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The PRESORTED Wanderer STANDARD FREE U.S. Postage PAID .com Rochester, MA 02770 - permit #14 Volume 16, Issue 1 - Number 724 Marion • Mattapoisett • Rochester January 4, 2007 2 The Wanderer January 4, 2007 www.wanderer.com “Happy New Year” Center on Friday, December 29. The revelers who attend- Rochester Seniors Ring in 2007 ed the party were treated to everything one would expect By Robert Chiarito in a New Year’s celebration. The occaision included mu- New Year’s Eve came early to the tri-town area as sic, bubbling drinks, streamers, party hats and a balloon the Rochester Council on Aging (COA) hosted their First drop and, there was even a master of ceremonies answer- Annual New Year’s Eve Party at the Rochester Senior ing to the name Dick Clark! On the cover: Images Above: Just some of the 60 estimated participants who of the past year’s cov- braved the chilly weather to take the plunge into the ers, 49 of the 51 issues water off the Mattapoisett Town Beach for a Christmas in 2006. Shown to the day swim to benefit the local Helping Hands and Hooves right is the cover from organization on the morning of December 25. One of the January 5, 2006. That horses from the local Seahorse Farms where the non-profit means that one cover organization is based even got into the act. (Photo cour- is missing. If you can tesy of Debbi Dyson). tell us which one, we’ll enter your name into a drawing for a Wan- In This Issue derer Gift Basket. We like giveaways so much, Classified Advertisements ........................62 and we know there are a few people out there who didn’t Crossword & Horoscope ...........................56 memorize every cover this year, so we’ve decided to have Inner Views .................................................52 a second drawing for a second gift basket. All you have Legal Advertisements ................................60 to do to enter is tell us which cover from 2006 was your Local Tide Listing .......................................70 favorite. Marion Selectmen’s Meeting ...................17 To enter either giveaway, write down your answer Mattapoisett Selectmen’s Meeting ..........10 along with your name, address and phone number and Movies & Entertainment ..........................58 mail it to: The Wanderer Cover Contest, P.O. Police Log.....................................................54 Box 102, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. You can also enter on Regional Lunch Menus .............................50 line at www.wanderer.com by clicking on the Contest Link. Sports ............................................................21 One entry per household, please. All entries must be received by 2pm on Friday, January 12. On the Internet at: www.wanderer.com www.wanderer.com January 4, 2007 The Wanderer 3 Dick Clark was actually a volunteer playing the part of the famous host of the Times Square bash, but it made no difference to those who attended this New Year’s party. Jackie Ashley provided much of the afternoon’s entertainment as she hosted a karaoke sing-along leading robust renditions of standards such as “Bye, Bye Black- bird” and “Danny Boy.” Ms. Ashley then turned her talents to the ivories as she sat down at the keyboard of a player piano that had recently been donated to the center by Mr. Gerald Charest. Ms. Ashley performed Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings” as many in the crowded room sang along on the song’s famous chorus, “Did you ever know that you’re my hero?” Ms. Ashley dedicated the song to Mr. Charest telling him, “That’s for you because you’re my hero.” The piano had been the cherished possession of Mr. Charest’s wife who wanted the center to have the instrument after she passed away. A plaque mounted to the piano was in- scribed “In Loving Memory of My Wife Theresa Charest.” The player piano was then given the floor as it played a piece by Tchaikovsky using one of the many scrolls that had been donated by Mr. Charest. “Dick Clark” took care of the festivities from Marion General Store there. Walking through the crowd with a microphone the MC asked each person to tell the rest of the crowd what 748-0340 • 748-3349 (FAX) their New Year’s resolution would be. The first person he asked responded by saying, “I think that I’d like to drink Dear Patrons & more champagne,” to the applause of many in the room. Another person said, “Heck, I’ve all ready broken mine,” Friends, to more applause and laughter. Others in the room re- May this new solved to lose some weight, be happy, live each day to the fullest, stay away from the doctor’s