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NEWS & HAPPENINGS

News Submission Policy
The Wanderer gladly accepts any and all news and press release items from local non-profit organizations for publication on a weekly basis. The deadline for submission of news items is Monday at 12:00 noon for publication in that week's edition. Due to the increasing number of submissions, however, publication of press material is never guaranteed. The Wanderer will make every effort to publish timely news items and announcements as the subject warrants and as often as spacing allows. All press material must be submitted in writing via fax (508-758-4845), e-mail (news@wanderer.com) or mail (The Wanderer, P.O. Box 102, Mattapoisett, MA 02739), and must be typed or word-processed. We cannot accept any handwritten material or news items via telephone, no matter how brief.
Photographs of area events and news-makers are also accepted and encouraged. The Wanderer accepts well-lit and clearly-defined color or black and white photographs for publication provided they include a brief summary of the event or subject. Due to processing and/or cropping requirements, we cannot return photographs. Please make sure you retain your negatives or have a copy made before submitting photographs for publication. Like news items, the deadline for photos is Monday at 12:00 noon and the publication of photographs is also subject to spacing constraints and therefore cannot be guaranteed.
All submitted copy is subject to alterations and/or condensation as space allows at the editor's discretion. All submissions become the property of The Wanderer and are assumed to be submitted for the purpose of publication. Submissions cannot be returned, therefore please make sure to retain copies and/or negatives before submitting anything for consideration.
Ideas for features, breaking news tips, and other suggestions for the news department are welcome. Please call the News Editor with news tips and ideas at 508-758-9055. If it is after hours, please leave a message.

Letters to the Editor
The views expressed in the "Letters to the Editor" column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author's name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

To the Editor,
On Monday, January 16, Martin Luther King Day ("A Day of Service ", "A day on, not a day off"), 400 volunteers came together at GiftsToGive in New Bedford to sort through toys, books, clothes, jackets, and baby safety items that will be distributed to local families in need. Many people in the Tri-Town area volunteered their time over the weekend to be sure this event would be successful! We want to thank these families that cleaned out their closets and brought donations to the Mattapoisett Fire Station. (Thank you Chief Andrew Murray for providing this location as a drop off center). Thank you also goes to local students from the Community Service Learning Club at ORR, Ruhi Reyi, Anne Smith, Leah Thomas, Lauren White, and Jacob Rioux along with Girl Scout Troop members Katherine Ball, Jordan Costa, Amy Hill, and troop leader Mrs. Maria Lynch for filling the truck with the donations. Thank you to volunteer Firefighters Justin Dubois and Brad Allen for driving the truck to New Bedford to be unloaded and to Morgan Browning and Kate McGraw for helping unload the trucks and sort items.
Mark your calendars as we hope to see everyone again at future drives on Saturday, May 19 and Saturday, August 18 at the Mattapoisett Fire Station!
Sincerely,
Holly Whitman and Karen Browning

SHS Introduces Classic Film Series
Friday, February 3, will mark the premiere of the Sippican Historical Society's newest offering: Classic Film Fridays. One Friday each month, the Society will present a classic film and offer a discussion on its historical context or significance.
February's feature film will be The African Queen, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn as unlikely partners joined in an effort to take out a warship in German East Africa during the First World War. The film discussion will be hosted by former Zeiterion Theater owner and avid film buff Tom Shire.
Future films will include Young Mr. Lincoln on March 2, Sunrise at Campobello on April 13 and Maytime on May 4. Film presentations will include commentary from movie aficionado, David Pierce.
Classic Film Fridays will be held at the Marion Music Hall on Front Street, and will be offered free of charge to the public. Each film will begin at 7:00 pm, and refreshments will be available. For more information, contact the SHS at 508-748-1116.

Kate Ross to Speak at Sippican Woman's Club
Kate Ross, Executive Director of the New Bedford Art Museum and Marion resident, will be speaking to the Sippican Woman's Club on Friday, February 10. Ms. Ross will cover the history of the NBAM and current efforts to build the museum into a first class regional art museum.
Ms. Ross brings to the New Bedford Art Museum a variety of work experience that includes business development, marketing, fundraising, community outreach and social media.
It is this background that lends to the mission of the New Bedford Art Museum to engage the public in experiencing, understanding and appreciating art. The programs are dynamic, interactive and educational.
The program is preceded by a finger luncheon at 12:30 pm at Handy's Tavern. New members are welcome. For more information, our website is www.sippicanwomansclub.org

The Elizabeth Islands - Chapter III
Bartholomew Gosnold, sailing for the Queen of England in 1602, named the string of islands separating Buzzards Bay from Vineyard Sound for his Queen. Seth Mendell in his previous lectures traced in detail the colorful history of Cuttyhunk and Naushon Islands.
On Sunday, February 12, Seth will talk about the remaining three islands of the Elizabeth chain. His comments will include the fishing camp on the island of Pasque, the proposed state penitentiary on Nashawena and the leper colony on Penikese. The lecture will be held in the meeting room of the Mattapoisett Library at 2:00 pm.

Rochester Country Fair Fundraiser
The Rochester Country Fair is celebrating Saint Patrick's Day early this year with a Dinner Dance Fundraiser on Saturday, March 3. Guests are encouraged to don their green apparel for this fun-spirited event. Those who do wear green will receive a door prize appropriate with this year's Fair Theme, "Welcome to Pine Street"!
The fundraiser will take place at the Redmen Hall, located at 758 Main Street in Wareham. Stuffed Chicken Breast Dinner will be served at 7:00 pm and "The Relics" will begin performing at 8:00 pm.
Tickets cost $18 each, while supplies last, and must be purchased in advance at either The Hair and Body Solution located in Rochester's Plumb Corner Mall or at The Ponderosa located on Rt. 105 Acushnet / Rochester Line. You may also reach any of the Fair Committee Members.
Donations of raffle items are needed and will help support this year's Rochester Country Fair, which will take place at its new Fair Grounds on Pine Street. Visit our website www.rochesterma.com or contact Julie at jkoczera1@verizon.net for additional event information or support.

Harpoon Harmonizers Singing Valentine
As Valentine's Day approaches many people are thinking of that special gift to give their sweetheart that will leave them speechless. The Harpoon Harmonizers of the New Bedford Chapter of Barbershop Singers have a unique idea. Say "I Love You" with a Singing Valentine. A Barbershop Quartet will deliver this gift to your place of choice. The gift package includes songs, a gift, a flower and candy. Deliveries are available February 12, 13, and 14. The cost is reasonable. For more information call Stan at 508-676-9398 or Dexter at 508-996-4842. You may email Stan at StanByntn@yahoo.com. Do not miss out on this opportunity to surprise your loved one. It is a surprise he or she will never forget.

