Lions International Peace Poster Contest

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Caroline Brogioli, a 6th grade student at Old Hammondtown School has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning the local competition sponsored by the Mattapoisett Lions Club. Brogioli’s poster is among more than 600,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 31st Annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Club International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of promoting Kindness to young people everywhere.

“Making someone’s rainy day feel like a sunny day, “ Brogioli said is what kindness means to her. The poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit, and portrayal of the contest theme – ”Kindness Matters”.

Helene Rose, project chairperson, said she was “impressed by the expressive creativity of the students at Old Hammondtown, and grateful for the support that this project receives from the school administration, staff, and students yearly. It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas what kindness means to them. I’m so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their vision.”

Brogioli’s poster will advance to face stiff competition through the district with multiple district and international rounds of competition if she is to be declared the international grand prize winner. One grand prize and 23 merit winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of $5,000 plus a trip for the winner and two family members to an award ceremony. The 23 merit winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.

“Our club is cheering for Caroline as her poster advances in the competition and we hope that her vision will be shared internationally with others around the world,” Club President James Nadeau stated.

Locally, Brogioli and the other participants were honored for their participation at the morning assembly at Old Hammondtown School on Friday, November 2.

Caitlin O’Donnell was awarded second place and third place was awarded to Taylor Walsh. Each of these three participants were awarded gift certificates to Just Kidding Toy Store in Mattapoisett.

Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club organization with 1.4 million members in more than 47,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographic areas. In addition to its effort towards conquering blindness, the organization has made strong commitments to community service and helping youth throughout the world. Our motto is “We Serve.” For more information, please contact us at mattlionsclub@gmail.com.

Marion Recreation Public Skating

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The Marion Recreation Department, in conjunction with Tabor Academy, will be offering public skating on the following dates and times:

-Sunday(s),November 18, 25

-Sunday(s),December 9, 16, 23, 30

-Sunday(s),January 6, 13, 20, 27

-Sunday(s),February 3, 10, 17, 24

The fee is $5.00 per skater from 12:00 pm to 1:50 pm. Hats and Gloves are required per skater. No skate rentals available.

Tolling the Bells on November 11

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To the Editor:

The cover of your September 20th Wanderer featured a mural at ORR painted by Amber Jones in honor of her childhood friend, Beckett Kiernan, who tragically died after completing basic training. Ms. Jones’s mural is significant not only for Mr. Kiernan, but also for every veteran who answered the call of duty and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The reference of Flanders Field and the poem, In Flander’s Fields by John McCrae, brings to mind that this year’s Veteran’s Day, November 11th, is the 100th anniversary of the World War I armistice.

Last year Mary O’Keefe, a Mattapoisett resident, spearheaded an effort, Bells of Remembrance, to bring back the custom of tolling the bells on November 11 and her project was adopted by the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club. Local churches and municipalities from Mattapoisett, Wareham, Fairhaven, and Marion were contacted and participated in the tolling of bells. Now in the second year, many other churches and municipalities have been called throughout the Southcoast as well as Boston and the Cape and are joining the tradition not only this year, but also in future years.

The United States World War One Centennial Commission has a participation app for Smartphones that may be downloaded to our individual phones by going to the computer website YourACE or ww1cc.org/bells and following the directions. The app has a built-in countdown timer that will sound at 11:00 am on November 11, if you’ve chosen to participate.

Let’s all honor our Veterans and our men and women who are serving now with the Commission’s app and ring our bells. I hope you will join in: I have.

Sincerely,

Karen Gardner, Mattapoisett Woman’s Club

 

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.

Board Stuck on Regulations Definition

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The November 1 Marion Zoning Board of Appeals meeting centered on the question raised by an application for 8 Pie Alley: what is the definition of reconstruction?

Thomas Ryan of TRSK Law, representing property owner Brian Keane at 8 Pie Alley, presented to the board the proposal to raze an existing garage and reconstruct a “carriage house” in the same location. The current structure has a height of 10.1 feet, with a proposed new height of 25.1 feet. The proposed use of the structure would be a home office for the applicant as well as recreational space for his family “to keep the kids close.” The current garage is an existing non-conforming structure, located just 4 feet from the property line.

The sticking point for board member Tad Wallenhaupt was his contention that the project would not be considered a reconstruction under the zoning regulations. Wallenhaupt cited regulations 230.6.1G: “Any nonconforming structure may be reconstructed after a fire, explosion or other catastrophe or after demolition…”, emphasizing that the regulation referred to demolition after a catastrophe.

Associate member David Bramley took issue with Wallenhaupt’s interpretation, saying that project could be considered despite not being a result of a catastrophe.

Attorney Ryan was noticeably frustrated, disagreeing with Wallenhaupt’s interpretation.

