The Marion Marine Resources Commission held a brief meeting on August 20 at the town’s Maritime Center Conference Room. The meeting spanned less than 13 minutes but was filled with some unforgettable tributes. The Select Board and the MRC gave citations to retiring commissioners: Toby Burr, Greg Houdelette, Peter Borsari, and Eiv Strand.
Harbormaster Adam Murphy noted that the four Marion residents have collectively logged a “century of care and stewardship to the community.” Adding up the numbers, Murphy said the four men have altogether more than 130 years of combined service.
Murphy and other officials said these years involved the creation of a harbor patrol, as well as increased use of the harbor and all the oversight needed for that expansion.
Houdelette has 38 years of experience serving on the MRC, according to Select Board Chairman Randy Parker. Strand has 36 years of service to the MRC; Burr also has 36 years of service, and Borsari has 22.
“We appreciate your time and work and time away from your family,” Parker said. “It’s a lot of time invested.”
“The boating community has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Murphy said, noting the benefit to the harbor and many boaters who have enjoyed the harbor. He joked that some have more experience in the MRC conference room than most people have in boating. “I had the pleasure of working with you all,” Murphy said, who has been with the department for 13 years.
There will be four flags over the harbor. Retiring members will have flags flown in honor of their service at Old Landing, Island Wharf, and Bird Island. Each retiring member will choose the location, and the flag will be flown for the number of days equivalent to each member’s years of service.
“Not a lot of people see the work they do,” MRC Chairman Vin Malkoski said.
Houdelette and Strand spoke briefly after the citations, deflecting praise and thanks to those that came before them to lay the foundation for the marine division. They also thanked the work of the current Harbormaster and his staff.
The MRC is working on a harbor management plan and is installing floating docks at Island Wharf. Updates are expected at the next MRC meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 17 at 6:00 pm at the Marion Maritime Center Conference Room.
Marion Marine Resources Commission
By Jeffrey D. Wagner