Mattapoisett Tax Rate Relief
After a period of inactivity, the Town of Mattapoisett Tax Rate Relief Committee is once again hard at work. The members of the group have been busy working on a new application and guidelines. Tax help will be provided thanks to donations solicited through the most recent water/sewer and property tax bills.
Starting on February 3, tax relief applications will be available at the Council on Aging located at Center School. This program essentially helps seniors and those will certain disabilities pay their tax bill. $500 grants are given to those in need on an annual basis. Applications will be due on April 1 and recipients will need to re-apply each year. Proof of income and assets are required. If necessary, help with the forms will be available.

Mattapoisett COA Events
Take Care of Your Loved Ones: A Legal Check-Up -Elder Law Attorney Jane E. Sullivan, Esq. will discuss topics including: essential estate planning documents, trusts, Federal and State tax vs. gift taxes, homesteads and much more. The talk will be held on Tuesday, February 14 at noon at Mattapoisett Council On Aging., 17 Barstow St. (at Center School). Cost is $3 (including a full meal). Seating is limited. Call to reserve your seat at 508-758-4110.
Broadway Contemporary - Mattapoisett Council on Aging will present Broadway Contemporary, featuring the singing nurse Pam Tiestze. The live performance is scheduled for Thursday, February 16 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at Mattapoisett Council on Aging., 17 Bartsow St. Cost is $1. Light refreshments will be available. Register by February 15. For more information call 508-758-4110

Acushnet-Wesley United Methodist
There will be a Mardi Gras Supper, Smorgasbord, sponsored by the Ways and Means Society at the Acushnet-Wesley Untied Methodist Church, 67 Main St., Acushnet, MA on Saturday, February 18 at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. For information or reservations, call Debbie Fahey at 508-996-3101.

Rochester Democratic Caucus
Rochester Democrats will hold their Caucus to select 2012 convention delegates on Saturday, February 18 at the Rochester Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way. Registration starts at 9:00 am and the caucus will begin exactly at 10:00 am. Delegates must be registered as Democrats in the Town of Rochester by December 31, 2011.
Delegates to the 2012 Massachusetts Democratic Party nominating convention will select candidates to compete for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. The convention will be held on Saturday, June 2 at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield.
The Rochester Democratic Caucus will elect three delegates and three alternates to attend the convention. If anyone has questions regarding the caucus or the town committee please contact Carol St. Don at 508-763-2795.

Rochester Women's Club
The February meeting of the Rochester Woman's Club will take place on Thursday, February 2 at the clubhouse on Marion Road, Rochester Center beginning at 6:30 pm. An annual Pot Luck Supper will allow members and those interested in joining the club the opportunity to socialize and get to know each other better while enjoying wonderful food. All area women are welcome to attend. If you are interested, please contact Robin Martinvia by e-mail at rmartin@mayflowerbank.com or by calling 508-763-9500 (work) or 508-763-2472 (home).
* Soups for Scholarships - Super Bowl Sunday will take on new meaning this year when the Rochester Women's Club uses the popular day to launch its scholarship fundraiser project - Soups for Scholarships. The club will offer soups to take out or dine in at the clubhouse starting with Sunday, February 5 from 12:00 noon - 1:30 pm. All proceeds will benefit the Rochester Women's Club scholarship fund.
On Soup-er Bowl Sunday, a choice of Italian wedding soup or chili will be on the menu. Eat-in diners will enjoy a bowl of soup and a roll for $6.50 beverages will be available for a nominal fee. To-go soups will be available for $4.75 (16 oz.) or $6.75 (32 oz.) and will include rolls.
To place your order or to make a reservation to dine-in, please call Marsha at 508-322-0998. Make your Soup-er Bowl Sunday easy while supporting a worthy cause.

Mattapoisett Democratic Town Caucus
The Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee will be holding a Caucus on Saturday February 18 at 10:00 am at the Mattpoisett Town Library, 7 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett.

LWV "Blue Book" Available Online
The popular Tri-Town telephone book, published by the League of Women Voters (LWV) and known as The Blue Book, can now be accessed online. The phone listings for residents of the three towns, and the community information pages for each town in the print edition are available on the LWV website at LWVmmr.org.
With a printed version of the Verizon phone book no longer readily available, this handy community resource has become even more valuable, and the League is pleased to be able to offer this new service to the residents of Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester.
LWV asks residents and businesses to check their own listings, and if there are corrections or additions to be made, they should be submitted to the League of Women Voters of Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester (LWV-MMR) either by e-mail to: lwvphonebook@comcast.net or by completing the update form found on page 237 in the current 2011-12 Blue Book and mailing it to P. O. Box 812, Marion, MA 02738.
The next print edition of the Blue Book is scheduled for publication in the spring of 2013. In the meantime, go to LWVmmr.org for the current listings and additional valuable community information.

Gateway Babe Ruth Signups
Walk in signup's for Gateway Babe Ruth will be held February 18 and 19 at the Olympia Sports store in Wareham from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and on February 25 and 26 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Olympia Sports in Fairhaven. Any player living in Acushnet, Fairhaven, Rochester, Marion, Mattapoiset, or Wareham who will be 13, 14 or 15 years of age before May 1 are eligible. Olympia Sports will be giving coupons to players who signup. Gateway Babe Ruth is also accepting online registrations at www.leaguelineup.com/gatewaybaberuth

Tri-Town Live TV Variety Show
Old Rochester Community Television and The Showstoppers singing group are once again teaming up to bring the FOURTH Annual Tri Town LIVE TV Variety Show filled with talented local entertainers. The Variety Show will be LIVE on ORCTV's public access channel Sunday, February 12 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm (Comcast Channel 9, Verizon Channel 36).
Our first three years were very successful and this year promises to be filled with many various entertainers such as singers, dancers, musicians and more all from the local community. ORCTV's channels reach over 6,000 homes in the Tri Towns. Anyone from Marion, Mattapoisett or Rochester who has Comcast or Verizon channels will be able to watch this live event (Verizon reaches several surrounding towns as well).
ORCTV is offering businesses on-screen Sponsorship slots during the Variety Show for $50. Sponsorship slots can include business name and logo and address, phone or web site. All donations and sponsorship slots are tax deductible as you are contributing to both nonprofit organizations (ORCTV & The Showstoppers). If you are interested please contact Kimberly Miot at ORCTV at 508-748-1600 or kim@orctv.org.

Marion Republican Town Committee
The Marion Republican Town Committee will conduct its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 7 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street, Marion. New members welcome.

Rochester Resident Permits
Transfer Station and Marion beach permits are available at the Selectmen's office. The permits have been combined for a fee of $20. Your vehicle registration is required at time of purchase. Wings Cove permits must be obtained from the Town of Marion.

