Marilyn C. (McLean) Keegan

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Marilyn C. (McLean) Keegan, 83, of Rochester died October 20, 2017 at Tobey Hospital after a brief illness.

She was the wife of Walter Keegan.

Born in Boston, the daughter of the late George and Frances (Hubbard) McLean, she was raised in Dorchester and lived in Natick for many years before moving to Mattapoisett and then Rochester.

She was formerly employed as administrative assistant to the chief of police for the Natick Police Department.

Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Marie Grenier of Pelham, NH; a brother, George McLean, Jr. of Belmont; a sister, Joan McLean of Belmont; 2 grandsons, Joshua Grenier and Shawn Grenier, both of Pelham, NH; and several nieces and nephews.

She was the mother of the late Catherine Keegan.

Her Funeral will be held on Wednesday at 8:45 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Church in Wareham at 10 AM. Visiting hours are omitted. For directions and guestbook. please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

 

Climate Change and You

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The Plumb Library, in partnership with the Elizabeth Taber Library in Marion and the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, presents the third in the Community Engagement Series, “Climate Change and You” on Tuesday, October 24 at 6:30 pm at the Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library, 17 Constitution Way, Rochester. Join a discussion of local effects of climate change with experts Jennifer Francis of Rutgers University, and Robert Macedo, volunteer regional coordinator of SkyWarn, a National Weather Service project. Register at the Events Calendar at the Plumb Library website, www.plumblibrary.com. Space is limited. Refreshments will be served.

The Great Hamilton

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The public is invited to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Sunday, October 29 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm to hear New England native Charles W. Stockbridge present a free short lecture on Alexander Hamilton followed by his abbreviated performance from a play he wrote on Alexander Hamilton entitled “The Great Hamilton.” Learn about one of our founding fathers and America’s first Treasury Secretary as Mr. Stockbridge reenacts some highlights of Hamilton’s life.

The Mattapoisett Library is located at 7 Barstow Street and is handicapped accessible.

Ticks Are Here to Stay and Multiplying

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Did you know that ticks are active the entire year? Have you read about the Lone Star Tick as well as the other ticks? On Saturday, November 4 at 10:30 am at the Mattapoisett Library Meeting Room, Entomologist Blake Dinius, who was recently hired by Plymouth County, will talk about ticks in the South Coast. Mr. Dinius will discuss the facts on ticks, the diseases they carry, and proven methods of protection.

This event is jointly sponsored by the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club. If you would like more information, please contact Mike Huguenin or Barb Van Inwegen.

Swamp Subdivision Preliminary Talks Close

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On October 16, the Mattapoisett Planning Board re-opened preliminary discussions with David Davignon of N. Douglas Schneider & Associates representing Dennis Arsenault. Arsenault is proposing a two-lot subdivision situated deep inside a recognized wetlands system at the end of Snow Field Road.

Chairman Tom Tucker asked Davignon if the plan before the board had any changes from those reviewed and discussed on September 18. Davignon responded no.

Original conceptual design was for the construction of a roadway extension at what is currently a dead end on Snow Field Road. That roadway plan would have allowed access to upland acreage where the proposed lot subdivision is planned. However, during earlier preliminary discussions, it was clear that Planning Board oversight of a roadway extension would prove a long process, given the surrounding wetlands.

When Davignon went before the Planning Board back on September 18, the plan had changed, with the proposed roadway extension redesigned into a shared private driveway for the two lots, and a large cul-de-sac where Snow Field currently ends. The proposed cul-de-sac would provide frontage for the lots, while the driveway would not require Planning Board oversight.

On this night, Davignon responded to a few questions from the Planning Board and concerns presented by abutters.

Highway Surveyor Barry Denham said the cul-de-sac “looks strange,” with Tucker agreeing.

But Davignon, while agreeing it might look strange, said the design did meet requirements. “It’s not relevant if it looks funny,” said Davignon.

Denham asked, “But do we have a guarantee it complies with zoning requirements? I’ve never seen it before, but I don’t have the expertise to guide the board one way or the other.”

Moving on to other questions, Planning Board member Janice Robbins asked, “In terms of design, who oversees that? Do we have the authorization to ensure it meets guidelines? …It is our duty to approve a driveway?”

Tucker said the board had approved new driveways in the past. He also confirmed to Robbins that the board would be overseeing the construction in terms of its compliance with construction standards.

Regarding if and how the newly created cul-de-sac might become the responsibility of the Town, Tucker said the developer could ask the Town to accept it in the future via a Town Meeting vote. Davignon said, “If it is built to spec, the Town can accept it.” He added, “It happens all the time.”

