SLT & NBC Lead Duck Waddle

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Join the Sippican Lands Trust and the Nasketucket Bird Club for a trip around Marion to view winter ducks and other avian visitors on Sunday, January 20at 1 pm starting at the Silvershell Beach parking area. This trip will be led by Justin Barrett, President of the Nasketucket Bird Club, and Carol Molander, a Nasketucket Bird Club member. The group will carpool/caravan to overlooks and some Sippican Lands Trust properties around Marion to view winter ducks and other birds.

The Duck Waddle is free, and no registration is required. Some of the sites may require a short walk (1/4 mile) to get water views. Please bring water, a pair of binoculars (if you have them) and dress appropriately for the day’s weather. If the Duck Waddle is canceled due to inclement weather, then information will be posted to SLT’s website and Facebook page. For directions or further information visit sippicanlandstrust.org or call Sippican Lands Trust at 508-748-3080.

John E. “Jack” Boeing

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John E. “Jack” Boeing, 98, of Marion, MA, on January 14, 2019. Predeceased by his wife, Jeanne, Jack leaves three sons and a daughter and their families – Peter Boeing and his wife Patricia of Concord, MA, and their children Carl and wife Brenda, Jill, and Paul and wife Megan; Mark Boeing and his wife Lisa of Wolfeboro, NH, and their children Gregory and wife Haley, Jenna, and Parker; Chris Boeing and his wife Lynne of Pepperell, MA, and their children Carrie, Meaghan, and Emily; Joanna Boeing Bratton and her husband Roxie of Marion, MA, and their children Hanna and Parker; and several great grandchildren. Also “father” to Ivar Hegstad who joined the Boeings as an AFS exchange student from Norway as a high school senior and has remained a part of the family.

Jack was born in Dorchester, MA, son of the late L. Marie Terletzky (Cooke) and Eugene Boeing. He graduated from Mount Hermon School in 1939, and then served in the Army Air Corps, flying planes for the lend-lease program with the then Soviet Union, and then as a flight instructor in Blytheville, Arkansas. Jack sang throughout his life both professionally and whenever the occasion permitted.

In 1953, he started The John E. Boeing Company, JEBCO, in Lexington, MA as a manufacturers’ representative in the emerging electronic component business and the firm continues to be an icon in the industry. Jack and Jeanne then retired to Marion, MA and enjoyed much golf, singing, entertaining, rum raisin ice cream, and winters in Florida.

Memorial Service at St. Gabriel’s Church, 124 Front Street, Marion, MA at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019. Memorial donations may be made to the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund or the First Tee of Massachusetts, 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766 and/or any charitable organizations for veterans, especially Eric’s Earthbound Vets, 311 East Main St. #1, East Brookfield, MA 01515 (www.earthboundvets.org) and Homes for Our Troops, 6 Main St., Taunton, MA 02780 (www.hfotusa.org). Private burial to follow later in the year at the family plot in Hill, NH. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Rt. 6, Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Board Discusses Alcohol Citation, Schedules Town Meeting

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A Rochester business was recently cited for selling alcohol to a person under 21, Rochester Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar informed the Board of Selectmen on January 7.

Szyndlar told the selectmen – the governing authority that issues licenses to sell alcohol in town – that she received a letter from the Police Department disclosing that, during the department’s annual alcohol compliance checks, one of the few businesses authorized to sell alcohol in Rochester was found in violation.

“Unfortunately, one employee at Lloyd’s Market did not request identification from an underage purchaser, so there was a violation,” Szyndlar said.

Szyndlar recommended the board to take the issue under advisement to allow her to discuss it with Rochester’s town counsel as far as the process the Town has taken in the past.

“And if we have a written policy, we’ll follow what that policy is,” said Board of Selectmen Chairman Greenwood “Woody” Hartley.

Hartley said the board would likely hold a public hearing in the near future on the matter.

Also during the meeting, at Szyndlar’s recommendation, the board set the 2019 Annual Town Meeting date for the third Monday of May, May 20, at Rochester Memorial School.

“It might be a pretty good-sized warrant,” Szyndlar said, so she will be looking into also reserving Tuesday, May 21, as a spillover date.

The board voted to open the warrant that evening, and set March 15 at 4:00 pm as the deadline for article submissions.