The Value and Future of Salt Marshes
Thursday, February 16 at 12:00 pm John Teal will present on the future of our valuable salt marshes. "One of nature's greatest gifts is the string of salt marshes that edges the East Coast from Newfoundland to Florida -- a ribbon of green growth, part solid land, part scurrying water."
For over 50 years John Teal has been studying the ecology of the east coast salt marshes. In 1969 he co-authored the classic book "Life and Death of the Salt Marsh". Following 35 years as a scientist, now scientist emeritus, at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, he now serves as a champion and consultant for marsh and coastal restoration.
Mattapoisett Woman's Club meetings are held in Reynard Hall, at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church Street, Mattapoisett. Guests are welcome. Please join us for light sandwiches, dessert, tea and coffee. The program will follow the luncheon.

Free Health Assessments
Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association, known in the community as Southcoast VNA will hold a free health assessment, screening and wellness education session for seniors.
This program is designed to help improve the health and well being of seniors, age 60 and older, who reside in the Greater New Bedford area and is funded in part through a grant from Coastline Elderly Services Inc. and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
The clinic will be available in the Tri-Town on:
* Thursday, February 16, from 10:00 to 11:30 am at Rochester Council on Aging, 67 Dexter Lane in Rochester.
The program also provides individual, in-home assessments for those who cannot attend a community clinic and will also provide free immunization education and immunization clinics to improve the immunization rate of the elderly in the Greater New Bedford region.
For more information on community clinics, individual assessments or immunization education and clinics, call 800-698-6877.

ORRHS Multicultural Club
This weekend the Tri-Town residents will be receiving donation requests from Old Rochester High School AFS Club members. AFS-USA is t he country's oldest student exchange program and not only brings foreign students to our area, but also sends local youth to countries around the world. "AFS-USA works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership."
This year 's AFS-USA Student Club is made up of over 30 ORRHS students who are interested in learning about other cultures, along with foreign exchange students from Serbia and Denmark. The AFS-USA Parent Chapter is made up of adult volunteers from the Tri-town area who support the continued success of the student club. The Parent's Chapter meets monthly to plan fundraising events (such as the Phone-a-thon) and to help plan student trips and events. Funds raised are used to help defray the cost to students for cultural events and to provide scholarships to students who wish to travel abroad.
Please consider contributing to this years Phone-a-thon to help support our worthy cause.
If you are interested in becoming a part of our Chapter or would like to learn more about AFS-USA, please contact Rhonda Reints at (508) 763-4202 or email RReints@Comcast.net .

Old Colony Students of the Month
The following Old Colony students (from the Tri-Town) were recognized as School Council "Students of the Month" for February 2012:
Computer Aided Drafting - Anastasia Finch, Grade 10, Rochester
Computer Information Systems - Evan Costa, Grade 11, Rochester
Graphic Communications - Taylor Therrien, Grade 11, Rochester
House/Mill Carpentry - Ethan Hathaway, Grade 10, Rochester
The criteria for the Student of the Month Program are based on a student's improvement, service, attitude and shop projects. The Program is intended to raise self-esteem in the student.

Winter/Spring Marion Museum Classes
February 29 - Starlab - Investigate the museum's portable planetarium and learn to identify winter constellations. Presentation will be given by Mr. Robert Munro.
March 7 - Poison! - Do you know what types of chemicals lurk in your computer, your cell phone or in that paint can? Students will learn about some of the dangerous chemicals lurking within our homes and how we can protect ourselves and the environment from them.
March 21 - Endangered wildlife - What do the Ringed boghunters, Box turtles and Plymouth gentian have in common? Naturalist and dedicated animal advocate Jennifer Carlino will introduce students to some rarer animal and plant species and discuss the difficulties they endure in order to survive in our area.
April 4 - Amphibians Arise! - Let's take a look at some of the animals that are waking up in those wooded pools around Marion. By handling live animals and plants students will get a close-up look at these important eco-systems.
April 11 - Lift Off! Students will be building and sending off rockets with UMass Dartmouth chemist and local legend Dr. Dills. Please remember to save as many of those two liter soda bottles as you can beforehand and bring them in with you.
May 16 - Boat trip within Sippican Harbor with the Marion Harbormaster's office. Hopefully students will see the nesting Ospreys, so bring binoculars if you have them. Students must bring their own life jackets. No jacket - no ride. Program is limited to 12 children, so please register early.
June 6 - Looking at watersheds. For our last afterschool program of the year students will be conducting hands-on experiments to illustrate the importance of our shared watershed. The class will be getting dirty, so please dress appropriately!
Cost for each program is $4 for members and $6 for nonmembers. Please register by going to www.MarionMuseum.org and sending registration form in with payment.

Cabaret Night at the MAC
The Marion Art Center is once again hosting a Cabaret Night of Love Songs with musical entertainment by The Occasion Singers on Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 pm. This group is an elegant a cappella vocal group directed by Cassandra Morgan with singers Christopher Saulnier, Rui Moniz, Eric Bosworth, Melanie Hannack, Denise Bastos, and Caroline Blais.
They will perform some jazz and light pop classics such as "It Had to be You", "Embraceable You", "Fly Me To The Moon", "My Funny Valentine", and many other standards and some surprises.
For an extra romantic touch, audience members can say, "I Love You," with a Vocal Valentine. For an extra $15, the Occasion Singers will dedicate one of their love songs to audience members during the show. For more information on how to reserve this unique Valentine gift, please contact the Marion Art Center (508-748-1266) or email marionartcenter@verizon.net as soon as possible so that all requests may be honored.
Tickets for the Cabaret are $10 for MAC members and $12.50 for general admission. Guests are invited to bring their own refreshments. Tables are available for reserved parties of four or more. Reservations are highly recommended: 508-748-1266. Marion Art Center is located at 80 Pleasant Street in Marion, MA 02738.

50th Tri-County Symphonic Band Season
The 2011/2012 concert season, the Tri-County Symphonic Band's 50th, brings the organization back to its roots with all three former Music Directors returning to the stage. Great music, superb musicians and a wonderfully supportive audience is the right combination for this celebratory year. Please come and share in the "Tri-County experience" that has thrilled audiences for over 50 years.
* February 5: "Suites and Sweets" - Former Music Director Daniel Lasdow will conduct a concert of suites and other pieces for concert band. Current Music Director and euphonium player Philip Sanborn will be the featured soloist.
* March 18: "German Gems" - Original compositions for band by former Music Director George Dietzler will be framed by transcriptions from the German masters. Violinist Jesse Holstein will be the featured soloist.
* June 17: "Three Generations of Disney" - The 10th Annual Benefit Pops Concert will be held at Tabor Academy, in a grand tent, and highlight the three generations of music from the world of Walt Disney. Ice cream, cupcakes and cappuccino will highlight this festive event.
For more detailed information, please visit: TriCountySymphonicBand.org.

