The Mattapoisett Congregational Church will be serving pancakes for the 18th year! Please join us for a night of fellowship, pancakes, sausage, syrup, and fixings on Tuesday, February 25 (also known as Shrove Tuesday), from 5:30 to 7:00 pm in Reynard Hall, 27 Church Street, Mattapoisett. All are welcome. There will be a free-will offering.
Music Director Yaniv Dinur and the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra return to the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center on March 14with Breaking Boundaries. Guest artist Vadim Gluzman, one of the top violin players of our time, will perform Beethoven’s immortal Violin Concerto. The innovative concert program also includes Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir’s Aeriality, a mysterious, dark orchestral sound with a sense of hope, and John Adams’s most popular piece, Harmonielehre a cornerstone in orchestral repertoire. The NBSO’s performance of the work is guaranteed to bring the house down in this program of innovative music.
Breaking Boundaries will take place on Saturday, March 14, 7:30 pm, at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in downtown New Bedford. Tickets are $10‒$65, student tickets $5. Purchase tickets through the Z box office, 508-994-2900, or online at www.nbsymphony.org (student tickets not available online). Convenient concert parking is available in the Z garage. Visit www.nbsymphony.org to learn more about the concert program, and join us before the performance for Maestro Dinur’s pre-concert talk at 6:30 pm in the theatre.
The NBSO is a professional orchestra that annually presents a concert series of classical and pops music with internationally acclaimed guest artists, as well as an outstanding chamber music series. In addition, the NBSO’s innovative and nationally recognized educational programs reach 8,000 students each year. The NBSO is dedicated to building a community of music in the South Coast. Visit www.nbsymphony.org today.
David L. Fermino, 72, of Mattapoisett passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River after a long illness. He was the loving husband of Victoria (Blasczak) Fermino.
Born in Wareham, son of the late Charles Fermino, Sr. and Minnie (Andrews) Fermino, he was a lifelong Mattapoisett resident and graduate of Old Rochester Regional High School. David served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War and later worked as a tin smith at J.C. Rhodes until his retirement. He enjoyed woodworking and sailing.
David is survived by his loving wife Victoria; her children, Maureen E.R. Noonan of New Bedford, Francis Noonan of Acushnet, Christopher and Bryce Noonan of New Bedford and Robert Noonan of Rehoboth; a grandson, Joseph M. Morris of Mattapoisett; a sister, Caroline Sylvia and her husband John of Marion; a brother, Peter C. Fermino of Mattapoisett; a nephew, Charles Sylvia of Warren, RI; a niece, Karen Ramos of Mattapoisett; great niece, Brittany Fevier and great nephew, Graham Tuxworth. Mr. Fermino was the brother of the late Charles Fermino, Jr. and Maurice “Mudgie” Tavares.
In accordance with his wishes he will be cremated and private arrangements are under the direction of the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main St., Fairhaven. For memorial register go to, www.hathawayfunerals.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in David’s name to the Mattapoisett Road Race, P.O. Box 372, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.
Marion’s affordable housing bylaw will be getting a facelift, announced members of the Marion Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, February 4. That is at least, if the voters agree to it.
“We discussed the affordable housing bylaw last Thursday,” said Marion Town Planner Jay McGrail, “and after further discussion, we’ve decided to move forward with amending the bylaw to more reasonable numbers that might be easier on developers.”
The current bylaw, as it stands, requires that 10 percent of a development of six or more units in Marion be classed as affordable housing. Otherwise, the developer can choose to pay $200,000 to the town to avoid the requirement.
At a meeting regarding inclusionary housing in Marion, Selectman John Waterman had pointed out that the bylaw had not been enforced, as the numbers were extremely prohibitive to developers.
The bylaw change, which will need to be ratified by voters at Town Meeting, would amend the bylaw to require that only 5 percent of a development featuring six or more units be classified as affordable. Otherwise, the developer can choose to pay a $75,000 fee instead of including the affordable units. Waterman said he thought this was a much more reasonable number for developers to handle.
Marion Finance Director Judy Mooney brought the town’s annual budget for the 2021 fiscal year to the selectmen’s attention. “The town’s budget requirements have only risen by 3.15 percent,” she said, “which is one of the smallest rises in years, and I’m quite happy with that.”
Amongst the town departments featuring an increased budget is the Assessor’s Office (upgraded software) and the Police Department (new vehicle). Mooney also pointed out that the Town Clerk budget will look higher than it did in the previous year. Current Town Clerk Elizabeth Magauran was appointed in September of 2019, and therefore last year’s budget only included a half-year of expenses. This year, the entire year will be accounted for.