Board Chairman Marc Leblanc weighed in, saying that once the applicant demolished the garage he lost his ability to have a nonconforming structure, to which member Michelle Smith added, “So wouldn’t [he] have to conform?”

Ryan’s response was to suggest that, with regards to the issue of a hardship requirement, that the architectural design created a hardship – moving the structure to conform with setbacks would block the walkway to the house. Wallenhaupt replied, “Walkways can be moved.”

The applicant’s proposal to transform an unheated garage to a heated and plumbed structure underscored Wallenhaupt’s belief that the project was new construction, not the reconstruction of a nonconforming structure.

The board voted to continue the hearing in order to gather more information from Building Commissioner Scott Shippey and from town counsel.

In other business, the board granted a Special Permit to Peter and Lorraine Sowden at 297 Converse Road to convert an in-law apartment to an unrestricted apartment. Member Betsy Dunn, who is friends with the applicant, noted that the apartment was on the applicant’s property and assured the board they would not rent to a “flaming drunk.” Wallenhaupt observed that the town needed more affordable housing, speaking in favor of “taking something that exists and [re-using] it.”

The board also finalized the letter denying the Special Permit to Tabor Academy for the light poles proposed for its athletic fields.

The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for November 15 at 7:30 pm in the Marion Town House.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Sarah French Storer

Tri-Town Observes Veterans Day 2018

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The bells of churches and halls and the sirens of police and fire vehicles will sound on Sunday, November 11, at 11:00 am – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – in recognition of the 100thanniversary of the end to World War I.

In addition to this solemn remembrance, Marion and Mattapoisett will each host their own Veterans Day observances on Sunday and Monday, respectively.

On Sunday, November 11, the Town of Marion will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony in the Sippican School multipurpose room, 16 Spring Street at 11:00 am. Guests may enter the building though the bus loop on Park Street. The Sippican School Band led by Mrs. Hannah Moore will perform selections of patriotic music, and the guest speaker this year will be Marion resident Col. Jonathan F. Henry, retired U.S. Army. The community is invited to join the Town of Marion as it honors our veterans.

In Mattapoisett, the members of the Florence Eastman Post 280 of the American Legion invites everyone to join them at their annual Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, November 12, at 11:00 am at the Old Hammondtown School. This year Post 280 is honored to have Col. Michael Mendenhall of the Newport War College its guest speaker, as well as a wide variety of Mattapoisett talent.

Providing entertainment will be Mattapoisett’s very own, Jillian Zucco, Miss Massachusetts 2017, along with the Showstoppers, the Old Hammondtown Band, and the Center School Chorus. Come one, come all, and show your support for those who have proudly served our country.

Join MLT’s Kent Harlow for Trail Chores

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Mattapoisett Land Trust (MLT) welcomes Kent Harlow, an Americorps service member, who will lead efforts over the coming year to improve MLT’s trail system. Harlow hails from upstate New York and is a 2013 graduate of the University of New Hampshire, with previous work experience leading Youth Conservation Corps crews and teaching environmental education. Harlow will spend one day each week with MLT and the remainder of his time with the Buzzards Bay Coalition.

Harlow’s MLT work will include trail planning and design, volunteer recruitment, and trail construction and maintenance. MLT stewardship volunteers will join Harlow on Thursday mornings (9:00 am to 11:30 am) to work on MLT trails. New volunteers are welcome – time commitment can be minimal and many different skills and strengths are needed. Our motto is “come when you can, do what you like, leave when you must!”

Please join us in welcoming Kent Harlow, and email info@mattlandtrust.org to learn more about joining our Thursday morning trail efforts.

Marion Cultural Council Members Needed

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Are you interested in supporting local cultural events in Marion? Have you considered serving on a board and helping to determine how to disperse funds for cultural events? The Marion Cultural Council is looking for two volunteers interested in serving as voting members who can help share ideas and knowledge when making determinations of how funding for the cultural council is dispensed. There is 1 voting meeting per year and several small duties during the year that include checking over paperwork and minor administrative duties. The council will have some room to potentially create a council run event in 2019 as well. Please come to our annual voting meeting at the Music Hall on Thursday, November 29 at 6:00 pm to learn more. This is a 6 year appointment, and we are looking for a few folks to help fill this volunteer role!

Please contact Kristen Saint Don, Chairperson of the Marion Cultural Council, with any questions about becoming a member. MarionCultualCouncil@gmail.com

Applications are available at the Marion Town House, 2 Spring Street, Marion, MA 02738.

Armistice Centennial Bell Ringing

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The Centennial anniversary of the World War I Armistice will be marked by the ringing of church bells across Massachusetts.

Mattapoisett Congregational Church, UCC, invites the community to gather on the church lawn at 11:00 am this Sunday, November 11, as the church bell is tolled. This the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, exactly 100 years after the ending of WWI.