Senior Stretch and Exercise
A new 10-week session starts Tuesday, February 7. The stretch and exercise class meets every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall in Marion. The cost for the 10-week session is $45 for three days per week. The first class is free, and you may join a session at anytime. Those who start on the 4 or 5th week of a session, pay $32; those who start the 6 - 10th week pay $25. Each class includes low-impact aerobics, weights and stretching appropriate for all fitness levels. The funding is provided by the Friends of the Marion Visiting Nurses.
The instructor is Karen Corcoran who is certified as a "Specialist in Fitness for Older Adults" and is CPR and AED certified. Karen designs a new program for each 10-week session combining cardiovascular, strength training, flexibility and balance exercises. Contact Karen Corcoran at 508-295-1567 with any questions.

Marion Annual Election
The Town of Marion's Annual Town Election will be held on Friday, May 25. Nomination papers for elected positions are available at the Town Clerk's office, 2 Spring Street, Marion.
Available Positions include:
*Selectman: 1 position for 3 years
*Assessor: 1 position for 3 years
*Moderator: 1 position for 1 year
*Board of Health: 1 position for 3 years
*Planning Board: 2 positions for 3 years
*Marion School Committee: 2 positions for 3 years
*Open Space Acquisition Commission: 1 position for 3 years
Last day to obtain nomination papers is March 30. Papers must be returned to the Town Clerk's office for certification by April 2 by 5:00 pm. Please call the Town Clerk's office if you have any questions at 508-748-3502.

Rochester Water Committee to Be Formed
On November 3, 2011, the Governor signed a bill allowing the Town of Rochester to establish a Water Commission. This will be a three-member board to be elected at the April 11 Annual Town Election. There will be one position for three years, one position for two years and one position for one year. Nomination papers are available at the Town Clerk's office.

From the Rochester Town Clerk
* Dog Licenses - It is time to renew your dog license for 2012. Licenses are available at the Town Clerk's office. Spayed and Neutered dogs are $7. Un-spayed and Un-neutered dogs are $10. You must have current rabies information to obtain a license. You may contact the clerk's office at 508-763-3866 to check rabies information on file prior to visiting the office for your license. Just a reminder, the Town Clerk's office is open on Monday evenings between the hours of 5:00 and 7:00 pm. So, if you cannot get to the Rochester Town Hall during normal business hours, remember there are evening hours for your convenience.
* Annual Town Election for 2012 - The Annual Town Election for the Town of Rochester will be held on April 11. Nomination papers are available at the Town Clerk's office. The last day to take out papers for positions on the 2012 ballot is Wednesday, February 22. Positions open are Selectman, three years, Moderator, three years, Assessor, three years, Board of Health, three years, Cemetery Commission, three years, Park Commission, three years, Library Trustee, two positions, three years, Tree Warden, three years, Rochester Memorial School Committee, two positions, three years, Planning Board, one position, five years, one position, three years and one position for one year. Just a reminder, the Town Clerk's office is open on Monday evenings between the hours of 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

Garden Club Grants
The Garden Club of Buzzards Bay has a small amount of money that it wishes to donate to qualified projects in the South Coast region. Projects should fall into the areas of: civic beautification, conservation, garden scholarship or sustainable agriculture. Applicants must be tax exempt non-profit organizations, so they should include a copy of their IRS tax exempt status letter, and a mission statement of their organization; also, they should indicate how they would maintain their projects (if applicable).
Applications must be received by February 19; replies will be made by April 30. Also include the name, address, phone number and email of a contact person. Mail applications to: Garden Club of Buzzards Bay, PO Box P-7, South Dartmouth, MA 02748. Please indicate "GRANTS" on the envelope. We look forward to hearing from you.

Habitat Home and Garden Show
The Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity (BBAHFH) will host a Home and Garden Show at Tabor Academy on Saturday, March 24 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. BBAHFH is currently seeking exhibitors for the event. The show offers opportunities for contractors, landscape designers, nurseries, banks, mortgage companies, and other homecare experts to promote products and services to the public. The exhibit booth charge is $150 for a ten-foot by ten-foot space. Various sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Exhibitors are encouraged to offer workshops and home improvement seminars to show attendees. Businesses and suppliers interested in exhibiting at the show, or sponsoring the event, can email Christine Lacourse, Executive Director at BBAHFH, at BuzzardsBayAreaHabitat@yahoo.com, or call 508-758-4517.
The Home and Garden show will be held inside the Tabor Academy's Travis Roy Ice Rink, located at 266 Front Street in Marion, Massachusetts. Admission into the Home and Garden Show will be free to the public. The event is in support of the Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity affiliate. BBAHFH will distribute door prizes and will hold raffles throughout the show. The event will also include activities for children.
Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity (BBAHFH) became an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International in December 1996, encompassing the towns of Acushnet, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Wareham, New Bedford and Dartmouth. Donations of money and materials, as well as volunteer labor, enable BBAHFH, a not-for-profit organization, to build homes for those in need. The completed homes are sold to qualified families at an affordable price under a no-profit, no-interest loan. The loan payments are used toward building additional Habitat houses. All land, material, and monetary donations to Habitat are tax-deductible. For more information, or to volunteer, visit www.BuzzardsBayHabitat.org, or call the office at 508-758-4517.

Retirement Program for Mattapoisett Seniors
Are you thinking of retiring? Mattapoisett residents can receive free transportation to a retirement seminar in Middleboro on February 8 at 4:00 pm. The seminar will take place at the Middleboro Council on Aging at 558 Plymouth Street. A guest speaker from the Social Security office will help answer your questions on when and how to apply for Medicare.
SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) will also be there to answer your questions on your choices for health insurance and prescription drug coverage. Refreshments will be served.
Please call the Mattapoisett COA at 508-758-4110 to reserve your free transportation to the program, and call the Middleboro COA at 508-946-2490 to reserve a seat.

Mattapoisett Town Clerk Notices
Town Census - 2012 Census forms were mailed out the beginning of January, if you did not receive a census form please call the office at 508-758-4103 ext. 2 and we will be happy to take your census information over the phone. If you are a voter and fail to respond to the census, your voting status could be affected. Please check all the information on the form, make any necessary corrections, sign and return to PO Box 89 or you may drop it off at the Town Hall as soon as possible.
Dog Licensing - 2012 Dog Licenses are available during regular office hours. The dog's rabies vaccination must be up to date and the certificate on file before a license will be issued. There is also a renewal form on the back of the census form for your convenience, Please fill in the necessary information, enclose your check and a new 2012 license will be returned to you
Mooring Inspections/Boat Excise Tax - If your mooring number is preceded by a letter (A-H), you should have received a letter and a mooring inspection form in the mail. The form MUST be on file in the Town Clerk's office before your 2012 payment will be accepted. Please be sure the form has been signed and dated before returning it. If per chance you did not receive this letter and form, please call the Clerk's office and one will be sent to you or if able, stop by and pick up the form. All excise taxes must be paid before your 2012 sticker and mooring/wharf or skiff payments will be accepted.
2012 Presidential Primary/Absentee Ballots - Absentee Ballots for the Presidential Primary on March 6 are now available in the Clerk's Office. Office hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. You have until noon the day before the election to vote absentee if you will not be able to vote on Election Day. Please call the office with any questions or concerns.
Voter Registration - If you are not a registered voter in Mattapoisett and plan on voting in the Presidential Primary you may register during normal business hours. There will be a voter registration session on Wednesday, February 15. The office will be open until 8:00 pm for that purpose. This will be the last day to register to vote if you plan on voting in the Presidential Primary on March 6.

