Fieldstone Case Continued

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            The owner of Fieldstone market will need to revise his plan for an expansion of his store and the parking around it.

            Johnson Family Investments LLC, 806 Mill Street, applied for a variance from the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance from Section 230-5.2a of the Marion Zoning Bylaw allowing for lot coverage exceeding 40% of the lot area.

            The January 11 public hearing drew plenty of attention from abutting residents concerned with the plan to expand parking in the back of the store.

            Fieldstone owner Arnie Johnson, familiar to municipal public hearings as the chairman of the Rochester Planning Board, was represented by Bill Madden of G.A.F. Engineering.

            Madden explained that the Frigate Restaurant that had preceded Fieldstone at the site had been approved in 2012 for the same variance of lot coverage.

            ZBA Chairperson Cynthia Callow read into the record Zoning Bylaw 230-2.3d, listing the conditions necessary to justify the granting of the variance requested. Callow also read from Zoning Bylaw 230-5.2 (exceptions to minimum lot requirements.)

            Madden told the ZBA that Johnson is applying for site-plan review of the Planning Board and will make a Form A application to bring together two separate lots. Johnson will also apply with the Conservation Commission for a Request for Determination of Applicability regarding the wetland to the southwest of the lot that Madden considers very small.

            Madden explained that the back lot will be used by employees, freeing up spaces for customers out front.

            In discussing the soils, Madden called the area the low point of Route 6 where the water table is high and the soils do not match those of the Residence C zoning area. He considers the soils unique and in place because of their location.

            Madden says the hardship faced by Johnson is the soil that he says is not consistent with the Residence C zoning area combined with the high-water table.

            ZBA member Dana Nilson said he has a problem with the assumption that the high-water table makes the lot unique and thusly, a hardship. Madden said five test pits show a variety of water-table height. He said the house Johnson recently bought to expand his parking indicates a watermark 4 feet up the cellar wall.

            Jeff Doubrava, a ZBA member (and chairman of the Conservation Commission), clarified that the expansion of the building takes away no parking spaces. But he took issue with the amount of impervious surface coming as a result of the expansion of the parking lot. Madden said a pervious surface would not serve a food-service business effectively.

            Residents in attendance took issue with the parking expansion. Johnson explained that he could have 16 employees on site at once, that there are presently 33 on the payroll and that number exceeded 50 last summer.

            Fieldstone closes at 7:00 pm and the ice cream counter at 9:00 pm in season. Johnson said he wants no lighting in the back parking lot and doesn’t believe it would be needed for the ice-cream-only hours.

            He further said he needs a travel way to get delivery trucks around the back of the building. He noted that in six years open, this is the first he has heard of his dumpster being picked up at an inopportune time. He said he would call the service because “I want to be a good neighbor.”

            One resident challenged the public good of the expansion because of its impact on the residential neighborhood.

            Having heard from abutters and as more questions arose, Callow recommended continuing the case to gain more knowledge.

            With that, the ZBA voted to continue the case, requesting an alternate plan that better addresses the abutters’ concerns. The case was continued to the ZBA’s February 8 meeting, Nilson’s being the lone dissenting vote.

            The John P. Kendall Trust was voted a Special Permit to demolish a house and construct a new one at 39 Water Street.

            Will Saltonstall was on hand to represent the Kendalls, and Callow read into the record Zoning Bylaw 230-6.1 c1 on nonconforming structures that among other things, must not be more substantially detrimental to their neighborhood.

            Saltonstall explained that given the house’s position in the flood zone, his choice was to limit renovation to less than 50% of the home’s value (a $200,000 renovation) or to replace the house altogether. The applicants have chosen the latter.

            ZBA member Margie Baldwin said, without a building across the street, the height will not be an issue, and she appreciated the location of the garage in the new house being off to the side. Saltonstall clarified that the entry could come from the front or the side.

            Building Commissioner Bob Grillo suggested that if one of the properties was sold, the Planning Board would need to vet a shared driveway. Saltonstall thought, in the case of an easement that a special permit from the Planning Board would not be required but added that he would have no problem making that application.

            With one question during public comment, the board voted to close the public hearing and without dissent, approved the special permit.

