Tabor Musicians Earn Top Positions

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Each year, students from the 136 public and private schools in the Massachusetts Music Educator’s Southeastern District compete, by audition, for spots in the four honors ensembles (chorus, concert band, jazz band, and orchestra). The honors ensembles, under the direction of some of the finest college conductors, assemble for rehearsals and a concert in January. Those highest scoring students receive recommendations to audition for the Massachusetts Music Educator’s All-State honors ensembles.

Five Tabor Academy students successfully auditioned for the Massachusetts Music Educator’s Southeastern Senior District Music Festival and will be participating on Friday, January 11and Saturday, January 12at Canton High School.

-Rosella Liu ’20, violin, orchestra (Hangzhou, China)

-Yaya Ma ’21, clarinet, orchestra (Shanghai, China)

-Andrew Mottur ’21, tenor, chorus (Rumford, RI)

-Violet Southwick ’20, cello, orchestra (Vineyard Haven, MA)

-Kyle Tabata ’20, violin, orchestra (Cambridge, MA)

In addition, Liu, Tabata, Mottur and Ma each received All-State audition recommendations. The All-State audition is the third week of January and successful students will have the opportunity to play at Symphony Hall in Boston.

Phil Sanborn, faculty, said, “Of particular note were the auditions of violinists Rosella Liu and Kyle Tabata. To a large degree, individual schools send only their very best musicians to this audition. This year, over one hundred violinists auditioned for the District Orchestra on that day. Rosella Liu received the highest score of all of those violinists and was seated first chair, concertmistress, in the orchestra. Kyle Tabata scored one point behind Rosella and was seated third chair in the orchestra, due to a tie score. We are so proud of their accomplishment and look forward to seeing what they will do at the All-State auditions.”

According to Sanborn, Liu and Tabata study the violin privately with Mr. Ethan Wood, assistant concertmaster of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Wood is one of thirteen private music instructors who come to the Tabor campus to teach music lessons.

Jane S. Bogins

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Jane S. Bogins, 93, of Stuart, FL, formerly of Marion, MA died Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Morton Hospital in Taunton, MA. She was the wife of the late Henry E. Bogins.

Born in Rumford, ME, she was the daughter of the late Edward H. and Wilhelmina (Mowat) Paterson.  Previously living in Dorchester, Stoughton and Millis, Mrs. Bogins lived in Marion for many years and worked as an administrative assistant in the Marion Town House as well as a teacher at Seaside School. After her retirement, she moved with her husband, Henry, to Weirs Beach, NH, then to Hutchinson Island, FL. For the past 3 years her residence was in Stuart, FL. For many years, with her husband, she summered at their cottage in Heartland ME, enjoying the beauty of Maine on Morrill Pond with family and friends.

Along with her husband, Mrs. Bogins travelled around the country by recreational vehicle. Together they visited every state in the US as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. In addition, in their spare time they enjoyed boating, tennis and golfing. After the passing of her husband, Henry, she began volunteering at the Cardiac Center at Martin Memorial Hospital in Stuart, FL She was never without a book to read and loved to sing.

Jane was a proud and patriotic American with deep roots in her Scottish heritage.  Many family members considered her the Matriarch of the Paterson Clan. During her life, she regularly maintained contact with her relatives in Scotland. After the passing of her husband, she traveled to Saint Andrews and Edinburgh, with her son, to visit relatives and learn more about the history of the Paterson Clan. That information was proudly shared with anyone in the family who had an interest.

She is survived by her children, William H. Bogins and his companion, Cheryl A. Reis of Franklin, Gloria H. Bogins of Marion and Paula J. Schaaf of Port St. Lucie, FL; her grandchildren, Courtney A. Bogins, Kristi L. Bogins, Lisajane Rossi, and Paul H. Rossi. Also surviving are 6 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son in law Paul A. Schaaf, her grandson, Philip N. Rossi, Jr. as well as her sister, Mary Elrick Minott (Paterson) and three brothers, James R., Edward J. and William A. Paterson.