Marion Art Center
* Winter/Spring Classes - The Marion Art Center is now accepting registrations for its Winter-Spring classes. A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the visual and performing arts, the Marion Art Center has been offering classes to children for over 25 years and is located at 80 Pleasant Street in Marion. Members of the Marion Art Center are offered a discount on tuition for all classes except piano. For more information about all the classes offered, please call 508-748-1266.
* Monday Dance Academy - Monday Dance Academy includes classical dance instruction in ballet, tap, jazz and basic tumbling. Preschool (age 3 to 4) will meet from 4:30 to 5:00 and tuition is $135/$150; Kinderstep (age 5) will meet from 5:00 to 5:45 and tuition is $150/$165; Beginner (age 6 to 7) will meet from 5:45 to 6:30 and tuition is $150/$165. Classes start week of February 6. Teah Johnson is instructor.
* Wednesday Dance Academy - Wednesday Dance Academy includes Intermediate (age 8 - 12) 5:30 to 6:15, $150/$165; classical dance instruction in ballet, tap, jazz and basic tumbling as well as Hip Hop I (age 6 - 9) 4:30 - 5:00 $135/$150; Gymnastics (age 6 to 12) 5:00 to 5:30 $135/$150; Hip Hop II (age 6 to 12) 6:15 - 6:45 $135/$150. Dancers may add another class for an extra $85. Classes start week of February 6. Teah Johnson is instructor.
* Little People's Theatre - The Little People's Theatre (ages 5 to 9) meets on Tuesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 pm. Session V is March 13 to April 24 and Session VI is May 1 to June 9. Each week, the children will learn basic theater craft through drama games, readers' theater and experience the fun of the stage while rehearsing for a small production to be performed the last week of each session. Nancy Sparklin is the instructor. Nancy is the Director of MAC's summer art program "ArtStart" and has been the Musical Director and accompanist for many shows both at MAC and around the community. The fee for each six-week session is $75/$90.
* Piano Lessons - Piano lessons for preschoolers are offered by appointment on Friday mornings. Jamie Wiksten, is the instructor. For more information, call 508-295-0379 or e-mail jwiksten@verizon.net. Private piano lessons for beginners and intermediates are offered by appointment with Nancy Sparklin, instructor - 508-763-2327.
* Call for Artists - The Marion Art Center invites artists to submit work for an exhibition and sale entitled "Images: The Lands of the Sippican Lands Trust". The exhibition will run from October 5 to November 10.
Maps of the trails for the Sippican Lands Trust properties may be picked up at the Lands Trust offices at 354 Front Street in Marion, or visit their website at: www.SippicanLandsTrust.org. For more information or to register for participation, please call the Marion Art Center: 508-748-1266, or email: marionartcenter@verizon.net.

Mattapoisett Free Public Library
*Book Group - The book group for "The Artist's Way", a step by step support system to nurture the creative spirit, will be meeting on the second floor (up the right-hand spiral stairs). All creatives (writers, knitters, painters, weavers, fabric artists, etc.) welcome, feel free to bring any work you'd like some positive reinforcement from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Library, 7 Barstow Street on February 14. Free but please bring your own copy of the book.
* Community Cafe - Your library is a comfortable community center. Thanks to the Friends, you can drop by and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea for a small donation. Visit the reading room to relax and converse with friends. What a great way to spend a winter afternoon!
* Family Storytime - Families with children of all ages are welcome to enjoy some favorite stories together. If you have a favorite story, please bring it to share in this casual and fun storytime. Family Storytime is held on the first Saturday of each month, from 10:30 to 11:00 am. No registration required.
* Cookbooks For Sale - The Friends' new community cookbook is available for sale at the library. It includes delicious recipes submitted by local chefs and cookbook authors as well as members of the Friends and library patrons. These will make great gifts while also supporting the work of the Friends. The books are $10 each.
* Technology Workshops - Confused about whether to buy a Nook or a Kindle? Wondering what all the hype about e-readers means to you? Do you have an iPad and want to learn how to download books form the library? Join the library staff at one of our informal technology workshops and get your questions answered. E-readers will be available to try and staff will show you how to download books and audiobooks. Workshops will be held every Tuesday at 6:30 pm and on Thursdays at 3:00 pm through the months of December and January. For an individual appointment with technology questions please call Liz Sherry at 508-758-4171 or email her at esherry@sailsinc.org.
* Canned Goods for the Food Pantry - The library is accepting nonperishables to help stock local food pantries. Feel free to bring you items to the library throughout the year. Also welcome are hats and gloves and new socks to be distributed to area shelters. Many thanks in advance for your thoughtfulness.

Plumb Library Events
* Cafe Parlez -Cafe Parlez is sponsored by the Friends of Plumb Library. Continue the discussions on Goodreads - www.GoodReads.com. The schedule for 2012 is available at the library. Selections will include: Bel Canto, Room, Three Junes, A Visit from the Goon Squad, The Last Child, The Tiger's Wife, Mrs. Kimble, and The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.
* Symphony Tales - The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra's "Symphony Tales" program will be in the area presenting Scritch Scratch: A Perfect Match by local author Kim Marcus. The program will be at the Plumb Library on Saturday, February 4. The story will be read accompanied by a cellist. There will be a small cello available for the children to try. Copies of the book will be for sale at the library to be signed by the author, who will also give a short presentation on the creation of the book. Registration and book order forms will be available at the library, and will be sent to grades K-1 in the Mattapoisett and Rochester public schools.
The non-fiction schedule for 2012 is: February 16: Cod, by Mark Kurlansky; March 15: In the Garden of the Beasts, by Erik Larsen; April 19: Columbine, by Dave Cullen; May 17: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, by Amy Chua.

Mattapoisett COA
* Exercise: Mondays at 10:00 am, QiGong ($2.50); Mondays and Wednesdays at noon, Strength and Balance ($2.50); Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:45 am, Yoga ($2.50); Wednesdays at 10:00 am, CardioDance Fit ($4).
* Crafts: Mondays at 10:00 am, Knitting Group (free).
* Social: Mondays at 1:00 pm, Scrabble (free); Wednesdays at 1:00 pm, Bingo (per card); Thursdays at 9:00 am, Bridge (free).
* Mattapoisett Mah Jongg - The Mattapoisett Social and Wellness Center in Center School, 17 Barstow Street is offering Mah Jongg every Wednesday at 1:30 pm.
Learn to play Mah Jongg or add the Wednesday afternoon session to your weekly Mah Jongg schedule. Reserve your place by calling the Center at 508-758-4110.

