Pasta for a Purpose

on

The First Congregational Church of Rochester is hosting a Spaghetti Fundraiser Dinner on Saturday, March 14 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm in their Fellowship Hall at 11 Constitution Way in the center of Rochester. Enjoy a hearty meal of spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, salad, and dessert while supporting Geneva Smith (ORR ’19) and her missions trip to central Asia this summer. Open-seating tickets, which are $10 for adults and $5 for kids (ages 12 and under), are available until March 11 and all proceeds go towards offsetting the cost of her five-week trip. For more information or to reserve your tickets, please call the church office at 508-763-4314 (leave a message with name, phone number, and the number of tickets if no answer). Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Upper Cape Tech College Fair

on

Upper Cape Tech welcomes all area high school students and their parents/guardians to attend the annual UCT College Fair on Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, in the school’s gymnasium located at 220 Sandwich Road in Bourne.

            More than 60 colleges, technical schools, and military representatives will be available to meet with interested students about post-secondary opportunities and admissions requirements. Counselors will be present to assist students with identifying appropriate institutions and navigating the fair. The event is most appropriate for 10th and 11th grade students, as well as seniors who may still be exploring their options for next year.

            Additionally, several institutions, including two and four-year colleges, technical schools, and military branches, will offer “on the spot” admissions interviews for current seniors between 5:00 and 6:00 pm. This opportunity is open to all area high school seniors who have not yet decided on a college for next fall. Appointments are not required.

            Detailed information, including a list of participating institutions for both the fair and the “on the spot” program, is available on the Upper Cape Tech website. Please visit www.uppercapetech.com/collegefair.

            There is no cost to attend the fair. Questions may be directed to Jennifer McGuire at jmcguire@uppercapetech.org or 508-759-7711 x247.

Committee Seeks to Raise Profile, Influence Decisions

on

            Marion’s Master Plan Implementation Committee met on February 20 to discuss recent developments in the town and to talk about increasing its own profile.

            Present were committee members Jack Boesen, Norm Hills, Steve Kokkins, Chris Collings, Nancy McFadden, Cindy Callow, and Kristen Saint Don-Campbell, along with Town Planner Gil Hilario and, on conference call, Jennifer Francis. Selectman John Waterman also contributed from outside the table.

            Hilario reported having discussed getting information about the committee onto the town’s website.

            It was reported that Planning Board Chairman Will Saltonstall expects up to 35 businesses to be represented at a March 18 gathering. In April, a more formal meeting will be held. Saltonstall’s focus is on business, but he wants to expand to community groups.

            Hills said a recent grant had been received and that the committee should take a look at bylaws that “don’t do anything for us” and “reduce them to something that will work for us.”

            The committee discussed zoning and housing, alluding to the condominium project at 78 Wareham Road along the Wewantic River that was brought before the Planning Board last week.

            The conversation turned toward sewer capacity, as an adjacent project was recently pitched by the same landowner, one at 96 units that would include rentals and the other at 48 units to be sold at market rates. The 96-unit project, when complete, said Hills, will put the town over its 10-percent requirement for affordable housing.

            The town’s septic system is moving closer to its capacity, and Hills says the new developments constructing their own septic systems would defeat the purpose because of their close proximity to the river.

            Jennifer Francis, the former Planning Board member who started the Master Plan Implementation Committee and participated via conference call, encouraged the committee to involve itself in housing decisions.

            “We need to do everything we can possibly do,” she said. “Nobody else is looking at the other elements of the Master Plan, and it’s time for us to assert ourselves on housing developments.”

            Hills said work has begun on upgrading the Wastewater Treatment plant.

            Marion is working with the Sippican Historical Society, which will offer a $500,000 match of funds to renovate the Town House. The town is also trying to raise $1 million in private funds.

            Hilario asked the members to start thinking about a chairperson because a chair needs to drive a committee.

            It was decided after discussion that the committee would meet on the second Thursday of the month, putting the next meeting at March 12.

Marion Master Plan Implementation Committee

By Mick Colageo

Rochester Council on Aging

on

The full monthly newsletter and calendar are available on our website at www.rochestermaseniorcenter.com. Events, services, and photographs are also posted on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Rochestercoa.  

            On March 12, the Friends of the Rochester Senior Center elected new officers. The new officers are: President – Carol Hardy; Vice President – Ann Cambra; Treasurer – Yvette Beaumont; and Secretary – Sharon Hartley.  