In other matters, the continued dog nuisance public hearing for Liberal Teixeira will be held on January 14 when the board will render its final decision on the matter. Teixeira has allegedly been operating an unpermitted dog breeding business at his North Avenue home in violation of a prior Town order to cease from all kennel operations after years of noise complaints from neighbors.

Monetary donations totaling $2,750 from the Annie Maxim House were accepted that evening, with the Police Department receiving $1,000, Fire $500, Ambulance $500, Highway Department $500, and $250 for the Council on Aging.

Selectmen signed a volunteer citation thanking Laurene Gerrior as she resigns from the Conservation Commission after many years of service. There is now an opening on the commission, and the board has received two applications, which it will review when all three selectmen are present at a future meeting.

The board also accepted the resignation of Lisa Fuller from the Rochester Cultural Council.

The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for January 14 at 7:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

Rochester Board of Selectmen

By Jean Perry

Liz Wiley Appointed Executive Director of the Marion Institute

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The Marion Institute (MI) Board of Directors and staff welcome their new Executive Director, Liz Wiley, to the organization. Wiley will lead MI, which celebrated its 25th year in 2018, as it evolves its mission to focus primarily on holistic healthcare and fostering healthy, engaged individuals and communities.

“We’re so pleased to welcome Liz back to the Marion Institute,” said Michael Baldwin, Co-Founder and President of the Board of Directors. “She was with us 5 years ago and left an indelible mark on the organization. Her skills, accomplishments, and core values mirror the mission of the Marion Institute and we are looking forward to her shepherding MI into a new era.”

Most recently, Wiley was the Climate Resilience and Food Security Lead at Spherical Analytics (S|A), a Context Labs Company based in Cambridge, MA.

“It is with great excitement that I return to the Marion Institute as Executive Director. The MI’s mission has always been close to my heart and aligns with my personal and professional philosophy,” said Wiley. “Our goal of promoting healthy living and vibrant communities through food access, resilient environments, and holistic healthcare is a fundamental part of my world view. I can’t wait to work with the incredible MI team to implement and expand this pioneering vision.”

Originally trained as a biologist, Wiley has a diverse background focused on environmental and social issues for more than 20 years. In 2007, she began working for Bristol Community College (BCC) where she developed the highly successful WISE Women program, implemented multiple grant initiatives focused on workforce development, and helped launch eHealth, an innovative private/public partnership that brought online health-oriented programs to the college.

Later, as the Director of the college’s Green Center, Wiley developed workforce training programs in support of the green economy. Under Wiley’s direction, the Center grew into a major force for developing the green economy in the Southcoast region. She has taught courses at Boston University and BCC and is a certified yoga teacher. Wiley and her family reside in Wareham.

The Marion Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the organizational hub for programs focused on innovative approaches to healthcare, community-building, and sustainability: the BioMed Programs (BioMed Network and the Bioregulatory Medicine Institute) and Grow Education. The Marion Institute also acts as a fiscal sponsor for a range of smaller organizations which are working toward their charitable certification and are in need of administrative support and guidance.

Felix P. Gomes

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Felix P. Gomes, 84, of Marion, entered into eternal glory on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River.

Born in Bourne, he was the son of the late Julio P. and Antonia O. (Gonsalves) Gomes. He graduated from Bourne High School, Class of 1952. Mr. Gomes was a residential group home manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and previously worked at the former Paul A. Dever State School in Taunton.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960 where he honed his love for photography. After his service, he worked at Stewart Color Lab from 1960 until he left New York, creating images and producing print work that hung in subways and mega size billboards throughout New York City. During his career, some of his personal photos were submitted to Time Magazine.

A championship powerlifter, Mr. Gomes started weightlifting and bodybuilding during his time in the Army. At the Flatbush branch YMCA in Brooklyn, New York, he developed a program for weightlifting and sponsored weightlifting and powerlifting meets. He was a competitive member of the Staten Island Weightlifting Club. From 1971 to 1974, he was a New York Metropolitan Powerlifting Chairman and helped organize powerlifting meets in New York and New Jersey. He was also a national powerlifting referee.

Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Gomes was the top-rated powerlifter in 1969 both nationally and worldwide. He was both junior and senior national record holder in the dead lift, the United States record holder in the dead lift from 1966 to 1968, 1969 “Outstanding Powerlifter” in the New York Metropolitan Association, “Powerlifter of the Month” by the Powerlifting National Magazine, represented the United States in the first national team competition against England, and also represented the United States in three world powerlifting championships.

