he lived in Mattapoisett for most of his life before moving to Wareham eight years ago.

            Richard enjoyed attending the Habilitation Assistance Corporation Day Program in Pocasset. He also enjoyed bowling and going to Dunkin Donuts. He was a big Roy Rogers fan.

            He is survived by several nieces and nephews, and his extended family at Comprehensive Mental Health Services.

            His memorial service will be held on Thursday April 25, 2019 at 2 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett, with visitation from 1-2 pm prior to the service. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Church, DPW Join Scouts for Town Clean Up

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            The Scouts and their volunteers won’t have to tackle the annual April town-wide cleanup on their own this year, now that the Marion Board of Selectmen on April 16 gave its informal blessing for volunteers from various Marion churches and organizations to join forces with the Department of Public Works (DPW) for the day.

            George Linzee spoke on behalf of the First Congregational Church of Marion, saying the church, along with other locals, wish to volunteer their time to sweep sidewalks still buried beneath the debris of this past winter in preparation for the upcoming spring season. He said the sidewalks on Front Street are where the group specifically wants to target as it makes its way to Washburn Park to meet the rest of the volunteers and Scouts on Saturday, April 27.

            The plan is to sweep away the sand, stone, gravel, sticks, and trash form the sidewalks, Linzee said, “For safety reasons, but also for aesthetic reasons. … This is our [neighborhood] and it’s getting to that time of the season when we’re going to be having guests.”

            Linzee said the debris on the sidewalks flushing into the harbor with stormwater is also of concern.

            He said volunteers would meet in the parking lot of the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center that morning, and their efforts will be reported to the DPW throughout the day in order to coordinate street sweepers to follow after them. He also hopes the DPW can offer up some extra brooms and shovels if needed.

            “Thank you for taking the initiative in doing something like this,” Board of Selectmen Chairman Norm Hills said.

            In other matters, the board will have to reschedule a meeting with Finance Committee Chairman Peter Winters, Open Space Acquisition Commission Chairman John Rockwell, and ZBA Chairman Marc LeBlanc to discuss video recording and televising their meetings. None of the gentlemen could make it that evening.

            The selectmen back in January asked the chairmen of these three boards to begin televising their meetings, but to this day none of them have acquiesced to the selectmen’s request, which Hills stated during the board’s last meeting two weeks ago, “Was not a suggestion,” but rather an order.

            In other business, the newly hired town administrator, James “Jay” McGrail, sat in on the meeting shadowing retiring Town Administrator Paul Dawson, during which the selectmen approved and ratified McGrail’s employment contract.

            Before adjourning, Selectman John Waterman suggested an additional discussion with the Finance Committee to discuss each other’s expectations.

            “There were some areas in the past when they had expectations of us that we haven’t met,” said Waterman. “If we don’t know [what those are], how are we going to meet them?”

            Also during the meeting, the board scheduled a special meeting for a public discussion of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant and the proposed fiscal year 2020 operating budget on Thursday, April 18, at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall, 465 Front Street.

            The next regular meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen is scheduled for May 7 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.

Marion Board of Selectmen

By Jean Perry

Rochester Council on Aging

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Mike & Ann’s Special Luncheon is scheduled for Monday, April 29at 12:00 pm. Mike & Ann will prepare a delicious lunch. All are welcome to attend. Please make reservations no later than one day in advance. An anonymous donation of $5.00 will be collected. 

            Join us for a fun day of shopping at the Wrentham Premium Outlets and lunch at The Cracker Barrel on Tuesday, April 23. We plan to leave Rochester at 8:30 am and will return around 4:00 pm. Give us a call to make your reservation. Don’t forget, per the new policy, a $5.00 donation is needed to save your seat on the van. 

            The Senator’s Office will be at the Senior Center on Wednesday, April 24from 12:00 pm -2:00 pm to answer your questions and discuss your political concerns. Take this opportunity to make your voice heard. Appointments are not necessary. 

            There is a Sea Glass Fundraiser on Saturday, April 27at 1:00 pm. The cost is $40.00. All supplies will be provided. Come and make a special gift for yourself or a friend. 

            Buy a Brick Fundraiser. The Friends of the Rochester Senior Center, Inc. has an on-going fundraiser to raise money for an addition to the Rochester Senior Center. This addition will be the home for the Senior Supportive Day Care Program. The Senior Supportive Day Care Program will provide services that are designed for older adults who require supervised care during the day. Adult Day Care programs enable seniors to socialize and enjoy planned activities in a group setting. Engraved memorial bricks will be used in the walkway and entrance to the addition. Small bricks are $50.00, and large bricks are $100.00. Applications for the bricks are available at the front desk of the Senior Center. 

            Rides: We provide free transportation for Rochester residents. Please call for a ride with one of our friendly drivers at least 24 hours in advance so we can schedule a driver.

            Rides to medical appointments in Boston and Providence: Medical transportation to Boston or Providence is available for $5.00 via a grant program made available by Coastline Services. Call 508-992-5978 at least 2 weeks in advance.

            Please contact us at the Senior Center at 508-763-8723 for more information or to make reservations for rides and/or events.