Free Tax Help in Mattapoisett
Free tax help is being offered for Mattapoisett residents age 60 and above by the Mattapoisett Council on Aging. The assistance is only for Mattapoisett residents age 60 and over. Clients must bring ALL paperwork and their prior year's tax return. Assistance is being provided by Peter Hodges. Please note that Mr. Hodges will not sign the tax return and that the tax payer is ultimately responsible for his/her own tax return. Tax assistant has the right to refuse providing assistance to anyone based on tax issues for which he is not comfortable. He will provide explanation and referral, as needed. You may call ahead to confirm.
Assistance will be available by appointment only on a first come-first served basis. Please choose a day, Wednesday or Friday from February 8 to April 13, and choose a time, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, or 3:00 pm. Space is limited, schedule an appointment today by calling 508-758-4110.

Mattapoisett Tax Collector News
The Town of Mattapoisett is pleased to offer the option of paying for water/sewer bills and property and excise taxes with a credit card at the Collector's Office counter. The new credit card reader service is being offered in conjunction with the Town's third-party vendor for online eBill payment services. Bill payers who use the new secure in-office credit card swiper service will be charged a convenience fee of approximately three percent of the total bill, and will be informed of the exact amount before the transaction is completed. The "Swiper" can be used for paying with Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards. The Town is looking to expand this service, as well as the online bill payment service, to include other town departmental bills in the future.

BoxTops for Education
Please help support the Center School and save your BoxTops and Campbell's soup labels. Funding from these products helps pay for transportation to field trips and recess equipment. Community collection boxes for the BoxTops and soup labels are located at the Mattapoisett Town Hall, the children's room of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, and the Mattapoisett Senior Center in the Center School on Barstow Street. Thank you for supporting your local school!

Mattapoisett Lions Club Scholarship
The Mattapoisett Lions Club announces one - $ 5,000 award to be awarded this year to a graduating high school student residing in Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester.
The funds for this Award are raised through charitable events run by the Mattapoisett Lions Club through out the year, including Harbor Days an annual festival held in Shipyard Park every July and attended by up to 10,000 people.
The Lion's Club motto is WE SERVE and one of the largest charitable causes of Lion's International include raising funds for EYE RESEARCH in an effort to end preventable blindness through out the world.
To qualify a graduating student or home schooled student, shall be enrolled in their first year of a recognized school of higher education, must be a resident of the Tri-Town area, and have demonstrated service to the community. Special consideration will be given to those looking to a career in an eye sight related field.
Lions also encourage participating in the Lion's Youth Speech Contest sponsored every year by the Mattapoisett Lion's Club open to all high school sophomore, juniors and seniors in the Tri Town area.
To obtain an application or learn more about this Award go to http://www.mattapoisettlionsclub.org/Award. Or speak to the guidance department at your High School. Applications may also be obtained by calling Helene Rose at 758-9841

Elizabeth Taber Library
Extended Hours - When so many public institutions are cutting back, it's heartwarming to see one expand its service. The Elizabeth Taber Library in Marion is doing just that. Starting January 3, the library will open at 9:30 am instead of 10:00 am on Monday through Friday.
"We know people need to use our computers and other services even more in this challenging economy," said Judie Kleven, the Library's executive director. "We hope the extra half hour will help our patrons. People depend on the Library to provide so much more than checking out books and DVDs."
That means the Elizabeth Taber Library is open 53 hours every week to serve the community with e-book lending and instruction; computer and Wi-Fi access; children's programing; research assistance; adult book clubs and writing groups; copy and fax service; as well as the local pickup location for the Sails Library Network of 73 Massachusetts libraries.
The extended hours are in addition to being open until 8:00 pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The library closes at 5:30 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and is also open on the weekends. Winter hours are 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday.
Check out all the special events and programs at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org.

Marion Council on Aging
* Z Tickets - The Marion Council on Aging has discounted tickets to the Zeiterion Theatre. Please call for a listing of events and times.
* YMCA Trips - The Marion Council on Aging van is currently providing transportation on Tuesdays and Thursdays to the Gleason Family YMCA in Wareham. Call the COA for details: 508-748-3570.
* Donations Needed - The council is seeking donations of used eyeglasses for the Lion's Club. A drop box is located outside the office door on Spring Street.
* Grocery Shopping - A change in the grocery shopping schedule has occurred. The first and third Wednesday of the month the COA will be providing transportation to the Wareham area, the first and third Wednesdays to Market Basket in New Bedford and the alternate Wednesdays to Price Rite. Pick up begins at 12:45 pm. Passengers must call the office to reserve a spot.

College Admissions Seminar
The ORR Guidance Department will be hosting a College Admissions Seminar for parents of sophomores and juniors on Thursday, April 12 at 6:30 pm in the downstairs Media Room of the high school. A guest speaker from MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) will discuss the college search and application process and answer any questions that parents may have.

Mass Audubon Helps in Conservation
Mass Audubon Press Release
A recent conservation census by the Land Trust Alliance has determined that 10 million additional acres were preserved nationwide from 2005 to 2010 and that Mass Audubon and the more than 130 other land trusts across the Commonwealth contributed to these impressive results by protecting more than 52,000 acres during the same period.
Over the last decade, Mass Audubon saved an additional 10,000 acres from development, according to Director of Land Protection Bob Wilber, who also serves as the current President of the Board of Trustees for the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition.
Land trusts are typically community-based nonprofit groups that protect land by acquiring the land outright, or by entering into legal agreements called conservation restrictions, where landowners do not give up ownership, but instead agree to reduce the development potential of their land, generally in return for cash payment, tax advantages, or both.
"The very idea of setting aside land for public good began with the creation of Boston Common in the 1630s. Two hundred and fifty years later, the land trust movement was born in our Commonwealth," Wilber noted. "Today, Massachusetts boasts more land trusts per square mile than any other state - making us truly the 'land of the local land trust'."
The Mass Audubon official stressed that noble tradition has been supported by an unprecedented commitment by the state that totals $230 million over the past four years. "Massachusetts can be proud it ranks in the top 15 among states in total amount of land protected - given that the Commonwealth is the seventh smallest state in the nation, and has relatively little land conservation activity by federal agencies," Wilber said.
He noted that partnerships have been crucial to Bay State land protection successes, resulting in greater biodiversity, healthier watersheds, and more opportunities for citizens to connect with nature. "Mass Audubon is a proud member of what is arguably the most vibrant and effective land trust community in the country," Wilber said. "Partnering with local, multi-community, and statewide land trusts is one of our primary strategies for expanding our conservation impact."
A key example of such cooperation was the protection late in 2011 of 3,486 acres - the largest conservation restriction on privately held land in Massachusetts history - resulting in preserved working forest land in the Pioneer Valley towns of Leverett and Shutesbury. Partners in that effort included the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), its Department of Fish and Game (DFG), Kestrel Land Trust, Franklin Land Trust, and landowner, North Amherst-based W.D. Cowls, Inc.
In another example, where instead the land was acquired outright for conservation, 337 acres adjacent to the Mount Holyoke Range in the Connecticut River Valley were protected. This project included Mass Audubon, the Trust for Public Land, the Amherst-based Kestrel Land Trust, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
Richard K. Sullivan, Jr., Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, which oversees all state land conservation, said, "Since taking office, Governor (Deval) Patrick has made a historic $230 million investment in land conservation focused on three goals: investing in urban parks, preserving working farms and forests, and protecting large natural landscapes for habitat. This renaissance in land conservation has resulted in the permanent protection of over 88,000 acres by the state and its partners in just the past five years."
"Mass Audubon has been an essential partner in this effort," Sullivan noted. "As the Commonwealth looks to concentrate increasingly on partnerships that leverage outside resources, Mass Audubon's strategic support continues to be vitally important to Massachusetts' role as a national land conservation leader."
Learn more about Mass Audubon's land protection efforts at www.massaudubon.org/land. The Land Trust Alliance's national census can be viewed at www.lta.org/census.

