Dolores Schilling

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Dolores Schilling, 88, of Rochester, Massachusetts previously of Florissant, Missouri, passed away Wednesday July 17, 2019 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a fall, and a period of declining health. She was the wife of the late Robert Schilling.

            Born in Little Rock, Arkansas to loving parents, she spent most of her life in Missouri.

            Mrs. Schilling was a 1948 graduate of Central High School in St. Louis, and began a brief career as a comptometer operator after graduation. In 1953, she married Robert at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. They were together for 56 years until his death in 2009. Dolores devoted her life to her family, and also loved sewing and T’ai Chi.

            She is survived by her sons, Gary and his wife Wanda of Petaluma, California, and Ronald and his wife Barbara of Florissant, Missouri; a daughter Karen Scheuneman and her husband James of Rochester, Massachusetts; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

            In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, two sisters, and her youngest son, Steven.

            There will be a Funeral Mass in Missouri, followed by burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help dementia research or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Florence Marie Byron

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            Florence Marie Byron, age 52

            The brilliant, soulful, freewheeling Flo Byron “peaced out” on July 19th.

            To know Flo was to have your mind blown regularly, so varied and profound were her talents. Flo was a bonafide genius, a master of both brain sides. Having skipped the third grade, she was the youngest of thirteen girls in Tabor Academy’s inaugural coed class of ’83. Special curriculum had to be developed to accommodate Flo’s unique mathematical abilities, and she graduated Tabor with enough credits to enter Wellesley College as a sophomore. Flo was also a brilliant writer. Although writing came easy to her like everything else, that never stopped her from giving her best effort. She delighted in raising the bar to her higher standard, then worked hard to exceed even her own expectations.

            Flo could run any operation optimally, always with flare, attention to detail, and a calm that made work seem like a fun adventure. She was a born leader, a natural delegator, the quintessential Queen Bee over all she surveyed. “Momma Flo” had a lifelong passion for taking care of others. Everyone’s go-to resource, she would work tirelessly rather than disappoint. Never judging, she would happily offer creative solutions to your business or personal problems. She was always willing and able to go that extra mile some might think unnecessary, always wanting to demonstrate the depth of her love.

            Flo was a free spirit, intentionally flouting convention in ways that made everything more exciting, more beautiful, and better than ever. She did what she wanted, usually when she wanted. Without shoes, often with flowers in her hair, she could be found outside by a fire near the ocean or deep in the woods, camping or listening to live music with people she loved. A lover of animals and nature, the outdoors was both her happy place and her wheelhouse.

            Flo was an artist of love, appreciating the simple joys of every day. Flo was the hostess with the mostest. She knew how to throw a party and how to make magic out of ordinary moments. Those of us who have had the joy of a Flo-wrapped gift, a Flo-crafted card, or a Flo-finessed meal, know we’ll never have any of these things so good again. She knew how to make people feel special, how to see and bring out the best in them, and she knew how powerful that was. Her reward was a richer life filled with people who loved her dearly.

            Flo was brave, bold, wild and free to the end. Her escapades were legendary, her beauty and generosity epic, her soul evergreen. Ever the optimist, even when life gave her lemons she always made lemonade and asked for more. Her word was as good as gold, always. Her devotion was unfaltering, her love the best stuff of earth. Flo would humbly scoff at all this adoration. She’d proudly say her greatest effort in life was her daughter Anthea, and rightly so. She raised a genuine and amazing individual; a one-of-a-kind bright light that will surely shine on. Just like her mom.

            In classic Flo fashion she wrote her own epitaph. It reads “Flo Byron was here. She lived, loved well and died here. No regrets.”

            Flo resides in heaven now. She is preceded by her beloved father, Alexander Byron; her grandparents James and Evelyn Byron of Wareham; her grandparents Lester and Florence Crancer of St.Louis, MO; her aunt Florence Byron of Wareham; and her uncle Chris Byron of Rochester.