Her memorial service will be held on Sat., Dec. 29, 2018 at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., (Rt. 28), Wareham at 1 pm. Relatives and friends may arrive and visit from 12:30 pm to 1 pm prior to the service. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Marion.

Donations in her memory may be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, PO Box 515, Northampton MA 01061-0515 or via their website https://www.macular.org/how-donate.

Armand Teixeira

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Armand Teixeira, 80, of Mattapoisett died December 18, 2018 after a long illness.

He was the husband of Evelyn (Croteau) Teixeira for 55 years.

Born and raised in New Bedford, son of the late Joaquim and Aurora (Gomes) Teixeira, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life. Mr. Teixeira was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church.

He was formerly employed as a carpenter in Mattapoisett for over 35 years until his retirement.

He served in the U.S. Army after the Korean Conflict.

Survivors include his wife; 2 daughters, Paula Soroka and her husband Joseph of Acushnet and Jennifer Aguiar and her husband Ricardo of Mattapoisett; 2 grandchildren, Felicia and Chaz Aguiar; a sister, Laura Rusinoski of Mattapoisett; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Mario Teixeira, Antonio “Tony” Teixeira, Ida Gomez and Elsie Rego.

The family would like to thank the PCU and CCU staff at St. Luke’s Hospital who provided professional and compassionate care for Armand.

His Funeral will be held on Monday at 8 am from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 9 am. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Sunday from 3-6 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Armand’s name to a charity of your choice. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Land Trust Path Improvements Approved

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The executive director of the Sippican Lands Trust (SLT) returned to the Marion Conservation Commission on December 12 to take another shot at a proposal to improve the popular trail to Brainard Marsh on Delano Road.

Jim Bride revisited the proposal he had made at the previous meeting of the commission, suggesting this evening that the Trust would use wooden walkways instead of stone to improve sections of the path to Brainard Marsh. Bride proposed installing 26 12-foot sections totaling 312 feet, through the wettest portions of the trail.

The walkways will be 29 inches wide, made of 2-inch by 10-inch pressure-treated planks, held together by 2-inch by 4-inch cleats, anchored to the ground by a metal stake with a 10-foot line to prevent the walkways from being washed away in a major flood event.

Vice Chairman Shaun Walsh observed that a storm surge in the location of the walkway probably would not be enough to impact the wooden sections. Walsh confirmed with Bride that the sections would be raised approximately 2 inches off the ground.

Chairman Jeff Doubrava reiterated the commission’s previous concern about any stone being used for the project; when issuing the Negative determination for the project, the commission stated only woodchips could be used for leveling the walkway sections.

In other matters, the commission heard a summary of the report by Brandon Faneuf for the Severance property on Front Street. Faneuf reported that growth of wetland vegetation was successful, with winterberry and other wetland plants thriving. He intends to develop an Amended Order of Conditions for this parcel in the coming months.

The Dejesus property was another story on which, at the direction of the landscaper consultant for the property owner, nothing had been planted. Faneuf implored the commission to be patient, and guaranteed that plantings on the parcel would be done by May 2019.

Doubrava raised the possibility of a violation of the conservation restriction at The Cove, held by the commission, where a fence was installed on what appeared to be restricted land. A new member of the board of The Cove, Kathy Reed, addressed the commission and explained the motive behind the installation of the fence.

As a result of recent storms, trees that had formerly shielded the homes of residents at The Cove from car headlights had been destroyed. The Cove had installed the fence this past September.

Doubrava underscored the paragraph in the restriction that states that the grantee has the discretion to determine if the construction of a permanent or temporary structure should be allowed if it is determined to be necessary or desirable in the best interests of the permissible uses of the premises. Walsh asked that the commission discuss the issue at a future meeting so that he and other commissioners may have time to more closely review the document.