            The next meeting of the Marion ZBA is scheduled for Thursday, January 25, at 6:30 pm at the Marion Police Station on Route 6.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Mick Colageo

Advice to Presidential Candidates

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If you have been paying attention to the upcoming presidential election, which is only a mere 10 months away and you are not already sick of the whole thing, you know that both major candidates for president are old. I can say that without bias or fear of picketers in front of my home, because I am old.

            Since perception is everything and reality nothing in a presidential election, I have a few suggestions for the front runners (maybe “runners” is too generous a term for old guys) to look younger. Remember you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. I believe looking younger would guarantee the all-important youth vote, especially if it comes down to the wire.

            I suggest taking multiple naps during the day and going to bed early and getting up late. Gravity can cause bags under your eyes, giving you the appearance of being tired. Frequent naps may not help you look younger, but they would help to cut down on public appearances and the annoyance of you being on our news all the time.

            Barbara Seymour, a communications coach who has worked for Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus, who I assume because of that expertise must have vast experience in political campaigns, advises never to wear plaid pants. She says they make you appear heavy. Thin is in and thin radiates youthfulness and vitality. I bet she’d agree that you should wear jeans with holes in the knees as often as possible.

            Chew gum. Experts say peppermint is preferred, or suck on peppermint hard candy. Research at Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia found that the smell of peppermint improves your mood and motivation, important to maintain as the campaign wears on. That study complements previous research tying the scent of peppermint to “enhanced energy levels and cognitive functioning.”

            If you prefer, the good Jesuits have found that the smell of cinnamon boosts brainpower and improves mental dexterity and traits that, according to polls, voters seem to think older people lack.

            Riquette Hofstein, world-renowned hair and skin expert, suggests washing your hair with beer will make your hair look fuller. Might I suggest a nice craft brew from a local brewery where you are campaigning. A light lager works well, she says.

            Arrange to get caught rapping on a hot mike. Hold your cell phone in your hand at all times. Be sure your staff releases photos of you googling or texting. Research has shown that surfing the internet regularly helps the brain to stay sharp, which is important to appearing younger.

            Talk fast. No one will know what you are saying so no one can disagree.

            Use “vocal fry” such as “you know” and “like” frequently. (If you already know what vocal fry is, you are already ahead of the game.) Also say “my mom” when telling family anecdotes. I know from having taught in high school and college that “my mom…” is the most-used phrase among people under 30.

            Quote Taylor Swift lyrics as often as possible.

            Refer to your running mate as your “bestie.”

            Always be positive when speaking about your chances. Say the campaign is “buzzin’” even if the polls show it is tanking.

            Be sure to refer to your wife as “Heather” even if that is not her name. Young people know that means she is admirable and should be liked. A likeable, future first lady is a valuable partner in a campaign.

            And don’t ever say your children are members of AARP.

            Editor’s note: Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and retired newspaper columnist whose musings are, after some years, back in The Wanderer under the subtitle “Thoughts on ….” Morgado’s opinions have also appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

Thoughts on…

By Dick Morgado

Who Makes The Decisions about Your Health Care?

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            If you have commercial health insurance or are one of the over half of Medicare enrollees who have a “Medicare Advantage” plan, decisions about your health care are not decided solely by you and your doctor(s.) There is a third party in the room: your insurer, whose interests are financial rather than health.

            As medicine became more complex and much more expensive, one response of health insurance companies was to try to decrease the use of expensive tests and treatments. They developed lists of tests, medications and procedures that could in some cases be substituted by older, cheaper tests and treatments. When a doctor wished to order an expensive new approach, they had to justify why this was necessary.

            If done properly, this was fair and reasonable. Every expensive new drug is not always better than a cheap old one. Every patient with back pain does not need a CT scan or MRI. The problem is that insurers went overboard.

            The process works like this: Your doctor sends a prescription to your pharmacy or asks their staff to schedule you for an imaging test. They then hear from the pharmacy or the radiology department that your insurance company requires “prior authorization.” The cost will not be paid until the insurance company agrees it is needed. The doctor’s office calls the insurer and is questioned by a clerk with no medical background using a checklist. Sometimes miracles happen, every box is checked and you get approval.

