Rochester Council on Aging

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

            The Rochester Senior Center is hosting French Conversation and Culture on Friday, February 21 at 9:30 am. This activity is open to all skill levels. Anyone who is interested in the French language and culture is invited to attend. There is no need to sign-up in advance.  

            On Monday, February 24 at 12:00 pm, Hanna Milhench and her team are preparing a homemade special luncheon. All are welcome to attend. Please RSVP in advance (at the Senior Center) so that there is enough for everyone. A donation of $5 is suggested.  

            In addition to special events, the Rochester Senior Center has a long list of regularly scheduled activities at low or no cost. Whatever your interests may be, there is bound to be something for you. Some of the regularly scheduled activities are; card games, bingo, art classes, various exercise classes, ballroom dancing, line dancing, Zumba, blood pressure clinics/health screenings, scrabble, yoga, movies and much more. The Senior Center is a warm and welcoming place for old and new friends to gather.  

Boating Skills and Seamanship Course

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If you have a boat, thinking about buying a boat, or just like to go boating…

            The Onset/Marion Flotilla 63 of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a seven-week course in Boating Skills and Seamanship that will teach you about boating safety, navigational rules, engines, equipment for your boat and much more.

            Registration and Classes will begin on February 27. Registration will start at 6:30 pm on the first night and classes will run from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm every Thursday at the Marion Marconi Building, 13 Atlantis Drive, Marion, Massachusetts. There is a minimal fee of $45 for the course material. For more information, call 508-789-3680

Academic Achievements

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Curry College is proud to announce that Hannah Ribeiro of Mattapoisett has been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2019 semester. Ribeiro is a member of the Class of 2021 and is majoring in Nursing.

            To earn a place on the list, full-time undergraduate students – those who carry 12 or more graded credits per semester – must earn a 3.3 grade-point-average (GPA) or higher.

Anne Marta Poshkus

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Anne Marta Poshkus, 90, of Marion, MA passed away February 18, 2020 with many of her loving family by her side.

            She was the wife of the late Vytautas (Paskevicius) Poshkus.

            She was born in Rudaiciai, Lithuania in 1929. Anne Marta fled Lithuania as a young girl with her family during the war to Luebeck, Germany. At the Displaced Person Camp in Luebeck, she met her husband and her first son Arvidas was born. She was sponsored to come to the United States by Lithuanian family. Anne Marta immigrated to the US in 1949 while 6 months pregnant with her second child via boat on a 6 week journey with her husband and 2 year old son. She settled in and raised her family in Stoughton, MA.

            Anne Marta was the loving mother of Arvidas and his wife Jayne, Nijole and her husband Kenneth Gray, Richard, Regina and her husband Thomas Shea, Edward and his wife Joanne, David and his wife Cynthia, Annette and her husband Louis D’Andrea, Laura Toland, and Michael and his wife Kristin. She was the adored Oma to 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and 2 more on the way.

            Anne Marta had a deep faith in God and raised her family in the Assembly of God in Brockton. Her lifetime of love and prayers for others has been the foundation of her life.

            She is predeceased by her Granddaughter Sonja Gormley.

            Her Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 22nd at 10 am in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. Visiting hours Friday, February 21st 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Meals on Wheels c/o Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740.

Nicholas Castanhinha

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Nicholas Castanhinha, 44 of Mattapoisett died February 15, 2020 unexpectedly at home.

            He was the husband of Jennifer L. (Hibbert) Castanhinha.

            Born in New Bedford, son of the late Frank and Irene L. (Boisvert) Castanhinha, he was raised in Dartmouth before moving to Mattapoisett in 2014.

            Nick enjoyed outdoor activities with Jacob and Joshua including the beach, sports and playing in the yard. He loved cooking for the boys and movie nights with them. He was very proud of his family and gave his all to his home team each day.

            In addition to being a passionate and dedicated father, Nick was a popular and much respected member of the New England pro wrestling community. For the last 28 years, Nick competed in professional wrestling under the name Nick Steel. He was known just as much for his legitimate toughness in the ring, as he was known for his incredibly big personality out of the ring. Nick was a mainstay at Top Rope Promotions out of Fall River, where he was a valued role model and locker room leader. He was also a long time wrestling instructor at The Lock Up Wrestling Academy. It was there that Nick touched so many lives over the last 20 years. He was a loyal friend and coach. He loved teaching at the school and passing on his knowledge to the next generation of wrestlers. It is through wrestling that Nick made uncountable connections and unquantifiable differences in the lives of his peers. He was an incredibly loved and respected man by all.