            Flo is survived by her devoted partner Gil Andrade of New Bedford; daughter Anthea Tripanier and her husband David Jr. of Fairhaven, brothers James Allen and Christopher Charles of Marion, sister Suzanne Elizabeth of Wareham, mother Suzanne of Marion, and grandchildren Delilah and David III of Fairhaven; uncle Charles Byron and aunt Joanne Byron of Wareham as well as many cousins and dear friends.

            A graveside gathering will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Marion with a real Celebration of Life party to follow on Saturday, August 17th at 1pm. Flo wished for live, potted flowers only. Please send to Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Wareham.

Marion Finance Committee

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Dear Editor,

            I wanted to make some comments on the Marion Finance Committee article printed in last week’s July 18th edition. I was struck by the comments of committee member Karen Kevelson who stated that the education at ORRHS was “mediocre at best”. Karen does not speak for the whole of this community in her assessment of Old Rochester. Her comments do a disservice to all the hard working teachers who put in more than just an 8 hour day. I have two children who have graduated from ORR and a third currently attending. My Old Rochester graduates had a great high school experience, and I accredit their successes both in and out of the classroom to their high school. Academically, my children have taken 11 AP courses, surely with more to come as my youngest continues to grow. While ORR has great academics that help students to succeed in whatever their endeavor may be after high school, I do not think that academics covers everything that Old Rochester does for our children. In addition to great academics and teachers who go the extra mile to make sure our students do well, there also has to be a look at the child as a whole. ORR not only cultivates their capabilities to learn, but also ensures that each kid has extracurricular activities that they are passionate about. Whether it be outstanding athletic programs, a renowned Drama program, impressive music programs, debate club, AFS, and many more, ORR cultivates the whole person rather than just focusing on the schoolwork. My son greatly benefited from the athletics at Old Rochester, going on to be captain of his favorite sports teams. My daughter participated in as many clubs as she could to make her high school experience all the better for her. That isn’t to say there isn’t room for improvement; but you will not find a high school anywhere in the country that doesn’t have something to better. Additionally, calling the education at Old Rochester ‘mediocre at best’ discredits all the work that our teachers put into these students every day. My kids have always loved their teachers, and still consider them their mentors. Old Rochester opened a world of possibilities for our children. With one attending Georgetown and the other heading to UMASS Amherst Isenberg in the fall, I wouldn’t say the education they received was lacking in the slightest. As my youngest son continues through his high school experience, I hope he continues to succeed and thrive as so many ORR students and graduates have before him. I can’t wait to see what doors his “mediocre” education will open for him. 

Jerry Garcia, Marion

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.

Bird Island Lighthouse Bicentennial

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This year is the Bird Island Lighthouse Bicentennial and the Marion Harbormaster’s Department is planning a celebration which will be held on Saturday, September 14beginning at 4:00 pm. The party will take place underneath the Harbormaster’s Office at Island Wharf. There will be music, a cash bar, small bites, and desserts. 

            Tickets to the event are $15.00 per person and can be purchased at the Harbormaster’s Office at the Town House. Any questions or to purchase tickets please call the Harbormaster’s Office at 508-748-3515.

Mattapoisett Congregational Church Concert

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Duo pianists Kirk Whipple and Marilyn Morales will perform at Mattapoisett Congregational Church on Saturday,August 10at 7:00 pm in Reynard Hall. The husband and wife team of pianists, composers, and educators direct Cranberry Coast Concerts. Their annual festival is now celebrating its 14th season.

            The concert will feature the soprano Sarah Mawn and baritone Steven Tinkham. They will perform a wide variety of solo vocal selections, including songs from “Always Remember,” an original musical about the Cuban-American experience. Mawn and Tinkham will be featured actors and vocalists in the live theatrical world premiere of “Always Remember,” which will take place in Miramar, Florida in March of 2020.

            Pianist James Dolan, a student of Steve Tinkham, will join Whipple & Morales in a performance of Whipple’s “Conversation for 3 Friends / 6 Hands.” He will also perform solo selections at the piano. The concert will also feature a piano performance by outstanding young artist, Elliott Talley.

            A suggested donation of $25 per person / $20 seniors & students is requested. All are welcome. Donations will benefit Cranberry Coast Concerts and Mattapoisett Congregational Church.