            More often, your doctor is told that the request does not meet their criteria for necessity and will not be paid. There are now three choices: Do it anyway and have you, the patient, pay the bill; forget about it and try a different approach; request an appeal of the decision.

            For all but the very wealthy, paying out of pocket is very difficult. If there indeed is a good, cheaper alternative, the system has worked as intended. Most of the time the request is necessary for the best outcome and the doctor must appeal.

            A survey found that the average doctor’s office devoted 14 person-hours a week to prior authorizations – time that costs the doctor money and takes away resources that could be better spent on care. Clearly the insurers hope that if they deny needed care, the doctor may sometimes decide it is not worth the time and effort to appeal.

            Recent investigations by ProPublica and others have found that many insurance companies rely on biased algorithms to deny needed care. They have also documented that insurance company medical directors review 10,000 cases per year or more, and often make decisions without even looking at the patients’ charts. Moreover, many companies employ (as medical directors) doctors who have been driven out of practice by disciplinary action or numerous malpractice suits.

            If your doctor’s suggestion is denied by your insurance company, what can you do? If you and your doctor agree that the denied service is truly best for you, insist on appealing. While the doctor’s office has to take the lead, you can add your voice to the process. Get the HR office at work to intercede on your behalf. Threaten to – and do if necessary – contact the state office of consumer affairs.

            It is their money – but it is your life and health.

            Dr. Ed Hoffer is the chairman of the Marion Board of Health, a graduate of MIT and Harvard Medical School. He is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard and a Senior Scientist at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Ed Hoffer

Mattapoisett Recreation

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We are thrilled to announce that our application for grant funding has been approved, and we have been awarded funding for our Summer 2024 Seahorse Explorer Program. We are excited to begin our cultural enrichment activities for Summer 2024.

            Mattapoisett Recreation is pleased to announce that online registration for early Spring programs is now open. Robotics, Sport Fit, Finger Knitting, Crafting, Kid Fit and Center Stage Kids are all offered. See all programs offered at www.mattrec.net.

National Take Your Child to the Library Day

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The Mattapoisett Free Public Library invites you to join us in celebrating National Take Your Child to the Library Day on Saturday, February 3, from 10 am to 3 pm in the Children’s room. Come by to receive a complimentary book, engage in an exciting scavenger hunt, unleash your creativity with a special craft and seize the chance to enter our thrilling raffle. No registration is necessary – just drop in and enjoy the festivities.

            If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Skaar at mskaar@sailsinc.org or by calling the library at 508-758-4171. You can find more information about library events on our website at MattapoisettLibrary.org.

Town Considering Dispatch Future

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            Could Rochester bring its police and fire emergency response dispatching department back to town?

            Town Administrator Glenn Cannon told Rochester’s Select Board on January 17 that this is one of the options townspeople are discussing after recent problems with the Regional Old Colony Communications Center in Duxbury that it joined in 2017.

            He said the options currently being talked about are creating a town-based emergency response dispatching department again or joining a different regional dispatching center. (The Rochester Select Board put out feelers to its Marion and Mattapoisett counterparts to gauge such interest when the three boards recently met to tour the Mattapoisett Fire Station.)

            Fire Chief Scott Weigel said the discussion about a potential change started after the Old Colony center had problems responding in a timely fashion to emergency calls during a recent storm event. He said the source of the difficulty was a failure of the center’s Highway Department broadcast bands.

            It was a high-volume night with 800 calls within a 24-hour period, but the Old Colony center closed down the Highway Department band that night because the center serves a six-town region, and the system would otherwise be overwhelmed.

            “But they are trying to learn from their mistakes and correct the problem,” Weigel said.

            Still Rochester Select Board Adam Murphy agreed the town should find a way to explore options. “If we don’t look at our options,” Murphy said, “we won’t be able to fix something that’s become a problem.”

            In January of 2017, the town’s Select Board members approved joining the Regional Old Colony Communications Center that also serves the towns of Duxbury, Halifax and Plympton. The move made the town eligible for state funds that upgraded the town Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services departments’ communications equipment. But it meant the local dispatch center had to vacate the Dexter Lane station.

