2018 Marion 5K Turkey Trot

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This popular yearly 5K run or walk will take you on a fairly flat course along Sippican Harbor through the beautiful downtown streets of Marion. This is a timed event and results are available for all runners. All proceeds from the Turkey Trot go directly to Marion Recreation programs and initiatives. These funds are valuable to the success of our programs by investing and updating equipment, expanding program offerings for all ages, and maintaining parks, fields, beaches, and playgrounds in the town. Marion Recreation also uses funds to offer Financial Assistance to participants who qualify to make sure everyone has the opportunity to participate. All runners will receive a complimentary T-Shirt and top finishers in each age group will receive medals. The race begins and ends at Tabor Academy, starting on Sunday, November 18at 10:15 am. Registration is available at marionma.gov/recreation-department/. Registration Fee for Runners 18 and over is $22.00 and for runners/walkers Under 18 is $16.00 online. Day or race registration is available for $25.00 and $18.00 respectively

Dog Hearing Representation

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To The Editor:

This letter is in response to the coverage at the recent town meeting of the incident that occurred between two dogs, resulting in one of the dog’s death, Winnie. As the owner of the other dog Stella, whom we recently rescued, I felt it important to further represent myself and my family against the facts of what happened.

To begin with, Officer Adam Murphy’s quote, whether it was from the witness or not, about how this “larger animal out of nowhere just struck and grabbed a hold of the other dog” is factually incorrect. Furthermore, his comment about how we “just walked off”, was not even a quote that existed on the original witness account. That literally was never said, nor did it happen, and I did mention it at the meeting. A bigger, and important, part of this story, is how this all happened. What I talked about in my statement at the hearing is the fact that Ms. Hagan, Winnie’s owner, initiated contact and conversation with me about Stella and was making inquiries and comments about our dog, which turned into a full conversation and prompted me to walk over to them in the first place. There was no attack “out of nowhere”, not even from the witness statement, nor did she ever say that we “just walked off”, which makes me appear to be indifferent and callous, far from the truth. I was equally shaken by what had happened. As I said, which was covered in the article, the dogs were getting to know each other. I had no reason to believe that would likely occur.

The second bit of information important to mention is the other incident that occurred with our neighbor’s dog, who came to speak out on OUR behalf, not “somewhat in our defense of Stella”. This was not “another dog attack” by Stella, as Ms. Hagan’s mother claims, who has no factual information on the matter. This was a simple scuffle between two dogs that resulted with a nip on a leg, nothing more. As my neighbor said in his statement, we really don’t even know who started it, and it only lasted a couple of seconds. I think it’s important to recognize that bigger dogs don’t always have to be the aggressor and that there are far worse behaved and aggressive dogs in smaller breeds (NOT my neighbor’s dog, of course).

In no way am I not affected by what has happened, nor am I trying to brush off blame, but better understanding and people may see there’s more to this story. This dog lived her first 3 years of life in an enlarged chicken coop with mesh flooring, defecating where she slept and stayed, hosed down when necessary and used only for profit until she was no longer of any use. We’re just trying to give her a nice home for the remainder of her life and get to know her better. I am very sad for Winnie’s family that she is gone, I truly am, but Stella is also loved and cherished by our neighbors, family, friends, and even acquaintances she meets on the street. She is not the vicious dog she has been portrayed to be. This is a hard lesson learned, and we are taking the necessary precautions and steps to help her get better and keep everyone safe.

Jennifer MacDonald, Marion

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

Economic Benefits Emphasized for Solar Project

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The proponents of a solar project at 78 Wareham Street wowed those attending the Marion Planning Board meeting on November 5 with a presentation demonstrating the economic benefits to town residents of their solar array.

David Davignon of N. Douglas Schneider & Associates gave a brief overview of the site plans and details of the project. The 78 Wareham Street property is currently owned by Henry and Judith Dejesus, who purchased the land approximately a year ago. ZPT Energy entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Dejesus for 21 acres of land, 18 acres of which they are proposing to clear for the solar farm. The site is predominantly uplands with a small isolated wetland that the Conservation Commission determined is non-jurisdictional. There are two curb cuts on Route 6 the project would use, with the northerly cut for access to the parcel. A 20-foot gravel access road will run to the rear of the property, and there will be grass maintenance roads around the site.

The 3.5-megawatt AC array is made up of 15,000 solar panels proposed at a minimum of 100 feet from nearby homes. There will be a chain link fence screened with arborvitae surrounding the array, as well as a 30-foot tree buffer to remain along Route 6. Limited grading on the site is required at the two detention ponds to ensure a separation from the water table. The drainage pattern on the site will be maintained.

