FORM Instrument Drive

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Friends of Old Rochester Music is holding an instrument drive to collect good condition instruments for use by students in the district. Please reach out to Mr. Richard Laprise, ORR Junior High School Concert & Jazz Band Instructor at richardlaprise@oldrochester.org if you have an instrument to consider for donation. We are especially in need of band instruments including: flutes, clarinets, alto and tenor saxophones, trumpets, French horns, trombones, baritones, and tubas. We will work with our local music shop on low-cost instrument repairs. You will be provided with a tax-deductible letter in appreciation of your gift. Thanks for helping to ensure our music students have the resources they need to flourish and continue to enrich our community with music.

Conservation Commission Chips Away at Backlog

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After two meeting cancellations in a row, Rochester’s Conservation Commission’s Tuesday agenda was top-heavy with seven projects vying for Certificates of Compliance.

            The board approved the Certificates of Compliance to the order of conditions: For the Double M Cranberry Co. Inc. bog project on County Road. For the 62 Nathaniels Drive project to build an in-ground swimming pool, patio, cabana, and fencing within the 100-foot buffer zone of wetlands. For the construction of a single-family home with garage, onsite well, and septic system at 158 Snipatuit Road. For the project to remove fill within the wetlands resource area and 25-foot No Disturb Zone at 127 Mary’s Pond Road. For the construction of a firearm training facility on County Road with associated site work included filing and replicating a wetlands area. For work associated with confirming a 6,662-foot wetlands boundary at 75 Vaughan Hill Road.

            Then came the commission’s public hearing review of an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area delineation for a project to confirm a wetlands resource area on 183 acres at 0 Snipatuit Road, proposed by ReWild Renewables. The commission approved the project’s Order of Resource Area delineation of its wetland borders after Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly’s reported observing, “a good delineation. Lots of trails, some wide enough for roads. It took two and a half weeks to find all the flags.”

            Next, with a roomful of abutters looking on to raise concerns about how the project will affect flooding, natural resources, and wildlife in their neighborhood, the board began its review of the separate Notices of Intent to build six single-family dwellings with attached garages, driveways, and associated clearing, grading and utilities installation on two-acre lots at 0 High Street.

            The hearings on four of the lots were continued to the commission’s next meeting on November 19 due to consultant Brian Wallace’s report that these lots are within the jurisdiction of state Natural Heritage Foundation protections. He asserted he needs to hear the agency’s response to how those lots should be handled.

            A fifth lot received approval of its Order of Conditions with standard conditions after Wallace acknowledged this lot was close to three wetland resource areas: a cranberry bog and its buffer zone, vegetated wetlands, and a riverfront. Wallace emphasized, however, that the developer is trying to keep the bog off all of the house lot plans. That is why some lot configurations are different. But the developer will allow the bog owner easement and access to the bogs, he added.

            Discussion of the sixth lot led to a decision to continue its hearing to November 19 and schedule a site visit on November 17 at 7:00 am. Abutter Jeremy Saccone sparked this move after noting his property near County Road frequently floods because of the bog and will flood even more when a house lot is built near him. “I’m going to have more of a flood,” Saccone said. “There will be nowhere else for that water to go.”

            The commissioners concluded that they need to see the problem for themselves and recommended that Saccone join them at the site visit.

            The next Conservation Commission meeting will be November 19 at 7:00 pm, at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

by Michael J. DeCicco

Dark Sky

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            Are you seeing fewer stars, starry nights, shooting stars, meteor showers, or satellites? In the August 10 issue of the Boston Globe, it was reported that we are coming to the end of our “starry nights’ due to light pollution and the recent failure of the Massachusetts Legislature to pass a bill that would regulate light pollution; the only New England state that has not taken that step.

            What is light pollution? Human made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. This disrupts wildlife migration, human health, wastes money and energy, contributes to climate change, and blocks our view of the universe according to DarkSky International. Too often our outdoor lighting installations are exceedingly bright, left on when not needed, and are harmful to the environment and humans. The ecological effects of artificial light have been well documented. DarkSky estimates that at least 30% of all outdoor lighting in the U.S alone is wasted, mostly by lights that aren’t shielded. That adds up to $3.3 million and the release of 21 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, contributing to global warming.

            It has been shown to affect both flora and fauna. For instance, prolonged exposure to artificial light prevents many trees from adjusting to seasonal variations, according to Winslow Briggs’s chapter on plant responses in the 2006 book Ecological Consequences of Artificial Night Lighting. This, in turn, has implications for the wildlife that depend on trees for their natural habitat. Research on insects, turtles, birds, fish, reptiles, and other wildlife species shows that light pollution can alter behaviors, foraging areas, and breeding cycles. In humans, it can disrupt sleep patterns by impacting melatonin secretion, which can increase the risk of health issues like obesity, depression, and high blood pressure. Bright light can also strain the eyes, causing headaches and migraines. Light pollution along with other environmental factors can contribute to cataracts.

             The article in the Boston Globe reminded me of my retirement trip to five National Parks in 2019, two of which provided education regarding our night sky. Rangers led us to places that had very little to no artificial light and the night skies were magnificent with the view of the galaxy. We are losing those views due to light pollution. I had never heard of this issue before that trip.

            What can be done? Light pollution affects every citizen. Fortunately, awareness and concern about light pollution is rising dramatically. A growing number of scientists, homeowners, environmental groups and civic leaders are taking action to restore the natural night sky. The good news is that light pollution is reversible and each one of us can make a difference. Just being aware that light pollution is a problem is not enough. We need to take action.

            The first thing to do is assess your own outdoor home lighting. You may be unknowingly contributing to light pollution and the disruption of wildlife while wasting energy and costing money. Did you know that 20% to 50% of outdoor residential lighting goes directly into the sky and contributes to light pollution due to poor shielding? Lighting should be directed to the ground using shields or fixtures that do not point up to the sky. The illustration below shows which lighting fixtures are best.