            Under Old Business, Cannon referenced a recent meeting with the Rochester Council on Aging to discuss Article Eight of the Special Town Meeting agenda, which with voter approval would change a town bylaw so that the Select Board has greater control over the COA’s hiring decisions.

“There was a lot of concern about the language there in Article 8,” Cannon told the board during its January 17 meeting. He told COA leadership that he would bring the matter back to the Select Board and did so with the recommendation that while the Special Town Meeting Warrant has already been voted its approval by the board and cannot be altered, the board not make a motion on Article 8 at Town Meeting.

            The town bylaw currently reads the COA shall appoint its employees. The change would require the COA to follow the same hiring procedures and policies as other bylaw employees. Cannon explained that police patrolmen, librarians and COA workers are the town’s only non-bylaw employees.

            In other action, the Select Board approved a change of plan for the hydrological study that will gauge the health of the waterflow between Snipatuit Pond and Great Quittacas Pond.

            Following Town Planner Nancy Durfee’s recommendation, the board agreed that one of the two gauges that will be installed to test Snipatuit Pond’s flow rate will be placed at 0 Forrester Road rather than the original plan of planting it on Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School property.

            Durfee explained that Old Colony Superintendent-Director Aaron Polansky recently told her the school location is too close to the eastern end of the parcel, and the project would interfere with the school’s renovation and expansion plans. That is why she is requesting use of a town-owned lot on Forrester Road instead. She said the alternative site is directly off Northern Avenue and very wooded. Yet she hopes that placing it there won’t destroy many trees. The Select Board endorsed the plan with minimal discussion.

            The other gauge will be installed at the town forest across from the Northern Avenue cemetery. The goal, Durfee said, when she proposed the plan last fall, is “to get a better understanding of the complex’s aquifer.” The flow gauges are being installed with ARPA funds totaling $20,000, and it will be the town’s responsibility to monitor their data.

            Also, the board approved Diane Knapp as the new assistant town treasurer. Knapp is also a member of Board of Assessors.

            Anticipating the January 22 Special Town Meeting, the Rochester Select Board set its next regular public meeting for Monday, February 5, at 6:00 pm at the Senior Center, 67 Dexter Lane.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Paul A. Naiman

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Paul A. Naiman, age 73, of Marion, died peacefully at home January 24, 2024 after a sudden and devastating recurrence of cancer that had been in remission two months before. He was the loving husband of Sandra G. Smith, to whom he was married happily for over 47 years.

            Born in Boston, son of the late Melvin S. and Rita (Quitt) Naiman, he grew up in Newton. After earning a Bachelor’s degree at UMass Amherst, he was living in Winchester when he met his lifelong love, Sandy. They lived in Gloucester, Rockport, and Lakeville before finding home in seaside Marion, MA. Over a 37 year career in the food industry, he led marketing across diverse products, from fish sticks to cranberry juice to chocolate fudge. Job changes saw the family move to California, Nebraska, Illinois, and Georgia before finally retiring home to Marion again.

            Paul was a compassionate and caring person who was deeply involved with his family and community. For his sons, he coached baseball, shared his love of music and hobbies like sailing and woodworking, and was a creative and adventurous chef. In retirement, he volunteered in and around Marion supporting elderly services, town committees, the food pantry, and the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Over the past three years, he was overjoyed to entertain his two grandsons with crafts and bedtime stories. He most of all loved being on and around the ocean, by himself or with his family.

            Survivors include his wife, son Alexander and his wife Lena Ireland of Hingham, MA, son Zachary and his wife Kelsey Shea of Barrington, RI, sister Doris and her husband Mark Shapiro of Wilbraham, MA, brother Daniel and his wife Judy LaKind of Catonsville, MD, sister Janice of Maynard, MA, grandsons Milo and Connor, nephews Jesse and Josh, and numerous and widespread cousins and friends.

            A memorial service will be held for friends and family, by the bay that he loved, at a later date.

            In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory can be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Anne M. (Blouin) Chase

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Anne M. (Blouin) Chase, 83, of Mattapoisett, MA died peacefully January 23, 2024 at home surrounded by her family.