The Wanderer Announces 2019 Keel Award Recipients

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We at The Wanderer were blown away by the number of submissions we received this year with the Tri-Town’s nominees for the 2019 Keel Award. We made the call and, boy, did you answer!

            The Wanderer created the Keel Award 25 years ago in 1994 and since then has recognized one (and, on rare occasions, two) dedicated person from each of the three towns whose actions exemplify the spirit of community and volunteerism. Like the keel of the ship that keeps the vessel from sinking, the recipients of the annual Keel Award are recognized for their stalwart efforts in keeping the community on an “even keel.”

            We are proud to present to you the 2019 WandererKeel Award winners – Marion’s Robert Raymond, Mattapoisett’s Lois Knight Ennis, and Rochester’s Ann Cambra.

            In Marion, it was no contest. The nominations for Bob Raymond kept coming and coming. There were so many kind words written to us about him that it’s hard to even imagine Marion without his efforts to preserve the beauty of Marion and enhance it in ways that benefit all of its residents, present and future.

            Raymond was recognized for his volunteer work in an array of areas, especially as the role of chairman for the committee to renovate the Town House, trustee of the Elizabeth Taber Library, and the extensive time and energy he put into the realization of the library’s new granite front entrance, handicap accessible ramp, and reading circle. Furthermore, his nominators recognized him for the generosity of his time and talents for the Council on Aging at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center by preparing design drawings for the room partition and the renovation of the COA and Recreation Department office space, and even by delivering to the center no longer used furniture from Brigham & Women’s Hospital where he worked as an architect, donating it to the COA.

            Raymond was also recognized for his most recent volunteer efforts in the initiative to erect the new Elizabeth Taber monument at Bicentennial Park next spring. As Priscilla Ditchfield pointed out to us, in everything Raymond does for Marion he is “thorough, patient, knowledgeable, and collaborative in his approach.”

            We don’t think we could describe Raymond’s contributions to our readers better than the ones who nominated him, so we will let them convey the message to you in their own words.

            “An ‘even keel’ approach is exactly what Bob brings to every project he is part of in Marion,” wrote Tinker and Bill Saltonstall.

            For Albert Caron, Jr., Raymond’s dedication “exemplifies that adage of ‘not giving up the ship,’ and “Raymond’s efforts epitomize his character and determination to serve the town, which will benefit Marion well into the 21st century.”

            “He is certainly a shining example of someone whose stalwart efforts have helped to keep the Marion community on an even keel,” wrote Meg Steinberg.

            Mattapoisett was quick to nominate its most deserving. Ennis is clearly deserving of the recognition for her involvement with the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club, of which she is a past president and the current treasurer, and especially for her role in the Taste of the Town event, the club’s largest annual fundraiser to provide scholarships to local students. Ennis also organizes the club’s yearbook, heads the club’s holiday luncheon and the annual meeting.

            While serving as the town clerk, she served as the president of the Massachusetts Clerk Association and was an officer of the United States Town Clerk Association. She has also served her church by holding various key positions responsible for the continued running of the church, and has served on the board of the Cushing Cemetery.

            As a lifelong resident of Mattapoisett, Ennis’ contributions to the coming together of the community, as well as the support of its young, rising residents, clearly make her a most deserving recipient of the Keel Award.

            “Lois has given more time to volunteering than anyone else I know,” Roxanne Bungert wrote. “Whatever position she has held, she has served without expecting commendation or reward. Her demeanor is always reserved and unassuming.”

            Gale Hudson described Lois Ennis’ countless hours of arranging and planning for the Taste of the Town event, one of the events in Mattapoisett Hudson feels is one of the most “significant social event[s] for the entire community.”

            “It is my opinion that no one else deserves the Keel Award more than Lois Ennis for her many years of quiet service to any project that she has undertaken,” said Bungert.

            Rochester stays afloat, thanks to its residents like Ann Cambra who contributes directly to the benefit of the seniors of her community through her near countless hours of service at the Council on Aging.

