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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 re-
ceived 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
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by Jacqueline
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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,
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10 The Wanderer January 4, 2007 www.wanderer.com