office, and to be more year bring suc- thankful for what they had. cess, happiness, With the resolutions completed, the buffet line and continued was opened and the partygoers filled their plates with health. Portuguese Breads, See our butcher for Dinner Rolls fresh cut meats, cold & Pops cuts and poultry CLIMATE CONTROLLED Old Fashioned Pride and Service Since 1843 4 The Wanderer January 4, 2007 www.wanderer.com The Bedford Merchant 50% Off Super Sunday Sale January 7th, 10-2 All AT THE ROPEWALK 508-758-3323 Christmas 33 COUNTY ROAD, MATTAPOISETT, MA 02739 (excluding Buyer’s sandwiches, snacks and desserts, which had been pre- Choice or Demdaco pared for them by a team of volunteers. To make the day Navitity) complete, champagne in the form of bubbling cider and ginger ale was served so the party could enjoy a tradition- al New Year’s toast. Midnight was counted down and the old year of We now accept Yankee 2006 was put to rest as balloons dropped from the ceiling, Candle coupons streamers and confetti were tossed in the air. Glasses were raised and noisemakers rang in 2007 — just a bit early Gift Certificates — but no one seemed to mind. The sun may have been Monday-Saturday 9-5; Sunday 12-4 shining through the windows but the party rolled on as if Visa & MasterCard Accepted it were heading deep into the night. 28 William Street, New Bedford, MA • 997-9194 In the heart of New Bedford’s Historic District www.wanderer.com January 4, 2007 The Wanderer 5 EDWIN L. PERKINS Co., Inc. PLUMBING & HEATING Reg. # 8967 758-3568 • Serving the Greater Mattapoisett Area Since 1935 • Licensed Men n al o h 21 North Street, Mattapoisett u ti t n a - 4 n c st 1 “Helping Horses” WillClosedOur Anter Vauary 1bruary 07 ISnw thiem tr BadeBintiyoe nKfi eotsnf nhHeotlahidn Jad.y Ss d oaiupnzsda in Htoo aorevae cshilly We Be f o r W i J a n H aF pe p y 20 wsMcH oeoamamtotetbevar ees6pr s0oo 2 Toifp5s rhlee,go eottact opn anT lbolieo znec waton-otpmenioorfi kmoBnt fi e.ttuhathn ceHeih tbte ioorelpiwnss i ktnnCo -gph bb lrHaueissnnaetegnmdfied aHt si san e a mtlcnophdo itanr hHrngeiit o nHywog oava,n fteD edscr,ehs a- oati nctehd,e N ew Year! which is based out of Seahorse Farms in Mattapoisett, is dedicated to providing weekly therapeutic riding lessons for adults with disabilities. According to organizer Debbi Dyson, this is the first year that proceeds from the Christ- mas swim were earmarked for the newly-established Helping Hands and Hooves. “In the past, we’ve raised money for Community Cancer Care and Habitat for Humanity,” Ms. Dyson said of the now five-year-old event. “But from now on we’ll be (raising funds) for Helping Hands and Hooves.” Another estimated 70 onlookers remained safe and dry on shore watching the 60 swimmers brave the warmer than usual but still chilly Mattapoisett waters at 11:00 am on Christmas morning. The event managed to raise some $1,500 which Ms. Dyson noted would help fund lessons for the upcoming spring session. “All the money raised will be used for lessons,” Ms. Dyson said. “Right now we’re taking a break with Silk Wraps • Acrylics • Manicures • Pedicures Elegant Nails by Jacqueline ★ ★ New Year’s Special Take $10 Off Full Set of Silk Wraps (regularly $45) Rental Space Available for Hairdresser 106 New Boston Road, Fairhaven 508-990-0383 6 The Wanderer January 4, 2007 www.wanderer.com Have a wonderful and prosperous New Year! Thank you to all our customers for your support throughout the year! Isabelle’s 160 Front Street, Marion 508-748-6761 Winter Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-5 Periwinkles Lifestyles Plaza, Rt. 6, Fairhaven • 508-984-4930 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9:30-5:30 The Village Toy Shop 156 Front Street, Marion 508-748-1333 www.wanderer.com January 4, 2007 The Wanderer 7 “Do It Right The First Time” All our Carpeting is on Special for the month of January Only. So Hurry In and Save! lessons because it’s just too cold. But we’ll be starting up (again) in the spring.” Formed just this past year by Ms. Dyson and trainer Julie Craig, the Mattapoisett-based Helping Hands and Hooves is the latest in a growing trend of programs which provide therapy via horseback riding and related activities. “We currently have eight students, mostly from the New Bedford area,” Ms. Dyson said. “Some have cerebral palsy, some have autism. We were inspired by my brother, who is 38 and is autistic. Out of the blue one day he decided to try horseback riding and the change in him was unbelievable. Being at the farm really changed him physically and emotionally.” Although a fairly new form of therapy, Ms. Dyson said