            Cambra is a volunteer for the AARP Tax Aide Program during the months of February, March, and April over at the Senior Center, and every month she and her husband, Mike, prepare the seniors a special luncheon at the center. She is a member of the Friends of the Rochester COA, which raises funds for additional support for the COA’s operation while also promoting community involvement for Rochester’s senior citizens.

            Cambra is also a board member of the newly established non-profit Rochester Housing, Inc., created to explore affordable housing development opportunities for seniors with the goal of assisting every Rochester senior who wants to stay in Rochester find an affordable way to continue to live in Rochester.

            In 2015 Cambra won the state volunteer award from the American Association of Retired Persons, and donated the $1,500 she received from that award to a non-profit charity in Liberia that provides medical equipment and supplies to fight the Ebola epidemic in the African country.

            “Ann’s compassion and dedication to the residents of Rochester is unlimited,” said Arlene Carreiro. “She is like the Energizer Bunny… going and going and going….”

            We think Carreiro said it best when she said, “It is an honor to nominate a woman that I highly admire and respect…”

            Congratulations to the 2019 Keel Award recipients, and congratulations to each of the three towns for enjoying the fellowship of such fine examples of community servants who work tirelessly on behalf of the residents of their beloved respective towns. Thank you, Tri-Town!

Developer Unveils 40B Plan, BOS Endorses Application

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            Developer Ken Steen gave the Marion Board of Selectmen a presentation of his plan for a second 40B residential development in town, which the board voted to “endorse” on July 18 in order to allow Steen to receive approval from the state to bring the proposal forward to the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).

            Although the selectmen were asked to “endorse” a project eligibility letter for the proposed Heron Cove Estates, the endorsement is simply a signature, Town Counsel Jon Whitten clarified, and not necessarily a recommendation of the project. As Whitten put it, the endorsement is simply the “ticket” Steen needs to file an application with the ZBA.

            Steen’s approach to the 40B is through the Local Initiative Project (LIP) Comprehensive Permit process, an alternative avenue Whitten referred to as a more “friendly” 40B, as opposed to the traditional 40B method of applying directly with the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for that same “ticket” to the Marion ZBA.

            “That process would still allow the Board of Selectmen to weigh in,” said Whitten, and the selectmen would still be able to make comments during an allotted public comment period, “But the [DHCD] is not known for saying ‘no’,” said Whitten, adding that the DHCD “rarely listens to municipalities.”

            “Steen is giving the Town an opportunity to tailor this project (through the LIP process),” Whitten said. Between the traditional 40B process and the LIP process, Whitten said the Town should prefer the LIP.

            The board listened to the presentation put on by Steen and his associates, including civil engineer Phil Cordeiro from Allen & Major Associates; architect James Gilmore; Vice President of Steen Realty and Development Corporation and Project Manager Ian Steen; and Judy Barrett, a 40B consultant providing planning and community development to Steen Realty Development Corporation.

            The project, slated for 78 Wareham Road (Route 6), 13 acres adjacent to the Weweantic River, will feature 34 buildings, including a community center, and offer 96 units – 84 two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom units. Twenty-four units will be designated as affordable housing, totaling 25 percent of the units. Six one-story units are reserved as handicap accessible units.

            Steen’s plan showed the boulevard-style driveway leading directly to a community center building with clubhouse complete with workout room and swimming pool, with the entire “community campus-style” site surrounded by trees and woods that obstruct the view of the development from Route 6.

            Other amenities include a dog park, as pets will be allowed to occupy the units, a playground, and a main sales and rental office. The housing buildings will line the perimeter of the site with plenty of green space as buffers to area residences, and each unit will be fitted with a deck or patio. Garages are also located at various points; an offering Steen said would be an additional option for occupants.

            The selectmen were pleased by Steen’s plan to provide as many units as possible that feature a first-floor master bedroom, something that Selectman John Waterman said many aging Marion residents are looking for and would be a selling point for Steen.

            Steen called the design a “pedestrian-based project” with sidewalks throughout and safe vehicular passage and would keep within the character of Marion.

            Although the design is still evolving, “I think we’re 85 percent of the way there,” Steen said.

            “We just don’t want them to look like ‘McMansions’,” commented Selectman Norm Hills.