            Survivors include his wife; 3 sons, Jacob Castanhinha and Joshua Castanhinha, both of Mattapoisett and Caelan Castanhinha of Taunton; a brother, Frank Castanhinha of Easton, PA; a sister, Gina Marie Castanhinha-Sanders of Buckeye, AZ; and several nieces and nephews.

            His visiting hours will be held on Saturday, February 22nd from 4-8 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Jacob & Joshua Castanhinha Children’s Fund c/o gofundme (account being set up now.) For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Mattapoisett Bike Path Update – 2020

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Construction of Mattapoisett’s Phase 1b of the Shared-Use Path, aka, bike path is well underway. One year ago Representative William Straus, an advocate of the project, released the following statement:           “I was excited to join state highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver at MassDOT’s Boston office today for the signing and award of the contract to construct the next phase of the Mattapoisett Bike Path. This 1.28 addition to the existing Fairhaven-Mattapoisett path will proceed eastward from Neck Road, over the river, along incredible wild marsh and public beachfront property before entering the village at Depot Street. As an addition to the current 4 3/4 mile path which begins in Fairhaven, the public will have an even greater opportunity to travel and experience the beautiful SouthCoast. A ‘notice to proceed’ is expected to be issued in the next few weeks which will allow mobilization of construction equipment and supplies for completion of the project this season. This milestone could not have been reached without the thousands of volunteer hours of many residents in town over the last twenty-five years; I have been happy to have helped this along in every way possible, including the funding for this phase. Without the direct assistance of Governor Baker and his Lt. Governor Karen Polito, we also could not be in this position. They are to be congratulated. I look forward to joining the public in making use of this new park area which will soon become available.”

            In 1996 a bike path committee was established. Chairman Steve Kelleher told the Wanderer during a February 2019 interview, “We never gave up.” While there were many challenges and years of negotiations with abutters including the YMCA and the Reservation Golf Club, the most environmentally impactive construction phase is now well underway. 

            Acushnet-based contractor D.W. White received the Massachusetts Department of Transportation contract valued at $6.7 million in February 2019 to construct Phase 1b. Today with trees cleared and pilings installed through marshlands, construction of the wooden bridge will soon begin. 

            Completed a number of years ago, Phase 1 connected Mattapoisett’s bike path to Fairhaven’s at Brandt Island Road. The pathway continues on from there to Mattapoisett Neck Road where it stalled awaiting funding. Phase 1b, once completed, will pick up from that point and continue on, ending at Goodspeed Island Road. Phase 2, yet to be designed or fully funded, will continue from the intersection of Depot Street and Route 6 to North Street. Conceptual designs include situating the bike path through the Park Street neighborhoods ending at North Street across from the entrance to Mattapoisett’s business park. 

            Over the more than two decades the Bike Path Committee, along with the Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path, have worked to secure funding from private donations and grants from both federal and state sources. The end game for these two organizations is connection to Marion’s bike path, a pathway planned to begin sometime in 2022 at the town line about 1 mile beyond Industrial Drive. But those are plans and dreams for another day. For now, Phase 1b is moving along with few winter weather-related delays. Opening of Phase 1b has not been announced.

Buzzards Bay Swim

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YMCA Southcoast and the Buzzards Bay Coalition are partnering to offer discounted short-term membership rates and special programming for potential swimmers seeking pool access and training support leading up to the Buzzards Bay Swim on June 27.

            Three-month YMCA Southcoast memberships are now available at $105 Young Adult (ages 20-29) and $153 Adult respectively with no joiner’s fee through March 31. Additionally, adult swim lessons and conditioning classes will be offered in New Bedford and Wareham. Spring 1 Session starts on February 24 and Spring II on April 27. Two free open water group practice swims at Fort Phoenix in June are included.

            “YMCA Southcoast is proud to once again partner with the Buzzards Bay Coalition in support of their annual open water Buzzards Bay Swim,” said YMCA Southcoast CEO Jim Scherer. “As the Southcoast’s leading provider of aquatic activities and safety around water training for all ages, YMCA Southcoast is excited to offer access and training programs in four indoor aquatic facilities, enabling more people to experience both our facilities and this fantastic open water swim event in June.”

            The Buzzards Bay Swim is a 1.2-mile open water swim across outer New Bedford Harbor that raises funds to protect clean water in Buzzards Bay. All swimmers receive a modern cut event t-shirt, bronze finisher’s medal, breakfast buffet on the beach with gourmet coffee, local beer for 21+, live music, post-swim massage, and awards and prizes. Last year, the event raised over $187,000 for clean water in our community. Those new to open water are welcome to wear fins, have a friend (or volunteer) kayak or paddleboard with them, and swim at a comfortable pace.