Vice Chairman Stephen Kokkins asked how the project would be connected to the power grid. ZPT owner Brendan Gove explained that there is a high-tension power line easement adjacent to the parcel. Eversource, which is currently doing a system impact study, suggested ZPT connect to these power lines at the rear of the parcel. ZPT proposes siting a trailer to house large-scale lithium ion batteries, equipped with its own HVAC and fire suppression systems. The 4-6 month construction timeline includes interconnection to the grid.

ZPT provided a comprehensive look at the economic impact the solar farm would have on energy costs for residents. Additionally, the municipal cash windfall from the project in the form of taxes and other benefits sweetened the pot for the board.

According to ZPT, this project would prevent 5,107 tons of carbon from being released into the atmosphere, the equivalent of 5,457 acres of forest storing that same carbon. The board’s ensuing debate prompted former Planning Board member and current Marion Energy Management Committee member Jennifer Francis, who helped write the current bylaw on solar farms to comment.

At issue with the bylaw has been the language stating “large-scale clearing of forested areas for the purpose of constructing systems is prohibited.” Members of the board have been wrestling with the definition of “large-scale.”

Francis noted that it was “short-sighted” to restrict the cutting of trees for a solar farm, considering the amount of carbon saved by the renewable energy source. She asked the board to consider the alternatives for the site – 40B housing or another subdivision.

Gove stated that developing solar in the Marion area is at a premium, citing the lack of suitable land and the high cost of real estate. The infrastructure has been poorly maintained, Gove continued, and with this project his company proposes to upgrade both the Tremont Substation in Wareham and the Crystal Spring Substation in Mattapoisett. This would also provide the opportunity for the Town to move forward with the development of the solar array on the town landfill, a project currently thwarted by the high cost of infrastructure upgrades.

Gove noted that his company would be interested in developing that site as well. Still, regardless of that, the infrastructure upgrades would be completed.

The ZPT project, if it entered into a community solar project with the Town, could provide residents an energy credit off their energy bill of approximately $5,728 over a 20-year period. This would appear as a 10 percent floating discount applied to a resident’s entire monthly bill from Eversource, including both supply and distribution.

ZPT would also provide revenue to the Town through a PILOT program (payment in lieu of taxes) of over $1 million over a 20-year period.

ZPT also promised a donation of $10,000 to the Tree Committee to plant trees throughout town.

Gove illustrated the value to homeowners of the solar array, observing, “If you don’t want to put holes in your roof, if you don’t want to look at it or smell it, put the array where the town wants to and let residents take advantage of it.” He added that PILOT payments could be flexible. If the town identifies a need, his company could respond to it, within certain parameters.

Planning Board member Norm Hills remarked that the town was already in a municipal aggregation program through SRPEDD. Gove said that was no problem – whoever supplies the energy to the town, the 10 percent discount still applied.

The discussion returned to the question of large-scale tree clearing. Gove reiterated the point from a previous meeting that the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act considers large-scale to be 25-plus acres. Chairman Will Saltonstall stressed the point that scale is about context, saying, “Large is defined by the Town’s perspective, to protect the neighbors. … This is an industrial use in a residential area.”

When Francis asked how many trees would be removed, ZPT representative Hal Reader said that approximately 2,500 trees would be cleared. Francis suggested that perhaps the company could be more generous in their donation for trees in town.

Town resident Sherman Briggs quipped, “I like trees, but we could sure use a town hall!”

The board continued the hearing for two weeks so it could fully consider the bylaw question before moving forward with a consulting engineer.

In other business, the board discussed the Briggs Residence E project and what its flexibility is with dimensional requirements.

Member Chris Collings observed that the board held some responsibility in the conflict with the requirements.

“We wrote up the Master Plan: we came up with new ideas – let’s make it possible on the conflicts with the new ideas,” said Collings, later adding, “[We need to] be able to give a simple face to developers, [assure them] the ground isn’t going to shift beneath them. The ZBA is dealing with the trees in the forest – we are trying to change the forest.”

Kokkins felt that getting town counsel’s opinion on the Planning Board’s role was a top priority, while Saltonstall concluded by saying the board needs to take a position that was “defensible.”

The board took up a request from the ZBA to comment on a request by P&L Realty Trust to convert an existing in-law apartment to an unrestricted apartment. The board drafted a letter to the ZBA, taking issue with the language in the permit request.