            According to the Mattapoisett Town Administrator’s office, we do not have any light pollution regulations in the town. LED lights were installed in town several years ago and are positioned to focus downward or have a shade to focus the light downward if there have been complaints. I am not aware of the Kelvin rating. Drive around town and notice what you see.

            Learn more by exploring DarkSky International’s website. They have a significant amount of information on their site and sponsor events including a 24 hour Zoom event “Under One Sky” beginning 3:00 pm November 8 to November 9. They also maintain a searchable database of lighting products and retailers. I am still learning about the dark sky and have a lot more to learn. I am making the move to change my fixtures and keeping my outdoor lights off at night.

            Submitted by Mattapoisett resident Lynne B. Markinac

Shopping at the Museum

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On Sunday, November 10, the Rochester Historical Society Museum at 355 County Road will be open from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The exhibit will be open as well as the shop. It’s a good time to shop for Rochester gear to give for Christmas presents. No crowds and a way to help out your local historical society.

MWC to Honor Veterans with Annual Bell Ringing

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On Monday, November 11, the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club will continue their tradition of honoring veterans by ringing the bells at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. The church bells will ring on the morning of November 11 to mark the formal ending of the Major hostilities of World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The Woman’s Club urges everyone to listen to the bells and take a moment of silence to remember what they stand for. If you would like to join the MWC for this event, you are welcome to come gather with the club outside the Congregational Church at 11:00 am.

            The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is a civic, social, educational, and philanthropic organization. Membership is always open to local women who are interested in the objectives and mission of the organization. For more information or questions please contact info@mattapoisettwomansclub.org.

ORRJH Students of the Month

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Silas D. Coellner, Principal of Old Rochester Regional Jr. High School, announces the following Students of the Month for September 2024.

Green Team: Isabel Bodeau and John Redler

Orange Team: Jason Bastoni and Esther Smith

Blue Team: Drew Gaspar and Elliot Jacobsen

Red Team: Elowyn McCarthy and Liam Kratochvil

Exploratory Team: Molly Morgan and Avery Carlson

Two Wins for ORR

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The Bulldogs defeated Hanover 3-0 on November 3, and advanced to the round of 16. Set scores were 25-12, 25-12, and 25-17. Freshman Erin Root had 11 kills and was named the player of the game.

Boys Soccer

            Old Rochester beat Norton 3-0 in their first post-season matchup on November 4 and won 3-0.

By Aiden Comorosky

Marion Creek Road Water Main Project

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The Marion Department of Public Works, through the Contractor Primetime Development Inc., will begin construction of the Creek Road Water Main project on Monday, November 4, 2024. The duration of construction (including installation of temporary pavement) is approximately two weeks. Installation of permanent pavement will occur in the spring of 2025. The extent of the project spans the entire length of Creek Road.

            Although limited public access to the roadway will be maintained, motorists can expect delays while traveling through the construction area and should seek alternate routes. Every effort will be made to minimize inconvenience to motorists.

            Please note that in addition to limited access to Creek Road, the Creek Road bike path will be closed to the public starting Monday, November 4, 2024, and will reopen at the completion of construction next year. Please be advised that public access to the construction area, materials, and equipment is prohibited.

            Advanced notice of planned water main and water service shutdowns will be provided to residents/businesses in the area. However, unannounced disruptions in water service due to the construction activities may occur. Therefore, it is not uncommon to experience low water pressure or discolored water during construction. If you experience discolored water, please run the cold water tap until it clears. The Water Department will make its best effort to restore water service as soon as possible.

            Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated. Please contact the Department of Public Works should you have any questions: 508-748-3540.

Mattapoisett Veterans Day

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The Tri-Town Veterans Office in conjunction with American Legion Post 280 would like to extend an invitation to all to attend the Mattapoisett Veterans Day Commemoration. The event will be held Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, at the Old Hammondtown School. We will begin promptly 11:00 am and the program will last for approximately one hour.

            Veterans Day is an opportunity for the people of a community to pause and say “thank you” to all those who served and those who are currently serving in the United States military. This is a great opportunity to meet veterans from your local community and learn more about their service and lives after the service.

            For additional information, please contact the Tri-Town Veterans Agent, Chris Gerrior at 508-758-4100 x214 or vso@mattapoisett.net.

Trees to Be Removed

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The November 4 meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board was very brief, but decisions made on this night were critical to ongoing road work and associated storm water drainage upgrades.

            Coming before the board to defend and explain the requested hearings for the removal of four trees, three Norway maples and one green ash, was Ken Motta of Field Engineering, representing the town’s Highway Department. Motta discussed the lengths taken to try and minimize the number of trees removed so that the Highway Department could open the roadway at the intersection of Pearl and Church Street. He said that drainage designs were complete and that the roadway itself needed to be a 40-foot layout.

            Regarding the trees in question, Motta said one or more were diseased and needed culling, while others may suffer root damage during construction. Removal of the four was deemed “unavoidable.” Motta also pointed to ADA requirements that constrained other designs.

            Sandy Hering, chairman of the Tree Committee, said, “I question a 24-foot road. It doesn’t allow for trees…” and she wanted to discuss the possibility of wider curb strips for tree planting. Chairman Tom Tucker truncated the discussion saying he wanted to return to the agenda and vote on the hearings after which he was willing to return to the more general discussion of roadway designs and trees.

            Town Planner Victoria Alfaro said that a public hearing will be held for public input regarding ADA compliant sidewalks; date to be announced.

            The board voted to remove the trees with roadway construction planned for Spring 2025.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for November 18 at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell