Plumb Library Is Audubon Partner

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As a way to provide individuals and families in its service area with access to inexpensive, fun, and educational outdoor activities, the Plumb Memorial Library is participating in Mass Audubon’s Library Partners program. Mass Audubon offers many convenient opportunities for patrons of the Plumb Memorial Library to explore and enjoy the nature of Massachusetts.

As a library patron, you can use the Plumb Memorial Library’s pass to visit Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries at the discounted rate of just $2 per person (for up to four people per pass). Explore Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, where more than a thousand acres of salt marsh attract a wide array of birds and other wildlife, or Drumlin Farm in Lincoln, where spring means bluebirds and baby farm animals, or Pleasant Valley in the Berkshires with beautiful landscapes that have inspired artists for centuries.

While Mass Audubon is engaged in many different environmental activities, the roots of the organization are in bird conservation. Bird watching is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in America, and as a patron of the Plumb Memorial Library you can connect with this nationally renowned birding resource. Mass Audubon offers programs for beginning to expert birders, and many opportunities to volunteer and participate in citizen science to help protect wildlife and wild lands.

In Massachusetts, every season brings unique opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to the Plumb Memorial Library, patrons can enjoy discounted access to Mass Audubon’s statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries, which stretches from the Berkshires to the Cape and Islands: more than 50 wild spaces where you can explore, escape, and play.

Dog Days Tips From Animal Control

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The Marion Police Department’s Animal Control Officer says that this summer has so far been uneventful when it comes to animal welfare issues in the Tri-Town, which is just the way she likes it. Still, with the heat of August – and hurricane season – ahead, Susan Connor recently offered residents some advice on pet care that could come in handy during an emergency.

For Connor, ensuring the well-being of area animals is more than a job; it’s a passion. Her family owns nine horses, seven dogs, a cat, and other pets. During a conversation at her ranch last week, she emphasized preparation.

“It’s a good idea to have a plan for a sudden emergency,” Connor said. “It’s one of those things on the back burner, and before you know it, you’re behind the 8-ball.”

Connor said that in case of a hurricane, for instance, Marion residents should go to the Sippican School, the town’s emergency shelter, where pets are welcome.

“Space has never been an issue,” she said. “We have an area for walking. We try to make it as comfortable as we can, and as least stressful as possible.”

Connor said that pet owners must accompany their pets for the duration of the stay, and encouraged them to bring their own crate, a copy of vaccinations, food and water bowls, litter boxes, and enough provisions for three days.

“Tape the copy of your animals vaccinations to the crate, slide bowls and litter boxes in there, and put it away and have it ready to so,” she said. “Depending on where you live, you might want to call ahead.”

The contact number for Marion Animal Control is 508-748-1212; Mattapoisett, 508-400-8910; and Rochester, 508-763-5112.

Switching gears to animal health during everyday life, Connor said that it is “common sense” for people to pick up after their pets.

“If you don’t, you’re spreading countless diseases and parasites,” she said. “If you’re an animal lover, you certainly would not want to subject your pet – let alone humans – to sickness.”

In addition, Connor said that residents should call their local animal control officers if they see an animal being mistreated.

“In the heat or cold, all animals are entitled to having their basic needs met,” she said. “If you see a dog in a hot car or tied out with no shelter, call.”

By Shawn Badgley

Mildred G. Nickelson (Gallop)

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Mildred G. Nickelson (Gallop) of Bridgewater died August 4, 2013 in Kindred at Tower Hill in Canton at the age of 93. Mildred was born in Tiverton, RI daughter of the late Florence (Davol) and Richard Gallop.

Mrs. Nickelson was raised and educated in Mattapoisett and was a member of the Eastern Star, the Bridgewater United Methodist Church and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Wife of the late Robert W. Nickelson, Sr. Mother of Robert W. Nickelson, Jr. of VA, Kendall G. Nickelson of Westport and Donald T. Nickelson of Waltham.Sister of Beatrice Tibbets of Maine. Grandmother of Holli, Keith, Ryan, Jennifer and Rebecca. Mildred is also survived by 7 great grandchildren.

Visiting hours in the Prophett-Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 98 Bedford St., Bridgewater Wednesday, August 7th beginning at noon and ending with a Funeral Service at 1:00 pm.

Burial in Mt. Prospect Cemetery, Bridgewater.

Stuart L. Richardson

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Stuart L. Richardson, 78, of Marion, passed away on August 1, 2013 at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Schlue) Richardson during their 49 years of marriage.

Born in Glen Cove, NY, he grew up in Manhasset, NY and was the son of the late William & Beatrice (Hazen) Richardson. He graduated from Westminster School in Simsbury, CT and Cornell University. After serving in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps., he earned a graduate degree at Purdue University where he met his wife Mary. Over a 35 year business career, Stuart held executive positions with several national corporations, and Aerovox in New Bedford, prior to founding Richardson Associates.

Stuart, Mary, and their three children moved to Marion in 1979, and he quickly became involved in the community. He was an active member of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, serving two terms on the Vestry, one as Junior Warden.  He also chaired the Stewardship Campaign and was a lector and chalice bearer.  As a volunteer for the United Way of Greater New Bedford, Stuart chaired two annual campaigns, then served as Board Chair and later as an honorary board member. He was Chairman of the Marion Housing Committee for six years and developed the Affordable Housing Plan for the Town of Marion. For over thirty years, Stuart was a strong supporter of the Baptist Haiti Mission, sponsoring three children annually.  He loved his community and worked hard to serve it well.

As an avid tennis player, Stuart was a member of both the Sippican Tennis Club, where he was a former board member, and the Marion Indoor Tennis Club.

Stuart was known for his unfailing optimism, his love of people, and his effort to instill in his children the values he held dear. He had a warm smile and friendly greeting for all.
Stuart is survived by his wife; son, Mark Richardson and wife Melissa of San Francisco, CA, daughters, Kristin Leahy and husband Christopher of Falls Church, VA and Katie Loughney and husband Mark of Arlington, VA; sister, Gail Pyndus of LaGrange, IL; and seven grandchildren: Madeleine and Kate Richardson, Katherine and John Leahy, and Lilly, Finn, and Delaney Loughney.  He was predeceased by his brother Geoffrey.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 2:00 PM at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, 124 Front Street, Marion, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 545, Marion, MA 02738, or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Mass. Chapter, 220 N. Main St., Suite 104, Natick, MA 01760 or at www.cff.org.  Arrangements by Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Wareham.  For directions and on-line guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.

 

RMS Playground Update

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The team from the Rochester Memorial School Playground Project is proud to announce that all systems are go for the Community Build on August 10. After four years without a playground for Grades 2-6 at the K-6 school, the wait will soon be over.

To prepare for August 10, volunteers were recruited at the end of the 2012-13 school year. This able-bodied corps is comprised of RMS parents, RMS staff, ORR staff, and local folks who want to help. They will spend Saturday wielding wrenches and shovels under the watchful eye of Miracle Equipment Contractor/Rep, Cindy Maak (also of Rochester).

By nightfall, a new playground will be in place for the enjoyment of 500-plus children from Grades 2-6, their families, and the surrounding community. The new playground will be fully ADA-compliant (American with Disabilities Act), so kids of different abilities can play alongside each other.

The Rochester Lion’s Club has generously agreed to donate a cookout lunch for volunteers. The concrete delivery (mid-afternoon on a Saturday) is vital to this project and one of the hardest elements to resolve. The committee was elated when a local company, S&S Forms/Preferred Concrete, not only agreed to make the delivery, but also donated a large portion of the materials and time.

Another huge boost for the project’s success came last Spring when Lowe’s Home Improvement Store of Wareham chose the 2013 RMS Playground Project as their “Lowe’s Heroes Project of the Year.” Since then, the Playground Committee has been very grateful for the consistent generosity and support of Human Resources Manager, Jessica Silva and the team she put together after making the decision to support the RMS project. Thanks to Lowe’s Wareham, picnic tables and park benches have been donated, which can be used throughout the school year lessons and recess. After hours, the seating will allow busy parents to sit (with younger children, for example), relax, and watch their kids play. Wareham’s Lowe’s Heroes Volunteers will be assembling, water-sealing, delivering, and anchoring the tables and benches. The RMS Playground Committee is comprised of two parents, Donna Fourcier and Erin Bednarczyk, Co-Chairs, and two teachers, Kevin Woodward, Phys. Ed., and Craig Davignon, Grade 4. To learn more about the project, its history, and to make a donation, please visit www.rmsplaygroundproject.weebly.com.

Rochester Grange Fair Coming Up

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Rochester Grange’s 103rd Agricultural Fair will be held Saturday, August 17, beginning at 1:30pm. There will be displays of fresh vegetables, flowers, canning, baking, handcrafts, and more. A Ham & Bean Supper will take place at 6:00pm, followed by an auction of produce from the fair. Tickets for the supper are $7 for adults and $3 for children under 10. Take some time to visit the Grange and check out what your neighbors and friends have been doing in their gardens this year and pick up some homemade baked goods for your weekend company.

Our purple Fair books have been out since early July with the rules and regulations for entering the fair. Anyone of any age may enter. You need not be a Rochester resident to show what you have grown or made during the last year. Entries may be brought to the Grange Hall at 205 Hartley Rd. between 2:00pm and 4:00pm and 7:00pm and 8:30pm on Friday, Aug. 16.

If you need a book or have any questions, please contact Sue at 508-295-8908 or

by email at sash48@comcast.net.

Thank You Everyone

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To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all the thoughtful words and acts of kindness that have touched me so deeply during this devastating time. My heartfelt thanks go out to the entire Rochester Police Department. Officer Bill, who was the first one to walk in and take over, every EMT, police officer, and volunteer as well as the ambulance driver who talked to me all the way to Tobey Hospital. The staff at Tobey, I can’t thank you enough.

After the days and weeks that followed, you may have brought over a meal, sent flowers, mowed my lawn, sent a card, or came by to visit. I thank you for that. The Morin and Pepin family, I thank you. For all the day care volunteers who help my days go a little easier, thank you. The Tri-Town community: I will never forget you. All those kind gestures helped me more than you know. I am lucky to have so many kind neighbors and friends. But most of all the Gauvin family and my best friends Janet and Tammy. I wouldn’t have made it this far without you both.

ThankYou.

Marybeth Carlsen

Rochester 

Open Space and Recreation Survey

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To the Editor:

I second Paul Osenkowski’s letter of last week appealing to all Mattapoisett residents (full-time and summer) to fill out the open space and recreation survey on the Mattapoisett Town website. We are a town of several thousand. Everyone needs to express their priorities for open space and recreation planning, not just a few. Open Space is among our greatest resources for maintaining our quality of life and small-town character. Please: It takes only a few minutes, and your input is appreciated. Go to www.mattapoisett.net.

Bonne DeSousa

Mattapoisett

Thank You Stu Richardson

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To the Editor:

This morning in South Africa I opened my email to hear that Stu Richardson passed yesterday. He will be missed.

Stu Richardson was one of the first people that I got to know in Marion. He had been approached years before by Ernie, the much-loved Pastor of Saint Gabriel’s, where Stu served just about every function at one time or another, to lead an effort to address affordable housing in Marion. While Stu was always very busy volunteering for many things, he simply said “OK” and picked up the challenge. Stu was extremely fortunate to have his wonderful wife, Mary, who spent many hours and many dinners alone while Stu engaged in issues across the board for the Town, supporting him without question. He volunteered and created the Marion Housing Committee around 16 years ago. A few years later, he asked me if I would be willing to participate. With Stu, you just couldn’t say no. I quickly realized that Stu had great ambitions for preserving the socio-economic diversity of the Town of Marion and for Marion taking care of our seniors and people at risk in general. It was Stu who first called out the risks of 40B and the need for Marion to control our own destiny. Stu authored the first Marion Affordable Housing Plan. He worked with DHCD to get us units that qualified for the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) and did everything he could to protect us from the ills of 40B, while expanding the affordable options for the people of our town.