            Born in New Bedford, Anne was the daughter of the late Edward R. and Frances M. (Kelly) Blouin. She was the wife of the late John F. “Jack” Chase of Mattapoisett. Anne and Jack started dating while they attended Holy Family High School, in New Bedford, MA, and celebrated 58 years of marriage before Jack passed away in 2020.

            After graduating from Holy Family High School, Anne attended Bridgewater State College where she studied to become a teacher, and met many lifelong friends who remain close to this day.

            Anne enjoyed reading, traveling, playing golf, and was an avid Red Sox fan. She was happiest when her family and friends would gather at her home in Mattapoisett. She had the natural ability to make everyone feel welcome and was always ready to play her favorite board and card games. She will be remembered as kind, generous and compassionate to everyone she met.

            Anne taught at the James B. Congdon Elementary School in New Bedford, MA for 30 years before retiring. She was a dedicated teacher, who shared her love of history and learning with her students. She cared about each student and always enjoyed hearing from former students.

            Over the years, she cherished time with her children and grandchildren. Together, she and Jack were their biggest supporters. They attended countless dance recitals, sports games, graduations and every milestone in between. Anne even loved getting to know all of their family pets.

            She is survived by two children, her daughter Kelly A. (Chase) Cox and her husband Michael of Lakeville, MA, and her son John E. Chase and his wife Susan of Medway, MA; and five grandchildren, Michael Chase, Kaitlyn (Cox) Johnson and her husband Riley, Jacqueline Chase, Andrew Cox and Alison Cox.

            Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Atria Assisted Living in Fairhaven for all of their help and support. Over the past few years, Anne genuinely enjoyed her friendships and the comforting sense of community there.

            Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 29th at 11 am in St. Anthony’s Church, 26 Hammond St. Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, January 28th from 2-4 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Southcoast Health Cancer Center, c/o Southcoast Health Philanthropy, 141 Page St., New Bedford, MA 02740 or southcoast.org/giving. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Kindergarten Parent Information Night

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is pleased to share information on the upcoming Kindergarten Parent Information Night for Sippican School, Center School and Rochester Memorial School families. The meetings at all schools will take place Tuesday, January 30 from 6-7 pm. All informational meetings will be held in person at the respective school buildings.

-Sippican School, 16 Spring St., Marion

-Rochester Memorial School, 16 Pine St., Rochester

-Center School, 17 Barstow St., Mattapoisett

            Incoming Kindergarten parents/guardians in the Marion, Rochester and Mattapoisett school districts are encouraged to attend the informational meetings for the 2024-2025 school year.

            During the event, building principals will share a presentation regarding the school and the registration process. Families will also have the opportunity to meet their assistant principal, teachers and school nurse.

            Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year will open online on February 1.

ORRHS Artwork Selected For Exhibition

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to announce that artwork by three Old Rochester Regional High School students has been selected for the Emerging Young Artists and Designers (EYAD) 2024 Juried Exhibition.

            The EYAD is hosted annually by the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The program received submissions from 808 students this year, from which 199 works were selected for the exhibition by CVPA’s Associate Dean Ann Kim.

            Beginning January 26, the EYAD will be available for viewing online. The work featured will represent students from schools around New England.

            The selected ORRHS student work includes:

– Addie Crete’s watercolor painting, created in Drawing & Painting class with Kate Butler.

– Mariana Sudofsky’s color patch bowl set (wheel-thrown pottery), created in Ceramics class with Joanne Mogilnicki.

-Mitchell Mathieu’s circulos mask, created in Ceramics class with Mogilnicki.

            “Our Art Department provides amazing support and leadership to our students as they explore their talents,” Principal Devoll said. “The works by Addie, Mariana and Mitchell are shining examples of the many talented artists whose work is cultivated at ORRHS under the supervision of Ms. Butler and Ms. Moglinicki.”

            Added Superintendent Nelson: “Being selected for this exhibition is a wonderful achievement for our students and showcases their great creativity, passion and attention to detail. We look forward to seeing their work featured alongside dozens of other works by students across New England.”

            A virtual exhibition opening, reception and awards presentation will be held on Friday, January 26 for the artists, their teachers, families and relatives.