Abutter Peter LaFreniere asked how the stormwater runoff that is already a problem on Snow Field Road would be managed. Davignon said a drainage study would be completed, yet it was unclear whether that study had begun yet. Davignon said the study would help with drainage calculation and planning.

Abutter Andrea Osborne said, “Our biggest concern is the water.” She likened the changes to the roadway and the creation of a long driveway to a dam. Davignon held to his conclusion that once water movement studies were completed, culverts and berms would allow water to drain properly.

Robbins said, “But your plans show waivers for drainage.”

“Well,” said Davignon, “we are going to do a drainage analysis.”

Abutter Gary Zahn asked how the proposed cul-de-sac was going to benefit the neighbors. Davignon said from a public safety standpoint it would allow emergency vehicles to turn around and access fire hydrants more readily.

Denham stated that he would like to see a peer review consultant brought into the planning process. Tucker concurred, and noted to Davignon that the board would be asking for that consideration.

Tucker then asked Davignon if he thought further preliminary discussions were needed. Davignon said he thought the concept was ready for full Planning Board vetting. The board members agreed to close the preliminary discussion phase.

Next stop for this project is the Conservation Commission scheduled for October 23 at 6:30 pm in the town hall conference room.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for November 6 at 7:00 pm in the town hall conference room.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

 

Community Garden Seeks New Home

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Mattapoisett’s Community Garden is, sadly, now homeless – but not for too long, hope the 13 gardeners who have been cultivating garden plots in the soil of private property at the corner of Prospect Street and Pine Island Road for some time.

The community gardeners are wishful that perhaps a Mattapoisett resident with some extra land might graciously have between two-thirds of an acre to an acre of land to lease to continue the community garden activities of avid gardeners who themselves lack the space on their own properties to practice the fulfilling, relaxing, rewarding art of gardening.

Mattapoisett residents Eric and Claudette O’Brien don’t have the space on their postage stamp of a parcel, said Mr. O’Brien, “And I think that’s the case with a lot of people. They just don’t have the land, whether it’s shade or whether it’s simply the space.”

The O’Briens, who visit their garden plot at least once a day to water and tend to the growing bounty, had been enjoying another abundant summer of onions, garlic, kale, broccoli, and squash among other things when the community gardeners received the notice from the landowner that they needed to vacate the property by October 15.

Finding another location for a community garden is essential, says Bob Nichols, who has been gardening at the Pine Island Road site for seven out of the at least 10 years the Community Garden has been there.

Nichols said that historically there has always been some gardening of some sort at the current Community Garden site.

“She (the landowner) feels bad about pulling the plug on this,” said Nichols, “but she has to move on with her life ad I totally understand that.”

A house is now slated for construction at the corner lot.

“I feel bad for the people at the garden,” said Nichols. “I’m probably the only one who has enough room in my back yard…but most of the others, that’s 12 people who don’t have a place to garden next year.”

One thing that is a must for a community garden, says Nichols, is that there has to be a water source or the potential to install one. A community garden would be best if it were centrally located, added Nichols, “But that’s not a must.”

“Once we get started we’re pretty self-sustaining,” said Nichols. “As long as there’s water and we don’t have to do a crazy amount of knocking trees down and digging up stumps.”

Nichols said he was hoping to have another place for the garden by the end of this fall because a certain amount of prep work has to be done to ensure success in the spring.

According to Nichols, he approached the Mattapoisett Agricultural Commission back in May, which received Nichols’ proposal to find town-owned land for a community garden with enthusiasm, the commission even proposed two possible sites for the garden, Nichols said. Since then, though, Nichols says hasn’t heard anything back from the Town.

At this point, says Nichols, “We’ll take anything we can get our hands on.”

Anyone willing to offer up land on which the community gardeners can work their green thumbs, contact Bob Nichols at 508-758-8353.

By Jean Perry

 

Driver Safety Course

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On Thursday, November 9 from 10:00 am to 3:00: pm, the Mattapoisett COA is hosting the AARP Driver Safety Course for licensed drivers of any age. Pre-registration is required no later than November 7 at noon.

Why take a driver safety course? Because driving has changed since you first got your license, and doing so could save you money.

By taking a driver safety course, you’ll learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment. You’ll learn how you can manage and accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. There is no test to pass.

You may be eligible to receive an insurance discount upon completing the course, so consult your agent for details. You might also be eligible to receive a discount on roadside assistance plans. After attending the course you’ll receive a certificate of completion that can be presented to your insurance agent for a possible reduction in your auto insurance premiums.

Cost is $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members. Make checks payable to AARP.