The bylaw the request referenced does not allow for an unrestricted apartment, rather only an apartment that provides affordable housing. In its letter, the Planning Board emphasized to the ZBA the affordable housing stipulation would need to be part of any approval of an accessory apartment. However, the ZBA had already approved the unrestricted apartment at its meeting on November 1.

During that meeting last Thursday, ZBA member Betsy Dunn commented that the applicant was a friend of hers and suggested recusing herself from the matter, but, instead, participated in the discussion and rendered her positive vote.

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for November 19 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.

 

Marion Planning Board

By Sarah French Storer

The Mattapoisett Library: A Brief History

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The red brick landmark of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library standing at 7 Barstow Street since 1904 received financing for its building from a $10,000 donation from wealthy financier George Purrington and its property site from Ned’s Point summer resident from Boston Samuel Warren. This generous combination of gift from a town benefactor and a summer resident was a cooperative spirit of alliance benefiting the library that still lives on to this very day.

Before that, the books that found a home here had shuttled from pillar to post, first out of a private collection of Reverend Robbins then to the home of Isaiah Atsatt, and in 1842 they moved again to the east village schoolhouse. In 1899, the collection was combined with the original books of a Mrs. S. F. Swift and moved into its new home.

The library was initially open just two hours a day, three days a week, but in 1921, the milestone of a children’s section was added and continued evolving over the years as an elementary literary educational department. Equally as historic, in 1933, two full-time librarians, Miss Tilden and Miss Fox, had been hired to administrate care and distribution of some 9,716 books. The librarians would set a public relations tradition to interest the public, which played a vital role and fostered future support that would continue to grow over subsequent years.

This friendly and considerate conversation gradually built up a confidence to elevate the librarian’s personal respect into a perceived fountain of literary information. Even today, the expectations of a librarian’s literary knowledge varies from asking for advice on what to read to a discussion on a wealth of other topics that happen to come into the patron’s mind.

By the turn of the next century, growth of the Mattapoisett Library’s book collection resulted in an increased attendance, requiring additional administration and an eventual $5.5 million renovation and expansion project. For some twelve years, Frances H. Gordon, chairman of the Building Committee, and Judith E. Wallace, Library Director, with the dedicated support of Project Manager Robert A. Cattley, eventually brought the project to ribbon cutting ceremony. By July 16, 2008, they had raised $2 million in donations. In addition, the Town of Mattapoisett was awarded a $2 million LSTA Library Building Construction grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The balance was made up with taxpayer support, leading to the final construction of the expanded facility, as illustrated in my drawing, with the two original benefactors looking down upon it with looks of approval for the endorsement of their original generosity.

Back in 1988, the Mattapoisett Free Public Library automated to join S.E.A.L. (Southeastern Automated Libraries,) and later S.E.A.L. merged with A.B.L.E. to form S.A.I.L.S. in the year 2000 (A.B.L.E. was a more northern group of libraries). The formation of this member-driven, non-profit entity facilitated the flow of literary and informational resources by many fold.

Two years ago, when I first walked in the door of the library as a new resident, I was immediately welcomed by Library Director Susan Pizzolato and her staff with a feeling that I had entered a whole new world of reading, research, programs, and Internet expertise. They made me feel at home with all their help to transmit my articles and scanned drawings to an equally receptive Wandererstaff.

Let me conclude by quoting Mark Twain on this subject in addressing the Board of Directors at Fairhaven’s Millicent Library dedication in 1894: “A public library is the most enduring of memorials. May there always be libraries, when by mutations of language, the books that are in them will always speak in a lost tongue to our posterity.” Allow me to add to his words of approval that we are truly blessed by looking back into history for preservation of our literary past, as well as to the established Mattapoisett tradition that is in good hands for the future.

 

By George B. Emmons

Denis Raymond Choquette, Jr.

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Denis Raymond Choquette, Jr., 38, of Fairhaven, died Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford unexpectedly. He was the husband of Arianna MaryKay (Oliver) Choquette.

Born in New Bedford, Denis was the son of Denis R. Choquette, Sr. of Fairhaven, and Lorri Ann (Izdebski) Smith of Seekonk. He was a previous resident of Marion and Mattapoisett before moving to Fairhaven.

Denis was an auto body collision repair technician and worked for Barry Automotive Group in RI and most recently, Cape Cod Restorations in Cataumet.

Denis loved motorcycles and was a self-described “gearhead” who excelled in both automotive collision repair and motorcycle industries where his talents have been recognized for the past twenty years. While Denis has always exhibited a passion for fixing things that had been broken, whether a car or motorcycle, the real driving force behind that passion has always been to be able to provide for himself doing what he enjoyed.