The commission reviewed and issued an Order of Conditions for a Notice of Intent filed by Michael Vareika for lots located at 122 Register Road, on which it is proposed to remove and trim trees and shrubs adjacent to the existing dwelling. Doubrava suggested that the stumps of any trees located within the 15 foot “No Activity Zone” or adjacent to the wetland should be left in place or ground down. He also informed the board that an extension to an existing Order of Conditions on a septic replacement for the same address is on the commission’s agenda for January.

The commission issued a Negative determination for Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) by Jim Forker, represented this evening by his architect Ben Gifford, to add three sonotubes for support under a “bump out” for a revised stair and porch on an existing dwelling at 35 Spring Street.

Jay Feeney received a Negative determination for his RDA to demolish a house and reseed the site located at 270 Delano Road, provided that siltation barriers are installed between the areas of disturbance and the Weweantic River.

The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is yet to be determined.

 

Marion Conservation Commission

By Sarah French Storer

Listen to the Mockingbird

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The Northern mockingbird, formerly a southern bird, has now gradually increased its habitat northward to become a common year-round phenomenon to most of New England, with only a minor migration south for winter to be enjoyed as one of the true singers of our natural world.

It is classified in Latin as Mimus polyglottos, meaning “many-tongued mimic,” well-renowned for a vast vocabulary of up to 200 or more bird songs. Each tune is usually repeated from three to six times during the day, as well as at night during the mating season. It is believed that as the male expands his play list of songs, he becomes more attractive to females looking for a mate. Perhaps like the crooning of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, its soothing moonlight performance might tend to provoke a prospective female’s romantic reproductive inclination.

Most people do not know that a mockingbird has also greatly adapted a similarly wide range of inanimate objects from man-made sounds around human beings. It can imitate loud laughter, the ring of an alarm clock, telephone ringtone, or doorbell, causing exasperation to anyone induced into trying to answer in response to one of these many false household alarms.

Outdoors it can mimic a train whistle or a siren from a firehouse. As in my illustration, it can also pick up a holiday tune being rung from the bell tower of a church. Perhaps seasonal Christmas carols such as Silver Bells or The Bells of St Mary’s would be appropriate. We may never understand completely which sounds this bird selects to emulate or why, but two physical features of its ability to vocalize are worthy of explanation.

The first clue may be in the composition and character of the song itself that can be easily adapted to the mockingbird’s capacity of mimicry. As opposed to mammals where sound-producing membranes situated down in the throat near the lungs, the mockingbird has seven pairs of membrane muscles higher up in the syrinx where a vocal pitch surfaces and is sent through the tube of the windpipe acting like the horn of a trumpet. Thus, what enters the ear is perceived loud and clear from the surface voice box that resonates the true quality of sound.

Before the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918, young mockingbirds were taken from the nest and sold for domestication like parrots or parakeets, endangering their dwindling population in the south. But the quality of their songs did not come close to those raised in the wild.

Charles Darwin remarked on how the mockingbird developed such a remarkably broad vocabulary in its own evolution of species. Native American Choctaws called it hushi balbaha, “the bird that speaks a foreign tongue.” This ability has inspired countless popular songs, lullabies, paintings, poems, and literature. One of the most recognizable is the song and title of this article “Listen to the Mocking Bird,” its tune conceived in 1855 by African-American street musician Richard Millburn and written by Alice Hawthorn, which reportedly sold 20 million copies in sheet music and has been adapted into many forms throughout history ever since. It is a romantic verse about a young man dreaming of a mockingbird singing over the grave of his lost lover.

I will leave you now with the musical image of this mockingbird, whose song is intertwined with the sentimental life of mankind. It is his song about mortal life, love, family, and friends, orchestrated in tune with all the blessings of the natural world that might appropriately be brought to mind during this season of our holiday celebration.