There will be a lunch break. You may bring your own lunch or pay a separate $3 fee for pizza at the COA.

Anyone with questions may call Jacqueline Coucci, Council on Aging director, at 508-758-4110.

Fall Learn to Skate

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Gateway Youth Hockey will be conducting its Fall Learn to Skate/Learn to

Play Session 2 starting on Sunday, November 5. Cost is $99 and will be located at Tabor Academy in Marion. The Session will run Sundays 10:00 -11:00 am from 11/5 to 11/19, 12/3 to 12/17, and 1/7 to 1/14). Participants will learn the fundamentals of skating while having fun at the same time. Participants in the Learn to Play Hockey group will learn the basics of hockey while skating with one of our teams. Equipment needed includes helmet (face cage recommended), gloves or mittens, knee & elbow pads (bicycle pads are fine), and single blade skates are needed for Learn to Skate. Helmet with face cage, hockey gloves, chest protector, hockey elbow pads, hockey shorts, hockey shin guards, hockey skates, and hockey stick are needed for Learn to Play. For more information, go to www.warehamyouthhockey.com.

Homecoming Skit Preview

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For the past two weeks, students in all four grades at Old Rochester Regional High School have been preparing for the school’s annual Homecoming skit competition. Each class is tasked with performing a ten-minute skit during the all-school assembly that involves the ORR bulldog, the opposing team for the Homecoming game, and at least one dance battle.

“We’ve got a talented group of people, but it’s been hectic,” Junior Class President Katie Gillis said as the juniors were preparing to go over the choreography for their Super Mario-themed skit.

“It’s normal for skit rehearsals to be that way,” Vice President Brett Rood added. “They bring our whole class together.”

At the same time, the freshman student council members were delegating classmates to lead choreography for certain points in their 1980s-themed skit.

“Our skit is the 1980s versus the present day,” Freshman Class President Lucy Zhang explained. “The ‘80s is ORR, and present day is Apponequet. Apponequet is trying to go back in time to capture the original Bulldog so they can beat ORR.”

“The freshmen are really motivated this year, and I think people are going to be very impressed with their final product,” commented social studies teacher and freshman class advisor Lindsay Tallman.

While the majority of the participating students were busy learning and practicing their dance moves, smaller groups worked on the traditional banner for the skits. Ranging between 10 to 15 feet long and six to 12 feet tall, the banners incorporate the grade’s name and skit theme. They are displayed behind the grades’ designated seating section in the gymnasium on Homecoming day.

The artistic talents could be seen throughout the halls during the nighttime rehearsals as each class claimed a classroom or section of hallway to lay out their large posters. As their classmates practice in the library, a group of sophomores draws pencil guidelines on their Smurfs skit banner.

Freshman Vice President Payton Lord was overseeing her grade’s banner design. “We’re thinking of painting the banner in neon and glitter for the ‘80s theme,” she said as she gathered supplies with her classmate Katelyn Luong.

The seniors’ poster this year is the largest of the four, at about 16 feet long and 12 feet tall. It depicts a sunset on the African savannah that goes along with their Lion King skit.

“This is definitely my favorite poster we’ve made,” said senior Hannah Powers, who has worked on all four of her grades’ Homecoming banners. “I like how the sunset design is more simple than the others, and it’s massive so it makes it way better,” she laughed.

ORR Update

By Jo Caynon

 

Postcards From Grassi Bog

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The Marion Conservation Commission on October 11 held a brief discussion on the town-owned Grassi Bog property, which is under the management of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission.

According to some photos submitted by Selectman Norm Hills taken at Grassi Bog, there appears to be some persisting water problems at the site despite extensive work to rectify ongoing water flow problems.

“You can see that there’s still water not doing what it should do, so I think we need to take a look,” said Conservation Commission Chairman Cynthia Callow.

“It’s not clear to me that it’s not supposed to do that or it is supposed to do that,” commented commission member Jeffrey Doubrava.

The commission decided to add Grassi Bog to the agenda for the next meeting and invite MOSAC Chairman John Rockwell to attend.

“Let’s go out and look, because we’ve got a couple of questions and maybe he can meet us out there,” said Callow, leading to the scheduling of a site visit for the commission.

In other matters, the commission granted a Negative Determination for the Request for Determination of Applicability for Marion ARK, allowing for a 10-foot by 16.5-foot addition, outdoor shower, and new deck for the address 2 Lewis Street.

The public hearing for Great Hill Marion, LLC/Catherine Stone for a RDA to replace 10 pipes running underneath North Great Hill Road was continued until the next meeting at the request of the applicant.

The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for October 25 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Jean Perry