When Denis began a family of his own, that driving force became his family. Denis deeply loved and cared for both his wife Arianna and his four children.

Denis was fiercely loyal to anyone he considered to be his family whether or not they were blood related. He derived great joy from helping others and was supportive any time he was needed whether he was asked to be there or not. Denis was also a prankster and loved nothing more than to be the instigator of some mischievous joke. Denis loved well, was loved greatly in return, and will be sorely missed.

Survivors include his wife Arianna; his children, Denny M. Choquette, Kara L. Choquette, Kylie E. Choquette, and Francis C. Choquette all of Fairhaven; his parents, Denis R. Choquette, Sr. and Lorri Ann Smith; his siblings, Kristen Buckles of Fairhaven, and Ryan Choquette of Wareham; his paternal grandfather, William Troiano of Bristol, RI; his maternal grandmother, Marjorie Izdebski of New Bedford, and his best friend, Christian Rachoetes.

His funeral will be from the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., (Rt. 28), Wareham on Wed., Nov. 14, 2018 at 9 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony’s Church, Barstow St., Mattapoisett at 10 am. Interment will be private. Visiting hours will be Tuesday from 5 – 8 pm at the funeral home.

Mattapoisett Woman’s Club

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is having their November luncheon meeting in Reynard’s Hall of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church (27 Church Street) on November 15at 11:00 am. Our guest speaker is Mr. Robert Field, Principal, (W) Field Engineering Co., Inc. Field holds degrees in agriculture and civil engineering and will give a presentation about his oyster farming operation.

Anyone wishing to join us is welcome.  If you would like more information, you may visit our new website – www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org – or contact Christine Voss at 508-758-3348.

Elks Student of the Month

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The Elks of Wareham Lodge No. 1548 sponsors the Elks Student of the Month and Student of the Year Awards for students enrolled in local area high schools. The criteria used in nominating a student includes a student who excels in scholarship, citizenship, performing arts, fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school and community service, industry and farming.

We congratulate Junior Colby Alves of Rochester for being selected as Student of the Month for September by the Old Rochester Regional High School faculty and staff. Colby is one of the most polite, positive, and out-going students at OR. A good role model for all. Currently an ambassadOR and helping out a special needs student in the building. He also helped the boy’s basketball team last year by filming practices and games.

A New England Nutcracker

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New Bedford Ballet will perform its annual production of A New England Nutcracker December 1 through 9 at the NBB Community Theatre, located at 2343 Purchase Street in New Bedford. Journey back to the 1850s, as this favorite holiday story is reimagined through New Bedford’s historic whaling era, and prepare for the “City That Lit the World” to light up your holiday season.

Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the performance follows young Mary through a night of adventure. You’ll begin at the lavish home of Captain Ephraim Williams where many guests, including Herman Melville, arrive at a holiday party, and the family celebrates the homecoming of the Captain after years at sea. He shares tales of his travels and comes bearing gifts, including exotic dancing animals, and of course, a beautiful nutcracker for young Mary. After Mary drifts to sleep, the real adventures begin as the audience watches battling mice and soldiers, ending with the triumphant defeat of the Mouse Queen. The magical journey continues as Mary sails through dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets. The performance is filled with colorful and playful characters from around the globe, including those unique to the New England region. The audience is entertained by Chinese, Spanish, French, and Russian dancers, as well as whaling sailors and Native Americans. The performance brings a much-loved international holiday tale into our hometown.

This original adaptation of the traditional Nutcracker ballet, created by Rebecca Waskiel-Marchesseault, Director of the New Bedford Ballet, features choreography by Ms. Waskiel-Marchesseault, Erin Petitjean Allen, and Eugenia Zinovieva. The performance takes place in New Bedford Ballet’s studio, offering an intimate environment charged with the dancers’ energy. This simple version with narration is engaging for children, and the hour-long performance is perfect for anyone juggling the many events that fill the holiday season.

Ten performances will take place over two weekends:

Saturday,December 1at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm

Sunday, December 2at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm

Friday, December 7at 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm

Saturday,December 8at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm

Sunday, December 9at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm

Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $7 for seniors, students, and children. Group rates for non-profit organizations are available. All proceeds from the ballet support the New Bedford Ballet Foundation, a non-profit organization. For over twenty years, the Foundation has granted scholarships and given thousands of area school children and seniors the opportunity to witness the splendor and beauty of ballet. As a result of private and corporate contributions to the Foundation, the Youth Ballet will also be performing A New England Nutcracker for students from PACE Head Start, Early Learning Center, the Schwartz Center for Children, the Kennedy-Donovan Center, Hayden-McFadden Elementary School, and adults from Project Independence.