Camp Angel Wings Accepting Registrations
Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association, known in the community as Southcoast VNA, will be hosting its annual bereavement camp, "Camp Angel Wings," in July. This is an exciting, fun-filled, two-day camp experience for children and teens, ages 6 through 17, who are grieving the death of someone close to them. The camp will be held on July 28 and 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Cathedral Camp for Boys & Girls, 167 Middleboro Road in East Freetown.
Camp Angel Wings provides interactive activities that include music, swimming, arts and crafts, and activities that memorialize loved ones and help to share their loss. All of the activities are designed to reduce the sense of isolation while improving self-esteem for children and teens who share like experiences in grief.
Registrations are now being accepted. For more information, or to register, please call 508-973-3219 or visit http://www.southcoast.org/vna/camp.html.

Annual Lloyd Center Owl Prowl
Are you an owl enthusiast, curious about these mystical birds, or just enjoy a cold New England winter's night? Then this outing may be just for you. In addition to being fascinating birds, owls are mysterious creatures that are rarely seen, and heard, only through keen observation. In winter, owls are building nests and establishing territories, so they are quite active while most other wildlife sleeps.
Starting at the Lloyd Center property, join Lloyd Center Research Assistant Jamie Bogart for a series of stops along the country roads of South Dartmouth, where you'll venture into the dark winter woods to attract owls with callback tapes. Screech, great-horned, barred and long eared owls are all potential species heard and seen. At sunrise, enjoy a refreshing walk along a pristine coastal beach, where other birdlife can be seen. Winter waterfowl are abundant, and owls active during daylight hours can be seen on a lucky day.
At the outing's conclusion, you'll be treated to a light breakfast of bagels and coffee at the Lloyd Center facility where you can also enjoy the center's great exhibits, viewscape and trail system in all its winter glory.
Participants are to meet at the Lloyd Center Headquarters located at 430 Potomska Road in Dartmouth (park in lower lot, meet in main facility at top of hill). To maximize field observation during peak hours of owl activity, the van will depart promptly at 3:30 am!
The Lloyd Center's Owl Prowl will take place on Sunday, February 19, 3:30 am - 8:00 am. (poor weather date: Sunday, February 26, 3:30 am - 8:00 am, please note that in addition to stormy weather, windy conditions which obscure owl calls and reduce owl activity will cause postponement of the outing). The cost of the program is $9 for Lloyd Center members and $12 for non-members (children under 12 years old: $4.50 for members, $6 for non-members). Program is suitable for ages 10 and up. Pre-registration is required. To register for this program, call our event registration line at 508-558-2918 or simply visit our websitewww.lloydcenter.org and register online. Participants are asked to dress warmly and wear footwear for light walking on forest trails and possibly on snow. Bring binoculars, a camera and flashlight, if you have them. If you have specific questions about the program or owls, please call Jamie Bogart at 508-990-0505 ext. 23.
Owls are chiefly nocturnal birds of prey, feeding on rodents, birds, reptiles, and sometimes fish (usually scavenged). They cannot move their eyes, so instead they move their heads. Owls can turn their heads 270 degrees in either direction; this helps them triangulate to locate their prey. Hopefully, participants will see and hear these nighttime birds.

Free Vascular Screenings
Regular vascular screenings can detect peripheral artery disease, or PAD, a potentially serious circulatory problem. The non-invasive screenings are performed by a trained nurse and take approximately 20 minutes. Patients should arrive 15 minutes prior to screening time.
The free vascular screenings are open to both men and women. Appointments are required and can be requested by calling the numbers listed below. Space is limited and appointments will be scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. No walk-ins will be accepted on screening days.
The screening details are as follows:
* Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care, 206 Mill Road in Fairhaven, on Thursday, February 9. Appointments will be scheduled between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. Please call 800-276-0103 to schedule an appointment.
* Southcoast Health System at Rosebrook, 100 Rosebrook Way in Wareham, on Monday, February 13. Appointments will be scheduled between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. Please call 800-276-0103 to schedule an appointment.
* Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care, 206 Mill Road, Fairhaven, on Thursday, February 23. Appointments will be scheduled between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. Please call 800-276-0103 to schedule an appointment.
* Southcoast Health System at Rosebrook, 100 Rosebrook Way in Wareham, on Monday, February 27. Appointments will be scheduled between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. Please call 800-276-0103 to schedule an appointment.
* Mattapoisett Council on Aging, 17 Barstow Street in Mattapoisett, on Tuesday, February 28. Appointments will be scheduled between 8:00 am and noon. Please call 508-758-4110 to schedule an appointment.

Bowl for Kids' Sake
Child & Family Services will be holding their 8th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters' Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraiser on Saturday, March 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Wonder Bowl, located at 66 Hathaway Rd, New Bedford.
This is a fun, family friendly charity event that anyone can participate in. There are many ways to get involved. You can register your own team of 4 bowlers or we can put you on an assigned team. Each bowler is asked to raise a minimum of $50 in pledges. Participants will receive pizza, drinks, snacks, and will compete for trophies that will be awarded to the team with the highest score, the individual with the highest score, the individual who raises the most money, and the team with most team spirit.
Not a bowler? You can pledge money to someone who is. You can also be a lane sponsor for $100.
Big Brothers Big Sisters program offers the friendship and guidance of a mentor to children ages 7-14 throughout the Greater New Bedford Area, including Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester and Wareham.
For further information, or to sign up, please contact Deanna Bodeau at 508-990-0894 or visit our website at www.child-familyservices.org.