Stu was the force behind the expansion of Little Neck Village. He set up the structures that became the Marion Affordable Housing Trust – protecting us from serious downsides of alternatives like a Housing Authority. It was his plan that called for affordable accessory dwelling units, leveraging of partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, setting the stage for affordable apartments in new and redeveloped projects, and all the attempts to make it attractive to provide high-quality affordable housing opportunities for our friends and families. When it came time to formalize the legal standing of the Housing Committee and create the Affordable Housing Trust, Stu extremely graciously stepped aside in favor of an entirely new team of Marion residents to pick up the ball. That year, he was voted Marion Person of the Year and recognized at Town Meeting – which he did ever so humbly, as he had always done.

I have no doubt that Stu did many other great things in his life. But, what I knew of his efforts qualify him in a category we should all strive for; one that will enable us each to look back on a life well-served. His legacy is clear in his exceptional family and all around us. He was my friend, and for that I will always be grateful.

Well done, Stu! Thank you for everything!

Tom Magauran

Marion 

Car Aficionados Converge on Wharf

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“It’s great to see strangers become friends,” said Jim Barton of New Bedford last Friday evening at the Mattapoisett Wharf Cruise Night at Shipyard Park, a bi-monthly event that started in July that will continue into September.

Barton said that he’s been coming to this event and other Cruise Nights, including one that takes place every Monday night at Plumb Corner in Rochester, for a number of years, and that he’s been collecting classic cars since 1989. On this particular evening, Barton brought his 1966 Pontiac Catalina Convertible, which still features all of its original parts, from the interior to the paint job.

“I like an original vehicle,” said Barton, noting that he had a great group of friends who taught him how to work on the cars and to keep them period-specific and to help return them as close to the original condition as possible. “It’s not pristine, but it maintains the integrity of the vehicle.”

Like most of other vehicle owners who attend this Cruise Night, as well as the nights in Rochester, Barton also enjoys showing off his cars to others, not for personal gain, but because he knows that it brings people back to those midcentury times when life was simpler and the American car was still an world-class icon.

DJ Johnny “Angel” Remedis, a retired police officer who deejays a lot of the cruise nights in the area, including those at the Wharf and Plumb Corner, echoed Barton’s sentiments, saying that the classic tunes he spins often remind people of their younger days.

“It’s fun,” Remedis said. “Times were easy back then. Sometimes I play a song, and an old couple gets up and dances to it. It puts a smile on their face.”

At this particular event, the Downshifters’ Car Club of New England (which Remedis started in 1989 with a group of friends) teams up with Cuz’s Car Club (named after a group of collectors who all referred to each other as “cuz”). The result of the partnership is a wonderful collection of classic cars and classic individuals that strive to keep a period of American history alive through their vehicles.

“It brings a lot of people back to the cars they originally owned,” said Donald Lake of Mattapoisett, who currently serves as the organizer for the Wharf Cruise Nights. “Depending on the weather, we can have anywhere from 55-70 cars down here in this little area. Plus it helps for the Mattapoisett Inn and The Ice Cream Slip, so the Selectmen like it. It’s just a good time.”

Like the Mattapoisett Cruise Nights, the Plumb Corner event on Monday evenings is always popular, as well. Marion normally holds a Cruise Night, but the events were cancelled this year. Standing out equally among the decked-out classics is the sense of camaraderie that’s shared amongst the collectors and spectators, as well, including a younger generation of future collectors that many hope will follow in the footsteps of the older collectors before them.

“The children are going to be the future of this,” Barton said. “So it’s good to see them out here.”

By Nick Walecka