Marion Fire Chief Brian Jackvony is requesting an additional full-time firefighter, Mooney reported, which accounts for an increase to the Fire Department budget. “He’s really looking for an additional person to cover those weekday incidents, where they have the most calls,” she reported.
“I’m a little concerned about this one because, when we hire a new full-time person, the real cost is benefits,” Waterman said.
“I can’t really speak to that. Chief Jackvony will have his reasons I’m sure, and we’ll let him speak to them,” said McGrail. Jackvony will be meeting with the Selectmen in the future to address any concerns, as had been previously planned.
Marion resident Dr. Edward Hoffer, a member of the Friends of the Marion Council on Aging, presented the findings of a recent survey of Marion residents over 55.
“We were granted funds by AARP recently to fund this study,” he explained, noting that the grants were awarded because Marion was recognized by AARP as an “age-friendly community.
“In 2018, 36 percent of Marion’s population was over 60. By 2030, over 40 percent of residents will be over 60. The question is: Are we ready?”
The survey was sent to 2,200 Marion residents over the age of 55, and 564 of the surveys were returned. Based on the survey, Hoffer said, the biggest problems for older residents in Marion were infrastructure (sidewalks in poor condition, danger crossing Route 6, and availability of public bathrooms) as well as housing.
Ninety percent of people who responded stated that housing was the biggest problem for older residents in town. Fifty-six percent of residents wanted more availability of smaller homes, 52 percent sought more assisted living, 42 percent were interested in an over-55 complex, 34 percent were seeking rental apartments. Many answers indicated more than one choice.
“A lot of these issues are things we’re tackling, things that are in the pipeline,” said Waterman. “The thing is that they take money, and a lot of it. So we’re trying to prioritize as best we can to not put extra burden on the taxpayers. And Route 6 in particular is tricky because we’ve gone to the state time and time again to fix it, and they aren’t as concerned as we are. So we’re going to keep going to them, but if you want to write to your local representatives with your concerns, that definitely helps as well.”
Marion Board of Selectmen
By Andrea Ray
On February 3, Marion’s Planning Board dedicated the majority of the meeting to continue a discussion that began on January 30, when an assembly of boards and town departments gathered to discuss the future of affordable housing in the community.
The January 30 meeting opened the door to creative ideas meant to find ways in which the town could comply with the state’s mandate of 10-percent affordable housing units on subdivisions and other housing plans. Currently, the town’s data shows about seven percent of housing falls into the affordable category. During that meeting, the Board of Selectmen, along with members of the Planning Board, Finance Committee, Accessors, and the Affordable Housing Trust, debated bylaw changes that might assist in bringing new solutions to an old problem – how to meet the 10-percent mark.
The Planning Board agreed that the January 30 meeting was a good stepping-off point, but that they could not craft permanent zoning modifications without more study and expert assistance.
Member Eileen Marum suggested retaining an economic development consultant, “…to help new policies and ensure they are sound.” She said that Marion would be taking the lead with an inclusionary bylaw.
Joining the discussion via telephone was member Chris Collings, who voiced concerns that the Building Department might end up having to police developments. “When we reach the (10-percent) threshold we need to confirm by counting doors,” he said. “We can’t presume permits will get us over the 10-percent goal.” Collings said that zoning changes would change the landscape.
Rising to speak was Selectman John Waterman who said, “Current zoning isn’t viable for developers.” He said as things stand today the numbers don’t work for developers and in fact, “…are punitive.”
Current zoning regulations mandate that a subdivision development must have at least six units of affordable housing or the developer must pay $200,000 per unit to the Affordable Housing Trust. “We want a bylaw that will work for the developer, too,” Waterman said.
Collings commented that he’d rather see the town reach the 10-percent mark before passing any new bylaws. “Let’s reach the goals before we change the rules.”
Waterman countered, “But it hasn’t worked.”
Chairman Will Saltonstall said that current bylaws, “…don’t incentivize affordable housing.”
Resident Sherman Briggs wanted to ensure that a project he has been planning for some years, one that includes affordable units would not be adversely impacted. He was assured it would not but that his specific project could not be discussed in any depth without a public hearing notice.
Saltonstall said that member Norman Hills had applied for a grant to secure technical guidance from Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District.