            The Friends of the Rochester Senior Center is a non-profit organization that was established prior to the construction of the Rochester Senior Center. Its primary function is to fundraise for the Senior Center, which serves the needs of local seniors. The Senior Center itself is not allowed to fundraise, due to its status as part of the municipality of Rochester. The Rochester Senior Center is the physical location at which the Council on Aging operates.

            The Friends hold various fundraising events throughout the year. For example, the Monday-Friday breakfasts at the Rochester Senior Center are a joint effort with the Lions Club.  50 percent of the proceeds are allotted to the Friends. There are also dinners, parties, and events that are described in the Senior Center’s monthly newsletter, website and Facebook page.

Upcoming events include the monthly board meeting on March 11 at 10:00 am, and the “Pie Close to PI” event on March 12 at 5:30 pm. Tickets are available at the Senior Center, and should be purchased in advance.  

            The Friends help to pay for items needed by the Senior Center such as furnishings, computers, etc. The Senior Center makes a request for funds for specific items and the members of the Friends vote to fund the requests. You do not have to be a Rochester resident to become a member of the Friends of the Rochester Senior Center. Simply complete an application and pay an annual membership fee of $10. New members are always welcome. Membership applications are available at the Senior Center. Generally, the meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 10:00 am.  

Mattapoisett, Coalition Sue to Compel Wetlands Restoration

on

The Town of Mattapoisett and Buzzards Bay Coalition are asking the court to compel a property owner to restore the damaged wetland. Despite clear orders from the Town of Mattapoisett and from multiple courts, a local property owner has refused to restore the half-acre of wetland and buffer zone that he illegally filled. The Coalition and Mattapoisett do not intend to give up on restoring this important resource, however.

            Working together, Mattapoisett and the Coalition have filed a complaint for contempt in Plymouth County Superior Court seeking to compel property owner Daniel Craig to comply with his obligations under the law and to restore the damaged wetlands and protected buffer zone areas he unlawfully filled at least five years ago.

            “This is an egregious violation of state environmental law,” said Korrin Petersen, senior attorney for the Coalition. “This continued evasion of responsibility must stop. We are grateful for the Town of Mattapoisett’s persistence and we will continue to pursue restoration of these natural resources.”

            Mattapoisett Town Administrator Michael Gagne said the Town’s long-standing efforts to address the situation reflect its commitment to protecting natural resources.

            “When someone destroys and damages lands that are protected by municipal and state laws, we are going to make sure that they are fully restored to the condition prior to the violation,” said Mattapoisett Town Administrator Michael Gagne. “The courts have repeatedly found that the Town’s enforcement order is valid. The restoration of this property is long overdue.”

            The case stems back to 2015 when Mattapoisett’s Conservation Commission learned of potential violations of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act along Eel Pond. When Seabreeze Lane was originally developed in 2000, specific protections were placed on the development to mitigate construction impacts on the pond’s health and habitats. Google Earth images revealed newly filled lawn and garden structures in areas previously shown as wetlands and associated wetland buffer. The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program, a unit of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, provided satellite image analysis to further prove the extent of, and timeline for, these unauthorized alterations. The Coalition reviewed the aerial photographs showing extensive clearing and filling of protected wetlands and buffer zone areas. The aerial images, combined with the Coalition’s review of compliance with these protections, revealed significant violations of the Wetlands Protection Act.

            The Mattapoisett Conservation Commission took prompt action and requested that the homeowner meet to resolve the matter. However, after months of negotiations with the Commission, the homeowner withdrew, leaving the Commission with no choice but to issue an enforcement order to compel compliance with the law. Refusing to restore the property, the homeowner sued the Commission in court.

            The Coalition, together with 12 citizens from Mattapoisett, intervened in that lawsuit to help defend the Commission’s decision. The court ruled against the homeowner, affirming the Commission’s valid enforcement order. Still refusing to comply, the homeowner appealed the Superior Court’s decision to the Appeals Court, which issued a decisive victory, again, to the Commission. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court refused to hear the homeowner’s case.

            “We are proud to be partnering with Mattapoisett to insist that this illegally filled wetlands be restored,” said Coalition President Mark Rasmussen. “This work is central to our mission to protect and restore the Bay and the lands that surround it. We will continue to look out for the health of the Bay in every community and we will take action to protect it.”

Buzzards Bay Coalition

Selectmen Vote $11M for Project Bonding

on

            With an AAA bond rating holding firm, Mattapoisett’s Board of Selectmen signed $11-million general obligation bonds on February 24, bonds facilitated by Unibank Fiscal Advisory Services.