He is survived by his children, Felicia Gomes-Gregory of Brooklyn, NY, Kelcey Robertson of New Bedford, Kendra Gomes of Marion, and Keeland Gomes of Marion; his siblings, Robert Gomes of Falmouth, Joseph Gomes of New Bedford, Cipriana Gomes and Pedro Gomes both of Waterbury, CT, and Maria Santos of Quincy.  Also surviving are his grandchildren, Danielle Gregory, Gabrielle Gregory and Kelcey Robertson, Jr., and many loved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, the late Julio Gomes, David Gomes, Christina Gomes, and Margaret Gomes.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham on Thurs., Jan. 17, 2019 from 9 to 10:30 am. A funeral Mass will follow at St. Mary’s Church, Onset Ave., Onset at 11 am. Interment will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wareham.

Marion Designated as Green Community

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Town Administrator Paul Dawson and the Marion Board of Selectmen are pleased to announce that the Town of Marion was designated as a Green Community by the state late last month.

“With so much conversation being made lately about the environment and our impact on it, this designation as a Green Community comes at just the right time,” Town Administrator Dawson said. “I think it all starts at home with everyone being mindful of the ways we can do a better job of protecting our environment and I am proud that the town has been recognized by the state for taking its own steps in doing just that.”

In a letter sent by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), Selectman Chair Norman Hills was notified of the new designation for the town on Thursday, December 27.

The DOER Green Communities Division provides technical assistance and financial support for municipal initiatives to improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy in public buildings, facilities, and schools.

There are five criteria to be a Green Community. Meeting those criteria qualifies communities for state funding to increase their efforts. The criteria are:

-Provide as-of-right siting in designated locations for renewable/alternative energy generation, research and development, or manufacturing facilities.

-Adopt an expedited application and permit process for as-of-right energy facilities.

-Establish an energy use baseline for municipal buildings and facilities, and develop a plan to reduce energy use by twenty percent after five years

-Purchase fuel-efficient vehicles when available and practicable

-Minimize life-cycle energy costs for new construction homes and buildings; one way to meet these requirements is to adopt the new Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) Stretch Code

“Meeting these criteria is proof of Marion’s position as an energy leader in Massachusetts, poised to reduce its energy costs, improve the local environment and implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects with funding through the Green Communities Designation and Grant Program,” Nicholas Connors Director of the Green Communities Division wrote in his letter to Selectman Hills.

Marion’s Energy Management Committee (EMC) has led the town’s effort to gain Green Community status since 2013 and 2014 when it promoted the Solar Bylaw and began to investigate the Stretch Code. More than 100 solar projects have been installed in town since that time.

With the help of the EMC, the town has also executed a power purchase agreement with Future Generation Wind to net meter electric power to town buildings and facilities at savings in excess of $90,000 per year.

In addition, the town was able to lease four electric vehicles for the use of town departments with help from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Currently EMC has proposed and overseen the replacement of all of the town’s cobra-head streetlights with more efficient LED fixtures for additional energy savings.

With the new Green Community designation, the town has been awarded a grant of $132,672 to cover the cost of additional energy-saving projects. A list of the proposed projects is presently being developed for submission to the Green Communities Division.

 

 

Selectmen Ready to Talk T.U.R.F.

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Marion Town Administrator Paul Dawson advised the Board of Selectmen on January 8 to plan on attending the upcoming Old Rochester Regional School Committee meeting next week when the committee will discuss the ORR High School athletic complex renovation project proposal it will support advancing into the new year.

“I think it’s important that we be well represented … to at least present the municipal side of this and what that all means and how that might play out,” said Dawson.

Dawson encouraged all three selectmen to join him for the meeting, saying that selectmen, the town administrators, and some Finance Committee members from Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester will all be attending to discuss the implications of the proposal, “… Whatever their proposal may be,” Dawson.

“I think there is a movement to move it to the spring Town Meeting,” suggested Dawson.

The ORR School Committee meeting is scheduled for January 16 at 6:30 pm in the ORR Junior High School media room.