            “The Buzzards Bay Swim is an exciting and meaningful challenge and chance to help preserve our beautiful Bay for area residents, children, and families,” said Buzzards Bay Coalition Vice President of Engagement Rhonda Veugen. “We’re hoping our partnership with the Y will provide support and encouragement to anyone considering participating in the Swim. If you’ve been thinking about it, 2020 is definitely the year!”

            YMCA Southcoast membership and programs are available online at www.ymcasc.org  Registration for the Buzzards Bay Swim is available online at www.savebuzzardsbay.org/swim

            The Buzzards Bay Swim is sponsored by BETA Group, Buzzards Bay Brewing, Fiber Optic Center, The Valle Group, and YMCA Southcoast. If your business would like to sponsor the Swim, contact events@savebuzzardsbay.org.

OR Superintendent Search Committee Finalists

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On Saturday, January 25, the Old Rochester Superintendent Search Committee completed its review of the 24 (twenty-four) applications submitted for the position of Superintendent of Schools for the Old Rochester School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55.

            The Search Committee invited 7 (seven) applicants to interview with them beginning on Tuesday, January 21 and concluding on Saturday, January 25. The Search Committee then met on Monday, January 27 to discuss who they would select as finalists. After a period of discussion including a review of the qualifications and criteria developed during focus groups, the Search Committee unanimously selected the following three candidates: Mr. Michael S. Nelson, Dr. Gary S. Reese, and Ms. Michelle Roy. They presented these three candidates to the Old Rochester Regional School Committee and the School Union #55 School Committee on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at 6:30 pm. Below is more information about each candidate:

            Michael S. Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning and Student Services, Old Rochester Regional and MA Superintendency Union #55 School District – Mr. Nelson has served in his current position since October 2019. He previously served as the Director of Student Services in Old Rochester since July 2014. He received a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Bridgewater State University and is enrolled in a Doctoral program at Northeastern University. Mr. Nelson will visit ORR on February 27.

            Gary S. Reese, Superintendent of Schools, Westport Public Schools – Dr. Reese has served in his current position since July 2018. He previously served as Superintendent of Schools in Amesbury Public Schools from August 2015 to June 2018. He received a Doctorate in Education from Boston College. He received a Masters Degree in Special Education from Fitchburg State University. Dr. Reese will visit ORR on February 26.

            Michelle Roy, Assistant Superintendent, Dartmouth Public Schools – Ms. Roy has served in her current position since 2014. She previously served as the K-12 Director of Data and Accountability for the Attleboro Public Schools. She started a Ph.D. program at Lesley University. She received a C.A.G.S. in School Administration/Superintendency from Bridgewater State University. Ms. Roy will visit ORR on February 24.

            During each visit candidates will have time to meet with parents and community members from 2:30 to 3:15 pm in the Superintendent’s Office Conference Room.

            The three finalists will interview with the Old Rochester Regional School Committee and the School Union #55 School Committee on Saturday, February 29, Dr. Gary Reese at 9:00 am; Mr. Michael Nelson at 11:00 pm; and Ms. Michelle Roy at 1:30 pm.

St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church

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All are invited to St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Marion for a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and Mic Night. Tuesday, February 25at 6:00 pm, St. Gabriel’s Parish Hall, 124 Front St., Marion. We will eat delicious pancakes and if you have a joke to tell, a story to share, a song to sing or a musical instrument to play, please bring along and share your talents at the mic. Cub Scout Pack 32 will help to serve the dinner. Donations to benefit Habitat for Humanity. All are welcome.

            Ash Wednesday Services on February 26 will be at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, 124 Front Street, Marion. Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes at 7:30 am in the Chapel. Holy Eucharist, hymns, and Imposition of Ashes at noon in the chapel.  All are welcome.

Rail Trail

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To the Editor;

            Spending summers in Mattapoisett as a young lad with his own 14-foot dory provided much daily adventure and excitement. Great appreciation of nature, tides and weather provided for education and independence. We explored the coastline, fascinated with rivers and estuaries running to the bay. Where these rivers ran into the bay became one of my favorite places to sit and observe wildlife and nature’s way.

            Recently I took a walk to one of those estuaries down Depot Street in Mattapoisett. I approached the outflow, and noticed the construction of the new bridge being built for the bike path. I was surprised at the dimension of the construction. I then saw the pilings to go over the river and was stopped in my tracks. I was dumbfounded of what was being built through this beautiful place. I turned to leave and was a little upset about progress. Guess Joni Mitchell was right… “Paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” Mattapoisett will now have its own, small-scale Brooklyn Bridge.

Steve Ruel

Mattapoisett 

                  The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will 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 Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.