Celebrate the season with this classic holiday story that never gets old. Tickets are limited and sell quickly; reserve yours soon by contacting the New Bedford Ballet at 508-993-1387. For more information, visit our website, www.newbedfordballet.org.

November Flu Clinics

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The Marion Board of Health will offer two November 2018 seasonal flu clinics for all residents. The flu vaccine will be available in the injectable form for ages 2 years old and over, nasal mist for ages 2-18, and the high dose vaccine for ages 65 years and over.

Those attending the flu clinics are reminded to wear a short sleeve shirt and to bring all insurance and Medicare cards. Vaccinations will be given to all regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

The clinics will be held at:

Monday,November 5from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the Marion Town House

Monday, November 19from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the Marion Town House

Transportation to the clinics can be arranged with the Marion Council on Aging at

508-748-3570.

Homebound residents may schedule an appointment for a home visit by calling the Marion Board of Health at 508-748-3530.

For more information, call the Marion Board of Health at 508-748-3530.

FinCom Considers Special Town Meeting Articles

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As Mattapoisett Town Administrator Michael Gagne and the members of the Finance Committee continue their review and preparation for the Fall Special Town Meeting on November 26, on November 1 they met with Kathleen Costello, administrator of assessing, so that she could present the taxes to be collected for the Town’s newest PILOT program for the Tinkham Hill II solar array.

The Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) plan showed the first payment of $33,804 is planned for 2020, with payments increasing by 2.5% over 14 years for an eventual total sum of $606,070. Costello also said that another “larger” solar array project was in the early stages of planning, but “it would be inappropriate to comment” until the plans are finalized.

Finance Committee Chairman Pat Donoghue said she had heard from several residents of Crystal Spring Road that heavy truck traffic associated with the construction of solar projects in that location had caused damage to the roadway. “There are costs associated with solar,” said Donoghue. “[They’re] not quite as free as they sound.”

Costello defended the solar array developers, saying that she found them to be very responsive any time her office had informed them of construction problems. She said that abutters needed to make Town Hall aware of problems.

Gagne said that concerns over large trucks, possibly associated with construction on Crystal Springs Road, utilizing the one-way stone bridge on River Road had finally prompted action in the form of petitioning the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for a weight restriction.

“We are going to move forward to do what we have to for the DOT,” Gagne confirmed.

It had been reported by neighbors in the area of the bridge that large vehicles attempting to use it had struck it. Surface damage to the interior walls of the structure bore evidence to that fact, they said. If the MassDOT approves the application, the weight restriction would be for vehicles with a maximum weight of 2.5 tons.

Gagne also said that the municipal landfill would be considered for solar panels that might produce energy that could be used to offset electrical costs incurred by schools and municipal buildings. He plans to include an article asking for funds to hire an engineering firm to prepare engineering plans for such a project.

Coming before the committee members requesting a new ambulance was Police Chief Mary Lyons. The discussion circled around the most cost-effective manner to purchase a new ambulance with a price tag hovering around $300,000. Lyons said the plan would include trading in the diesel ambulance, a vehicle that she said was becoming increasingly problematic and out of service on occasion, for a value of $7,000. Gagne said an analysis of the revenue receipts generated by the ambulance service found that over a three-year period approximately $300,000 to $350,000 was billed annually.

Lyons also discussed the need to pay for Mattapoisett’s share of a new digital communications systems shared with Fairhaven and Acushnet in the amount of $150,000.

Regarding the balance of the warrant, Gagne said the selectmen would be reviewing the draft it in the coming days, at which time they would also consider engineering for new senior housing, dredging at the town wharves, sidewalk repairs, drainage improvements in certain neighborhoods, and Mattapoisett’s MS4 Storm Water Permit Compliance.

Other articles in the draft included: a new outboard motor for the Fire Department Boat ($21,000), paving of parking area owned by the Mattapoisett Congregational Church utilized by the Council on Aging ($16,000), supplemental funding for caution lights at the bike path crossing on Mattapoisett Neck and Brandt Island Roads ($35,000), and the purchase of a new pump-out boat ($25,000).

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Finance Committee is tentatively scheduled for November 12 at 6:30 pm in the Town Hall conference room. For confirmation of day and time visit www.mattapoisett.net.

Mattapoisett Finance Committee

By Marilou Newell