The bell will be tolled by Roxanne Bungert, president of the Mattapoisett Women’s Club, which launched the project last year. The “Veteran’s Day Bells of Remembrance” project is to remember and honor veterans and to promote peace.

Town of Rochester Tax Bills

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FY 2019 Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills were mailed November 2, 2018 and are due December 10, 2018. If paying by personal online banking, allow sufficient time for the bank to generate a check and mail it to the Town. Please supply sufficient information on the check identifying which bill should be credited.

New online bill pay at www.townofrochestermass.com – click on Town of Rochester -online payment center. There is a lock box located at the bottom left side of the front stairs for your convenience – checks only please. If you have not received your tax bill in the mail, please contact the Collector’s Office at 508-763-3871 ext. 16 or 10. If you have questions regarding property values and abatements, please contact the Assessor’s office at 508-763-5250.

ORR Set for Div. 6 South Sectional Title Game

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After winning a close first round game over No. 8 Bishop Stang, No. 1 Old Rochester Regional made noticeable improvements and cruised past No. 4 Dedham, 34-14 in the MIAA Division 6 South Sectional Semi-Finals.

A big part of the Bulldogs’ offensive jolt was Will Garciareturning to the field. After suffering an ankle injury in week 3 of the season, the senior running back was sidelined. He wasn’t exactly back to his old self, only logging nine carries after being cleared to play on Monday, but he did score one touchdown on a 27-yard run.

“It feels great to finally be back and play for my team and do something,” he said. “It really sucks standing on the side and not being able to do anything. I’m really glad to be back.”

Garcia and the rest of the offense also took care of ORR head coach Justin Kogler’s greatest concern coming out of the win over Stang: ball security. After turning the ball over four times against the Spartans, the Bulldogs never surrendered a takeaway, while logging three of their own on defense.

“The last two weeks we’ve been horrible with the turnovers,” Kogler said. “All week long we worked on it and stressed it and we have to continue to work on it and stress it. If we don’t turn the ball over, we’re a tough team to beat. We make it easy on people when we turn the ball over.”

The Bulldogs (9-0) will host No. 2 Ashland (8-1) on Saturday at 7:00 pm. Ashland won its opening round matchup with No. 6 Norwell, 25-16, and followed that up with a 19-14 win over No. 3 Medway.

No. 5 ORR (14-8) volleyball saw its season come to an end in a 3-1 loss to No. 4 Apponequet (16-6) in the quarterfinals of the MIAA Division 2 South tournament.

After losing the first set 25-15, the Bulldogs came back in the second set to win 25-19. ORR took control of the next set, but could not maintain its grasp to the finish, losing 25-22. The Bulldogs then scuffled out of the gate in the fourth set. Although they made a small comeback, Apponequet held on to its lead, winning 25-19 to secure the match.

South Coast Conference All-Star Natalia Wierzbickiwas strong at the net for the Bulldogs, leading the team with 21 kills and four blocks. Fellow SCC All-Star Delaney Soucywas strong in defense for ORR, finishing with 26 digs. ORR setter Michelina Ditata was consistent throughout, logging 31 assists.

This was the final game as a Bulldog for Samantha Nicolosi, Delaney Soucy, Natalia Wierzbicki, Lea Bourgeois, Ashley Soares, Maya Doonan, and Jennifer Durocher.

“Every single one of those kids played a huge role on this team at one point in this season or another,” Jimmy Oliveira said. “They’re 100 percent going to be missed. They’re the first class I had for four years. A lot of them I had as freshmen and sophomores on junior varsity. I took over varsity when they were juniors. That connection is definitely going to be missed. But I think they left their mark on the program; there have been several records set. I’m proud of them.”

Old Colony

After cruising past Atlantis Charter 42-8 in a non-playoff matchup, Old Colony football is set to visit Fairhaven on Friday at 6:00 pm. This is a significant opportunity for the Cougars (5-4), who are looking to show the neighboring towns with larger schools that they’re capable of competing with everyone.

Tabor Academy

Tabor Academy field hockey improved to 12-4 on the year following a 4-1 win over St. Mark’s school on Friday. The victory extended the Seawolves’ winning streak to six games.

Olivia O’Brien, Ashley Clark, and Skylar Irvingeach scored a goal for Tabor in the win.

Cat Barrycontinues to add to her Tabor Academy girls soccer scoring record, finishing with a hat trick in the 5-4 nail biter win over St. Mark’s on Friday. Tali O’Learyand Lily Glanceeach scored a goal for the Seawolves (11-1-2), as well. Jaydah Bedoyaplayed facilitator in Tabor’s win, logging two assists.

 

High School Sports Update

By Nick Friar