recent studies examining programs like Helping Large Variety of color choices available. Hands and Hooves have been very encouraging. Choose from our “There’s all kinds of studies that have shown these programs work not only for physical therapy but for large selection of (the students’) emotional and social therapy as well,” she said. “It’s amazing to see the progress in some of our stu- Plush, Berber dents. And not only from horseback riding, but also from tending to the horses, too. Just watching some of them & Commercial Carpeting. grooming the horses is amazing.” Ms. Dyson noted that Julie Craig oversees the actual riding lessons at Seahorse Farms and their organi- We also carry a large selection of zation has become affiliated with Supporting Adults for Porcelain & Ceramic Tile, Luxury Vinyl Tile Independent Living (SAIL) out of New Bedford. Although & Hardwood pre-finished or unfinished wood. TileCraft guarantees all installations if carpeting is purchased through store. 67 Alden Road, Fairhaven. Located in the Fairhaven Business Center 508-999-0988 We accept 8 The Wanderer January 4, 2007 www.wanderer.com Come and see local and recognizable scenes painted and photo- graphed by local artists who specialize in Oil Painting, Watercolor, Pastel, Photography, Arial Photography, as well as Mixed Media. There is also a collection of Hand Woven Tapestries and Appar- el as well as handmade Jewelry, Vintage Jewelry, Mosaics, Candles, Note Cards, Music CDs, Unique Items, Lapel Pins, Afghans, Hand- made Pottery and more! A special artist from The Ils de la Madeleine (The Madeleine Islands) has a collection of prints made from Metal Etchings that feature waterfront and ocean scenes. These are very unusual and reasonably priced. This artist only makes up to 40 prints from one Metal Etching so these are very limited prints. This gallery has a wide range of prices for every buyer. We look forward to seeing you at The Wareham Art Gallery, 400 Main Street (across from CVS pharmacy) on Saturday and Sundays from 12 noon to 5pm. www.wanderer.com January 4, 2007 The Wanderer 9 they recently received a mini grant through the local United Way, the bulk of their support comes through donations and fundraisers like the Christmas swim. For volunteer information or to make a donation, please consult the organization’s website at www.helping- handsandhooves.org. Mattapoisett Selectmen’s Meeting December 28, 2006 By Eletha M. Yeaton A regular meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen was called to order on Thursday, December 28 at 6:00 pm by Chairman Jordan C. Collyer. Also present were Selectman Raymond H. Andrews, Selectman Ste- phen J. Lombard, Town Administrator Michael J. Botelho, and Assistant to the Town Administrator Melody Pacheco. The board first voted to accept a donation of $300 from the Southeastern Massachusetts Building Officials Association to the Town of Mattapoisett’s Recreation Committee. Following this, they voted to send a letter to State Representative William Straus and State Senator Mark Montigny on Selectmen’s letterhead supporting the Massachusetts Association for School Committees (MASC) Legislation. In the process of reviewing the town budget for Fiscal Year 2008 at 6:00 pm, the board met with Town Treasurer Brenda Herbeck Town Accountant and Suzanne Szyndlar. Ms. Szyndlar began the discussion with a sum- mary of the minor changes which are a repositioning of some line items for a more practical presentation. Depart- ment 155 changes involve the inability of many Town Hall computers to handle new software. Maintenance agree- ments, software programs, replacement, and professional assistance will require some adjustment. She advised that the whole financial department also needs new software. On the whole, the various town departments are main- taining good budget control. Ms. Herbeck reported that the town has bonded some money from the borrowed amount, but $620,399 remains to be bonded. The school and library figures have also changed. The exact amount for the library has not been reported, so it is difficult to budget and difficult to bond. Town Administrator Michael Botelho stated that he would call and have the numbers solidified. The Select- men reiterated that they authorized borrowing up to $1.9 million for the library project. However, all expenditures need to be approved by the Town Administrator and the Town Accountant. Selectman Lombard suggested that since the board authorized $200,000 in change orders, SEWER CONNECTIONS Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 508-989-6575 10 The Wanderer January 4, 2007 www.wanderer.com