            Steen said the “wish list” timeline for the project is for all permits to be granted by April 2020, with construction to begin in May 2020, and he hopes to start marketing the units by August that year and complete construction of all units by August 2021. He expects initial occupancy to begin in January 2021.

            The 24 affordable housing units will put Marion’s affordable housing inventory at 12.5 percent, above the state’s 10-percent minimum relative to the 2010 census.

            Steen will own and operate Heron Cove Estates. “Everything will be handled by us,” Steen said. “The town won’t absorb any headaches.” The road will remain private, he added.

            Steen said he would fund a $50,000 study to determine any impacts of tapping into the town’s water and sewer as the project is expected to consume roughly 22,000 gallons of water per day.

            “We know the town has a huge challenge with sewer and water, and we certainly recognize that … but obviously we’d like to [connect] this project into the town’s sewer and waster system.”

            The project is also expecting to generate about $150,000 in permitting fees for the town, and $340,000 in water/sewer hookups.

            The board had no further comments or questions for Steen, and voted in favor of endorsing the conceptual plan, with the condition that 96 would be the maximum number of units allowed, and no more or fewer than 16 acres could be developed. Furthermore, the endorsement would be null and void should the DCHD or the ZBA deny the project, and endorsement will expire on January 30, 2020.

            “You don’t know what will happen to this project,” Whitten told the selectmen. Steen could change his mind about moving forward, he said, or the project could be denied. Furthermore, the board, as well as other town boards, will be able to weigh in on the project as it moves through the proverbial pipeline.

            “This is not the last time you will see or influence the outcome (of this project),” Whitten said. “You will have the same ability to influence the [ZBA] as other boards.”

            The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen is scheduled for August 6 at 7:00 pm at the Marion police station.

Marion Board of Selectmen

By Jean Perry

Feasting with Your Instant Pot

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The instant pot craze is here, are you on board? For many, the instant pot is patiently waiting to be used. Whether yours is tucked away in a cupboard or still in the box, it’s time to take out your electric pressure cooker and put it to use. Join Chef Liz Barbour at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Tuesday, August 13from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm for a discussion and cooking class that will help take the mystery out of this amazing, time-saving kitchen tool. Barbour will demonstrate two recipes that you can recreate at home. Following her demonstration, Barbour will offer tasty samples for everyone to enjoy and the recipes to bring home. The program is free and open to the public.

            Please register for this event by calling 508-758-4171 or emailing rsmith@sailsinc.org, providing the number of people attending and contact information. The Library is located at 7 Barstow Street and is handicapped accessible.

Brad Barrows Memorial Bike Run

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The 2018 Bike Run had a very good turnout and a broad donor support base. We were able to donate $1,000.00 to each of the Marion Recreational Department and Mattapoisett Recreational Department. We also donated $500.00 to the ORR Youth Football. The funds were used for participation fees, equipment, and other ways for the departments to provide activities to many children. 

            The next Brad Barrows Memorial Bike Run will be the 10th annual run. It is the 10th Anniversary of the passing of a friend very near and dear to our hearts. It will be held on September 21. Rain date is September 22. More information is on Brad Barrows Memorial facebook page.

            We anticipate an even better turnout, which will enable us to provide more funding for next year. Thank you for your support.

Academic Achievements

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Inspired to excel, 897 members of the Class of 2019 were awarded a Bryant Universitydegree at the 156th Commencement ceremony on May 18, 2019. Included in the graduation class were Alex Aruri of Mattapoisett who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Team & Project Management and Seijal Parajuli of Marion who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Mathematics.

            Approximately 5,500 students received bachelor’s degrees in over 100 majors at the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Undergraduate Commencement on May 10, 2019 at the McGuirk Alumni Stadium. The following Tri-Town students were among the graduating class. 

From Marion: Alysha Cote, Matthew Johnston Lee, and Laura Mary-Elizabeth McCoy. From Mattapoisett: Mitchell William Midwood and Michael J Pellegrino. From Rochester: Natasha Dalton, Caroline Reusch, and Angela Jean Weigel