By George B. Emmons

Mattapoisett Congregational Church

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To the Editor:

We, the members of The Christian Education Committee of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, say thank you. Sunday afternoon those of us who took time from our busy holiday schedule to attend a positively delightful rendition of an old, old story of the birth of Christ were not disappointed. Chuck Talley and a cast of many talented people of all ages presented a rendition of “A Star is Born: In The East.” Scenery, costumes, and much musical talent contributed to a wonderful celebration. It raised over $250.00 and many gifts which were wrapped in white paper giving our pageant it’s well remembered name. Children from all over town are the recipients of some of the most needed Christmas gifts.

Reverend Amy Lignitz Harken welcomed all who were in attendance. Music was provided by Michelle Gordon with solos by Elliott Talley and Nicole Londergan. Margaret Berry and Carey McCollester pleased the congregation with a musical rendition of “Mary Did You Know?” The narration was provided by Jerry Baker. We were so pleased to have the part of the Baby Jesus played by Gavin Matthew Pawlishen.

Christian Education Committee

Mattapoisett Congregational Church

 

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wandererwill 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 Wandererreserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderermay choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wandererhas the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wandereralso reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

Santa’s Holiday Food and GiftsToGive Drive

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The Santa’s Holiday Food and GiftsToGive Drive will be held at Plumb Corner Mall on Saturday, December 22from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.

Join us in sharing some holiday spirit! Let’s “cram a cruiser” with non-perishable food items for local seniors. Or, bring an unwrapped toy or any kids winter clothes for our GiftsToGive Collection. Visit with Santa and Santa Paws (Amos the Greyhound!) Enjoy free hot cocoa, (Matt’s Blackboard), crafts (Countryside Child Care), and games with the Plumb Library Junior Friends. Meet and support Rochester Girl Scouts by purchasing Girl Scout cookies to snack on while listening to holiday tunes by DJ Howie! This a family friendly rain or shine event sponsored by the Plumb Corner Merchants and the Rochester Police Brotherhood, with support from Plumb Library, and DJ Howie.

Rochester Bracing for Large-Scale Affordable Housing

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Before opening any public hearings, Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Richard Cutler let fellow ZBA members know that he has become aware of a large-scale affordable housing development entering the pipeline early next year.

The 208-unit affordable housing development slated for the corner of Routes 58 and 28 would be classified as a Chapter 40R development, which Cutler referred to as a “friendly 40B.”

Although Cutler had no specific details of the proposal, during a follow-up with The Wanderer on Monday, Planning Board Chairman Arnie Johnson offered up some information – and some reassurance, as well.

First, what is a Chapter 40R and how does it differ from a Chapter 40B? The state’s Chapter 40B law gives developers more flexible standards to avoid stricter local zoning requirements in order to encourage further development of affordable housing in municipalities. At least 20-25 percent of the units must be designated as affordable, and in towns that have not yet met the state’s mandated 10 percent year-round affordable housing minimum, a developer can appeal a Zoning Board of Appeals’ denial of the plan and, as long as there are no safety or health concerns with the proposal, the state may overrule the town’s decision.

With a 40R, Town Meeting would adopt a Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District either as-of-right or through a limited site plan review process with the Planning Board. Upon approval, the town becomes eligible for Chapter 40R payments and financial incentives to offset the costs related to an increase in demand of municipal services. The developer must also adhere to local building requirements and guidelines for design and aesthetics within the Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District Bylaw.

“For the Town’s support for the local initiative petition, they get a one-time amount of money for impact on services,” Johnson said, and possibly additional funds from the state to help offset the increased cost of education.

The one-time sum for a 208-unit 40R development would be $350,000, with an additional $3,000 per unit for a total of $974,000, not including property taxes. With a 40B project, that one-time sum would be $0.

“We’ve been meeting with them for a while now,” Johnson added. “I think it’s important to know the difference between a 40R and a 40B, and I think it’s important that we understand the situation where, if we don’t do the 40R, we’re probably gonna have to do a 40B.”

Johnson says he is somewhat concerned about the public’s response to the news of the proposed 40R since misinformation is bound to circulate, which is why he wants to emphasize the distinction between a 40B and a 40R.