Red Dress Fashion Show and Silent Auction
The YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts will hold its ninth annual Red Dress Fashion Show and Silent Auction to help raise awareness of women's heart disease. The event will begin at 5:30 pm February 16 at the Century House in Acushnet.
The YWCA is a longtime active participant in the National Heart Truth Red Dress Project. The Red Dress Project features women modeling a collection of 19 dresses from America's most prestigious designers. These dresses symbolize that heart disease is a women's health issue, as well as men's, and send the message that "Heart disease does not care what you wear."
One of every three American women dies of heart disease, and it is the leading cause of death of American women.
"Many people still believe that heart disease is a man's disease, when in fact, it is the No. 1 killer of American women," says Gail Fortes, executive director at the YWCA. "Many risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and family history also contribute to a woman's risk of developing heart disease. It is very important that women are aware of the steps that they can take to reduce their risk of developing heart disease."
The Red Dress Fashion Show includes a collection of red dresses from a variety of local stores. The silent auction will feature a variety of items, baskets and gift certificates. All proceeds benefit the YWCA HEARTplus Program.

New Bedford Visitor Center
New Bedford has a long and fascinating history, filled with stories of whalemen going to sea for years a time, wives left to run businesses, escaped slaves seeking freedom, and a connection to the sea that spans centuries. The public is invited to explore this history through free guided tours, offered seven days a week, at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm, leaving from New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park's visitor center.
The center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford.
Tours will include "Risks and Rewards of Whaling", "Unknown Heroes and Their Secrets: New Bedford's Underground Railroad", "New Bedford's Working Waterfront: Then and Now", and "Sharing The Same Seas: The Uneasy Relationship Between Humans and Whales".
Jen Nersesian, superintendent of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, said, "Our national park is proud to offer these tours to our public. The stories of whaling are connected to so many people around the world - they are everyone's stories. Our walking tours are just one way we connect visitors to this amazing history. We especially look forward to seeing folks from New Bedford and surrounding towns drop by."
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America's nineteenth century whaling industry. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States. The National Park visitor center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. It is open seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and offers information, exhibits, and a free orientation movie every hour on the hour from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The visitor center is accessible to all. Admission is free. For additional information and schedules, go to the park website at www.nps.gov/nebe or call 508-996-4095.

Heritage Bricks
The Mattapoisett Historical Commission is offering the people of Mattapoisett an opportunity to purchase Heritage Bricks in honor or memory of family and friends. These inscribed bricks will be installed in one of the town's parks.
The cost of each granite brick will be $50. Each brick may be inscribed with up to three lines, each line containing no more than 16 letters including spacing and punctuation.
The commission orders bricks in lots of 15. You will be notified where and when your brick is installed. For more information contact the Mattapoisett Historical Commission, Town Hall, P.O. Box 435, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

Be a Foster Parent
Your open door is hope! Become a foster parent. Dare Family Services is seeking caring families to provide foster care for area children. While helping a child, you will receive excellent training, 24-hour support and a tax-free stipend toward the child's care. For more information, please call 508-802-9515.

Be a Part of the Road to Recovery
The American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program is in great need of volunteers to drive local cancer patients to and from their life-saving medical appointments. An integral part of treating cancer successfully is making sure cancer patients receive their treatments, but many find making transportation arrangements is a challenge. The American Cancer Society provided more than 7,900 rides to cancer patients in Massachusetts last year, but needs new volunteer drivers to keep up with the demand for transportation.
"I decided to get involved with the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program because it seemed like a very simple way to be able make a difference, and it was just one hour a month," said Beth Riccitelli of Somerset who has been a driver for almost two years. "I was also newly retired and didn't mind driving, so Road to Recovery was the ideal way to meet new people. It really feels good to be able to provide transportation to a patient in need of a ride. Everyone is so thankful, and I have been able to make some wonderful friends."
You too can make a difference in the fight against cancer by becoming a driver for the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery. Drivers use their own vehicle to drive patients to and from their treatments. The schedule for volunteers is flexible, treatment appointments take place weekdays, primarily during business hours. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer driver for Road to Recovery, please contact your American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit Cancer.org.

Office of Veteran Affairs
* Shipyard Park Flag Display - The Veterans Service Office would like to offer families of deceased veterans of Mattapoisett two weeks to fly their veteran's burial flag at Shipyard Park. The offer is for two weeks and will start on a Friday and end on a Friday. It will be in a first come, first serve basis.
Any family of a Mattapoisett veteran that would like to honor the veteran on a special date, please call the Mattapoisett Veterans Office at 508-757-4100, ext. 212 for more information.
* Warning to Veterans from DVA - A note to veterans: an organization called "Veterans Affairs Services" (VAS) is gathering benefit and general information on veterans. This organization is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) in any way.
VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close resemblance to the VA name and seal. Mattapoisett's Legal Counsel has requested that the Mattapoisett Veteran's Office coordinate with the Department of Defense to inform military installations, particularly mobilization sites, of this group (VAS) and their lack of affiliation or endorsement by the VA.
In addition, if you have any examples of VAS acts that violate chapter 59 of Title 38 United States Code, such as VAS employees assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits, please pass this information to Michael Daugherty at the following address: Michael Daugherty, Staff Attorney, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel (022G2).
For further information, please contact Mattapoisett's Veteran's Office at 508-758-4100, ext. 212.
* Chapter 115 Benefits - The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the only state in the Union that has made a provision by state law to provide veterans in need of financial assistance with food, housing, clothing, employment and burial assistance. Veterans and widows may qualify for a "medical only" budget if their income is below federal poverty level; single: $1,805 per month, married: $2,428 per month.
For further information, please contact the Veteran Service Office for the Towns of Mattapoisett and Rochester at 508-758-4110, ext. 212.

Greater New Bedford Internships
Have you thought about hosting an intern, but were unsure about what to do? The Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership has released an employer's guide to internships titled "Making the Workplace a Learning Place" for local employers who need more information about their program and internships.
Included in the guide are the benefits of hosting an intern, how internships are structured and what to expect, the roles of those involved with the internship, and how to successfully orientate, supervise and evaluate an intern.
Internships are beneficial to employers, students and schools. Giving students the opportunity to expand knowledge gained in the classroom and apply it in a work setting improves our workforce skill level and the overall quality of life in the community.
Staff at the Connecting Activities Partnership have placed over 400 students from Dartmouth High School, Fairhaven High School, Global Learning Charter Public School, New Bedford High School, and Old Rochester High School in internships with approximately 150 local employers during the current academic year.
Help the SouthCoast retain an educated workforce by reading the new guide and deciding to host an intern at your company. The internship guide can be found at NewBedfordChamber.com/wp-content/uploads/internship_guide.pdf.
The Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership, a collaboration of the City of New Bedford Office of the Mayor, the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board and Youth Council, Bristol Community College and the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, promotes the connecting of academic and workplace learning through Connecting Activities workplace internships. Area employers assist High School seniors to make more informed decisions about their future education and career choices.