The Planning Board agreed that at least a year of study was needed before comprehensive zoning bylaw changes that aided affordable housing could be drafted. In the meantime, they hope to have a “stopgap” in the form of modifications to the current inclusionary zoning bylaw presented at the spring town meeting. The stopgap proposal by Waterman aired at the January 30 meeting included lowering the fee paid by developers from $200,000 per unit to $70,000 per unit, along with a decrease in the number of affordable units from 10-percent to 5-percent.
In other business, the members voted unanimously to send a letter of support to the Historical Commission as they launch a project to document all historical structures in the community. Saltonstall said such a project was in line with the town’s Master Plan.
The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for February 18 at 5:00 pm in the Town House conference room.
Marion Planning Board
By Marilou Newell
Sonia Lee (Lutoff) Strawn, 74, of Wareham, died Friday, February 7, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Merritt Edwin Strawn.
Born in Wareham, she was the daughter of the late Thomas J. and Mabel T. (Zion) Lutoff. She was a graduate of Wareham High School, Class of 1963.
Sonia and Ed owned Marion Country Package Store in Marion for over 20 years where they forged many wonderful friendships.
Sonia’s life was devoted to her family. Her happiest days were spent cooking for her grandchildren and spending time in her yard, on her deck or by the pool surrounded by her children, family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Theresa Antell and her husband Timothy, Thomas Strawn and his wife Elizabeth, Peter Strawn, and Suzy Strawn and her fiancé Meric Goddu all of Wareham, and Dwight Kirk Strawn and his wife Elaine of New Bedford; her siblings, Janice Bentley of Dunstable, Robert Lutoff of Plantation, FL, Geraldine Jones of TN, and Arlene Goldstein of Wareham. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She was recently predeceased by her sister, the late Pearl Isner.
Her funeral will be from the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham on Wed., February 12, 2020 at 9 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 82 High St., Wareham at 10 am. Interment will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wareham. Visiting hours will be Tuesday from 4 – 8 pm at the funeral home.
Donations in her memory may be made to St. Patrick’s Church, 82 High St., Wareham, MA 02571.
The public has two opportunities to hear a presentation about the upcoming federal Census and to ask questions about how to complete the form. Census Partnership Specialist Jose Da Cunha will offer the presentations at the Mattapoisett Library on Thursday, February 20at 11:00 am and Tuesday, February 25 at 6:30 pm.
Questions will be addressed such as should you include your college student who lives away? What if you reside in another state for part of the year? What if you have a post office box? How do you count your student in boarding school or a family member in the military or a tenant in your attached apartment? What if you leave some questions blank? These are just some of the particular questions that will be addressed by Mr. Da Cunha. He will go over the form in detail and explain why it is so important that everyone is counted once.
Census 2020 determines the allocation of over $1.5 trillion in federal funds for schools, libraries, roads, social programs, and much more. The data collected is used for calculating representation in Congress and the Electoral College. It is the basis for drawing districts for federal, state, and local offices. Historically undercounted groups include children under 5 years old, those people who move frequently, and residents who speak a language other than English. It is vital to include everyone in the count so funds and services reach the areas that need them.
Everyone is encouraged to attend one or both of these free programs, co-sponsored with The League of Women Voters — Southcoast.
Tabor Academy invites the public to their free performance of their winter musical, Mamma Mia!, on February 13, 14 and 15 at 7:30 pm.
Mamma Mia! is based on the music of the Swedish pop band ABBA, who were active between 1972 and 1982, and remain one of the most popular international groups of all time. In Catherine Johnson’s book for the musical, she uses the songs to tell the story of Donna, a single mother, whose daughter Sophie is about to get married and secretly invites three men who might be her father to her wedding. The story is set in the 1990s and pits the feminist, anti-marriage views of Donna, who came of age in the 1970s, against her daughter’s desire to know who her father is, and have the perfect, traditional wedding. As the story unfolds, mother and daughter each search for her own authentic identity, and how to love, authentically, within it. The combination of such universal themes as the search for love and identity, with the undeniably catchy (and for some, deeply nostalgic) music of ABBA, is probably why this musical, a preposterous idea on its face, so reliably hits home. The first production of Mamma Mia!, in London’s West End, opened in 1999 and is still running. Since then, Mamma Mia! has been seen by over 54 million people in more than 40 countries. Tabor Academy is proud to add this production to the many before it.
The show runs February 13, 14, 15 at 7:30 pm in Tabor’s Fireman Center for the Performing Arts in Hoyt Hall at 245 Front Street, Marion. It is free and open to the public, and no tickets or reservations are required. Carnations will be on sale in the lobby on Valentine’s day, as well as a full array of concessions every night.