With Chapter 40R, there is more local control and a financial incentive, while a 40B is as-of-right with no financial incentive. Furthermore, Johnson said, unlike the 40B in Marion that selects its inhabitants via lottery and provides for low-income housing, a 40R has a different rental application process for an income bracket of low-to moderate-income households and can grant preference to local residents. A 40R also allows for a mix use of residential and commercial.

As for the plan, Johnson said the development would consist of four apartment buildings placed behind the gas station at the corner of Routes 58 and 28. The property behind the housing development would be reserved for general commercial and light industrial, he said, and the state dictates the number of bedrooms allowed – 10 percent three-bedroom, and the rest two- or one-bedroom apartments.

Residents might not be entirely thrilled with the prospect of a 40R, Johnson said, but “If it’s not a 40R, it’s going to be a 40B,” he stated.

“If it’s gonna be built,” said Cutler, “that’s the best place for it.”

Johnson said the Planning Board would hold a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen in January to discuss the 40R proposal and an article for a Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District for the Annual Town Meeting warrant.

In other matters, it is uncertain if Steven and Jennifer Proffit of 514 Snipatuit Road will receive a Special Permit to enclose the breezeway linking a garage/guesthouse with the main house in order to provide ailing in-laws with a habitable place to live.

Attorney Gerald Johnson, on behalf of the applicants, suggested linking the garage/guesthouse to the house with an enclosed hallway would not be a detriment to the neighborhood, saying, “I don’t think it affects anybody else’s welfare. … [The proposal] is in harmony with the general … intent of the Rochester bylaws.”

Cutler pointed out the lengthy history to this property and the garage and breezeway, which stretches back to prior owners of the property who were restricted to the open breezeway to avoid a garage habitation situation that would present as having two houses on one lot, which is prohibited. The guesthouse, however, would have no kitchen, and would be used only as a place for the temporary inhabitants to retire for the evening.

The Proffits say they will use the garage’s upstairs guesthouse as a workshop in the future after the proposed guesthouse use, and the footprint of the structures would not change.

“The issue I’m having is that, independent of who is sitting here in front of us, this is a self-created hardship,” Cutler said. “And even though the motive is good, having the in-laws staying here while ill, this still leaves two houses on the lot … and then what? There will always be two houses on the lot and that’s very contrary to what our bylaws are indicating.”

Cutler later stated that he couldn’t remember a time when the board has ever approved two houses on one lot.

Plus, given the history, ZBA member David Arancio said, “If it is the choice of this board to grant relief, how to do that in a manner that is fair to not only the bylaws [and] the applicant, but to people in the inspection process?”

The hearing was continued until January 10 so the Proffits could submit a floorplan of the current structure and the proposal of what is planned.

The public hearing for Erik and Sue Morad of 552 Snipatuit Road was continued until January 10. The Morads seek a Variance for a garage over 1,000 square feet, which will later be converted into a single-family house and the existing house would be demolished. The hearing, continued from the last meeting, should be wrapped up in January, said Cutler.

“We’d like to see this move forward: we just want to make sure the language is correct,” said Cutler. “I guarantee we will have something for you then.”

The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for January 10 at 7:15 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Jean Perry

Town Administrator Search Committee

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The Marion Board of Selectmen seeks interested volunteers to serve on the Town Administrator Search Committee, an advisory Board whose members will participate in making recommendations to the Board of Selectmen during their search for a Town Administrator.

Applications to serve are available at the Board of Selectmen office and on the Town of Marion website. Please submit a letter of interest or completed application by Friday, December 28 to the Board of Selectmen, Two Spring Street, Marion, MA 02738.

First Congregational Church of Marion

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The First Congregational Church of Marion, 28 Main Street, will be holding the following service:

The Longest Night Christmas Service will be held on Friday,December 21at 7:00 pm

Christmas Eve Service will be held on Monday, December 24at 7:00 pm

The First Congregational Church of Marion is located at 28 Main Street and is Handicap Accessible.