In other matters, Dawson gave the selectmen an update on the building of the Town’s fiscal year 2019 budget, saying the process is well underway after a meeting last week with department heads to discuss operating budgets and capital requests. There are a number of subsequent meetings for this and next week scheduled already to prepare a balanced budget to present to the Finance Committee.

“We hope to be able to have a budget ready to send off to the Finance Committee as soon as possible,” said Dawson. “I hope that we’ll be able to have some recommendations for the board at its next meeting … unless we run into anything unpredictable at this point.”

The board tabled the discussion of the citizen petition to ban adult-use recreational cannabis in Marion. According to Dawson, he still needs to review the article language with the petitioner in order to get the article into the proper format.

The next meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen is scheduled for January 22 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.

Marion Board of Selectmen

By Jean Perry

Academic Achievements

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Dean’s List statusatLehigh Universityin the Fall 2018 semester, which is awarded to students who earned a scholastic average of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses, has been granted to Rachel McCoog of Marion in the Fall 2018 semester.

Curry Collegeis proud to announce that Victoria Caton of Mattapoisett has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2018 semester. To qualify for the dean’s list, students must earn a 3.30 GPA, have no incompletes, and have no grade lower than a “C” for the semester.

The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce that these Tri-Town students have qualified for the fall 2018 dean’s list:

-Liz Jerome of Rochester

-Maddy Kistler of Marion

-Tyler Menard of Mattapoisett

-David Nadeau of Mattapoisett

-Christina Sebastiao of Mattapoisett

-Ally Sylvia of Rochester

Experience a Total Lunar Eclipse

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On the evening of January 20into the morning of January 21, the shadow of earth will pass in front of the full moon, creating a total lunar eclipse. Come join the Buzzards Bay Coalition at The Bogs (138 Acushnet Rd., Mattapoisett) to watch this incredible celestial event!

Located far from city lights, within the Mattapoisett River Reserve, The Bogs offer a dark, expansive sky perfect for views of the eclipsed moon. This eclipse will reach its peak at 12:12 am on January 21. Stop by any time between 11:30 pm and 12:30 am to view the moon up-close and personal, and learn a bit more about this astronomical event. This event is perfect for those with a school or work holiday on January 21 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Sky viewing will be weather-dependent. Please check the event page/Facebook the morning of the program for cancellations.

Dress warmly; we recommend bringing a chair and blankets if you plan to stay and watch the event. Binoculars and telescopes are welcome, and some extra binoculars will be available for use. Hot chocolate will be provided!

To learn more and register, visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org/events/total-lunar-eclipse-the-bogs-jan-20-2019/ or contact the Buzzards Bay Coalition at 508-999-6363 ext. 219 or bayadventures@savebuzzardsbay.org.

This event is part of Discover Buzzards Bay, an initiative to help people across the Buzzards Bay region find unique and exciting ways to explore the outdoors, get some exercise and connect with nature. Local residents can use Discover Buzzards Bay to get outside and discover woods, wetlands, and waterways from Fall River to Falmouth. To learn more, visit savebuzzardsbay.org/discover.

Assistant Superintendent to Retire in June

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Old Rochester Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment Dr. Elise Frangos will retire come the end of this school year, and the Rochester School Committee on January 3 had a brief discussion about the future of the position in the four school districts of Old Rochester.

School Committee Chairman Sharon Hartley said there are a number of ideas being considered and discussed by the budget subcommittee on how to fill the impending vacancy.

“We wanted to be sure we serve all of our schools well and in particular, being the Rochester School Committee, we want to be sure that we have a curriculum director, assistant superintendent – a leader who is going to continue the great work that we’ve had, and continue great curriculum instruction,” Hartley said.

One possibility is to split the position into two assistant superintendents, one with expertise in math and science, and one specializing in English language arts to support the districts.

“We will be coming back to that and having future discussions about that position and how we will restructure – if we will restructure,” said Hartley.

Superintendent Dr. Doug White said all school committees – Rochester, Mattapoisett, Marion, and Old Rochester Regional – would have to adopt the same position type and description when the time comes, but beforehand, he added, the financial structure to change the one position into two will have to be explored.

Frangos has been a part of the Old Rochester Schools Administration since 2010.

The next meeting of the Rochester School Committee is scheduled for February 7 at 6:30 pm, location to be determined.

Rochester School Committee

By Jean Perry