Marion (Old Rochester) is one of the oldest towns in the United States, and the Sippican Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of documentation on its historic buildings. In 1998, the Sippican Historical Society commissioned an architectural survey of Marion’s historic homes and buildings. Over 100 were cataloged and photographed. SHS will feature one building a week so that the residents of Marion can understand more about its unique historical architecture.
This installment features 36 Cottage Street. The dwelling at 36 Cottage Street was built for painter Russell G. Grey. The son of Captain Russell Grey, he grew up in the home at 12 South Street. The Greys resided at 36 Cottage Street until 1920. Interestingly, a photograph of this house was included along with images of more substantial Shingle-style residences in E.G. Perry’s early 1900s souvenir guidebook A Trip Around Buzzard’s Bay.
A site visit on Monday, February 3, to a construction project at the edge of designated wetlands resulted in the domination of new business at the meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission on Tuesday, February 4, at Town Hall.
Environmental Planner/Conservation Agent Laurell J. Farinon presented the commission with a report on her findings a day after visiting the site, a wooded area at 45 Kings Highway, from which it was determined that Jacobs Engineering acted in violation of the Mass Wetlands Protection Act (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 131, Section 40).
The construction firm contracted by the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) was ruled to have overextended its rights and failed to consult with or seek approval from the Conservation Commission before clearing areas in a buffer zone up against wetlands.
“What I found was earth working grading up to area of wetlands,” explained Farinon, who had spoken to Chairman Michael Conway and gained permission to bring it up in Tuesday’s meeting as new business. “This came up (Monday) … it’s timely and it needed to be addressed.”
Farinon could have signed an enforcement order that Conway would present at the commission’s next meeting on February 18, but the matter was considered too urgent to delay so it now has the entire commission’s signatures. Farinon took photographs at the site and presented them to members of the commission at Tuesday night’s meeting.
On Tuesday afternoon, Farinon met with two representatives of the MBTA, Kyle Purdy, senior scientist, and Peter Cruz, project manager, who represented Jacobs Engineering at the Commission meeting. Cruz described the area as Jacobs Engineering found it.
The commission ordered an immediate cease-and-desist to the permitted contractor and all others from any activity affecting the 100-foot buffer zone and/or resource areas.
At the site on Monday afternoon, Farinon had issued a verbal cease-and-desist, shutting down the project so the contractor was not allowed to remove its equipment from the site. This was deleted from the written order. It was Farinon’s understanding that the cease-and-desist was being followed.
The order presented at Tuesday night’s meeting included the stipulation that all resource areas shall be returned to their original condition, and a restoration plan shall be filed on or before February 28, 2020 that shows restoration of the 25-foot, no-disturb zone. In addition to further stipulations, no further work shall be allowed without a public hearing.
Vice Chairman Daniel Gagne itemized requirements for Jacobs Engineering as a starting point to repair the situation.
Addressing the commission along with Purdy and Cruz, Farinon expressed her disappointment at the situation, noting the effort that the commission makes to work with projects. She added that Jacobs’ representatives were apologetic.
“We should have provided a courtesy notification of the additional work that was occurring in addition to the RDA from July,” said Purdy.
“But that’s not a courtesy,” countered Farinon.
Gagne added, “It’s not a, ‘Oops, we forgot to notify you,’ you forgot to file an application with us for us to review and see if you had permission to do this.”
Purdy answered, “Yes, correct,” in agreement of the mistake. Purdy indicated that before organizing a revised plan, Jacobs Engineering will need to consult with the MBTA.
Farinon acknowledged that the MBTA may have zoning rights not shared by others, but the MBTA is still subject to wetlands laws.
Acknowledging Jacobs Engineering’s needs for space to accommodate the MBTA’s construction equipment, Farinon told Purdy and Cruz, “It’s going to be really important for you to deal with both of those issues.”
The commission passed a motion to issue the enforcement order as amended along with the aforementioned stipulations of immediate acts to repair unauthorized activities, and Jacobs Engineering will be subject to ticketing at least until the next meeting of the commission on Feb 18.
“What we did tonight, do an enforcement order with some ticketing, is the most we could do,” said Farinon after the meeting’s adjournment.
In other matters, the commission decided against a Chapter 61A Right of First Refusal Request in regards to Morse Brothers Inc. project at Gerrish Road.
Continuances to the February 18 meeting for public hearings were granted for Pedro Rodriguez of Solar MA Project Management and to Steen Realty & Development Corporation.
Rochester Conservation Commission
By Mick Colageo