            Meeting with the selectmen was Brianne Susel of UFAS and the town’s Treasurer, Kristie Costa. Costa explained that 10 projects would be funded through the $11,718,500 in bonds. Those projects are $9 million for a new fire station, $275,000 for a new fire station entrance, $70,000 for roadway engineering and design for Pearl Street and Tobey Lane, $150,000 stormwater drainage design, $125,000 Pine Island watershed, $250,000 Pease Point water main, $770,000 water-tank repairs, $150,000 water-aquifer land protection, $278,500 village water-main replacement, and $375,000 Acushnet Road bridge repair. 

            Costa explained that the February 20 bond sale produced seven bids with the award going to Raymond James and Associates, Inc. She also shared that during a February 13 rating call with Standard and Poors, the town maintained its AAA status. Costa commented that the ratings was based in part on, “… a very strong economy, strong management with good financial policies and practices, along with strong budgetary flexibility.”

            Outgoing Town Administrator Mike Gagne, who has been at the financial helm for a decade, added, “The team did an outstanding job. There’s a fantastic team in place for the new Town Administrator.” He further stated that the rating industry noted Mattapoisett’s mitigation planning of hard assets in the aftermath of weather-related disasters and rising water levels as another reason why the town enjoys a high rating. Gagne said that those plans had earned the town an award from the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency. He also stated that the new Town Administrator, Michael Lorenco, will start on March 16. Gagne will be staying on for some weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

            Selectman Jordan Collyer asked if the timing was right for “…reworking existing bonds.” Costa responded, “…the team will look at those for potential savings.”

            In other business, the selectmen asked Harbormaster Jay Macintosh to present the Marine Advisory Board with his documents related to a down payment for a new harbormaster boat. The selectmen voted to approve a $75,000 appropriated spending contingent upon a positive vote from the MAB.

            A license transfer was granted to Hatem M. Elrifai for a used-car business located at 79 Marion Road, previously held by 508 Sport and Luxury Vehicles. Elrifai will operate the business under the name First Hot Line Auto Sales. 

            A seasonal hawkers and peddlers license was granted to Bella Floral Design of Marion for the sale of fresh flowers located next to the Town Wharf General Store.

            Silva also asked Gagne to move forward obtaining resident feedback on the impact of public events held in the village. Silva wants to study the negative impacts that any seasonal events may have on the residents living in the area.

            The annual Dog and Cat rabies clinic will be held on March 15, 10:00 am to noon at the Fire Station parking area. The fee is $15 per animal. Residents only may attend with all dogs leashed and all cats crated.

            At adjournment, no date was scheduled for the next selectmen’s meeting.

Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen

By Marilou Newell

Marty Pants Comes to the Library

on

            How does a cartoonist develop a character, assign it dialog that conveys a point or tells a story? It is a well-known process for Mark Parisi, cartoon artist and creator of a new juvenile book series titled “Marty Pants.” Parisi is also known for his single-frame comic panels titled “Off The Mark” that he has been producing for 30 years.

            Parisi spent time at the Mattapoisett Public Library on February 21, sharing with local children of all ages – that is real kids and grown-up kids alike – his gift of simple line drawings that bring characters to life. 

            In the “Marty Pants” books, there is a sister, a Mom and Dad, a lady from the school office, a neighbor, and a cat to name a few. The cat, by the way, is not just any cat, but a creative spin on a not-very-friendly family pet that Parisi recalls from his youth. In the semi-graphic novels, Jerome, the real cat’s real name, is depicted with ears looking very much like devil horns, teeth a la vampire, and a furious ability to shed copious amounts of cat hair wherever it goes.

            As the children followed along, Parisi gave them step-by-step instructions on how to draw Marty. In so doing so, he demonstrated how a few rather simple lines can create an image that is recognizable. He also shared with the attentive onlookers that most of what he creates comes from his everyday life. Parisi said that while visiting a local café he will doodle and draw in his sketchbook, oftentimes hitting on a theme, storyline or character. 

            A Massachusetts native from the North Shore and a graduate of Salem State University, Parisi began drawing at a very early age. He found a drawing contest in the pages of a local newspaper and submitted a drawing. In the contest, children were asked to create a cartoon from a random shape. At the ripe old age of 11, Parisi had achieved success – his submission was selected and published. Following on the heels of that success, he tried a second time and won again. But a third effort failed. “I never tried again,” he said with a rueful grin. Still, something had been ignited in his imagination.

            Parisi told the children, “I never wanted to write a book – too many words… I never wanted to draw a graphic novel either – too many pictures.” But, after the publication of the “Wimpy Kid” series by Jeff Kinney, a hybrid of the two genres, Parisi realized he could write a little and draw a little and bring Marty Pants to life for thousands of young readers, “…the storytelling alternates between text and art,” he explained.

            “David Linker, a children’s book editor at Harper Collins, a fan of ‘Off The Mark’, contacted me, asking if I ever thought of writing a middle-grade book,” Parisi remembered. That was back in 2015-16. After sending a few chapters to the publisher, “Marty Pants” was born.

            As is the lot of an artist, the private life informs with public works. The same is true for Parisi. When asked if the people, pets, and places in his private life were fair game for his creations, he responded, “For sure, at least as a seed for a character.”

            And all of this Parisi shared with the youngsters who quietly beavered away, drawing their own versions of Parisi’s characters or images from their own imagination. When asked what he would tell aspiring young artists he responded, “Do it because you love it… don’t worry about the money… even if it doesn’t come, you’ll be doing what you love.”

            To learn more about Parisi and his “Off The Mark” world, visit www.offthemark.com or www.MartyPants.com.

Mattapoisett Public Library

By Marilou Newell

League of Women Voters SouthCoast

on

The League of Women Voters SouthCoast (LWVS) has been selected for a grant of $1,850 for the upcoming 2020 Census. The goal is to develop a plan, partnering with librarians and town clerks on the SouthCoast, to reach out to historically underserved and hard-to-count populations to achieve a complete count for the 2020 Census. 

            A systematic outreach program to reach the hard to count population will be implemented using the media, mailings, canvassing, phone banking and public forums, said Kristen Eastman, spokeswoman for LWVS. The hard-to-count populations include the homeless, households with limited to no English, immigrant communities, individuals with difficulty accessing the internet or otherwise completing the form, and formerly incarcerated persons and persons with disabilities.

            The purpose of the Decennial Census is to conduct a census of the population and housing and disseminate the results to the President, the States, and the American People. The Census is mandated by Article 1, Section 2 of the United States Constitution.

Luana Jøsvold of the LWVS noted Congressional and State legislative districts, school districts and voting precincts, are drawn from Decennial Census results, as is enforcing voting rights and civil rights legislation and distributing federal dollars to states.

            The Census Division received over one hundred and fifty applications. “We hope that this grant will help you to achieve your Complete Count Grant Application goals in the 2020 Census” said, Paul McCarthy, Chief Financial Officer at the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

            To volunteer and help the LWVS deliver written materials to community access points, help with mailings and assist people to fill out census forms at your local library or translate for those with limited English skills please contact Luana Jøsvold at 508-758-7849 or Kristen Eastman at 508-758-6051.

Lenten Movie and Discussion Series

on

The Mattapoisett Congregational Church will host a six-week series of movies and discussions about the journeys through life that shape our faith. The Lenten Movie and Discussion Series: Faith for the Journey will be at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church on Mondays at 6:30 pm, March 2 through April 6. Each week includes a themed potluck dinner. The movie and discussion schedule follows:

March 2 – Movie: “The Way”   

March 9 – Movie discussion    

March 16 – Travel photos 

March 23 – Movie “Breakthrough”

March 30 – Movie discussion

April 6 – Movie “Jesus Christ Superstar”

            Join us at 27 Church Street, Mattapoisett, or call the church office (508-758-2671) for more information.   

Academic Achievements

on

Bryant University is committed to the pursuit, recognition, and celebration of academic excellence. The University is pleased to recognize the students who have been named to the Deans’ List for the fall 2019 semester. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement to the following Tri-Town students: Margaret Adams, class of 2023, from Mattapoisett; James Dwyer, class of 2022, from Mattapoisett; and Alexandra Fluegel, class of 2023, from Mattapoisett

            The following Tri-Town students were named to the fall 2019 Dean’s List at Stonehill College: Kevin Ovian, Class of 2023, of Rochester; Lauren Ovian, Class of 2020, of Rochester; Aidan Ridings, Class of 2023, of Mattapoisett; Zoe Smith, Class of 2020, of Rochester.

            To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must have a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better and must have completed successfully all courses for which they were registered.

            Ms. Lily S. Youngberg, of Mattapoisett, has been named to second honors on the Clark University Dean’s List.  This selection marks outstanding academic achievement during the Spring 2019 semester. To be eligible for second honors, students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, of a maximum of 4.3 (all A+s).